Police and Fire Commission

City of West Allis Meeting Minutes Police and Fire Commission Thursday, May 16, 2024 6:00 PM West Allis Police Department 11301 W. Lincoln Ave. REGULAR MEETING AND CLOSED SESSION A. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Manthei called the meeting to order a 6:00 pm B. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Mark Manthei, Danielle Romain, Michelle Sutinen and Sagar Tolani Excused: Commissioner Kimberly Cosby Also present: Fire Chief Mason Pooler, Deputy Chief Michael Wright, Interim Deputy Chief Joe Breznik - Fire Department; Police Chief Pat Mitchell, Deputy Chief Robert Fletcher, Deputy Chief Chris Marks - Police Department; CAO Rebecca Grill - City of West Allis; Bridget Morawetz, Recording Secretary C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the April 18, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Sutinen and seconded by Commissioner Tolani to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Manthei, Romain, Sutinen and Tolani Nay: 0 City of West Allis Page 1 Printed on 6/21/2024 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 D. FIRE DEPARTMENT 1. Operations Division Report Chief Pooler reviewed the fire that was included in this report. He stated that the fire occurred in an abandoned building located on Washington Street. Chief Pooler noted that there was a delay in reaching the building due to original inaccurate location information and forcible entry requirements. Chief Pooler then reviewed the benchmarks included in this report. The Commissioners had no additional questions or concerns and the report was placed on file. 2. Bureau of Training and EMS Report Chief Pooler discussed the highlighted incidents that were included in this report. He also noted that all the current probationary firefighters continue to proceed through their required training satisfactorily and will be assigned to 24-hour duty effective May 19, 2024. Lastly, Chief Pooler reviewed the benchmarks contained in this report. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 3. Communication: Letter of appreciation Chief Pooler shared with the Commissioners a letter of appreciation received by DC Michael Wright from the Milwaukee Fire Department. He stated that DC Wright was instrumental in securing a time for Milwaukee’s recruits to have access to the Station 62 training tower and to provide hands on experience for the recruits. 4. MVA Revenue Report Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained in this report and the Commissioners had no additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file. 5. QPR Performance Report Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained in this report and the Commissioners had no additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file. 6. Community Risk Reduction/Support Services Division Report Chief Pooler shared with the Commissioners that AC Jason Schaak was recently recognized for his leadership in advancing community healthcare initiatives in the field of MIH. Chief Pooler then reviewed the benchmarks included in AC Schaak’s report. City of West Allis Page 2 Printed on 6/21/2024 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 7. Bureau of Fire Prevention and Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Report Chief Pooler stated that fire inspections continue to be conducted in a timely manner and violations issues are quickly resolved. Chief Pooler noted that the bureau will be conducting a smoke/CO alarm campaign before the end of the month and another one in September. He noted that all aldermanic areas are represented at one time or another. Additionally, he noted that if smoke/CO detectors are from a donation source, their preference of areas take priority. Chief Pooler then reviewed the benchmarks contained in this report. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 8. Fire Department Financial Report Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained in this report and the Commissioners had no additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file. 9. Master Plan Performance Snapshot Chief Pooler did not speak to anything contained in this report and the Commissioners had no additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file. 10. Request for approval: New Fire Department Policy: Billing other units of Government for services A motion was made by Commissioner Sutinen and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve this request as presented by Chief Pooler. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Manthei, Romain, Sutinen and Tolani Nay: 0 11. Request for approval: Renewal of the Coverdell Stroke Grant Agreement A motion was made by Commissioner Romain and seconded by Commissioner Tolani to approve this request as presented by Chief Pooler. The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Manthei, Romain, Sutinen and Tolani Nay: 0 City of West Allis Page 3 Printed on 6/21/2024 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 12. Request for approval: Placement on permanent WAFD roster Chief Pooler stated that probationary firefighters Connor Goetzinger and Nathaniel Kane have both successfully completed their probationary year requirements and requested the approval from the Commissioner’s to add them to the permanent WAFD roster. A motion was made by Commissioner Tolani and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve this request as presented by Chief Pooler The motion carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Manthe, Romain, Sutinen and Tolani Nay: 0 13. Request for approval: Reinstatement of Firefighter Chief Pooler requested the approval to move forward with the reinstatement of Raechel Liska, a firefighter who had resigned from the department approximately six months ago. He stated that reinstatement would be extended after a background investigation was completed. After a brief discussion amongst the Commissioners and Chief Pooler, a motion was made by Commissioner Sutinen and seconded by Commissioner Romain to approve this request as presented by Chief Pooler. Further, the Commissioner’s agreed that it was not necessary to interview Raechel given her experience with the department and the ensuing background investigation. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 4, Commissioners Manthei, Romain, Sutinen and Tolani Nay: 0 14. Communication: Resignation of Firefighter/Paramedic Chief Pooler advised the Commissioners of the resignation of firefighter Andrew Crum. Chief Pooler stated that he resigned from the department to focus and grow his own business that he had in place prior to becoming a firefighter. City of West Allis Page 4 Printed on 6/21/2024 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 E. POLICE DEPARTMENT 15. Communication: 2023 Annual Report Chief Mitchell presented to the Commissioners the 2023 Police Department Annual Report. He spoke to some of the department’s successful initiatives in 2023 such a 15% increase in traffic stops to help combat reckless driving in West Allis. Also, the introduction of the flock cameras has been instrumental in solving and preventing crimes around the city. Lastly, he stated approval of the Axon products in 2022 has benefited the department and it has allowed the usage of in-squad cameras, interview room cameras and body-worn cameras. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 16. Police Department Financial Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to anything included in this report and the Commissioners had no additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file. 17. Monthly Performance Report Chief Mitchell stated that the number of sworn officers allotted for West Allis is 126 and currently there are 121 on staff. Chief Mitchell stated that the recent recruitment effort was whittled down to nine and of those, three have not moved forward in the process. He stated that the department will begin another recruitment process in August. Chief Mitchell spoke briefly about the department’s partnership with Dr. Michael Roberts from Wisconsin Orthopedic Physical Therapy. He stated that Dr. Roberts has been working with officers on a myriad of muscular and joint imbalances experienced by officers over the course of their careers. Lastly, Chief Mitchell stated that the most recent citizen police academy group graduated from the program in early May. He stated that this citizen group included two Alderpersons. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 18. Patrol Activity Report Chief Mitchell discussed a shooting that occurred after a recreational soccer game. He noted that luckily no one was hurt given the location of the incident and after investigation, a man and woman were arrested and charged accordingly. Chief Mitchell also shared with the Commissioners another positive effect the FLOCK camera system continues to have within the city. He stated that a FLOCK camera picked up a car moving through West Allis that was wanted by MPD on a homicide charge. He stated that officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop and the driver was taken into custody. Chief Mitchell stated that the suspect was turned over to MPD and charged with City of West Allis Page 5 Printed on 6/21/2024 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 1st degree intentional homicide. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 19. Communications Activity Report Chief Mitchell did not speak to anything contained in this report and the Commissioners had no additional questions or comments. The report was placed on file. 20. Community Services Bureau Report Chief Mitchell made mention of the department’s WISH program that provides support services for women and men who are victims of domestic violence. He noted that the program is facilitated by the department’s victim advocate, Holli Stephens. Chief Mitchell also made mention of the continued assistance of the department’s neighborhood specialists, Mark Bykowski and Brian Mason. He stated that some of their duties include assistance with special events, deploying speed trailers and graffiti issues. Chief Mitchell noted that both are retired WAPD employees. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 21. Criminal Investigations Unit Activity Report Chief Mitchell spoke to a new scam that occurred in West Allis and resulted in the loss of $25,000. He explained that a couple claimed to be spiritual healers and received money from the victims to be blessed with the promise to return the money accordingly. Chief Mitchell stated it is believed the scam artists are from Texas and the investigation is ongoing. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 22. Tavern Violation Report Chief Mitchell stated that a recent tavern compliance check resulted in 8 of the 10 checked taverns selling alcohol to the underage individual. He stated that the two bars have received municipal citations relative to this issue. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 23. Training Report Chief Mitchell stated the current probationary officers are all meeting training standards relative to their field training performance. He also noted that two officers will be graduating from the MATC Police Academy and will then begin their field training. The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the City of West Allis Page 6 Printed on 6/21/2024 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 report was placed on file. F. POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSION 24. PFC Financial Report The Commissioners had no additional questions or comments and the report was placed on file. 25. Communication: Introduction of new PFC Board Member Commissioner Manthei introduced the newest PFC Board Member, Sajar Tolani. Commissioner Tolani stated that he has lived in West Allis since 2016 and then proceeded to share with the group an overview of his background as well as his interest in serving his community. 26. Discussion: Election of PFC Board Positions On a motion made by Commissioner Romain and seconded by Commissioner Tolani, Commissioner Sutinen accepted the board position of Secretary. On a motion made by Commissioner Manthei and seconded by Commissioner Sutinen, Commissioner Romain accepted the board position of Vice President. On a motion made by Commissioner Romain and seconded by Commissioner Sutinen, Commissioner Manthie accepted the board position of President. The motions carried by the following votes: Aye: 4, Commissioners Manthei, Romain, Sutinen and Tolani Nay: 0 27. Closed Session: Chief of Police performance evaluation for the previous year and goal setting for the upcoming year City of West Allis Page 7 Printed on 6/21/2024 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 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 conduct the Police Chief’s performance evaluation for the previous year and goal setting for the upcoming year and to take such further action as may be necessary and appropriate in these matters. A closed session for the above purpose is authorized pursuant to the provision of Section 19.85 (1)(c) of the Wis. Stats., which authorizes 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 Commission 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 7:26 pm On a motion made and seconded, the meeting reconvened into open session at 8:42 pm H. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, on a motion made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 8:42 pm City of West Allis Page 8 Printed on 6/21/2024 Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 All meetings of the Police and Fire Commission 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 6/21/2024