On the agenda: Ithaca meeting — license plate reader (Aug 12)

AUGUST 12, 2026- AMENDED
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING SESSION A
AGENDA
Date:
Time:
Location:
Watch Online:

Wednesday August 12, 2026
6:00 PM
108 E Green Street Council Chambers 3rd Floor
https://www.youtube.com/@CityofIthacaPublicMeetings

1.

Call To Order
1.1. Emergency Evacuation Notice
1.2. Agenda Review

2.

Approval of Minutes
2.1. 06-10-26 Special Meeting of Common Council

3.

Statements From The Public

4.

Public Safety (50Min)
4.1. Community Foundation Grant -$9700
4.2. Roots Update-Discussion
4.3. 2023 LETaC Grant
4.4. 2026 Law Enforcement Technology Grant

5.

City Manager Report (10Min)

6.

Meeting Wrap-Up

Public Comments
The public can provide short statements during this portion of the meeting. 3 minutes is the
maximum time allotted, but the chair reserves the right to modify the amount of time per
individual at the start of the meeting. Only the first hour of the meeting is set aside for Public
Comment. Groups of 3 or More Speakers are Allotted more speaking time.
For Longer Speaking Time - Multiple Speakers on the same topic can speak as a group with
one Designated Speaker to represent the Group. This will give you more time to share your
thoughts and concerns during the Public Comment Forum.
3-4 Persons with One Designated Speaker -Allotted 5 Minutes
5-7 or More Persons with One Designated Speaker – Allotted 7 Minutes
Attending The Meeting To Speak In Person? Pre-Registration Not Required Comment
Cards are provided to those who attend in Person. Once you have filled out your Comment
Card, please hand your card to the Clerk. Your name will be called to speak in the order the
cards are received

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Please Note Comment Cards will be accepted up until Public Comment Forum begins or a
maximum of 30 speakers, whichever comes first. Once we have reached a Maximum of 30
Speakers you can submit your comment using the Written Comment Link Below.
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Written comments submitted will be compiled and entered into the record

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CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590

City Manager's Office
Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk

MEMORANDUM
TO:

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING A

FROM:

Monalita Smiley, Dir of Community Justice

DATE:

August 12, 2026

RE:

Community Foundation Grant -$9700

ITEM #:

4.1

The Community Foundation of Tompkins County has awarded you a grant from the Tompkins
Today and Tomorrow Fund in the amount of $9,700.00 for "ERCTT26. Tompkins County and
City of Ithaca Community Justice Center request for $10,000
ATTACHMENTS:
Comm_Dev_Grant_Letter.pdf

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4

CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590

Police Department
Christine Ibert,

MEMORANDUM
TO:

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING A

FROM:

Thomas Kelly, IPD Chief

DATE:

August 12, 2026

RE:

2023 LETaC Grant

ITEM #:

4.3

IPD is requesting Common Council to accept the $50,000 Tactical Team Grant for FY2023
and direct the City Manager, subject to the advice of the City Attorney, to execute any and all
documentation associated therewith and to Amend the 2025 Ithaca Police Department budget
by increasing both revenue and appropriations by $50,000 to account for the grant funds.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution to Accept 2023{1} LETECH Grant_Thomas Kelly.pdf
Work Session Memo to Council Template (SRT) g_Thomas Kelly 1.pdf
City of Ithaca2023{1}_Thomas Kelly.pdf

