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February 20, 2024 Meeting

Publish Date 02/20/2024

MINUTES OF THE

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2024

 

 

A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, in the Community Room at Police Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City.

PRESENT:

Commissioner Cathy Dean, President

Commissioner Dawn Cramer, Vice President

Commissioner Tom Whittaker, Treasurer

Mayor Quinton Lucas, Member

Mr. David Kenner, Secretary/Attorney

Stacey Graves, Chief of Police

 

This meeting was called to order at 8:55 a.m. by Commissioner Dean.

A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, to go into closed session to discuss a special investigation matter.  The vote was 3-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, and Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye.

Mayor Lucas joined the closed session meeting at 9:00 a.m.

A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, at 9:26 a.m., to go into open session.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

Commissioner Dean called the open session meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.  Captains Joshua Gasper and Bradley Lynn led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Chaplain Tony Johnson provided the invocation. 

  1. Guest Presentations. Matt Tritz, Lockton Companies, presented an update on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Benefits Renewal package.  Mr. Tritz explained that Blue KC’s 2024-2025 medical renewal projection called for a 18.8 percent increase to current premiums; however, as part of the prior year renewal negotiations, there is a 12.9 percent rate cap.  The final negotiated increase is 10.8 percent.  The Benefits Committee recommended a renewal with BlueKC with the following plan design changes and cost share strategies: $2,500/$5,000 out-of-pocket maximum for the PPO plan, $3,000/$6,000 out-of-pocket maximum for the HMO plan, an increase to HMO copays, and an increase to the HMO employee cost share split.  The renewal will also implement pharmacy solution programs.  In addition, this will be the final year for the HMO plan.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the 2024-2025 Blue KC medical renewal, as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor. 

Councilman Crispin Rea, 4th District-at-Large, presented on behalf of the City Council.  Commissioner Rea expressed condolences to Elizabeth “Lisa” Lopez-Galvin’s family and friends after her tragic death at the shooting following the Chiefs Super Bowl Victory Parade and Rally on February 14, 2024.  He also shared thoughts for all other victims of the shooting.  He thanked the Department for their planning and security of the parade and rally, and their quick response to the violence that occurred following the celebration. 

Councilman Rea spoke about the familiarity of violence in Kansas City.  Gun violence and homicides are breaking records each year. He advised that the community support following the parade shooting has been encouraging, but this problem has plagued the City for years now.  He called upon community members to keep advocating for policies that make communities safer moving forward.

Councilman Rea advised that he supports Mayor Lucas’ proposal for salary increases for KCPD members.  He also advised that discussions regarding a City detention and rehabilitation facility continue.    

  1. General Discussion from the Chief of Police. Chief Stacey Graves advised that the Department collectively mourns the loss of Elizabeth “Lisa” Lopez-Galvin and stands with all victims of the shooting at the Super Bowl Victory Rally.  Chief Graves commended the officers’ quick actions for the protection, securing the scene, and providing life-sustaining aid to the victims.  She thanked the community, as well as local and federal agencies, for the outpouring of support and resources received.  Chief Graves explained that this is still a very active investigation, so she cannot provide many details in order to protect the integrity of the case.  She ensured that the Department will continue working closely with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, so that all victims get justice.  She advised that debriefs and mental health resources are available for all Department members.
  2. Investigations Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier provided an update on crime statistics.  He advised that in December 2023 to January 2024, there were 12 robberies at Dollar General stores across the metro.  Detectives worked tirelessly, conducting six search warrants and investigating these robberies.  Detectives recovered three guns and arrested three juveniles in connection with the robberies.  Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that once the arrests were made, robberies in the City decreased by 66 percent

Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that to-date 2024, there have been a total of 16 homicides, compared to 20 during the same time period in 2023.  Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there were 11 homicides that occurred in February 2024.  He advised that of those five homicides in January, one was due to an argument, two were due to drugs, one was classified as self-defense, and the causes of one other remains unknown.  Four of those five homicides involved firearms and one involved a knife. 

