Syracuse Citizen Review Board Meeting - October 2, 2025

The Syracuse Citizen Review Board (CRB) held its regular meeting on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 5:38 PM. The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. Key actions included approving September minutes, appointing a new board secretary, scheduling a board meet-and-greet, receiving updates on staffing and technology, and hearing public comments on board operations and a pending complaint. The board then entered executive session to discuss casework and later adjourned.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of September Minutes: The board voted unanimously to adopt the minutes from the September meeting. A motion was made, seconded, and carried without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barry Gwanter (Strathmore neighborhood): Congratulated the board on having a full board. Noted that his March 2025 presentation on CRB history is available on YouTube and offered to meet with new members. Praised the board for posting minutes again. Asked about the planned external advisory committee, specifically its purpose, membership, and whether meetings would be open to the public. Suggested that meetings discussing amendments to the legislation should be public for good public relations. Reminded the board of a list of suggested amendments from advocates.
• Desiree Yagan (citizen): Presented a letter and evidence (body-worn camera footage) regarding a complaint against Syracuse Police Officers Frollo, Steica, and Sergeant Webb for alleged First and Fourth Amendment violations. Stated the complaint was previously submitted to the board chair. Raised concerns about the CRB's hiring of an investigator: objected to the job posting requiring former law enforcement experience, citing guidelines from the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE). Also raised a conflict of interest issue, arguing that the CRB administrator's 17-year tenure with the Syracuse Police Department creates an inherent bias, especially when complaints involve the chief of police. The chair responded that legal counsel has determined no conflict of interest exists and that the administrator's experience has been an asset. Ms. Yagan's time was extended slightly but she was ultimately cut off after five minutes; the chair advised her to submit concerns in writing.

Discussion Items

• New Board Members: The chair welcomed new members Octavia and Desire, thanking them for their civic duty. A correction was made to the spelling of Octavia's name (Octavia Gernhardt, not Octava Gernhart).
• Administrative Report (Nalita, Administrator):
  • Staffing: Announced the hiring of Adonia Wade as Community Engagement Specialist. Adonia has already represented the CRB at the Westcott Culture Fest. A planned event with Syracuse City School District was canceled. The CRB is actively building connections in schools.
  • Upcoming Events: Planning a Halloween community event (date TBD, possibly Halloween day).
  • Hiring: Interviews for a Data Analyst are nearly complete (4 candidates interviewed, 2 more scheduled). The process for an Investigator has begun, with interviews next week. Goal is to be fully staffed before the end of the year.
  • Casework: In September, 11 cases were handled, with 6 moving to the next stage.
  • Technology: The CRB now has free access to Lexapol (police policies) via the Syracuse Police Department. Approval from the Common Council received for Axon services; awaiting mayor's approval. Annual cost for Axon is $978.96, with a year-to-year contract. Budget items for Boostnik/hostings, Toshiba copier, WB Mason supplies, and freelance investigation are included but not yet expended.
• Old Business - Secretary Position: The chair distributed a written description of the secretary's duties. A discussion arose about whether meeting minutes are necessary given the YouTube recordings. The chair noted that a hard copy of minutes is required. Desire volunteered to serve as secretary. A motion was made and seconded, and Desire was unanimously appointed as the CRB board secretary.
• Old Business - Board Meet-and-Greet: The board discussed scheduling a social event to allow members to get to know each other. A show of hands favored Friday evenings over Saturday mornings. The board voted to hold a meet-and-greet on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the CRB office (300 State Street, Park Place, 5th floor). The administrator stated food arrangements would be determined. The motion carried unanimously.
• Committee Reports: The chair noted that committee assignments need to be updated due to new board members. He will review past minutes to identify current members and then email the board. The Government Relations committee (including the chair, Linda, and another member) has a meeting scheduled for October 14 at 1:30 PM.
• External Advisory Committee: The chair acknowledged Barry Gwanter's public comment. The board is still in the planning stage, consulting with legal counsel on scope and public access. Information will be shared once finalized.
• Public Comment on Hiring and Conflict of Interest: The board addressed Desiree Yagan's concerns. The chair stated that the hiring process for the investigator is a personnel matter not discussable in public, but noted that the job posting is as per the board's needs. The administrator's background was defended as an asset, not a conflict, per legal advice.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: September meeting minutes (unanimous).
• Appointed: Desire as Secretary of the CRB board (unanimous).
• Scheduled: Board meet-and-greet for Friday, October 17, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the CRB office (unanimous).
• Agreed: To finalize committee assignments based on past minutes and circulate to members.
• Noted: The CRB will continue planning for an external advisory committee, with legal guidance.
• Adjourned: The meeting moved into executive session to discuss casework, then returned to public session and adjourned.