Police and Fire Commission
Regular MeetingWest Allis, WI · June 21, 2018
Minutes
City of West Allis
Meeting Minutes
Police and Fire Commission
Thursday, June 21, 2018 6:00 PM West Allis Fire Department
7332 W. National Ave.
REGULAR MEETING AND CLOSED SESSION
A. CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Heron called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Amy Heron, Mark Manthei, Aaron Konkol, Danielle Romain and Kurt
Kopplin
Also Present: Chief Mason Pooler - Fire Department; Chief Pat Mitchell, Deputy Chief Chris
Botsch, Deputy Chief Bob Fletcher - Police Department; CAO Rebecca Grill, City of West Allis;
Bridget Morawetz, Recording Secretary
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of the May 17, 2018 Regular and Closed Session Meeting Minutes, the May
21, 2018 and May 24, 2018 Special and Closed Session Meeting Minutes as well as
the June 13, 2018 and June 14, 2018 Special and Closed Session Meeting Minutes.
A motion was made by Commissioner Konkol and seconded by Commissioner Kopplin
to approve all the minutes as presented.
The motion carried unanimously.
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Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 21, 2018
D. POLICE DEPARTMENT
1. Communication and Request for Approval: Permanent status for three (3)
Probationary Police Officers
Chief Mitchell stated that as Probationary Police Officers Aric Behnke, Michael
Lazaris and Douglas Sayeg have successfully completed all of the necessary
training requirements and there have been no issues cited during their 18-month
evaluation period, he is requesting that all three be assigned to permanent status
with the West Allis Police Department effective July 9, 2018.
A motion was made by Commissioner Manthei and seconded by Commissioner
Kopplin to approve this request as presented by Chief Mitchell.
The motion carried by the following votes:
Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Konkol, Romain and Kopplin
No: 0
2. Communication and Request for Approval: Police Officer Eligibility and Hire List
Chief Mitchell stated that after final interviews and the required medical and psych
testing, he is submitting to the Commissioners a Police Officer eligibility and hire
list for approval. Chief Mitchell stated that he is requesting to hire two (2) of the
candidates immediately and after the first of the year, offer positions to the
remaining two. Chief Mitchell stated that if the remaining two candidates were not
available at that time, there were additional people in the applicant pool to be
interviewed, so another recruitment process would not be necessary.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner
Manthei to approve this request as presented by Chief Mitchell.
The motion carried by the following votes:
Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Konkol, Romain and Kopplin
No: 0
3. Police Department Financial Report
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
4. Monthly Performance Report
Chief Mitchell stated that two employees recently completed lean training and had
been tasked with examining the current citation and warrant process. He stated
that people will continue to be encouraged to attend these training sessions as the
department strives to improve and streamline daily functions and processes.
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
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Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 21, 2018
5. Patrol Activity Report
Chief Mitchell reviewed several incidents and initiatives contained with the Patrol
Activity Report.
Chief Mitchell stated that Officers Matter and Blunt were able to disarm and
secure a 56-year old female who was brandishing a knife and screaming
incoherently in a quick, efficient and non-violent manner. He stated that these
types of peaceful resolutions happen frequently but unfortunately, are not what is
reported by the media.
Chief Mitchell stated that during the month of May, all 2nd shift supervisors and
patrol officers did a complete walk thru of Hale, Central, Frank Lloyd Wright, Lane
and Dottke. Chief Mitchell stated that knowing the layout of a school would be
very beneficial in any type of emergency situation relative to school safety issues.
Chief Mitchell also briefly discussed the ongoing Hwy 100 cruising initiative
relative to traffic and loitering activity in public lots. He also discussed the
success of the newly adopted PIT technique which was effective in apprehending
two people suspected of stealing a motor vehicle.
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
6. Communications Activity Report
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
7. Community Services Bureau Report
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
8. Criminal Investigations Unit Activity Report
Chief Mitchell stated that Det. Christina Porter, as part of the FBI Child
Exploitation taskforce, traveled to China and took custody of and transported back
to America, an American citizen charged with child pornography. The suspect
was transported without issue and is currently facing appropriate charges.
The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was
placed on file.
9. Tavern Violation Report
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
10. Training Report
Chief Mitchell stated that Brandi Henning, currently a Community Service Officer,
has been offered a Police Officer position with the department. He stated that this
open CSO position will be filled as quickly as possible.
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The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was
placed on file.
11. Overtime Comparison Report
Chief Mitchell stated that Ct. Chad Evenson wrote a grant request for money
specific to the reduction of crime and it was approved by the State of Wisconsin.
Chief Mitchell stated that the grant money will need to be spent by the end of the
year and will be helpful to fund the Hwy 100 cruising initiative, the summer bike
patrol initiative and additional reduction in crime efforts that may incur overtime.