Deputy Chief Niemeier advised there have been 91 non-fatal shootings to-date in 2024, compared to 60 at this same time period in 2023.  A major factor in the increase of non-fatal shootings year-to-date is due to the mass shooting that occurred following the Chiefs Super Bowl Victory Parade and Rally.

            Deputy Chief Niemeier spoke about cases submitted for prosecution.  To-date 2024, there have been 315 cases submitted for prosecution; there were 254 cases submitted to Jackson County, 39 to Clay County, and 22 to Platte County.  

            Deputy Chief Niemeier provided an update on property crimes.  He advised that on January 15, 2024, the Miami Dolphins’ equipment trailer was broken into when they were in town for their playoff game versus the Kansas City Chiefs.  Several hundred thousand dollars’ worth of equipment and property was stolen.  Officers conducted 11 search warrants, made five arrests, and recovered approximately 70 percent of the stolen property.  Additionally, the Brookside/Waldo neighborhoods experienced 21 burglaries.  Metro Property Crimes detectives conducted several search warrants and recovered multiple items that were taken during the burglaries.  The suspect was arrested. 

            Deputy Chief Niemeier provided a brief update on the ongoing criminal investigation into the shooting that occurred following the Chiefs Super Bowl Victory Parade and Rally on February 14, 2024.  He advised that parade security started at 0500 hours on the day of the parade for all officers, detectives, outside agencies, and federal partners.  A lot of positive interactions occurred that morning between community members and officers.  He noted that one plain clothes officer was injured in the parade incident.

            Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that after the shooting occurred, multiple photos and videos were shared on social media that show officers immediately acting.  Several people were taken into custody immediately.  Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that 30+ detectives are working on the investigation around the clock.  Currently, there are two juveniles in custody.  It remains a very active investigation, and the Department is working closely with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office and Family Court to file charges.  Deputy Chief Niemeier thanked members of the public for the photos, videos, and tips shared with the Department.  The TIPS Hotline remains open for anyone wishing to submit additional information. 

  1. Patrol Bureau. Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin advised that at the end of January, the Patrol Bureau switched from a 10-hour shift plan to an 11-hour shift plan.  Officers in patrol will now work four days on followed by four days off.  They will also have one six-hour shift once a month for training.  The 11-hour plan allows for more officers on patrol at a time and provides more time off for officers to decompress. 

Deputy Chief Mabin spoke of the notable events within the Patrol Bureau in January 2024.  Deputy Chief Mabin presented monthly statistics for the Patrol Bureau.  He advised that the median response time for Priority 10 calls (also known as Priority 1) for the month of January was 8 minutes and 13 seconds; the Department’s Priority 10 response time goal is 7.50 minutes.  The Priority 20 (also known as Priority 2) response time for the month of January was 9 minutes 54 seconds; the Department’s Priority 20 response time goal is 9.00 minutes.  The response time is the amount of time from when the call is created until an officer arrives on scene.  Deputy Chief Mabin advised that the 911 hold time for the month of January was 24 seconds. 

Deputy Chief Mabin advised that to-date 2024, there have been nine fatality crashes with 11 victims.  During the same time period in 2023, there were three fatality crashes with four victims.  Officers continue to see excess speeds, impairment, and failure to wear seatbelts as a major factor in fatality accidents.  Deputy Chief Mabin advised that nine of the 11 victims from this year’s fatality crashes were not wearing a seatbelt.  A majority of victims were in, or hit by, vehicles going 100+ mph.  Deputy Chief Mabin added that careless driving is no longer a bondable offense.

Deputy Chief Mabin advised that members of the Traffic Division held three DUI wolfpack enforcement activities in January, which resulted in 14 stops, one DUI arrests, and 8 total citations issued.  However, Department-wide, there were 53 City DUI arrests, and an additional 40 for State prosecution. 

