Police and Fire Commission

City of West Allis Meeting Minutes Police and Fire Commission Thursday, June 18, 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, Kimberly Cosby, Danielle Romain and Kurt Kopplin Also Present: Police Chief Pat Mitchell, Deputy Chief Chris Marks, Deputy Chief Robert Fletcher, Lieutenant Brian Saftig - Police Department; Fire Chief Mason Pooler - Fire Department; CAO Rebecca Grill - City of West Allis; Fourth District Alderman Dan Roadt; and Bridget Morawetz, Recording Secretary C. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION 1. Closed Session: Captain of Police Candidate Interview 2. West Allis Police Department Proclamation On behalf of Mayor Devine and the entire Common Council board, CAO Rebecca Grill and Fourth District Alderman Dan Roadt presented Police Chief Mitchell with a City of West Allis Proclamation and Resolution stating continued full support of the West Allis Police Department, their services and officers. City of West Allis Page 1 Printed on 7/17/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 18, 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, June 18, 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 Captain 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 5:32 pm Candidate Interview On a motion made and seconded, the meeting reconvened into open session at 5:55 pm E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the May 21, 2020 Closed Session and Regular Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Manthei and seconded by Commissioner Cosby to approve the May 21, 2020 Closed Session and Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Cosby, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 City of West Allis Page 2 Printed on 7/17/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 F. POLICE DEPARTMENT 3. Request for approval: Promotion to Captain of Police Chief Mitchell requested the promotion approval of Lieutenant Brian Saftig to Captain of Police. A motion was made by Commissioner Romain and seconded by Commissioner Cosby to approve this promotion. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Cosby, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 4. Request for approval: Begin Lieutenant promotional process Chief Mitchell requested the approval to begin a Lieutenant promotional process. A motion was made by Commissioner Heron and seconded by Commissioner Manthei to approve Chief Mitchell’s request. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Cosby, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 5. Communication: Protest activity in West Allis Chief Mitchell reviewed with the Commissioners the recent civil unrest and protests that have taken place throughout Milwaukee County. He noted that all surrounding departments have been in consistent contact and had set up command posts in different areas to monitor activity and provide the ability to respond quickly if necessary. He stated that the protests in West Allis were fairly calm and organized. Additional discussion ensued between the Chief and Commissioners relative to police tactics, use of force and police reform initiatives. 6. Police Department Financial Report Current financial documentation was not provided by the City’s finance department 7. Monthly Performance Report DC Fletcher noted that online classroom training has been implemented to ensure officers are receiving required training. The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. City of West Allis Page 3 Printed on 7/17/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 8. Patrol Activity Report DC Fletcher stated the department’s WAPD POST team was called to duty to work with officers who responded to a horrific motorcycle accident that resulted in the death of two young adults. The Commissioners had no other questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 9. Communications Activity Report DC Fletcher did not speak to any information contained in this report. 10. Community Services Bureau Report DC Fletcher thanked Holli Stephens for her continued work with the WISH (Women Initiate Self-healing & Hope) DV support group. He stated that meetings continued to be held via Zoom during the Safer at Home order. The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 11. Criminal Investigations Unit Activity Report DC Fletcher reviewed a robbery/carjacking incident that took place in March of 2019 in a West Allis McDonald’s parking lot. He stated that at the time, the suspect was able to escape with the victim’s car, which was later located in the City of Milwaukee. DC Fletcher stated that investigation continued into this incident throughout the year and detectives recently arrested a suspect in connection with this incident. He noted that this same suspect had been connected to numerous other crimes within the City of Milwaukee as well. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 12. Tavern Violation Report DC Fletcher stated that a few select bar/tavern establishments violated the extended Stay at Home order put in place by Gov. Evers. He noted that these establishments will be subject to a $650.00 per day ticket as well as be required to close for the same number of days they were open and in violation of the Governor’s order. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 13. Training Report DC Fletcher did not speak to any information contained in this report. City of West Allis Page 4 Printed on 7/17/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 G. FIRE DEPARTMENT 14. Operations Division Report Chief Pooler reviewed the incidents contained within the Operations report. He stated that the first fire noted in the report was the result of a child playing with a lighter. Chief Pooler stated the damage to the home was significant and the parents were made aware of the Juvenile Fire Safety program offered by the department. Chief Pooler stated that the other incident was a mutual aid call with New Berlin. He noted that once the fire was contained it was discovered that water running out of the building was contaminated by chemicals and a hazmat team was called to the scene. Exposure reports were submitted by team members on hand due to skin rashes and shortness of breath that developed throughout the day. Chief Pooler also noted that non-repairable damage occurred to fire hoses and turnout gear and that the city’s insurance company, CVMIC, had been contacted to begin insurance claims as necessary. Chief Pooler noted that in June the call processing time will be reduced from 90 seconds to 75 seconds with the end goal of reducing to 60 seconds to meet the NFPA standard. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 15. EMS Bureau Report Chief Pooler shared with the Commissioners a redacted recording of a 911 call noting how the WAPD dispatcher followed EMD protocols when speaking with the caller. This resulted in a positive outcome for the actual patient. He noted that this call is an excellent example of money well spent relative to the EMD program and the structure and guidance provided by the protocol requirements. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 16. EMS Revenue Report Chief Pooler did not speak to any information contained in this report. 17. National Q Dispatch Monthly Performance Report Chief Pooler did not speak to any information contained in this report. 18. Training Bureau Report Chief Pooler stated that training in May consisted of live fire training as well as joint fire in-service training with surrounding departments. Chief Pooler noted that the current four probationary firefighters continue to progress in their field training and perform satisfactorily. City of West Allis Page 5 Printed on 7/17/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 The Commissioner had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 19. Request for approval: Firefighter Recruitment Interviews Chief Pooler request approval to move forward with firefighter recruitment interviews. He stated that at the May meeting, the PFC had supported a hiring freeze with the understanding that the decision could be revisited. Chief Pooler noted that prior to the freeze and to date, there have been a total of four retirements announced and he is anticipating more before the end of the year. Additionally he noted that there are a number of members on long term sick/light duty assignment due to orthopedic type injuries and surgeries. A motion was made by Commissioner Manthei and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve this request as presented by Chief Pooler. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioner Heron, Manthei, Romain, Cosby and Kopplin Nay: 0 20. Community Risk Reduction/Support Services Division Report Chief Pooler stated this bureau has turned over the operations of the PPE distribution to Milwaukee County OEM and they will now be the contact for these types of requests. Chief Pooler noted that Fleet Manager Jeremiah Behrs has been instrumental in a number of cost saving opportunities for the department. He noted that in addition to his mechanical skills, he is also a welder and fabricated from scratch a new forced entry training prop as well as repair a severely damaged forced entry door at Station 62. Chief Pooler noted that he was also instrumental in the rebuild of a CPAT blind maze. The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 21. Fire Prevention Bureau Report Chief Pooler stated that fire inspections have started up again and it is anticipated that all required inspections will be completed by the end of the year. The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 22. Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Bureau Report Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained within this report City of West Allis Page 6 Printed on 7/17/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 23. Fire Department Financial Report Current financial documentation was not provided by the City’s finance department 24. Master Plan Performance Report Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained within this report 25. Communication: Notification of Retirements Chief Pooler stated that Equipment Operator Jeff Cavett retired from the department after 22 years of service on June 7, 2020. Chief Pooler stated that Battalion Chief Dave Jarosch will retire from the department after 32 years of service on July 10, 2020. 26. Request for approval: Promotion to Lieutenant Chief Pooler requested the approval to promote Equipment Operator Kristopher Ries to the rank of Lieutenant. A motion was made by Commissioner Manthei and seconded by Commissioner Heron to approve the promotion as presented by Chief Pooler. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Romain, Cosby and Kopplin Nay: 0 27. Communication: Promotions to Equipment Operator Chief Pooler stated with the retirement of EO Cavett and the promotion of EO Ries to Lieutenant, FF Kevin Acker and FF Alex Streicher have been promoted to fill these EO vacancies. Chief Pooler stated that FF Acker and FF Streicher finished first and second respectively on the EO promotional list that was established in November of 2019. 28. Request for approval: Extractor Washer for Station 62 Chief Pooler requested the approval to purchase a new extractor washer for Station 62. He noted that the current unit is 15 years old and has begun to show signs of wear and expensive repairs will be needed. He noted that such a washer is necessary to clean PPE gear safety so as not to damage the special material, but also to clean PPE effectively to remove carcinogens and chemicals debris. A motion was made by Commissioner Heron and seconded by Commissioner Manthei to approve this purchase as requested by Chief Pooler. City of West Allis Page 7 Printed on 7/17/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020 The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Romain, Cosby and Kopplin Nay: 0 29. Request for approval: VA/MIH Contract Chief Pooler presented a contract between Milwaukee Veterans Affairs and the MIH bureau to begin a 2- year MIH program to work with the VA’s most at need veteran population. He noted that this type of contract is the first of its kind in the nation and considered to be a template for future MIH/VA partnerships elsewhere in the country. A motion was made by Commissioner Manthei and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve this purchase as requested by Chief Pooler. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Romain, Cosby and Kopplin Nay: 0 H. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION 30. PFC Financial Report Current financial documentation was not provided by the City’s finance department 31. Discussion: Date selection for fire employee disciplinary hearing request Commissioners agreed on the date of Thursday, July 30, 2020 at 6:00 pm. Commissioner Kopplin requested that the recording secretary contact the City Attorney’s office with this information. 32. Communication: Confirmation of Firefighter Interviews Commissioner Kopplin stated that firefighter interviews would take place on Wednesday, June 24th. He noted that dinner would be available by 4:45 pm and the first interview will be scheduled for 5:30 pm. 33. Confirmation of the Fire Chief’s 2019 annual performance evaluation and 2020 goal setting in closed session at the July 16, 2020 PFC meeting Commissioner Kopplin asked the Commissioners to be prepared accordingly to participate in this evaluation and goal setting process. 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 8 Printed on 7/17/2020 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 18, 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 9 Printed on 7/17/2020