Police and Fire Commission

City of West Allis Meeting Minutes Police and Fire Commission Thursday, June 16, 2022 6:00 PM West Allis Fire Department 7332 W. National Ave. REGULAR AND CLOSED SESSION MEETING A. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Manthei called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm B. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Mark Manthei, Lev Baldwin, Danielle Romain and Kurt Kopplin Excused: Commissioner Amy Heron Also present: Police Chief Pat Mitchell, Deputy Chief Robert Fletcher, Deputy Chief Chris Marks - Police Department; Fire Chief Mason Pooler, Lieutenant Jesse Schwark, Firefighter Quinn Dombrowski - Fire Department; City Administrator Rebecca Grill - City of West Allis; Bridget Morawetz, Recording Secretary C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the May 19, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Romain and seconded by Commissioner Baldwin to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Manthei, Baldwin, Kopplin and Romain Nay: 0 City of West Allis Page 1 Printed on 7/22/2022 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2022 D. POLICE DEPARTMENT 1. Request for approval: Unplanned absence policy for non-represented members Chief Mitchell stated that this policy is already a city policy and he would like to adopt it as part of police policy. Chief Mitchell noted that this policy relates to non-represented employees Lieutenants and above as well as all non-sworn members of the department. Chief Mitchell explained that adoption of this policy will provide structure to manage absence abuse by providing disciplinary documentation steps with employees. A motion was made by Commissioner Baldwin and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve this request as presented by Chief Mitchell. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Manthei, Baldwin, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 2. Request for approval: Axon body worn cameras and unlimited storage Chief Mitchell presented a request to enter into a 5-year contract with Axon to acquire and maintain body worn cameras and unlimited storage capability. A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve this request. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Manthei, Baldwin, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 3. Communication: Police Department approved for WILEAG Reaccreditation Chief Mitchell stated that the department was approved for reaccreditation by the WILEAG Governing Board. The Commissioners congratulated Chief Mitchell and the department on this accomplishment. 4. Request for approval: End of probation period - Officer Levi Kossow Chief Mitchell stated that Officer Kossow came to the department after working four years with the Brookfield Police Department. He stated that his past experience proved beneficial as he progressed successfully thru his training period with West Allis. To date there have been no significant issues cited and he is recommended for permanent status with the department. City of West Allis Page 2 Printed on 7/22/2022 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2022 A motion was made by Commissioner Baldwin and seconded by Commissioner Kopplin to approve this request as presented by Chief Mitchell. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Manthei, Baldwin, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 5. Request for approval: Begin Police Officer recruitment process Chief Mitchell requested approval to begin a Police Officer recruitment process. A motion was made by Commissioner Kopplin and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve this request. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 4, Commissioners Manthei, Baldwin, Romain and Kopplin Nay: 0 6. Discussion: Establish PFC interview dates for the week of July 25, 2022 Commissioners agreed to conduct police officer candidate interviews on Monday, July 25, 2022 and Wednesday, July 27, 2022. They agreed that if only one day would be needed, the interviews would take place on Monday, July 25th. 7. Police Department Financial Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to any information contained within the financial reports. 8. Monthly Performance Report Chief Mitchell reviewed a number of items included in the Monthly Performance Report to include: Ø Current staffing levels and anticipated vacancies and retirements; Ø Officer injury - hand injury securing a suspect; Ø Community outreach program focusing on families with special needs children. Chief Mitchell stated that limited residents received door alarms that sound if their special need child would exit the household unexpectedly; Ø Reckless driving initiative update. Chief Mitchell noted that new cameras have been installed around the city as well as a stationary license plate reader system; Ø Increased park and walks by 30% year to date. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. City of West Allis Page 3 Printed on 7/22/2022 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2022 9. Patrol Activity Report Chief Mitchell stated that after Officer Levi Kossow terminated a car pursuit, he had noticed water droplets on the car and after viewing footage from a local car wash establishment, was able to identify the car and owner. Chief Mitchell stated that a search warrant was executed on said address and a large quantity of fentanyl/heroin was discovered as well as guns and $40,000 in cash. Chief Mitchell stated that to date, there have been no solid leads or suspects relative to the shooting of Phoenix Castanon who had been on-leave from the Navy when the shooting incident occurred. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 10. Communications Activity Report Chief Mitchell stated that with the assistance of Administrator Grill along with a presentation to Common Council, the requested pay adjustment for the dispatch center was approved. Chief Mitchell stated that the pay adjustment will bring the pay rate for dispatchers in line with surrounding departments and will aide in recruitment and retention going forward. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 11. Community Services Bureau Report Chief Mitchell stated that Community Liaison Officer Cpl. Scott Poklasny continues to work with members of the community regarding their safety concerns, conducting park and walks in the downtown business district as well as the city parks and tending to various other issues that may arise throughout any given day. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 12. Criminal Investigations Unit Activity Report Chief Mitchell spoke briefly to four (4) robberies that occurred to west-end business over a span of 3 months. He stated that a suspect was quickly developed and after surveillance and an eventual search warrant, the suspect was taken into custody and charged accordingly. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 13. Tavern Violations Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to any information contained within the tavern violations report. City of West Allis Page 4 Printed on 7/22/2022 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2022 14. Training Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to any information contained within this report. City of West Allis Page 5 Printed on 7/22/2022 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2022 E. FIRE DEPARTMENT 15. Operations Division Report Chief Pooler reviewed a basement fire that occurred on May 19th. He stated that the owner had a craft room in the basement and spray cans had exploded creating a small explosion and fire. Chief Pooler noted no injuries and the fire was extinguished quickly. Chief Pooler stated that the fat-pot software program has been up and running since the end of March and has already been effective relative to distribution of mutual aid received and/or given for West Allis. The Commissioners had no further questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 16. EMS Bureau Report Chief Pooler stated that National EMS Week took place the third week in May and spoke to two incidents of citizen great saves as well as other inspiring patient recoveries. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 17. EMS Revenue Report Chief Pooler did not speak to any information contained within the EMS Revenue Report 18. QPR Performance Report - May Chief Pooler did not speak to any information contained within the QPR Performance Report for May. 19. Training Bureau Report Chief Pooler stated that JFTA training was at Station 62 in May so much of the general training were in-house exercises. He noted there was an opportunity to train in a condemned property on Arthur street as well the use of the old Crawdaddy’s and Spotlight buildings. Chief Pooler noted that the department is not able to simply burn down houses/structures as it requires proper investigation into the property for asbestos and other dangerous chemicals that could prove harmful to both an individual and the environment. The Commissioners did not have any questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 20. Community Risk Reduction/Support Services Division Report Chief Pooler did not speak to any information contained in the CCR report other than to note that May saw a small spike in overdose numbers, which appears to be a running trend over the last two years. Chief Pooler stated City of West Allis Page 6 Printed on 7/22/2022 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2022 that the reason for the spike is really unknown but hypothesized that warmer weather and more people out and about are contributing factors. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 21. Fire Prevention Bureau Report Chief Pooler stated that fire inspections to date are on track. He noted that a firefighter is currently on light duty and has been assigned to fire inspection duties as his rehab restrictions allow. Chief Pooler noted that the false fire alarm fee recently increased to $400, noting that previously it was $200. He stated that increase in gas prices was the motivator for this increase. Chief Pooler noted a slight increase in vehicle fires recently and the fire bureau division has been working with communications to produce PSAs regarding the importance of vehicle maintenance and safety tips to prevent vehicle fires. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 22. Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Bureau Report Chief Pooler stated that Acting MIH Lieutenant AJ Ottow attended a session of the WAPD Citizen Academy program and instructed attendees about first responder hands-only CPR and Naloxone administration. A/MIH LT Ottow also spoke about WAFD department operations such as fire and ems prevention and the goal of the department’s MIH programs. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 23. Fire Department Financial Report Chief Pooler did not speak to any information contained within the presented financial report. 24. Master Plan Performance Snapshot Chief Pooler did not speak to any information contained within this report. City of West Allis Page 7 Printed on 7/22/2022 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2022 F. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION 25. PFC Financial Report The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments regarding their financial report. 26. Communication: Fire Chief Annual Review/Goalsetting at July PFC meeting Commissioner Manthei asked for all Commissioners to be prepared to participate in Chief Pooler’s review in July. 27. Closed session: Discipline of a Police Officer G. 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 the disciplinary actions relative to a West Allis Police Officer. 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. 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 Romain and seconded by Commissioner Kopplin to convene into closed session at 7:09 pm Closed session topic discussed On a motion made and seconded, the meeting reconvened into open session at 8:03 pm H. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, on a motion made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 8:04 pm. City of West Allis Page 8 Printed on 7/22/2022 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2022 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 7/22/2022