Mayor Lucas spoke about the attack on a uniformed School Resource Officer earlier this month.  An adult student at Southeast High School was charged with assault.  The officer was hospitalized, but has since been released and recovering at home.  Mayor Lucas spoke about the need to reach juveniles earlier to deter them from involvement in crime.  Deputy Chief Mabin advised that officers have close communications with teachers regarding at-risk juveniles.  Chief Graves added that school officials are notified if a student or their address has had contact with law enforcement.  This allows the school personnel to handle those students with care and follow up with them if they notice the student struggling. 

  1. Administration Bureau. Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz provided an update on Department staffing.  He advised that as of January 31, 2024, Department strength was 1,644.  For this time period, there were 1,089 sworn law enforcement personnel, 37 recruits, 514 professional staff, and four Board members; there were 227 total vacancies.

Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that there are 32 candidates in the process for possible eligibility for the Academy class beginning in March 2024.  Ten candidates have been confirmed for this class; 14 additional pending offers have been made.  There are two lateral transfer officers in the hiring process.

Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Department hired one new member in the Communications Unit this month. He noted that there are three pending job offers for the Communications Unit and five people in the process for possible eligibility.

The Department will hold law enforcement testing on February 22, 2024, March 20, 2024, April 27, 2024, and May 23, 2024, at the Regional Police Academy.  The Department continues to hire for all positions.  More information can be found at https://www.kcpd.org/careers/. 

  1. Executive Services Bureau.   Deputy Chief Derek McCollum presented the following items for Board approval:
  2. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2023-24.  A memorandum dated February 9, 2024, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers.  This transfer will affect the General Fund, the Public Safety Sales Tax Fund, the Police Grants Fund, and the Grants Special Revenue Fund.     

            A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, to approve the budget transfers as presented.  The vote was 3-1 in favor, with Mayor Lucas voting Nay.

  1. Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2023-24.  A memorandum dated February 8, 2024, was presented to recommend approval of an adjustment in the amount of $45,000 from the Recovery on Damage Claims fund to the Capital Outlay – Motor Vehicles fund, to facilitate the replacement of a damaged vehicle.   

            A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, to approve the adjustment to special revenue accounts in the amount of $45,000, as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

  1. Computer Replacement Plan.  A memorandum dated February 8, 2024, was presented to recommend approval to purchase computer hardware from Dell Technologies and Apple Direct, at a total cost of $1,733,581.34, utilizing the Omnia Partners contract.  This purchase will be covered by Public Safety Sales Tax funds. 

In response a question from Mayor Lucas regarding the cost, Deputy Chief McCollum advised that the Department is receiving the best value for these computers.  Additionally, Major Joshua Heinen advised that Omnia Partners has a contract for government agencies to receive the best value. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Cramer, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the purchase of computer hardware from Dell Technologies and Apple Direct, at a total cost of $1,733,581.34.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

  1. Apex Officer Pro Training Simulator System. A memorandum dated February 9, 2024, was presented to recommend approval to purchase the Apex Officer Pro Training Simulator System, at a total cost of $125,000.00.  This purchase will be funded by the Police Foundation. 

            A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, to approve the purchase of the Apex Officer Pro Training Simulator System, at a cost of $125,000.00.  The vote was 4-0 in favor. 

  1. Forensic Computer Crimes Digital Forensic Software.  A memorandum dated February 8, 2024, was presented to recommend approval to purchase Forensic Computer Crimes Digital Forensic Software, at a total cost of $231,973.00, utilizing the Omnia Partners contract.  This purchase will be funded by the Police Foundation. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the purchase of Forensic Computer Crimes Digital Forensic Software, at a total cost of $231,973.00.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

  1. Forensic Computer Crimes Computers.  A memorandum dated February 7, 2024, was presented to recommend approval to purchase computer hardware from Dell Technologies, at a total cost of $194,845.99, utilizing the Omnia Partners contract.  This purchase will be funded by the Police Foundation.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the purchase of computer hardware from Dell Technologies, at a total cost of $194,845.99.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

  1. Master Radio Inverter Replacement Purchase.  A memorandum dated January 23, 2024, was presented to recommend approval to purchase a master radio inverter replacement with Motorola Solutions and Staco Electric, at a total cost of $160,356.49.  This work is necessary to ensure the integrity of the radio system.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, to approve the purchase of a master radio inverter replacement with Motorola Solutions and Staco Electric, at a total cost of $160,356.49.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

            Mayor Lucas briefly left the meeting at 11:14 a.m.