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Resolution to Accept 2023 LETaC Grant
WHEREAS, on March 30, 2026, the Ithaca Police Department (“IPD”) was notified by the New York
State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services that it was awarded $50,000 in
federal funding under the FY2023 Tactical Team Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, on April 8, 2026, the Common Council voted to accept the FY2022 version of the grant;
and
WHEREAS, on July 8, 2026, the Common Council adopted a resolution requiring approval from the
Common Council prior to the application for any IPD tactical equipment grants; and
WHEREAS, while IPD applied for and received the FY2023 Tactical Team Grant prior to the adoption
of the aforementioned resolution, IPD desires to keep the Common Council fully informed
regarding tactical grant applications in keeping with the spirit of the July 8, 2026 resolution; and
WHEREAS, IPD intends to spend the grant funds as follows:
The IPD has recommended the funds be used $7,800 budgeted to backfill OT/pay for training of SRT
Operators.
The remaining $42,200 is broken up as follows:
small unmanned Aerial Systems for interior use - $25,000
Portable Hydraulic Breaching Apparatus - $17,200
WHEREAS, Common Council desires to accept the grant; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby accepts the $50,000 Tactical Team Grant for FY2023
and directs the City Manager, subject to the advice of the City Attorney, to execute any and all
documentation associated therewith; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the 2025 IPD Budget is hereby amended as follows:
Increase Revenue Account A3120-3389
Increase Appropriation Account A3120-5477-5001

$50,000
$50,000

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MEMORANDUM
Date: July 28, 2026
To:

Common Council

From: Chief Thomas J. Kelly
RE:

Acceptance of E-Grants - (TT23-1018-E00, FY2023 Tactical Team Targeted Grant)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PROJECT HISTORY, BACKGROUND, & ANALYSIS
On March 30, 2026, the City of Ithaca was awarded $50,000 in federal funding under the FY2023 Tactical Team Grant
Program. Funding for this initiative is provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) State Homeland
Security Grant Program (SHSP) and is administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency
Services (DHSES). The performance period for this award is April 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027.
This funding is provided to improve and develop tactical team capabilities through equipment, training, exercise, and
planning projects that support sustainment of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) SWAT Team
Standards.

KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED
Several issues were identified to meet the accreditation standards set by DCJS.
The total grant is $50,000. There is $7,800 budgeted to backfill OT/pay for training of SWAT Operators. The
remaining $65,000 is broken as follows:
1 small unmanned aerial system to deescalate high risk encounters (interior use only) - $25,000.
1 portable Hydraulic Breaching Apparatus - $17,200
QUESTIONS FOR COUNCIL
IPD is requesting the Council accept the award of a $50,000 technology grant from New York State.
BUDGET IMPLICATIONS & FUNDING
If this grant is not accepted, there will be future expenses that will need to be worked into the budget.
PUBLIC FEEDBACK
N/A

NEXT STEPS
N/A
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KATHY HOCHUL
Governor
TERENCE O'LEARY
Acting Commissioner

March 30, 2026
The Honorable Robert Cantelmo
Mayor, City of Ithaca
108 E. Green Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Dear Mayor Cantelmo:
I am pleased to announce that the City of Ithaca has been awarded $50,000 in federal funding under the
FY2023 Tactical Team Grant Program. Funding for this initiative is provided by the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security’s (DHS) State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP) and is administered by the New
York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). The performance period for this
award is April 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027.
As outlined in your application, this funding is provided to improve and develop tactical team capabilities
through equipment, training, exercise, and planning projects that support counter terrorism missions in your
jurisdiction as well as your team’s sustainment of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
(DCJS) SWAT Team Standards.
Additionally, all capabilities developed through federal FY2023 SHSP funding are required to be deployable
regionally and nationally per the federal guidelines. All funding through this grant program is subject to both
New York State and federal guidelines and regulations. Finally, all training that is funded through this grant
program must be submitted to DHSES within six (6) months of the date of this letter for review and approval.
In order to ensure these funds are made available as quickly as possible, a representative from the Grants
Program Administration Unit of DHSES will be reaching out to your grant point of contact. If you have any
questions about this program, please contact Eric Abramson, Director of Grants Program Administration at
(518) 242-5108.
Congratulations on your award and I look forward to working with you to administer this program.
Sincerely,

Terence O’Leary
Acting Commissioner

1220 Washington Ave, Bldg. 7A, Albany, NY 12226 │ dhses.ny.gov │ (518) 242-5000

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CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590

Police Department
Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk

MEMORANDUM
TO:

