Police and Fire Commission

City of West Allis Meeting Minutes Police and Fire Commission Thursday, November 21, 2019 5:30 PM West Allis Police Department 11301 W. Lincoln Ave. REGULAR MEETING AND CLOSED SESSION A. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Kopplin called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm B. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Amy Heron, Kimberly Cosby, Danielle Romain and Kurt Kopplin Excused: Commissioner Mark Manthei Also Present: Fire Chief Mason Pooler, Interim Deputy Chief Jason Schaak, Lieutenant Michael Wright, Lieutenant Jesse Schwark - Fire Department; Police Chief Pat Mitchell, Deputy Chief Chris Botsch, Deputy Chief Robert Fletcher - Police Department; Bridget Morawetz, Recording Secretary C. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION 1. Closed Session: Interview Police Officer candidate 2. Closed Session: Review and discuss the fire department’s Assistant Chief and Deputy Chief candidates non-medical promotional process leadership evaluations and to interview the Assistant Chief and Deputy Chief candidates City of West Allis Page 1 Printed on 12/20/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 21, 2019 D. CLOSED SESSION PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners of the City of West Allis will meet on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 5:30 pm at 11301 W. Lincoln Avenue, West Allis Wisconsin, 53227 in open session to consider and vote on a motion to convene into closed session at said time and place to interview the Police Department’s candidate for Police Officer and to review and discuss the Fire Department’s Assistant Chief and Deputy Chief candidates non-medical promotional process leadership evaluations and to interview the Assistant Chief candidate and Deputy Chief candidate. A closed session for the above purpose is authorized pursuant to the provision of Section 19.85 (1)(c) of the Wis. Stats., which authorizes a governmental body, upon motion duly made and carried, to convene in closed session for the purpose of considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility Immediately upon completion of the closed session, the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners will reconvene in open session at said time and place to consider any other matters on the agenda. On a motion made and seconded, the meeting convened into closed session at 5:35 pm. Closed session agenda items addressed On a motion made and seconded, the meeting reconvened into open session at 6:49 pm. E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the October 17, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes as well as the October 28, 2019 and October 31, 2019 Special Meeting and Closed Session Meeting Minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Heron and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve all the minutes as presented. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Cosby, Romain and Kopplin No: 0 City of West Allis Page 2 Printed on 12/20/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 21, 2019 F. FIRE DEPARTMENT 3. Request for approval: Promotion to Assistant Chief A motion was made by Commissioner Romain and seconded by Commissioner Heron to approve the promotion of Interim Deputy Chief Jason Schaak to Assistant Chief, Community Risk Reduction. Commissioners approved this promotion with the amended condition that AC Schaak complete his Bachelor’s degree within 24 months of this promotion. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Cosby, Romain and Kopplin No: 0 4. Request for approval: Promotion to Deputy Chief A motion was made by Commissioner Romain and seconded by Commissioner Heron to approve the promotion of Lieutenant Michael Wright to Deputy Chief, Fire Prevention Bureau. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Cosby, Romain and Kopplin No: 0 5. Operations Division Report Chief Pooler reviewed the Operations Division report with the Commissioners. He noted that false alarms had increased by approximately 50 calls compared to same time last year. However, he noted that due to the introduction of a new ordinance effective in January 2020, this overall number is expected to decrease. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 6. EMS Bureau Report Chief Pooler did not highlight any of the information included within the EMS Bureau Report and the Commissioners did not have any additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file accordingly. 7. National Q Dispatch Performance Report - October Chief Pooler did not highlight any of the information included within the National Q Dispatch report and the Commissioners did not have any additional questions or comments. City of West Allis Page 3 Printed on 12/20/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 21, 2019 The report was placed on file accordingly. 8. Training Bureau Report Chief Pooler stated that the main training that took place in October was RIT training or Rapid Intervention Team training. He noted that this is a once a year safety training geared toward the rescue of a trapped firefighter(s) and/or fire company in a structure type fire. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file 9. Communication: Update on recent firefighter recruitment process Chief Pooler stated that after the PFC interviews, the Command Staff made conditional offers of employment to four candidates who all initially accepted. He stated that since then, two of the candidates rescinded and accepted positions at other departments. Chief Pooler felt that the start date of March 2020 may have been a factor in their decision process as well as health insurance timeframe after retirement. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 10. Request for approval: Equipment Operator promotional list Chief Pooler stated that Equipment Operator is the first level of promotion for firefighters. He stated that this testing process included a written test and a practical portion which was conducted by a MATC independent proctor. Chief Pooler stated that if approved, this promotional list would be effective for two years. A motion was made by Commissioner Heron and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve the presented promotion list. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Cosby, Romain and Kopplin No: 0 11. Community Risk Reduction/Support Services Division Report I/Deputy Chief Schaak stated that the Milwaukee Admirals had reached out to a number of area fire departments to participate in their home opener events to include instruction of hands-only CPR. I/DC Schaak stated that over 40 firefighters volunteered to participate as well as Sparky the fire dog. He noted that the event was a huge success and provided life-saving education to thousands of people. City of West Allis Page 4 Printed on 12/20/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 21, 2019 I/DC Schaak also noted that on Saturday, November 23rd the department will be conducting another door-to-door smoke/CO detector install event. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 12. Fire Prevention Bureau Report Lieutenant Wright briefly reviewed the Fire Prevention report with the Commissioners. He noted that inspections will continue on schedule however, required re-inspections will be the focus thru the reminder of the year to ensure properties are in compliance. The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 13. Communication: 2019 Fire Prevention Week Lieutenant Wright stated that this year’s program involved the department’s interns from MATC who were instrumental in presenting the program with minimal interruptions. Lt. Wright stated that some of the positive feedback he received was that students like to see the firefighters get dressed in full gear to help alleviate being afraid and Sparky the fire dog always gets the students engaged and excited to learn about fire safety. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 14. Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Monthly Performance Report I/DC Schaak briefly reviewed the included write-up about the Wisconsin Heart Failure (CHF) conference. He noted that a member of the MIH team was asked to speak at the conference relative to the reduction of CHF readmission rates for patients involved in Aurora West Allis/MIH 90-day patient program. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 15. Fire Department Financial Report Chief Pooler did not highlight any of the information included within the Fire Department Financial report and the Commissioners did not have any additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file accordingly. 16. Sick, Injured and Light Duty Report City of West Allis Page 5 Printed on 12/20/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 21, 2019 Chief Pooler did not highlight any of the information included within the Sick, Injured and Light Duty report and the Commissioners did not have any additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file accordingly. 17. Master Plan Performance Snapshot Chief Pooler did not highlight any of the information included within the Master Plan Performance Snapshot report and the Commissioners did not have any additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file accordingly. 18. Request for approval: Transfer of funds to various accounts A motion was made by Commissioner Heron and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve the transfer of funds request as presented by Chief Pooler. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Cosby, Romain and Kopplin No: 0 19. Communication: False fire alarm billing fees Chief Pooler shared with the Commissioners a City Ordinance that will be effective January 2020 regarding false fire alarm billing fees. Chief Pooler stated that almost all surrounding municipalities charge some sort of false fire alarm fee. He noted that $200.00 is the average with some municipalities incorporating an escalating fee for continual offenders. The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 20. Communication: Retirement of Firefighter Chief Pooler submitted the retirement letter of Firefighter Duane Fisher effective November 16, 2019. Chief Pooler stated that FF Fisher retired after 23 years of service to the department and to the City of West Allis. The Commissioners thanked him for his service and wished him well. City of West Allis Page 6 Printed on 12/20/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 21, 2019 G. POLICE DEPARTMENT 21. Request for approval: Promotion to Police Officer A motion was made by Commissioner Heron and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve the promotion of Community Service Officer Andrew Lamm to the position of Police Officer. Commissioners approved this promotion contingent upon CSO Lamm attaining 60 college credits by the conclusion of the WCTC 2019 Fall semester and successful completion of the psychological and medical/drug examination utilized by the WAPD. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Cosby, Romain and Kopplin No: 0 22. Communication and request for approval: 2019 K9 purchase Chief Mitchell requested the approval to move forward with the purchase of a Police Canine. He stated that the department will work with Southern Police Canine, noting that the department has purchased seven canines from SPC and have been satisfied with their dogs and training. He stated that funding for this purchase is thru the K9 account which is a funded account thru donations and various fundraising efforts. A motion was made by Commissioner Romain and seconded by Commissioner Cosby to approve the Police Canine purchase as presented by Chief Mitchell. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Cosby, Romain and Kopplin No: 0 23. Police Department Financial Report Chief Mitchell did not highlight any of the information included within the Police Department Financial report and the Commissioners did not have any additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file accordingly. 24. Monthly Performance Report Chief Mitchell highlighted the completion of a 24 hour course on field force operations/crowd control. He stated that this course is sponsored by the Federal government in preparation for the 2020 DNC to be held in Milwaukee. Chief Mitchell indicated that approximately 4000 police officers will be working over the course of City of West Allis Page 7 Printed on 12/20/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 21, 2019 the convention timeframe. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 25. Patrol Activity Report Chief Mitchell highlighted a number of items included in the Patrol Activity report. Chief Mitchell stated that WAPD responded to a call about a suicidal female and as Officers and CART Clinician Enjoli Vernado were attempting to open a dialogue with the female, she attempted to hang herself. He stated that joint efforts by WAPD and the CART clinician were successful in cutting the rope and saving her life. Chief Mitchell made note of an interesting shift in OWI arrests for the month of October. He stated that during this month, 34 OWI arrests were made and of those, 23 were drug related OWI arrests and 11 were alcohol related. He stated that this is a new shift in OWI arrests, and most likely one that will continue to be common. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 26. Communications Activity Report Chief Mitchell stated that the effects of the lightning strike that took place in September are still apparent. He noted that the dispatch center is still encountering problems with various software programs and key card access in some areas has not been repaired. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 27. Community Services Bureau Report Chief Mitchell did not highlight any of the information included within the Community Services Bureau report and the Commissioners did not have any additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file accordingly. 28. Criminal Investigations Unit Activity Report Chief Mitchell provided a brief overview and update for the Commissioners on recent ongoing investigations within the city: Ø Prostitution investigation involving a business located in the 1400 block of S. 92nd St. He noted that a number of people have been arrested and are currently awaiting appropriate charges via the Milwaukee County DA’s office. However, he City of West Allis Page 8 Printed on 12/20/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 21, 2019 noted that this investigation is ongoing and additional charges and/or businesses may be included; Ø Hit/run crash that resulted in the death of a citizen. He noted that the driver of the car was identified and has been charged accordingly; Ø Chief Mitchell stated that the department continues to work on leads regarding a homicide that took place in September. He noted that additional information regarding the perpetrators has been circulated and a drawing of the woman involved has been shared on all media outlets. The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 29. Tavern Violation Report Chief Mitchell did not highlight any of the information included within the Tavern Violation report and the Commissioners did not have any additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file accordingly. 30. Training Report Chief Mitchell did not highlight any of the information included within the Training report and the Commissioners did not have any additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file accordingly. H. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION 31. PFC Financial Report The Commissioners had no questions or concerns regarding the PFC financial report. I. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, on a motion made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm City of West Allis Page 9 Printed on 12/20/2019 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 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 10 Printed on 12/20/2019