  1. Renewal of Bid No. 2023-8, Automotive Tires.  A memorandum dated January 30, 2024, was presented to recommend approval of a one-year renewal of Bid No. 2023-8, Automotive Tires, to State Avenue Tire (Blue Valley Goodyear), with an anticipated expenditure of $157,255.20.  The contract period is May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025.  This will be the second of four renewal options.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Cramer, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve a one-year renewal of Bid No. 2023-8, Automotive Tires, to State Avenue Tire (Blue Valley Goodyear), with an anticipated expenditure of $157,255.20.  The vote was 3-0 in favor.

            Mayor Lucas returned to the meeting at 11:16 a.m.

  1. Renewal of Bid No. 2023-6, Ford Parts and Accessories.  A memorandum dated January 30, 2024, was presented to recommend approval of a one-year renewal of Bid No. 2023-6, Ford Parts and Accessories, to Thoroughbred Ford, at an anticipated expenditure of $155,146.22.  The contract period is May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025.  This will be the second and final renewal option.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, to approve a one-year renewal of Bid No. 2023-6, Ford Parts and Accessories, to Thoroughbred Ford, at an anticipated expenditure of $155,146.22.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

  1. Renewal of Bid No. 2023-5, Motorcraft Parts, Brakes/Components and Accessories.  A memorandum dated January 30, 2024, was presented to recommend approval of a one-year renewal of Bid No. 2023-5, Motorcraft Parts, Brakes/Components and Accessories, to Factory Motor Parts, at an anticipated expenditure of $205,381.39.  The contract period is May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025.  This will be the second and final renewal option.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Cramer, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve a one-year renewal of Bid No. 2023-5, Motorcraft Parts, Brakes/Components and Accessories, to Factory Motor Parts, at an anticipated expenditure of $205,381.39.  The vote was 4-0 in favor. 

  1. FY2023 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLGCP) Subaward.  A memorandum dated February 7, 2024, was presented to recommend acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2023 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLGCP) subaward, in the amount of $250,000.00.  The project period is February 1, 2024, through January 31, 2027.  This subaward will be utilized to hired a cybersecurity analyst contractor for the Kansas City Regional Fusion Center.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, to accept the Fiscal Year 2023 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLGCP) subaward, in the amount of $250,000.00.  The vote was 4-0 in favor. 

  1. Chief’s Office Executive Officer. Deputy Chief Steve Young presented the following consent agenda item for Board consideration:
  2. Project #1466: Department Vehicular Reporting

            A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, to approve Project #1466, Department Vehicular Reporting, as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

  1. Office of the General Counsel. General Counsel Nathan Weinert presented the following items for Board consideration:
  2. Private Officer License Appeal of John H. Davis, Jr. A memorandum dated February 9, 2024, was presented to recommend the denial of the armed private security license of John H. Davis, Jr.  The basis for the denial is outlined Title 17 of the Code of State Regulations Section 10-2.050 (3)(O), which stipulates, in part, that an applicant may be denied if they “provide other facts or actions which demonstrate that the applicant is unsuitable or ineligible for license.” On May 2, 2023, Mr. Davis resigned from the Kansas City, Kansas Community College under threat of termination. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to overturn the Private Officers Licensing Unit’s decision and grant the armed private security license of John H. Davis, Jr.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.   

