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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-2017-08-23CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MINUTES Regular Meeting 3:30 p.m. August 23, 2017 Present: Chair: Kane Commissioners: (5) Rogers, Wright, Beem-Miller, Onyejuruwa OTHERS PRESENT: Deputy Police Chief Monticello Acting Deputy Police Chief Young City Clerk Holcomb Common Council Liaison – Kerslick EXCUSED: Commissioner DaGrossa ABSENT: Commissioner LaFave CALL TO ORDER: 3:35 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: By Commissioner Rogers: Seconded by Commissioner Wright RESOLVED, That the minutes of the June 28, 2017 and July 26, 2017 Community Police Board meetings be approved as published. Carried Unanimously COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Alderperson Cynthia Brock, First Ward, addressed the Board to discuss the lack of appropriate management at the West Village Apartment Complex. She stated that the Officer Next Door Program does not appear to be effective as residents continue to report large fights, increased levels of intimidation and harassment when people file complaints, and the lack of follow-up by the management staff. She noted that calling the police seems futile as nothing appears to get resolved. Emily Papperman, Interlaken, NY, introduced herself to the Board. She is an Advocacy Specialist with the Finger Lakes Independence Center and helps people find the services they need including housing. She explained that she was representing a client who was not able to attend the meeting but wanted to address the level of crime and illegal activities that were occurring at the West Village Apartments. She stated that she felt that the Officer Next Door Program was a conflict of interest and that the property owners, Omni, New York, LLC, have failed in their obligation to provide the residents with a safe place to live. Ms. Papperman stated that most residents have the utmost respect for the on- site police presence but the complex is poorly managed and drug activity and other illegal activities make residents feel unsafe. Residents don’t feel like they can approach the police and other resources available to them because follow-up is not adequate and they become victims of harassment and intimidation. Deputy Police Chief Monticello stated that he would share these comments with Acting Police Chief Tyler. He noted that some police investigations can take months to complete; however, anonymous tips can always be submitted via the Police Department’s Tip Lines. Alderperson Brock commented that she is not clear on what the next steps are in terms of reviewing the effectiveness of the Officer Next Door program. She questioned what the program goals were and how progress is being tracked. She stated that she feels that it is a significant conflict of interest as this is a private real estate development, not public housing. This matter will be referred to Common Council as it is not within the Community Police Board’s purview. REPORT FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL LIAISON Common Council Liaison Kerslick reported that Acting Police Chief Tyler provided a report to Common Council regarding the Officer Next Door Program and noted that there is no data or metrics being collected as part of this program. Alderperson Kerslick suggested that perhaps City representatives should meet with the management of the West Village Apartments and tell them that they need to take a more active role in resolving the problems that are occurring on their property. He noted that the Officer Next Door Program was never intended to solve all of the problems. Alderperson Brock confirmed that the company does not have a full-time manager on-site. Commissioner Beem-Miller explained that the Officer Next Door Program was meant to be a public relations initiative, not another level of security for the facility. The officers are off-duty and can only respond in a matter of life safety. Commissioner Kane reiterated that there is nothing that the Community Police Board can do aside from monitoring the police/community relations. Council Liaison Kerslick further reported that the City is moving forward with the restructuring of its boards and committees and the changes will be a referendum item on the ballot at the November General Election. The Community Police Board will not be directly impacted by this process; however Common Council liaisons and staff resources may be reallocated once the new structure is put in place. The intent of this initiative is to improve citizen engagement and involvement while making the system more efficient. Alderperson Kerslick further reported that the 2018 budget process is underway and Common Council will consider departmental budgets during the month of October. It was suggested that the Community Police Board review the Police Department’s budget submission at the September meeting so there would be time to send a letter of support to Common Council prior to the end of their deliberations. REPORT FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT: Acting Deputy Chief Young reported on the following activities of the Ithaca Police Department:  IPD is undergoing a hiring campaign and is encouraging people to take the Police Officer test. Study materials for the test are available and study sessions will be announced in the near future.  The 4 officers that have been in training will be released to duty in a couple of weeks.  Quality of life details are being scheduled for the return of the students.  The Ithaca Police Department Open House is scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 2017. An information flyer will be disseminated in the near future. Alderperson Kerslick asked how the quality of life patrols and the number of citizen complaints about parties are comparing to previous years. The Chiefs noted that the dispatch center has created a special “nature of call code” so that data from this year could easily be compiled. The Cornell University Police Department will also be collecting data as well. Alderperson Kerslick noted that some residents seem to feel that things are getting worse and enforcement doesn’t appear to be as effective as it has in the past. The Chiefs explained that the overtime details are not being consistently filled. Cornell Police will be putting on extra patrols and Deputy Chief Monticello noted that he will be working Saturday night to see what is happening first hand. EXECUTIVE SESSION: By Commissioner Beem-Miller: Seconded by Commissioner Onyejuruwa RESOLVED, That the Board enter into Executive Session to discuss ongoing investigations. Carried Unanimously RECONVENE: The Board reconvened into regular session with no formal action taken. Resolution: By Commissioner Rogers: Seconded by Commissioner Wright RESOLVED, That Complaint #2017-1 be considered complete and closed. Carried Unanimously Resolution: By Commissioner Rogers: Seconded by Commissioner Beem-Miller RESOLVED, That Complaint #2017-2 be considered complete and closed. Carried Unanimously Resolution: By Commissioner Rogers: Seconded by Commissioner Wright RESOLVED, That Complaint #2017-3 be considered complete and closed. Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted Julie Conley Holcomb, City Clerk