Police and Fire Commission

City of West Allis Meeting Minutes Police and Fire Commission Thursday, November 18, 2021 4:30 PM West Allis Police Department 11301 W. Lincoln Ave. REGULAR MEETING AND CLOSED SESSIONS A. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Kopplin called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm B. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Amy Heron, Leverett Baldwin and Kurt Kopplin Arrived at 6:00 pm: Commissioner Mark Manthei Excused: Commissioner Danielle Romain Also present: Police Chief Pat Mitchell, Deputy Chief Chris Marks, Deputy Chief Robert Fletcher - Police Department; Fire Chief Mason Pooler, Lieutenant Jesse Schwark - Fire Department; CAO Rebecca Grill - City of West Allis; Bridget Morawetz, Recording Secretary C. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION 1. Closed session: Interview of Captain of Police candidate(s) 2. Closed session: Interview of Lieutenants of Police candidate(s) 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 18, 2021 at 4:30 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 candidates for the positions of Captain of Police and Lieutenants of Police 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 by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Baldwin, the meeting convened into closed session at 4:37 pm. On a motion made and seconded, the meeting reconvened into open session at 5:45 pm City of West Allis Page 1 Printed on 12/20/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021 E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the October 21, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Heron to approve the October 21, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Baldwin and Kopplin Nay: 0 City of West Allis Page 2 Printed on 12/20/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021 F. FIRE DEPARTMENT 3. Operations Division Report Chief Pooler stated that the increase in false alarms in October was the result of a construction oversight on Hwy 100 that triggered approximately 30 false alarm calls from various businesses. Chief Pooler reviewed the automatic aid report now included in AC Scharfenberg’s report and stated that mutual aid given to Milwaukee will most likely even out in 2022 as Milwaukee has engaged in a beneficial solution with two private ambulance services, Bell and Curtis. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 4. EMS Bureau Report Chief Pooler stated that the American Heart Association recognized WAFD for their successful use of their Mission Lifeline program. He stated that this program is specific to heart attack and stroke procedures and recognition for EMS responders for excellence in STEMI care. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 5. EMS Revenue Report Chief Pooler stated that EMS billing revenue to date is above budgeted projection and can be attributed to better report writing by staff that results in bills paid on a timely basis by all payable sources. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 6. QPR Performance Report - October Chief Pooler did not highlight anything on this report and there were no additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file. 7. Training Bureau Report Chief Pooler stated that the current probationary firefighters continue to progress successfully thru training and recently completed their six-month probationary firefighter’s exam. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 8. Community Risk Reduction/Support Services Division Report Chief Pooler stated that a new Battalion Chief car were recently acquired thru Ewald and the next steps will be to have upfitted with necessary equipment as well as have it spray painted to match the existing fleet of fire department vehicles. City of West Allis Page 3 Printed on 12/20/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021 Chief Pooler recognized Ct. Matt LaDousa for the completion of the annual hose testing. Chief Pooler stated that this testing process is long and laborious as it requires that over 375 sections of hose be removed from the trucks, laid out and tested to ensure compliance with industry standards. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 9. Request for approval: Patient Ping software subscription extension A motion was made by Commissioner Manthei and seconded by Commissioner Baldwin to approve this request as presented. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Baldwin and Kopplin Nay: 0 10. Fire Prevention Bureau Report Chief Pooler did not highlight anything included in this report except to note that collection of $10,000 for false alarm fees is most likely what has been billed out to date but not necessarily collected. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 11. Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Bureau Report Chief Pooler reviewed some of the benchmarks included with this report. He stated that the uptick in the high utilizer’s group (HUG) was concerning but noted that additional MIH staffing have been tasked to identify the issues. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 12. Request for Approval: Qualified Service Organization Agreement A motion was made by Commissioner Baldwin and seconded by Commissioner Kopplin to approve this request as presented. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Heron, Manthei, Baldwin and Kopplin Nay: 0 13. Fire Department Financial Report Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained in this report and the report was placed on file. 14. Master Plan Performance Snapshot Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained in this report and the report was City of West Allis Page 4 Printed on 12/20/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021 placed on file. 15. Request for approval: Mutual aid agreement with 128th Air Refueling Wing Chief Pooler reviewed a change in this mutual aid agreement that was included and will be going forward regarding the use of fire-fighting foam and exclusion of liability if it is necessary to use fire-fighting foam. After brief discussion between the Commissioners and Chief Pooler regarding the use and issues of the fire-fighting foam, a motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Manthei to approve the request as presented. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Baldwin and Kopplin Nay: 0 16. Communication: Voluntary demotion of Battalion Chief Chief Pooler stated that Battalion Chief Dan deSnoo has requested a voluntary demotion back to Captain. Chief Pooler stated that BC deSnoo appreciated his year as a Battalion Chief but felt that the role of Captain was a better career fit. City of West Allis Page 5 Printed on 12/20/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021 G. POLICE DEPARTMENT 17. Request for approval: Promotion to Captain of Police A motion was made by Commissioner Baldwin and seconded by Commissioner Kopplin to approve the requests for agenda items 17, 18 and 19 as presented. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Baldwin and Kopplin Nay: 0 18. Request for approval: Promotion of Lieutenants of Police 19. Request for approval: Lieutenant of Police eligibility list 20. Request for approval: Increase in pay upon appointment of new police officers This agenda item was tabled and will be revisited at the December PFC meeting. 21. Communication: Mayor’s budget proposal and reckless driving initiative Chief Mitchell introduced and reviewed a quality of life focus for the city and the police department - Reckless Driving Deterrence campaign initiative. He stated that WI Stat 941.01 regarding Negligent Operation of Vehicle provides legality and fees associated with such a citation. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 22. Communication: Police department parking lot security upgrades Chief Mitchell shared with the Commissioners some changes made recently to the department’s staff parking lot. He stated that long-time concerns with staff accosted by the public had initiated these changes and the security changes will ensure a safer environment for all staff. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments relative to this communication. 23. Request for purchase approval: Investigative squads A motion was made by Commissioner Manthei and seconded by Commissioner Baldwin to approve the vehicle purchases as presented. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Heron, Manthei, Baldwin and Kopplin Nay: 0 24. Police Department Financial Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to anything contained in this report and the report was placed on file. City of West Allis Page 6 Printed on 12/20/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021 25. Monthly Performance Report Chief Mitchell stated that several detectives and supervisors recently attended a course entitled Introduction to Human Dynamics and Conflict Resolution presented by Force Science Institute. Chief Mitchell stated that attendees found the course informative and came away with new ideas to resolve high-stress situations. Chief Mitchell also gave a brief update on the car thefts that continue to happen in not only West Allis, but surrounding communities as well. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 26. Patrol Activity Report Chief Mitchell recognized Sgt Adam Niemuth for his assistance with an elderly male who was found to be in diabetic shock sitting in his car. Chief Mitchell stated that Sgt. Niemuth observed the situation on his way to work and stayed with the patient until WAFD arrived and the patient’s family had been notified. The Commissioners had no additional question or comments and the report was placed on file. 27. Communications Activity Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to anything contained in this report and the report was placed on file. 28. Community Services Bureau Report Chief Mitchell stated that the 2021-22 school year is off to a rough start and reviewed a recent fighting incident that took place at Nathan Hale High School. He stated that school liaisons have been busy monitoring daily student activities at their assigned schools. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 29. Criminal Investigations Unit Activity Report Chief Mitchell reviewed a recent stabbing incident noting that the victim’s injury was not life threatening and expected to make a full recovery. Chief Mitchell noted that it appears to be trending that violent injury crimes have been with a knife rather than a gun. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 30. Tavern Violations Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to anything contained in this report and the report was placed on file. City of West Allis Page 7 Printed on 12/20/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021 31. Training Report Chief Mitchell stated that, in conjunction with Brookfield PD, both departments participated and completed PIT (pursuit intervention technique) training. He stated that this training is required every two years for every sworn staff member in the department. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. H. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION 32. PFC Financial Report The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments regarding this report. 33. Closed session: Report of police officer disciplinary action 34. Closed session: Discussion of police and fire candidate interview questions City of West Allis Page 8 Printed on 12/20/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021 I. CLOSED SESSION PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners of the City of West Allis will, upon conclusion of open session, consider and vote on a motion to convene in closed session at said time and place to review and discuss disciplinary actions relative to a West Allis Police Officer and to discuss police and fire candidate interview questions. A closed session for the above purpose is authorized pursuant to the provision of Section 19.85(b)(f) and (e) 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 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 and par. (e) for the purpose of deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Immediately upon completion of the closed session, the Board of Police and Fire Commission will reconvene in open session at said time and place to consider any other matters on the agenda. A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Manthei to convene into closed session at 7:25 pm Closed session items discussed On a motion made and seconded, the meeting reconvened into open session at 7:48 pm J. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, on a motion made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm. City of West Allis Page 9 Printed on 12/20/2021 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 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 12/20/2021