  1. Private Officer License Appeal of Oladimeji J. Anifowose. A memorandum dated February 12, 2024, was presented to recommend the denial of the armed private security license of Oladimeji J. Anifowose. The basis for the denial is outlined Title 17 of the Code of State Regulations Section 10-2.050 (3)(H), which stipulates, “each applicant must be of good moral character by having no felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, or city ordinance convictions, which have an essential element of fraud, dishonesty, an act of violence, bribery, illegal drug use, sexual misconduct, and other similar acts constituting moral turpitude.”  Additionally, Title 17 of the Code of State Regulations Section 10-2.050 (3)(O), stipulates, in part, that an applicant may be denied if they “provide other facts or actions which demonstrate that the applicant is unsuitable or ineligible for license.”  Mr. Anifowose was placed on a two-year probation for harassment while employed as a Jackson County Detention Officer.  

            A motion was made by Commissioner Cramer, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to uphold the decision by the Private Officers Licensing Unit to deny the armed private security license of Oladimeji J. Anifowose.   The vote was 4-0 in favor. 

  1. Office of Community Complaints. Director Merrell Bennekin advised that within the past year, the Office of Community Complaints (OCC) has enhanced software for the investigation processes.  He advised that last month’s report contains errors with the year-to-date numbers, so the OCC is working to correct the issue. 

Director Bennekin advised that he has been an adjunct professor at a number of institutions in the Kansas City area since 2018.  Two of his students attended today’s Board meeting from Rockhurst University. 

Legal Analyst Diane Mozzicato provided information on OCC’s non-investigative complaints process.  Reasons that complaints may be non-investigative can be due to the length of time to file a complaint has expired (over 180 days), complaints filed by a third-party, or they are outside of KCPD’s jurisdiction.  Resolutions for non-investigative complaints include mediation or conciliation. 

Conciliation is an investigation done by the member’s Division Commander or Supervisor, rather than the Internal Affairs Unit.  This is an option for the complainant if they do not want a formal investigation, but want to make the member’s supervisor aware of the situation and resolve the complaint.

General tabletop mediations are done by an independent mediator provide an opportunity for the complainant and member to discuss the situation together.  Mediations have to be agreed upon by both the complainant and member.   

Director Bennekin commended his staff for their dedication to their duties. 

  1. Public Comments. Taylor Johnson, resident of the 4th District, spoke about the monthly crime meetings in his neighborhood.  He stated that he hopes the City’s focused deterrence strategies align with the Welcoming KC requirements.

            Sheryl Ferguson thanked the citizens and officers that quickly jumped into action after the shooting at the end of the Super Bowl Victory Rally.  Ms. Ferguson expressed concern with excessive force allegations and officer-involved shootings involving Officer Blayne Newton. 

  1. Approval of Minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, to approve the open session minutes from the Board meeting on January 23, 2024.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.
  2. Mr. David Kenner. Mr. Kenner presented Board Resolution 24-04, James M. Muhlbauer and K-9 Champ Training Field.  A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to adopt Board Resolution 24-04, as presented. 

            Mr. Kenner thanked the Department’s quick response to the tragic shooting that occurred at the Chiefs Super Bowl Victory Rally.  He commended the officers’ incredible bravery and quick action. 

