Police and Fire Commission

City of West Allis Meeting Minutes Police and Fire Commission Thursday, May 21, 2020 5:30 PM West Allis Fire Department 7332 W. National Ave. CLOSED SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING A. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Kopplin called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm B. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Amy Heron, Mark Manthei (via Zoom), Kimberly Cosby (via Zoom) and Kurt Kopplin Excused: Commissioner Danielle Romain Also Present: Fire Chief Mason Pooler - Fire Department; Police Chief Patrick Mitchell, Captain Christopher Marks and DC Robert Fletcher (via Zoom) - Police Department; CAO Rebecca Grill (via Zoom) - City of West Allis; Bridget Morawetz, Recording Secretary C. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION 1. Closed Session: Deputy Chief of Police candidate interview City of West Allis Page 1 Printed on 6/19/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020 D. CLOSED SESSION PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners of the City of West Allis will meet on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 5:30 pm at 7332 W. National Avenue, West Allis, Wisconsin 53214 in open session to consider and vote on a motion to convene into closed session at said time and place to interview the candidate for the position of Deputy Chief of Police for the West Allis Police Department and to take such further action as may be necessary and appropriate in this matter. A closed session for the above purpose is authorized pursuant to the provisions of Section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wis. Stats. which permits 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 5:31 pm. Candidate Interview On a motion made and seconded, the meeting reconvened into open session at 5:58 pm. E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the April 16, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Heron and seconded by Commissioner Manthei to approve the April 16, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes as presented City of West Allis Page 2 Printed on 6/19/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020 F. FIRE DEPARTMENT 2. COVID-19 Overview Chief Pooler updated the Commissioners on some of the recent COVID changes relative to fire operations. He stated that med units specific to COVID care have been taken out of service and OT for this service has ended as well. Chief Pooler noted that the department has been working with a company in Madison to appropriately wash and sanitize N95 masks. Chief Pooler noted that staff continues to be aware of symptoms and follow necessary protocols for COVID responses and care. 3. Operations Division Report Chief Pooler discussed the fire included in Chief Scharfenberg’s report. He stated that it was a kitchen stovetop fire caused by a burner that had been left on in the owner’s absence. Chief Pooler noted that there was significant damage to the house interior and kitchen areas. Chief Pooler then reviewed the benchmarks contained within the report. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 4. EMS Bureau Report Chief Pooler noted that call processing times for Echo level calls had increased due to the additional questions necessary relative to COVID symptoms. The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 5. EMS Revenue Report Chief Pooler presented the EMS Revenue reports and the Commissioners did not have any additional questions or comments. The reports were placed on file. 6. National Q Dispatch Performance Report - Monthly Chief Pooler presented the monthly National Q report for April. The Commissioners did not have any additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file. 7. Training Bureau Report Chief Pooler stated that the four probationary firefighters completed their training and have been assigned to 24 hour duty. He noted that all have been assigned to a Captain and they will be evaluated on a daily and monthly basis throughout their probationary timeframe. Chief Pooler stated the addition of the probationary firefighters to 24 hour duty has helped out with staffing issues as the department has three open positions and a number of employees on light duty recovering City of West Allis Page 3 Printed on 6/19/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020 from various orthopedic types of surgeries. 8. Community Risk Reduction/Support Services Division Report Chief Pooler stated that as many of the tasks delegated to this bureau such as CPR training, smoke/CO installations, etc., were on hold due to COVID issues, AC Schaak used this time to research and write/apply for various grant funding opportunities. The bureau also took the lead on securing and distribution of PPE product for Milwaukee County municipalities as well as private business establishments such as funeral homes and nursing/assisted living complexes. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 9. Fire Prevention Bureau Report Chief Pooler stated that inspections are currently behind schedule due to COVID restrictions but will need to get back on track as state funding is tied to completion of all required inspections. He noted that as the county restrictions are beginning to lift, inspectors will be required to wear protective gear and start moving forward with completing inspections. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 10. Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Bureau Report Chief Pooler stated that as the MIH program was temporally on hold due to COVID, Ct. Suarez Del Real focused his attention on the coordination, logistics and distribution of PPE to surrounding municipalities, nursing and assisted living homes and other agencies in need of such equipment or sanitizer product. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 11. Fire Department Financial Report Current financial documentation was not provided by the City’s finance department 12. Master Plan Performance Snapshot Chief Pooler did not speak to any information contained in this report. 13. Request for approval: Promotion to Lieutenant Chief Pooler requested the approval for the promotion of FF/Paramedic Armando Suarez Del Real to the rank of Lieutenant. A motion was made by Commissioner Heron and seconded by Commissioner Manthei to approve the promotion as presented by Chief Pooler. City of West Allis Page 4 Printed on 6/19/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020 The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Cosby and Kopplin No: 0 City of West Allis Page 5 Printed on 6/19/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020 G. POLICE DEPARTMENT 14. Request for approval: Promotion to Deputy Chief of Police of Operations Chief Mitchell requested the approval for the promotion of Captain Christopher Marks to the rank of Deputy Chief of Police - Operations. A motion was made by Commissioner Heron and seconded by Commissioner Manthei to approve the promotion as presented by Chief Mitchell. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Cosby and Kopplin No: 0 15. Request for approval: Purchase replacement of damaged vehicle Chief Mitchell stated that on April 27, 2020, one of the unmarked squad cars was involved in an accident and was deemed totaled by the City’s insurance company, CVIMIC. Chief Mitchell requested approval from the board to purchase a replacement vehicle. He stated that CVMIC issued a reimbursement check to WAPD for $20,247.88 and the remaining cost of approximately$35,000 will be paid via the department’s Federal Equitable Sharing account. A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Heron to approve the promotion as presented by Chief Mitchell. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Cosby and Kopplin No: 0 16. Communication: Cleveland Heart Lab Summary Chief Mitchell stated that in 2019, the board had approved a proposal to offer medical testing, specifically looking for hidden risk factors for heart disease, from the Cleveland Heart lab. Chief Mitchell stated that this testing was available for sworn and non-sworn members and consisted of a simple blood draw to be analyzed for factors relative to heart disease and inflammation. He stated that the participation level was less than expected; noting that out of 165 members eligible, a total of 134 members participated. Chief Mitchell stated that every member who participated received a detailed report with their results to share with their own doctor. He also noted that each tested member had the opportunity to have a consult with a staff member of the Cleveland Heart Lab to further understand and discuss his/her results. He noted that the overall results showed a higher risk of heart disease among members tested and would appear to fall in-line with national data surrounding elevated heart disease risks for law enforcement officers. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. City of West Allis Page 6 Printed on 6/19/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020 17. Request for approval: Purchase of washer and dryer Chief Mitchell requested the approval to purchase a commercial washer and dryer unit for the department. He stated that the department is required by WDC to provide clean blankets to inmates and these blankets then need to be laundered/sterilized before they can be re-issued. The washer and dryer are also used to wash officer uniforms after an exposure to such diseases like MERSA and now ongoing because of COVID exposures. Chief Mitchell stated that the department has completed and submitted a DOJ Assistance Grant thru a COVID-19 Emergency Supplemental Funding program which would provide funds necessary to purchase these commercial units. A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Cosby to approve the purchase of the commercial washer and dryer units as presented by Chief Mitchell. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Cosby and Kopplin No: 0 18. Police Department Financial Report Current financial documentation was not provided by the City’s finance department 19. Monthly Performance Report Chief Mitchell thanked Lt. Beldin and Sgt. Mathy for preparing the WAPD staff for the COVID issues by securing necessary PPE safety equipment and hand sanitizer. Chief Mitchell stated that the Sgt. Mathy also researched how to decontaminate department issued N95 masks and implementation of the procedure allows shifts to clean their N-95 masks during the shift roll-call. Chief Mitchell stated that community type outreach programs have been cancelled due to COVID-19 including the 2020 National Night out event held at the Farmer’s Market. Chief Mitchell stated that the department has continued to make efforts to stay connected with the community by participating in birthday parades as allowable. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 20. Patrol Activity Report Chief Mitchell highlighted two incidents included in the Patrol Activity Report: Ø Charges relative to animal hoarding/neglect and unlawful reptiles; Ø Robbery and arrest of a suspect who attempted to escape by ramming his car into numerous police vehicles. Chief Mitchell stated that the suspect had pending criminal charges in Florida to include bail jumping. City of West Allis Page 7 Printed on 6/19/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020 Chief Mitchell stated that 20 OWI arrests for April is well below the monthly average of about 50. He contributed this decrease to the COVID stay at home directive currently in effect. 