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING A

FROM:

Thomas Kelly, IPD Chief

DATE:

August 12, 2026

RE:

2026 Law Enforcement Technology Grant

ITEM #:

4.4

Application and Acceptance of E-Grants- (2026 Law Enforcement Technology Grant)
On July 3, 2026, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services DCJS announced
$75 million in funding for Law Enforcement Technology (LETECH) to municipal agencies. The
DCJS notified the Ithaca Police Department (“IPD”) that it was eligible to apply for up to
$250,000 of the Law Enforcement Technology Grant.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution to Accept 2026 LETECH Grant.docx
Work Session Memo to Council Template (LETECH) grant{2026}.docx

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Resolution to Apply for 2026 LETech Grant
WHEREAS, on July 3, 2026, the Ithaca Police Department (“IPD”) was notified by the New York
State Division of Criminal Justice Services that it was eligible to apply for $250,000 of the 2026
Law Enforcement Technology Grant (LETECH); and
WHEREAS, on July 8, 2026, the Common Council adopted a resolution requiring approval from
the Common Council prior to the application for any IPD tactical equipment grants/surveillance
equipment; and
WHEREAS, IPD seeks to apply for the 2026 Technology Grant including technology that may
fall under the aforementioned resolution, IPD desires to keep the Common Council fully
informed regarding use of the technology grant application in keeping with the spirit of the July
8, 2026 resolution; and
WHEREAS, IPD intends to spend the grant funds as follows:
The IPD has recommended the funds be used for the following equipment:







scheduled update of portable radios - $44,000,
electronic rack for mobile command vehicle(radio, computers, mobile hotspot) -$35,500,
update night scan camera on mobile command post -$15,000,
update live scan fingerprint and photograph - $12,000,
mobile camera towers - $130,000,
smart boards in training room and emergency management - $13,500.

WHEREAS, Common Council desires to approve the application of the 2026 LETECH the grant;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby approves application and if awarded, accepts the
$250,000 Technology Grant for FY2026 and directs the City Manager, subject to the advice of
the City Attorney, to execute any and all documentation associated therewith; and be it further
RESOLVED, that if the grant is awarded, the IPD Budget is hereby amended as follows:
Increase Revenue Account A3120-3389
$250,000
Increase Appropriation Account A3120-5477-5001 $250,000

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MEMORANDUM
Date: July 29, 2026
To:

Common Council

From: Chief Thomas J. Kelly
RE:

Application and Acceptance of E-Grants - (2026 Law Enforcement Technology Grant)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PROJECT HISTORY, BACKGROUND, & ANALYSIS
On July 3, 2026, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services DCJS announced $75 million in funding
for Law Enforcement Technology (LETECH) to municipal agencies. The Ithaca Police Department (“IPD”) was
notified by the DCJS that it was eligible to apply for up to $250,000 of the Law Enforcement Technology Grant.
DCJS seeks applications for hardware and software that prevent and solve crimes, specifically violent firearm offenses
and motor vehicle thefts while fostering community trust. Key equipment includes
1) Surveillance & detection - license plate readers/ mobile/ fixed cameras, gunshot detection and unmanned vehicles.
2) Patrol & Field Support - smart equipment for vehicles and officers.
3) Management and collaboration - Case management systems, evidence management, and technology that facilitates
cooperation between law enforcement and community-based organizations.

KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED
Several issues were identified to meet the standards set by DCJS.
The total grant is $250,000. The IPD has recommended the funds be used for the following equipment:

1.



Upgrades to Mobile Command Center





o scheduled update of portable radios - $44,000,
o electronic rack for mobile command vehicle(radio, computers, mobile hotspot) -$35,500,
o update night scan camera on mobile command post -$15,000 for a total of $94,500,
update live scan fingerprint and photograph - $12,000,
mobile camera towers - $130,000,
smart boards in training room and emergency management - $13,500.

