ITHACA, NY The Democratic primary is coming up on June 22, so the Ithaca Times talked with candidates in the contested races on this year’s ballot. Marty Hiller and
County Administrator Jason Molino presented a proposal for next steps in the Reimagining Public Safety process at the May 20 Public Safety Committee meeting. Two days prior, the County Legislature had approved spending $144,380 for the Community Justice Center, which will go toward the salaries and benefits for a project director and a data analyst, as well as operating expenses and project management software. The city of Ithaca is expecting to contribute $124,430 pending Common Council approval.
âSince the plan was adopted weâve been working on next steps for materializing it,â Molino said. The most immediate need is developing a contract with the city for the Community Justice Centerâs employees.Â
City Council approves creation of Reimagining Public Safety Committee
City Council approved the creation of the Reimagining Public Safety Committee, an ad-hoc committee tasked with analyzing Evanston Police Department’s relationship with the city and presenting “community-informed” recommendations for the 2022 budget process, on Monday.
In one of his first acts as mayor, Mayor Daniel Biss announced the formation of the committee at the first meeting of the 81st City Council. According to a memo prepared by Deputy City Manager Kimberly Richardson, the committee will review the city’s funding allocation in relation to public safety and police department functions and allocations.
The Community Justice Center was officially approved on May 18, after the funding being previously approved by the Budget and Public Safety committees. Legislator Rich John introduced the resolution and said it is the first big step following the Reimagining Public Safety planâs approval in March.
Funds totaling $144,380 were committed from the countyâs contingent fund. Legislator Leslie Schill shared that city residents find this important, and many constituents have been interested in and successfully advocated for the furthering of Reimagining plans. The resolution passed 12-2 with Legislators Mike Sigler and David McKenna voting against.
John added that the work ahead is substantial and thanked County staff for their work on this to-date. Legislators specifically acknowledged the work of County Chief Equity and Diversity Officer, Deanna Carrithers to further this proposal and for her leadership in the Reimagining Public Safety Collaborative.