  1. Mayor Quinton Lucas. Mayor Lucas commended officers for their quick action and running towards danger during the shooting that occurred at the Super Bowl Victory Rally.  He stated that the City and Department to not tolerate lawlessness and crime, and offenders must face consequences for their actions.  Mayor Lucas asked Mr. Weinert to review statistics on violations of the Chapter 50, Article VIII, of the City’s Codes and Ordinances, as they relate to weapons offenses.  Mayor Lucas commended the Department’s Media Relations Unit for their professional communications relayed to local media during the ongoing investigation regarding the shooting at the Chiefs Super Bowl Victory Rally.
  2. Commissioner Tom Whittaker. Commissioner Whittaker commended the Department for the remarkable handling of the shooting at the Chiefs Super Bowl Victory Rally and the thorough, ongoing investigation into the incident.  He stated that a decrease in violent crime in the City has to be a City-wide approach, and he called upon businesses, trades, clergy, and community members to join the Department in these efforts. 
  3. Commissioner Cathy Dean. Commissioner Dean thanked all Department members for their actions following the shooting Chiefs Super Bowl Victory Rally.  She also thanked all community members that assisted the Department and provided vital information for the investigation.  She advised that the parade and rally was a beautiful celebration of the City and the Chiefs, and was ruined by a handful of bad actors.  Commissioner Dean also thanked members of the Communications Unit for voluntarily attended the Unit’s team building activities.
  4. Commissioner Dawn Cramer. Commissioner Cramer expressed condolences to the family of Elizabeth “Lisa” Lopez-Galvin and other victims of the shooting at the Chiefs Super Bowl Victory Rally.  She commended Mayor Lucas and Chief Graves for the informative and professional press releases following the shooting.  Commissioner Cramer stated that Kansas City does not stand for this kind of violence, and the City needs jail spaces to hold violent offenders.  She commended the actions of all officers following the shooting and during the investigation.
  5. Mayor Lucas, Continued. Mayor Lucas spoke about the budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.  He stated that mass events, such as last week’s shooting, are even more reasons salary increases are needed for Department members.  He explained that he supports those increases.  Mayor Lucas commended Officer David Ferber for his assistance in helping the Mayor’s family reunite after the shooting.  Officer Ferber was very calming and helpful to the Mayor’s family and others following the shooting.  Commissioner Dean thanked Mayor Lucas for his comments regarding the budget proposal.
  6. Scheduled meetings. The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:

 

Regular Meetings:

 

March 19, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

April 23, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

May 28, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

June 25, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

July 30, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

August 20, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

September 10, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

October 29, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

November 19, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

December 17, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 11:57 a.m., as provided in the following resolution.  Following a roll call, the vote was 4-0 in favor. 

 

RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, notice of the board meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners was given on July 10, 2023, and

WHEREAS, said notice indicated that the Board of Police Commissioners might go into closed session during said meeting, and

WHEREAS, notice of the closed meeting follows the guidelines of Section 610.020 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Police Commissioners go into closed session during the meeting being held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at KCPD Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City, for the purpose of discussing personnel matters, labor negotiations, and litigation matters.

The following Commissioners were present and voted to go into closed session as follows:

Mayor Quinton Lucas                                                 -           Aye

Commissioner Tom Whittaker                                    -           Aye

Commissioner Dawn Cramer                                     -           Aye

Commissioner Cathy Dean                                         -           Aye

            There being a quorum present and the question of holding a closed session having received an affirmative public vote of at least three (3) members, a closed meeting was held as set forth above.

Below are the votes from the closed session of the Board of Police Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2024:

The Board went into closed session at 12:05 p.m.  Mayor Lucas briefly stepped out of the meeting. 

1)         Following a motion by Commissioner Whittaker and a second by Commissioner Cramer, the Board voted to approve the renewal of RFP 2023-7 for the lease of vehicles for covert operations.  The vote was 3-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, and Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye. 

            Mayor Lucas returned to the meeting. 

2)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Cramer, the Board voted to approve the applications for continued employment of Detective Roger Stickler and Sergeant Joseph Bediako.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye. 

3)          Following a motion by Mayor Lucas, and a second by Commissioner Cramer, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed Board meetings on January 22, 2024, and January 23, 2024.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye. 

4)         Following a motion by Commissioner Whittaker and a second by Commissioner Cramer, the Board voted to approve the expenditure of an additional $210,000 in legal fees for the defense of the case of Darrel Bergquist v. BOPC, 2216-CV15256.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye. 

5)         Following a motion by Commissioner Whittaker, and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to go into special closed session to discuss personnel matters at 1:10 p.m.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

6)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas, and a second by Commissioner Cramer, the Board voted to come out of special closed session and adjourn. The vote was 4-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

            The Board adjourned at 1:41 p.m.