Mobile Command Center (IPD Truck 99) Communication Upgrades

Summary: Our current mobile command unit relies on outdated technology, hindering its effectiveness during
critical incidents. This funding will upgrade the AV system, computers, radios, WI-FI, and cameras to be
installed on the truck. This mobile Command Center is essential for festivals, community-wide emergencies
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and on scene crisis negotiations. Upgrading the computer systems, radio equipment, and high-speed internet
is crucial for improving response times, communication, and public safety.
The Ithaca Police Department does not have active funding for upgrades to this command center that
is used on a regular basis. The upgraded technology would increase the capability for incident management
between our agencies CINT, SRT, and the 911 Dispatch Center. This mobile command center would have an
upgraded camera system allowing use during multi-agency events and festivals to enhance public safety.
Quantity requested: 1 (truck with multiple technological upgrades)
Estimated total cost: $94,500.00
2.

Bio Metrics 4 All HID Crossmatch LSCAN 500 Scanner

The current system is past its end of life and regularly leads to booking challenges that compromise detainee
and officer safety. The current device freezes at times, generates double bookings and sometimes fails to
capture prints leading to detainee frustration after multiple attempts to complete printing. The new
computer has an I7 CPU core which leads to a faster processor and less bottlenecking of software. The LSCAN
500 boasts a 500 ppi optical resolution (natural zoom as opposed to digital which blows the image up creating
blurriness). It also has 71-megapixel optical imaging system which means it can capture large surface areas
(and small) without sacrificing details.
All of this leads to quicker more efficient processing which can reduce the amount of time officers take
processing a defendant. A reduction in time and stress by having to restart the system or redo fingers
numerous times due to low-quality images will lead to less challenges. The update will enhance officer
performance and safety.
Quantity requested: 1 upgrade
Estimated total cost: $12,000.00
3.

Mobile Camera Towers

Summary: Mobile camera towers would improve public safety by providing visibly deterring crime at festivals,
providing enhanced surveillance in high-risk areas, and supports digital evidence collection for recorded
incidents. It also increases situational awareness and helps the Ithaca Police Department to respond more
effectively during events or emergencies. These direct connect camera systems would give the Ithaca Police
Department the ability to increase proactive policing to direct Officers and Investigators to the areas captured
on the camera system where criminal activity is seen with the ability to act sooner to decrease victimization of
the local community. The mobile camera towers would be a new initiative for this agency. Our department has
requested to borrow outside police agencies mobile camera towers in the past with limited success but did
find the equipment was very helpful with locating lost persons and providing footage to support criminal
investigations.
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Estimated cost: $65,000.00 per Mobile Camera Tower
Quantity requested: 2
Estimated total cost: $130,000.00
4.

Smart Board for Police Training and Major Crimes

Summary: We seek funding for a training/major crime briefing Smart Boards for the Ithaca Police Department
4th floor training room, Range training room, and SRT/CINT planning room. This technology would improve
communication, coordination, and documentation for tasks needed to be accomplished. This upgrade would
enhance real time instruction, tactical briefings, and collaboration, boosting overall operational effectiveness.
The current projector at the police department does not function, costing timely delays with sending out
information during training, and to other agencies during major crime incidents briefing/debriefings. This
Smart Board would be a new expanded initiative for documentation and educational purposes for police
officers. The interactive features on the Smart Board will help keep Officers, and trainees engaged in police
related topics and materials helping develop officers to better apply learned material with the public. The
Smart Board upgrade is not covered by local funding but would be used to better train and relay information
in a timely manner.
Estimated cost: $4,500.00 per Smart Board
Quantity requested: 3
Estimated total cost: $13,500.00
QUESTIONS FOR COUNCIL
IPD is requesting the Council allow IPD to apply for and accept the award of a $250,000 technology grant from
New York State.
BUDGET IMPLICATIONS & FUNDING
If this grant is not accepted, there will be future expenses that will need to be worked into the budget.
PUBLIC FEEDBACK
N/A
NEXT STEPS
N/A

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