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
12. Sick, Injured and Light Duty Report - May
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed in file.
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Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 21, 2018
E. FIRE DEPARTMENT
13. Firefighting Activity Report
Chief Pooler reviewed the fires included in AC Scharfenberg’s report. He stated
that the two house fires were caused by electrical issues and, although classified
as undermined, the garage fire was most likely caused by an electrical failure as
well. Chief Pooler also noted that assistance from surrounding departments was
effective to get these fires under control quickly, and he stated that having the
shared services arrangement continues to be a benefit and a worthwhile
continuing endeavor.
Chief Pooler also reviewed the various benchmarks included in the firefighting
activity report.
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
14. Fire Department Financial Report
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
15. Training Activity Report
Chief Pooler stated that two Equipment Operators are currently on light duty and
they have been tasked with working on a driver operator training program. He
stated that with the addition of a new engine and tower ladder, it will be a
necessity to have such a program in place in the near future.
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
16. Communication: Firefighter Recruitment update
Chief Pooler stated that after the Police & Fire Commission interviews with
firefighter candidates, offers were presented to six (6) candidates and five (5)
accepted and (1) declined. Chief Pooler stated that pending background and
medical/psych evaluations, their start date is set for Wednesday, September 5,
2018.
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
17. Fire Prevention Activity Report
Chief Pooler stated that currently this bureau is 180% ahead of pace vs. last year.
He stated this will be helpful over the next month due to State Fair and other
upcoming training obligations that might slow the pace of inspections.
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
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18. Emergency Medical Services Activity Report
Chief Pooler stated that the CARES report referenced in AC Zellmann’s report was
not included due to his absence at the meeting. Chief Pooler noted that this was a
multi-page document and Chief Zellmann should be available to answer any
questions.
Commissioner Heron asked about the webinar for the Zoll Automatic CPR devices
and Chief Pooler noted that two of the steps involved in moving forward require
the MCEMS Medical Director’s sign-off. He noted that a meeting is being
scheduled for the near future.
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
19. Emergency Medical Services Revenue Report
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
20. Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Monthly Performance Report
Chief Pooler stated that the MIH division continues to make an impact within the
community as not only the public face of EMS, but also getting people engaged in
life saving efforts like hands only CPR and the pulse point app.
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
21. National Q Dispatch Performance Report
Chief Pooler stated that this report continues to provide good feedback and has
been beneficial to identify areas of improvement.
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
22. Sick, Injured and Light Duty Report - May
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
23. Master Plan Performance Snapshot
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
24. Request for Approval: Shared Services Apparatus Agreement
Chief Pooler submitted to the Commissioners a Shared Services Apparatus
Agreement that would allow WAFD to operate fire and EMS apparatus owned by
neighboring departments and vice versa. He stated that the City Attorney
reviewed the agreement and their concerns were addressed and answered to their
satisfaction.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner
Konkol to approve the agreement as presented by Chief Pooler.
The motion passed by the following votes:
Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Konkol, Romain and Kopplin
No: 0
25. Request for Approval: Intradepartmental Account Transfer
Chief Pooler submitted a request to transfer $10,000 from the department’s medical
testing account to the department’s protective clothing account.
Chief Pooler stated that the $10,000 had been earmarked for a department wellness
fitness initiative, however, the Union bargaining members opted to not move
forward with that initiative and the current contract was settled accordingly. Chief
Pooler did make mention that currently the department does have a positive
fitness culture and many members are consistent in some type of fitness routine.
Chief Pooler stated that moving this earmarked money to the department’s
clothing account would enable the department to purchase a second set of
turnout gear for firefighters. He stated that having two sets of turnout gear allows
firefighters to immediately launder one set after a fire and to change into a clean,
uncontaminated set of gear. He noted that cancer detection and prevention is a
goal in the firefighter industry, and having a second set of clean turnout gear will
be one way to help decrease the risk of cancer for our members.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Commissioners and Chief Pooler regarding
the proposed wellness program initiative as well as discussion regarding a
previous wellness program that had been instituted briefly and cancelled due to
Union objections as well.
Upon conclusion of the discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Manthei
and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve the money transfer as
requested.
The motion carried by the following votes:
Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Konkol, Romain and Kopplin
No: 0
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Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 21, 2018
F. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION
26. PFC Financial Report
The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was
placed on file.
27. Discussion: July 19, 2018 PFC meeting
Commissioner Heron stated that she will be out of town for the July 19, 2018 PFC
meeting and that Commissioner Kopplin will run the meeting in her absence.
