Police and Fire Commission

City of West Allis Meeting Minutes Police and Fire Commission Thursday, December 17, 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 5:35 pm B. ROLL CALL Present (in person): Commissioners Amy Heron and Kurt Kopplin Present (Zoom): Commissioners Mark Manthei, Kimberly Cosby and Danielle Romain Also Present (in person): Fire Chief Mason Pooler, Assistant Chief Jason Schaak, Captain Kyle Novak, Captain Armando Suarez del Real, Firefighter AJ Ottow Fire Department; Bridget Morawetz, Recording Secretary Also Present (Zoom): Police Chief Pat Mitchell, Deputy Chief Robert Fletcher, Deputy Chief Chris Marks - Police Department; CAO Rebecca Grill - City of West Allis C. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION 1. Closed session: Fire Deputy Chief candidate interview 2. Closed session: Notification of Police Officer disciplinary action City of West Allis Page 1 Printed on 1/25/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes December 17, 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, December 17, 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 Fire Department’s candidate for Deputy Chief and to discuss the discipline of a Police Officer. A closed session for the above purposes is authorized pursuant to the provision of Section 19.85(1)(b)(c) and (f) of the Wis. Stats., to consider dismissal, demotion, licensing or discipline of any public employee or person licensed by a board or commission or the investigation of charges against such persons, and to consider employment, promotion compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility, and to consider financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or the investigations of charges against specific persons except where par.(b) applies which, if discussed in public, would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person referred to in such histories or data, or involved in such problems or investigations. 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 by Commissioner Heron and seconded by Commissioner Manthei, the meeting convened into closed session at 5:38 pm. Closed session agenda items discussed On a motion made and seconded, the meeting reconvened into open session at 6:26 pm. E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the November 19, 2020 Closed Session and Regular Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Heron to approval the 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 1/25/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 F. POLICE DEPARTMENT 3. Communication and request for approval: Begin Crime Analyst hiring process Deputy Chief Bob Fletcher requested approval to begin a Crime Analyst hiring process. A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Heron to approve the request as presented by DC Fletcher. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Cosby, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 4. Police Department Financial Report DC Fletcher stated that limited court appearances by officers in 2020 contributed greatly to a reduced overtime budget. DC Fletcher did state however, that the Capital budget amount will be carried into 2021 as that money had been earmarked for the purchase of squad cars that have been ordered but not delivered due to COVID lockdown and a temporary stop in production. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 5. Monthly Performance Report DC Fletcher stated that after the establishment of the recent Police Officer eligibility list, four candidates are were offered positions and are in the final stages of completing psych evals and background checks. He noted that barring any issues, all four are expected to start with the department on January 7, 2021. DC Fletcher noted that the department’s training facility house continues to be a well-worth investment and has been utilized for various training exercises by many surrounding agencies to include the DEA and FBI. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 6. Patrol Activity Report DC Fletcher noted a number of appreciation letters recognizing Police Officers Jacob Roth, Daniel Foy and Kevyn Mussatti. DC Fletcher reviewed a mutual aid incident in New Berlin that involved the use of K9 Chaz. He stated that a fleeing suspect had run into a wooded area and as the suspect did not surrender, K9 Chaz was deployed and was quick to locate the hiding suspect. He noted that on-scene officers then took the suspect into custody. DC Fletcher noted that this incident was stressful as simultaneously, the Mayfair Mall shooting incident/area were still on high alert. City of West Allis Page 3 Printed on 1/25/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 7. Communications Activity Report DC Fletcher did not speak to anything contained in this report. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 8. Community Services Bureau Report DC Fletcher did not speak to anything contained in this report. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 9. Criminal Investigations Unit Activity Report DC Fletcher noted an incident of shots fired at the same residence in October and November. He stated that the investigation is ongoing but cooperation from the residents has been challenging. DC Fletcher stated that the department is working with the attorney’s office to have the property declared a nuisance property. DC Fletcher also reviewed a unique fraud case that happened to a local business. He stated that an employee was persuaded to drive to Wausau Wisconsin to meet a supposed employee of the parent company and gave that person $7,000. DC Fletcher stated that further investigations found similar fraud attempts throughout Wisconsin in recent months. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 10. Tavern Violation Report DC Fletcher noted that the bar, Stallywood, had a particular bad November and the department will be keeping an eye on the establishment over the next few months. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 11. Training Report DC Fletcher did not speak to anything contained in this report. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. City of West Allis Page 4 Printed on 1/25/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 G. FIRE DEPARTMENT 12. Request for approval: Promotion to Deputy Chief Chief Pooler requested the approval of promotion for Captain Kyle Novak to the rank of Deputy Chief. A motion was made by Commission Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Heron to approve the promotion as requested. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Cosby, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 13. Operations Division Report Chief Pooler briefly reviewed the garage fires included in Chief Scharfenberg’s report. He stated that the fire located on Mitchell Street was a complete loss with no concrete determination of cause. The other garage fire located on S 64th Street was determined to be an electrical overload potentially due to the use of a portable battery charger. While not a total loss, Chief Pooler stated that the damage was extensive. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 14. EMS Bureau Report Captain Novak noted that November has turned out to be the busiest month to date in 2020. He also stated that the department came in contact with 88 confirmed COVID positive patients, but stated that he suspects the number could be higher however many refuse transport and/or testing at the hospital. Captain Novak also reviewed briefly an incident that involved a child’s hand trapped in an exercise bike. He stated that after the responding crew cut the bike into pieces, the child, with his hand still encased in a piece of the bike, were transported to the ER for additional care. Captain Novak stated that removal of the fingers was successful from the piece of equipment and the child did not suffer any permanent type damage. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 15. EMS Revenue Reports Chief Pooler stated the EMS revenue is back on track and still expected to achieve the budgeted targeted revenue. He did note that the Crash billing revenue is under expectations and that is attributed to previous stay at home mandates as well as many people continuing to work from home. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. City of West Allis Page 5 Printed on 1/25/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 16. QPR Monthly Report - November Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained in this report. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 17. Training Bureau Report Chief Pooler stated that adhering to strict safety protocols, to include small groups, social distancing and mask wearing, in-person training exercises in November was conducted at the Police Department’s training facility. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 18. Community Risk Reduction/Support Services Report Chief Schaak shared some of the safety initiatives the CRR bureau has been working on. He stated that, in conjunction with the City’s Communication division, videos were created relative to turkey fryer safety and holiday kitchen safety. He stated that additionally, a COVID-19 Mask video was created. AC Schaak noted that this video, while getting the message of safety across, gave a fun, light-hearted approach to mask wearing. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 19. Fire Prevention Bureau Report AC Schaak stated that the Fire Prevention Bureau recently became an authorized delegate for the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). He noted that this delegation allows the bureau to conduct reviews of fire protection system plans which will allow for more efficient and timely reviews of construction projects for the City. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 20. Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Bureau Report Captain Suarez Del Real introduced Acting MIH Lieutenant AJ Ottow to share with the Commissioners a home safety and fall risk MIH program initiative. A/MIH Lt Ottow noted that the goal of this program is to help make homes safer for older citizens. He noted that an in-home assessment is first conducted, and any safety issues are documented. From there he noted that corrections can be as simple as removing throw rugs or more involved such as adding a light fixture to brighten up a dark hallway. A/MIH Lt Ottow stated recent grant funding has been helpful to purchase and install more expensive safety items such as grab bars, bed rails or shower chairs - free of charge to the citizen. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. City of West Allis Page 6 Printed on 1/25/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 21. Fire Department Financial Report Chief Pooler stated that the department’s budget continues to be in line with expectation of spending to date. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 22. Master Plan Performance Report Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained in this report. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 23. Request for approval: Purchase of (4) Zoll Cardia Monitors Chief Pooler submitted an approval to purchase request for (4) Zoll cardiac monitors. He stated that these four monitors are due to be returned to Milwaukee County EMS to be used as trade-in models. Chief Pooler stated that they are in good working condition and have been maintained by WAFD staff. He stated that the trade-in value of $10,222 each is reasonable given the cost of a new one and funds are available in the 2020 EMS budget line item. A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Heron to approve the purchase of four (4) Zoll cardiac monitors as presented by Chief Pooler. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Cosby, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 24. Request for approval: Purchase of a powered ambulance cot Chief Pooler presented a request from Chief Schaak to purchase a powered ambulance cot. He stated that this will be a replacement for a current power cot that has reached its 7-year life expectancy and is no longer serviceable. Chief Pooler stated that funding for the new cot had been allocated in the 2021 budget. A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Heron to approve this purchase as presented by Chief Pooler. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Cosby, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 25. Communication: Firefighter interview dates Chief Pooler confirmed with the Commissioners that January 26th and 27th will be held for firefighter interviews. He stated that January 28 will be a holdover date if necessary. City of West Allis Page 7 Printed on 1/25/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 26. Communication: Notification of promotion to Captain Chief Pooler stated that with the promotion of Captain Dan DeSnoo to Battalion Chief recently, Lieutenant Brandon Foley has been promoted to Captain. Lt. Foley was next on the Captain eligibility list that was approved by the Board in July of 2019. 27. Communication: Notification of retirement Chief Pooler stated that Equipment Operator Dan Kirchner will retire from the department effective January 1, 2021. He noted that EO Kirchner was a 31-year veteran of the department and had been an Equipment Operator for 22 of those years. He also noted that Dan’s Father and an Uncle were retired members of the department and both had also served as Equipment Operators. The Commissioners thanked EO Kirchner for his service and wished him a happy and healthy retirement. H. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION 28. PFC Financial Report The Commissioners had no questions or comments about the PFC financial report. I. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, on a motion made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm. City of West Allis Page 8 Printed on 1/25/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes December 17, 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 1/25/2021