Police and Fire Commission

City of West Allis Meeting Minutes Police and Fire Commission Thursday, August 19, 2021 6:00 PM West Allis Fire Department 7332 W. National Ave. REGULAR MEETING A. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Kopplin called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. B. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Amy Heron, Mark Manthei, Danielle Romain, Leverett Baldwin and Kurt Kopplin Also Present: Fire Chief Mason Pooler, Assistant Chief Jason Schaak, Battalion Chief Mallory Stiglitz, Lieutenant Jesse Schwark, Fire Inspector Tyson Novinska - Fire Department; Police Chief Pat Mitchell - Police Department; CAO Rebecca Grill - City of West Allis; Bridget Morawetz, Recording Secretary C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the July 15, 2021 Regular and Closed Session Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Manthei and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve the July 15, 2021 Regular and Closed Session Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Romain, Baldwin and Kopplin Nay: 0 City of West Allis Page 1 Printed on 9/17/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 D. POLICE DEPARTMENT 1. Request for approval: 2022 Operating and Capital Budget Chief Mitchell reviewed and presented to the Commissioners his submissions and request for the 2022 budget year. Chief Mitchell stated that in previous years, the purchase and repair of the department’s radios was budgeted within IT, however, for the 2022 budget and moving forward, these costs will be transferred to the police department’s budget. Chief Mitchell stated that this change will increase the budget amount for two police accounts, Tech and Maintenance Fees and Communication Equipment. Chief Mitchell also presented information on two new Capital requests for the Commissioner’s approval: Ø Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) for parking control; Ø Microfilm machine After discussion and clarification on requests, a motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Heron to approve Chief Mitchell’s 2022 Operating and Capital Budget submissions. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Baldwin, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 2. Request for approval: Increased pay for Patrol Officer Jordan Cooper A motion was made by Commissioner Baldwin and seconded by Commissioner Manthei to approve this request as presented by Chief Mitchell. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Romain, Baldwin and Kopplin Nay: 0 3. Police Department Financial Report There was no discussion relative to the police department budget and the report was placed on file. 4. Monthly Performance Report Chief Mitchell stated that in July, there were 6.5 open positions, however, in August, five (5) police officers were hired. He stated that the remaining 1.5 vacancies will remain open in order to utilize salary monies to offset end of year costs. Chief Mitchell stated that car thefts continue to be an issue. He stated that the department continues to pass out flyers with car safety tips as well as City of West Allis Page 2 Printed on 9/17/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 on social media sites. He also stated that anti-theft steering wheel clubs have been received from various vendors and have been given to citizens as they become available. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 5. Patrol Activity Report Chief Mitchell spoke again to the issue of car thefts in West Allis as well as surrounding cites of Milwaukee county. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 6. Communications Activity Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to anything contained in the report and there were no questions or comments from the Commissioners. The report was placed on file. 7. Community Services Bureau Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to anything contained in the report and there were no questions or comments from the Commissioners. The report was placed on file. 8. Criminal Investigations Unit Activity Report Chief Mitchell spoke to a serious allegation of sexual assault that took place in early July. Detective Wink was assigned to the case and after an intensive investigation of and interviews with both parties, it was eventually determined that the story had been fabricated by the alleged victim and the alleged offender was subsequently released from jail. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 9. Tavern Violation Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to anything contained in the report and there were no questions or comments from the Commissioners. The report was placed on file. 10. Training Report Chief Mitchell stated that all police officers at the probationary level are doing well and currently no concerns have arisen relative to their performance and training. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the City of West Allis Page 3 Printed on 9/17/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 report was placed on file. City of West Allis Page 4 Printed on 9/17/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 E. FIRE DEPARTMENT 11. Operations Division Report Chief Pooler briefly reviewed the two fires included in Chief Scharfenberg’s report as well as the benchmarks relative to the Operations division. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 12. EMS Bureau Report Chief Pooler reviewed a highlighted call relative to a trench rescue incident. He stated that the unresponsive patient was found at the bottom of a construction site trench. Chief Pooler stated that crew members were lowered into the trench to access the patient and were able to remove the patient safely. He stated that the patient was transported and is currently recovering from sustained injuries. Chief Pooler noted that trench rescues can be challenging and dangerous as the condition and stability of a trench can be questionable. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 13. EMS Revenue Report Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained in the report and there were no questions or comments from the Commissioners. The report was placed on file. 14. QPR Performance Report - July Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained in the report and there were no questions or comments from the Commissioners. The report was placed on file. 15. Training Bureau Report Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained in the report and there were no questions or comments from the Commissioners. The report was placed on file. 16. Community Risk Reduction/Support Services Division Report Assistant Chief Jason Schaak spoke briefly to the following initiatives of his bureau to include: Ø PulsePoint data; Ø Opioid overdose crisis The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the City of West Allis Page 5 Printed on 9/17/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 report was placed on file. 17. Fire Prevention Bureau Report AC Schaak introduced Fire Inspector Tyson Novinska to the Commissioners. He stated that Fire Inspector Novinska joined the department in 2012 and in 2020 took on the role of Fire Inspector. AC Schaak also noted that he is the current President of the department’s union, Local 342. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 18. Communication: 2021 Smoke Alarm Campaign AC Schaak stated that the first smoke alarm campaign in over a year took place on June 5, 2021. He stated that members installed 141 smoke detectors and/or CO alarms the campaign area. AC Schaak stated that another smoke alarm/CO event is planned for October. 19. Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Bureau Report AC Schaak stated that a recent JS Online article focused on the MIH team’s work with substance abuse disorder as well as the team’s homelessness outreach efforts. He stated that in cooperation with resources such as Community Medical Services and Street Angels, the MIH team continues to make positive strides in combatting these life debilitating issues. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 20. Fire Department Financial Report Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained in the report and there were no questions or comments from the Commissioners. The report was placed on file. 21. Master Plan Performance Snapshot Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained in the report and there were no questions or comments from the Commissioners. The report was placed on file. 22. Communication: Retirement of Fire Inspector Chief Pooler stated that Fire Inspector John Brehm will retire from the department effective at 0800 hours on September 16, 2021 after 25 years of service with the department. The Commissioners thanked FI Brehm for his service and wished him a happy and healthy retirement. City of West Allis Page 6 Printed on 9/17/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 23. Request for approval: Three (3) probationary firefighters to permanent roster Chief Pooler stated that probationary firefighter’s Corey Calvert, Andrew Holzer and Nicholas Prom have completed their first-year training and there have been no concerns relative to their performance by their assigned Captain’s. Chief Pooler requested approval to place all three on the department’s permanent roster. A motion was made by Commissioner Heron and seconded by Commissioner Baldwin to approve this request as presented by Chief Pooler. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Heron, Manthei, Baldwin, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 24. Request for approval: Establish an Equipment Operator eligibility list A motion was made by Commissioner Baldwin and seconded by Commissioner Manthei to approve this request as presented by Chief Pooler. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Heron, Manthei, Baldwin, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 25. Request for approval: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WAFD and the Street Angels 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, Heron, Manthei, Baldwin, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 26. Request for approval: Business Associate Agreement (BAA) between WAFD and MCW A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve this request as presented by Chief Pooler. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Heron, Manthei, Baldwin, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 City of West Allis Page 7 Printed on 9/17/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 27. Request for approval: Apparatus Sharing Agreement A motion was made by Commissioner Heron and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve this request as presented by Chief Pooler. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Heron, Manthei, Baldwin, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 28. Request for approval: Transfer of funds A motion was made by Commissioner Baldwin and seconded by Commissioner Heron to approve this request as presented by Chief Pooler. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 5, Heron, Manthei, Baldwin, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 29. Request for approval: 2022 Operating and Capital Budget Chief Pooler reviewed and presented to the Commissioners his submissions and requests for the 2022 budget year. Chief Pooler stated that in previous years, the purchase and repair of the department’s radios was budgeted within IT, however, for the 2022 budget and moving forward, these costs will be transferred to the fire department’s budget. Chief Pooler stated that this change will increase the budget amount for two fire accounts, Maintenance Contracts and Equipment Repairs. He also stated that the budget line for general software licenses has been increased slightly as well as an increase in the Education budget line to accommodate paramedic national registry renewals in 2022. Chief Pooler also noted that the following are 2022 capital requests for consideration: Ø Replacement ambulance; Ø Replacement pick-up truck; Ø Replacement and new ballistic protective gear; Ø Replacement garage doors for fire station 62 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, Heron, Manthei, Baldwin, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 City of West Allis Page 8 Printed on 9/17/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 F. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION 30. PFC Financial Report The PFC financial report was presented and placed on file. 31. Request for approval: PFC 2022 Operating and Capital Budget CAO Rebecca Grill submitted to the Commissioners their 2022 PFC budget for review and approval. The 2022 presented budget was approved via unanimous vote by the Commissioners. 32. Discussion: Commissioners presence at fire and/or police active incidents Commissioner Kopplin stated that Commissioner’s should not attend any fire or police incidents due to safety and liability issues. Also, department integrity and Commission Board objectivity is crucial if any type of disciplinary action or other action taken at an incident would come before the board. Both Chief Pooler and Chief Mitchell invited the Commissioner’s to contact them directly if there was an interest to participate in a ride-along. 33. Discussion: Shared Services impact discussion with Local 342 Commissioner Kopplin recognized Fire Inspector Tyson Novinska and Lieutenant Jesse Schwark, respectively, President and Vice President of Local 342. In discussion amongst the Commissioners, FI Novinska, Lt Schwark and Chief Pooler regarding current shared services challenges, it was noted that Milwaukee Fire Department has increased their reliance on West Allis due to Milwaukee closing a number of stations that boarder Milwaukee and West Allis. Additionally, it was noted that two of the four major private ambulance services servicing Milwaukee terminated their contracts with the City, which impacted West Allis as well. Chief Pooler indicated that the demand for shared services has increased overall, however, he stated that West Allis has also benefited from the shared services agreement. Chief Pooler assured the Commissioners that the priority of the department has and will continue to be the tax paying citizens of West Allis. The Commissioner’s thanked FI Novinska and Lt Schwark for their input in the discussion and asked Chief Pooler to continue to keep them up-to-date on shared service challenges and impact on the department. G. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, on a motion made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 8:06 pm. City of West Allis Page 9 Printed on 9/17/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes August 19, 2021 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 9/17/2021