28. Discussion and creation of possible subcommittee: Revise of Firefighter interview
questions
Commissioner Heron stated that after the recent interview sessions for both the
firefighters and police officers, the Commissioners would like to revisit the current
interview questions for both departments. Commissioner Heron and
Commissioner Konkol have agreed to review the current interview questions for
both departments and bring to the table their revisions and suggestions.
29. Discussion and Request for Approval: Fire Chief top five (5) job responsibilities
Commissioner Heron requested that this agenda item be tabled until the August
meeting. She shared with the Commissioners a worksheet of departmental goals
and asked them to review and provide discussion and feedback at the August
meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner
Manthei to table this agenda item as requested.
The motion carried by the following votes:
Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Konkol, Romain and Kopplin
No: 0
G. CLOSED SESSION
No Closed Session business
H. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, on a motion made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 7:00
pm.
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Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 21, 2018
All meetings of the {bdName} are public meetings. In order for the general public to make comments at the committee meetings, the
individual(s) must be scheduled (as an appearance) with the chair of the committee or the appropriate staff contact; otherwise, the meeting of
the committee is a working session for the committee itself, and discussion by those in attendance is limited to committee members, the mayor,
other alderpersons, staff and others that may be a party to the matter being discussed.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The City of West Allis does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, age, marital or veterans' status, sex,
national origin, disability or any other legally protected status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services,
programs or activities.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT NOTICE
Upon reasonable notice the City will furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services when necessary to afford individuals with disabilities an equal
opportunity to participate in and to enjoy the benefits of a service, program or activity provided by the City.
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY STATEMENT
It is the policy of the City of West Allis to provide language access services to populations of persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
who are eligible to be served or likely to be directly affected by our programs. Such services will be focused on providing meaningful access to our
programs, services and/or benefits.
City of West Allis Page 9 Printed on 7/20/2018
Agenda
City of West Allis
Meeting Agenda
Police and Fire Commission
Thursday, June 21, 2018 6:00 PM West Allis Fire Department
7332 W. National Ave.
REGULAR MEETING AND CLOSED SESSION
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of the May 17, 2018 Regular and Closed Session Meeting Minutes, the May 21, 2018
and May 24, 2018 Special and Closed Session Meeting Minutes as well as the June 13, 2018 and
June 14, 2018 Special and Closed Session Meeting Minutes.
D. POLICE DEPARTMENT
1. Communication and Request for Approval: Permanent status for three (3) Probationary
Police Officers
2. Communication and Request for Approval: Police Officer Eligibility and Hire List
3. Police Department Financial Report
4. Monthly Performance Report
5. Patrol Activity Report
6. Communications Activity Report
7. Community Services Bureau Report
8. Criminal Investigations Unit Activity Report
9. Tavern Violation Report
10. Training Report
11. Overtime Comparison Report
12. Sick, Injured and Light Duty Report - May
E. FIRE DEPARTMENT
13. Firefighting Activity Report
14. Fire Department Financial Report
15. Training Activity Report
16. Communication: Firefighter Recruitment update
17. Fire Prevention Activity Report
18. Emergency Medical Services Activity Report
19. Emergency Medical Services Revenue Report
20. Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Monthly Performance Report
21. National Q Dispatch Performance Report
22. Sick, Injured and Light Duty Report - May
23. Master Plan Performance Snapshot
24. Request for Approval: Shared Services Apparatus Agreement
25. Request for Approval: Intradepartmental Account Transfer
Page 1 Printed on 6/20/2018
Police and Fire Commission Meeting Agenda June 21, 2018
F. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION
26. PFC Financial Report
27. Discussion: July 19, 2018 PFC meeting
28. Discussion and creation of possible subcommittee: Revise of Firefighter interview questions
29. Discussion and Request for Approval: Fire Chief top five (5) job responsibilities
G. CLOSED SESSION
None Scheduled
H. ADJOURNMENT
All meetings of the Police and Fire Commission are public meetings. In order for the general public to make comments at the committee
meetings, the individual(s) must be scheduled (as an appearance) with the chair of the committee or the appropriate staff contact; otherwise,
the meeting of the committee is a working session for the committee itself, and discussion by those in attendance is limited to committee
members, the mayor, other alderpersons, staff and others that may be a party to the matter being discussed.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The City of West Allis does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, age, marital or veterans' status, sex,
national origin, disability or any other legally protected status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services,
programs or activities.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT NOTICE
Upon reasonable notice the City will furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services when necessary to afford individuals with disabilities an equal
opportunity to participate in and to enjoy the benefits of a service, program or activity provided by the City.
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY STATEMENT
It is the policy of the City of West Allis to provide language access services to populations of persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
who are eligible to be served or likely to be directly affected by our programs. Such services will be focused on providing meaningful access to
our programs, services and/or benefits.
Page 2 Printed on 6/20/2018
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