21. Communication Activity Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to any information contained in this report. 22. Community Services Bureau Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to any information contained in this report. 23. Criminal Investigations Unit Activity Report Chief Mitchell gave a brief update on an incident that occurred in September 2019 regarding a drug deal that did not go well. He noted that the incident had received a lot of publicity in the press as it involved numerous shots fired and vehicles chasing one another through the city. Chief Mitchell stated that the investigation of the incident lasted months but resulted in the arrest and appropriate charges of all involved parties, to include the male shooter who is a convicted felon. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 24. Tavern Violation Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to any information contained in this report. 25. Training Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to any information contained in this report. City of West Allis Page 8 Printed on 6/19/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020 H. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION 26. PFC Financial Report Current financial documentation was not provided by the City’s finance department 27. COVID-19 Financial Mitigation Actions The board was presented with a resolution from Common Council to review regarding actions to assist in mitigating the budget impacts and loss of revenue due to COVID-19. Chief Pooler stated that relative to the hiring freeze, the department is currently short staffed and as such, continually call back firefighters and/or officers for shifts and are paid out at the overtime pay level. He noted that additionally, the department is expecting 2-3 retirements by the end of 2020. Chief Pooler stated that hiring firefighters to fill open positions may be financially prudent versus hiring back and paying overtime. Chief Mitchell added that exceptions for hiring can be made in regard to hiring staff even though the resolution does state a hiring freeze. CAO Rebecca Grill stated that as an optional power Police and Fire Commission, the board can override a hiring freeze if filling such position(s) would be essential and beneficial to the department. CAO Grill stated that it would be at the Board’s discretion and agreement to do so. Chief Pooler also stated that relative to tuition reimbursement, this would be for non-represented employees only; it is a contractual element with the union and as such, will continue within the Fire Department. Commissioner Heron asked about the early retirement option and CAO Grill indicated that a working proposal was submitted and discussed at Common Council on May 19th. She stated that it would be an option for non-represented and non-sworn positions and once a position was vacated, the position would, most likely, not be filled. The Commissioners agreed to adopt the resolution as presented by CAO Grill, stating that the Police and Fire departments should continue to keep the board aware of hiring needs and efforts. 28. Discussion: Date selection for fire employee disciplinary hearing request Chief Pooler noted that this request for a hearing is relative to a current Lieutenant fighting a demotion and has requested a formal hearing process with the PFC. Chief Pooler stated that Sheryl Kuhary, the Assistant City Attorney, will be representing the Fire Department/PFC. He noted that this is trial type setting and will be conducted in open session. After discussion, Commissioner’s agreed on two dates, Thursday, May 28th or Thursday, June 4th. The recording secretary was asked to relay these dates to the attorney’s office for follow-up with the other party and confirm a date with PFC when able. City of West Allis Page 9 Printed on 6/19/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020 29. Discussion: Post COVID-19 PFC Attendance and Zoom Usage Commissioner Kopplin noted that with the safer-at-home extension set to expire at midnight on May 21, what would be the next steps to hold meetings going forward. CAO Grill stated that additional guidelines and recommendations will be provided by the health commissioner by next week. Commissioners agreed to wait for the health commissioner recommendations and to comply if/as necessary. They did agree do adhere to current social distancing regulations for the time being when meeting in person. 30. Discussion: Election of PFC Board Positions Commissioner Kopplin informed the board that he was reconfirmed by Mayor Devine at the April 21, 2020 Common Council meeting for another 5 year term on the board. On a motion made and seconded, Kurt Kopplin was nominated and accepted the position of President of the Police and Fire Commission Board. On a motion made and seconded, Mark Manthei was nominated and accepted the position of Vice President of the Police and Fire Commission Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Heron and seconded by Commissioner Manthei to nominate and approve Danielle Romain as Secretary of the Police and Fire Commission Board. I. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, on a motion made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 7:46 pm. City of West Allis Page 10 Printed on 6/19/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020 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 11 Printed on 6/19/2020