Police and Fire Commission

City of West Allis Meeting Minutes Police and Fire Commission Thursday, March 21, 2019 6:00 PM West Allis Police Department 11301 W. Lincoln Ave. REGULAR MEETING 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: Assistant Chief Jay Scharfenberg, Deputy Chief Chris Ziolecki, Lieutenant Jesse Schwark, Firefighter Tyson Novinska - Fire Department; Police Chief Pat Mitchell, Deputy Chief Robert Fletcher - Police Department; Bridget Morawetz, Recording Secretary C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the February 21, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Manthei to approve the February 21, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Konkol, Romain and Kopplin No: 0 City of West Allis Page 1 Printed on 4/19/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes March 21, 2019 D. FIRE DEPARTMENT 1. Operations Activity Report AC Scharfenberg stated that false alarms increased during February due to the recent freezing and thawing weather which resulted in burst pipes. He also noted that travel times during the month of February were slower due to the weather conditions. AC Scharfenberg noted that piled up snow along the side streets as well as parked cars also made it challenging for response vehicles and impacted the travel times. AC Scharfenberg also noted that call processing times continue to improve and indicated that this benchmark goal might be revised slightly to capitalize on the positive upward momentum of this benchmark. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 2. Fire Department Financial Report AC Scharfenberg stated that at the time of this report, the department is running nine positions short, thus the increase in overtime. However, he indicated that the April recruits will have completed their training and assigned to stations as we move into the summer and that will be helpful to reduce OT hours. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 3. Training Activity Report AC Scharfenberg stated that the training bureau continues to move forward with the creation of the driver/operator training program and expects to start implementing the program in May 2019. The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 4. Communication and request for approval: Probationary firefighters to permanent roster Deputy Chief Ziolecki shared with the Commissioners that he has received a number of compliments and positive comments from department members regarding the selection of probationary firefighters over the last few years. DC Ziolecki thanked the Commission board for allowing the Command Staff to select and present those candidates who they believe are the most qualified and capable of performing at the highest level instead of simply hiring to fill a position. DC Ziolecki then presented the following probationary firefighters and requested approval to place them on the permanent fire department roster: Ø PFF Andrew Crum Ø PFF Brandon Draves Ø PFF Trevinn Hare Ø PFF Samuel Knutson City of West Allis Page 2 Printed on 4/19/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes March 21, 2019 Ø PFF Tyler Youngbeck A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve the request as presented by DC Ziolecki. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Konkol, Romain and Kopplin No: 0 5. Fire Prevention Activity Report AC Scharfenberg presented the fire prevention report noting that after the first of the year, light duty personnel available has been reduced and as such, fire inspections are slightly down to date. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 6. Community Risk Reduction/Support Services Report AC Scharfenberg referenced goal 5a on this report regarding smoke and CO detector installs. He stated that, weather pending, a smoke/CO install campaign is scheduled for March 30th targeting quarter section 438 (district 1) as well as the Lincoln Park Mobile Homes on Greenfield (district 5). He noted that this section had been canvassed previously, but many people were not home. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 7. Communication: WAFD Fleet Mechanic position AC Scharfenberg presented to the Commissioners the position of Fleet Mechanic for the fire department. He stated that this position was added to the fire department budget and will be a fire department employee once hired. AC Scharfenberg noted that the person eventually hired for this position will need to have a special skill set and require knowledge of maintenance and repair of critical emergency response vehicles and other heavy apparatus type equipment. He noted that North Shore and Wauwatosa Fire Departments each have their own fleet mechanics and both departments provided input as to job function, responsibility and skill set necessary to create this position. AC Scharfenberg stated that the first step will be to work with the City’s HR department to begin the recruitment process for the position. Once viable candidates are identified, interviews will then take place. AC Scharfenberg stated that AC Zellmann will be involved in the interview process as well as a small panel of internal and/or external participants. AC Scharfenberg also stated that the mechanic will be based out of Fire Station 2 and will travel to other stations depending on the specific work requirement. 8. Request for Approval: Begin hiring process for WAFD Fleet Mechanic A motion was made by Commissioner Manthei and seconded by Commissioner City of West Allis Page 3 Printed on 4/19/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes March 21, 2019 Konkol to approve moving forward with the hiring process for the WAFD Fleet Mechanic as presented by AC Scharfenberg. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Konkol, Romain and Kopplin No: 0 9. National Q Dispatch Performance Report The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 10. Sick, Injured and Light Duty Report The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 11. Master Plan Performance Snapshot The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 12. Request for Approval: Promotion to Lieutenant AC Scharfenberg requested the approval for promotion of FF Mallory Crosby to the rank of MIH Lieutenant. A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Konkol to approve the promotion as presented by AC Scharfenberg. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Konkol, Romain and Kopplin No: 0 13. Communication: 2018 WAFD Annual Report The Commissioners were given a hard copy of the 2018 WAFD annual report for review at their leisure. City of West Allis Page 4 Printed on 4/19/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes March 21, 2019 E. POLICE DEPARTMENT 14. Communication and request for approval: Sole source purchase: Cleveland Heart Lab Blood Testing Chief Mitchell began the introduction of this request with a startling statistic, that the average age of a first heart attack is 65 but for a law enforcement officer it is 49. Chief Mitchell stated that the Cleveland Heart Lab is cutting edge when it comes to heart health and the clinic is specific to the health risks associated with those working in law enforcement. He went on to explain that the testing the Cleveland Heart Lab performs is typically not offered during a regular exam and is designed to identify inflammation, which is one sign of heart disease. In conjunction, he noted that they also conduct lipid, cardia, metabolic and fatty acid tests to further identify any signs of heart disease. Chief Mitchell further discussed how the testing will be offered to police department employees and what type of results and follow-up requirements will be needed. He also noted that participation will be completely voluntary. Chief Mitchell stated that the department will pay for the testing which will be approximately $28,875, assuming all 165 police department employees participate. Chief Mitchell stated that the department received a $20,000 donation from a West Allis resident recently and the remaining amount will be paid from the Federal Asset Forfeiture account. A motion was made by Commissioner Manthei and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve this sole source request as presented by Chief Mitchell. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Konkol, Romain and Kopplin No: 0 15. Communication: Accreditation Update Chief Mitchell stated that the department participated in a 3-day onsite accreditation assessment process and although final results will not be known for a few weeks, Chief Mitchell indicated that the feedback received was very favorable and he is expecting the department to be reaccredited. 16. Communication: West Allis Crossing Guards Chief Mitchell stated that Wisconsin Personal Protection Service unexpectedly went out of business leaving the City of West Allis with no crossing guard service. He stated that this also impacted a number of other municipalities that contract with the same company. Chief Mitchell stated that current crossing guards were hired on an emergency basis until a new service can be secured. Commissioners inquired about the city taking on the responsibility of hiring crossing guards and Chief Mitchell stated that outsourcing is a better option in this case given the turnover rate of crossing guards as well as the general City of West Allis Page 5 Printed on 4/19/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes March 21, 2019 managing of these employees. The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns. 17. Police Department Financial Report The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 18. Monthly Performance Report Chief Mitchell stated that Lt. Pasdera has taken the lead to identify ways to reduce OT incurred relative to court appearances by officers. He stated that Lt. Pasdera has reached out to the DA’s office and they are very open to working with the departments to help in this endeavor. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 19. Patrol Activity Report Chief Mitchell reviewed two incidents included in the Patrol Activity Report. He stated that a robbery at a speedway gas station resulted in the arrest of two (2) men from Milwaukee. He noted that both suspects have since been charged with armed robbery. He also stated on February 28th, officers responded to reports of shots fired from inside a car; investigation revealed the male suspect was a felon and was taken into custody immediately. Chief Mitchell further stated that a female was also arrested and charged with obstructing. He noted that a warrant was issued to search the house and additional charges may be pending per the DA’s discretion. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 20. Communications Activity Report The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 21. Community Services Bureau Report The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 22. Criminal Investigations Unit Activity Report Chief Mitchell stated that as participants with the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team (M.A.I.T), West Allis is the lead investigating agency for an officer involved shooting incident that took place in Waukesha on February 10th. Chief Mitchell stated that other departments on the panel consist of Wauwatosa, Oak Creek as well as South and West Milwaukee. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was City of West Allis Page 6 Printed on 4/19/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes March 21, 2019 placed on file. 23. Tavern Violation Report The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 24. Training Report The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 25. Discussion: Confirmation of Police Officer interview dates in April Commissioners and Chief Mitchell confirmed Police Officer interview dates for Tuesday, May 28th and Wednesday, May 29th. Commissioner’s also agreed to keep Thursday, May 30th available if necessary. The interviews for all three days will begin at 5:00 pm. F. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION 26. PFC Financial Report The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. G. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, on a motion made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm City of West Allis Page 7 Printed on 4/19/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes March 21, 2019 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 8 Printed on 4/19/2019