By Ashley M. Casey

Associate Editor

The Cicero Police Department has been busy with much housekeeping — in both the literal and figurative senses of the term.

At its Jan. 13 meeting, the Cicero Town Board voted to approve the replacement of the drain system in the basement of the Cicero Police Department. Town Supervisor Bill Meyer also offered an update on the town’s progress on its police reform plan as required by New York State in June 2020.

The basement drainage issues at the CPD building have been ongoing. The town will pay Midstate Basement Authorities $26,036 for the installation of a full interior perimeter drain system, three sump pumps and relocation of one sump pump crock.

“We had a very detailed meeting with all three vendors along with the town engineer and this is the best option for the town,” Chief Steve Rotunno said. “Also it’s been brought to our attention from some concerned employees and VIPS [Volunteers in Police Services] about the possibility of mold in the building, so we wanted to address this as soon as possible.”

Councilor Jon Karp said the drain system resolution was a late addition to the Jan. 13 agenda, but it was important to make the repairs sooner rather than later.

“They’re already scheduling into February,” he said. “If we put it off for two more weeks to vote on it, we could be looking into March.”

Meyer said even the highway department attempted to fix the police department’s drainage issue.

“I think everybody hopes this is the final fix for this. It’s been a problem for a long time,” he said.

In other police department news, Rotunno said CPD’s response plan is “just about complete.” (The Star-Review highlighted details of CPD’s plan in the Dec. 23, 2020, print edition.)

Back in June 2020, in response to high-profile incidents of police brutality and racism across the nation, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order requiring municipalities and law enforcement agencies across the state to review their policies and develop a reform plan in order to remain eligible for state funding.

Onondaga County has formed a committee to assist local municipalities and police departments in the creation of their plans. Rotunno, along with Baldwinsville Police Chief Mike Lefancheck and North Syracuse Police Chief William Becker, recently participated in a virtual listening held by the county to gather public comment on the issue.

Meyer said the town has contacted local faith leaders to solicit their feedback as well.

Visit policereform.ongov.net to submit comments about the future of law enforcement in Onondaga County or participate in listening sessions.