HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-2017-05-24CITY OF ITHACA
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting 3:30 p.m. May 24, 2017
Present:
Chair: Kane
Commissioners (5) Rogers, Wright, Onyejuruwa, Beem-Miller, LaFave
OTHERS PRESENT:
Common Council Liaison – Kerslick
Acting Deputy Police Chief Young
Information Management Specialist - Day
EXCUSED:
Commissioner DaGrossa
CALL TO ORDER: 3:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the March 22, 2017 and April 26, 2017 Minutes
By Commissioner Rogers: Seconded by Commissioner Wright
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 22, 2017 and April 26, 2017
Community Police Board meetings be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:
Asa Carr from the Ithaca High School Government Class made suggestions
about how the Community Police Board could raise awareness of its existence
within the community. He noted that creating an event on social media that
notifies people on their cell phones might get their attention.
Sam Peabody from the Ithaca High School Government Class commented that
3:30 pm Community Police Board meetings make it impossible for students to
attend as school is still in session. He also noted that the word “Police” in the
name of the Community Police Board may make people stay away because of
the experiences, feelings, and trust levels they have with the police.
REPORT FROM COMMON COUNCIL:
Common Council Liaison Kerslick reported that there is a group working on
implicit bias training and have received support from former Police Chief Barber
and Acting Chief Tyler. They are working on the details for any budget
implications and getting it scheduled.
Council Liaison Kerslick further reported that the Board and Committee
Restructuring Working Group has presented a proposed plan to consolidate
twelve of the city’s existing boards and committees into four Commissions: Public
Safety and Information; Community and Sustainability; Mobility and
Transportation; and Parks, Recreation and Natural Areas.
There are no changes being proposed to the Community Police Board; however,
a recommendation was made that the Board only meet when there are
complaints to investigate.
The Working Group has held a number of public input sessions and meetings as
part of the development of this plan. The plan is designed to help the volunteers
who serve on these Commissions be more effective as administrative staff,
professional staff, and Common Council liaisons will be assigned to each
Commission.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding how the Community Police
Board would be affected by this plan. Commissioners expressed great concerns,
noting their belief that limiting their meetings to times when there are complaints
to investigate would necessitate an amendment to the City Charter. They further
voiced their appreciation for the good working relationship that has been
developed between the Ithaca Police Department and the Board and their fear
that it would suffer without regular meetings and on-going communication.
Chair Kane volunteered to write a letter to the Working Group to express the
Board’s concerns. The letter will be reviewed and approved by the
commissioners prior to being delivered.
REPORT FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Acting Deputy Chief Young reported on the following:
The Implicit Bias training is still being tailored for the department and then
it will be scheduled.
Two officers participated in the Department of Justice’s Train the trainer
program.
Next month Sgt. Slattery will attend the meeting and make a presentation
on the City’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) initiative.
Cornell University graduates this weekend.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 4:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Cindie L. Day, Information Management Specialist