March 7, 2017 Meeting

MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017

A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, Kansas City.

PRESENT:

Commissioner Alvin Brooks, Vice President
Commissioner Angela Wasson-Hunt, Treasurer
Commissioner Michael C. Rader, Member
Mayor Sylvester “Sly” James, Jr., Member
Darryl Forté, Chief of Police
Mr. David V. Kenner, Secretary/Attorney
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Leland M. Shurin, President

This meeting was called to order at 10:03 a.m. by Commissioner Brooks. Chaplain Serita Wright provided the invocation.

1. Awards and Commendations.
Scott Caron, Gregory Dull, and Daniel Gates were promoted to the rank of Major. Major Caron is assigned to the Research and Development Division. Major Dull is assigned as the Metro Patrol Division Commander. Major Gates is assigned to the Logistical Support Division.

Karl Oakman was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief. Deputy Chief Oakman is assigned to the Administration Bureau.

2. Public Comments.
Stanley Taylor, the best friend of Ryan Stokes’, and Twyla DePriest, the aunt of Ryan Stokes’, expressed their concern about the KCPD Media Policy in regards to the Stokes case, and in particular allegedly inaccurate statements about Ryan Stokes’ background. Ms. DePriest also voiced her concern about the death notification process used by KCPD. She would like to see more empathy and compassion offered from the Department when making notifications of tragic events.

Commissioner Brooks thanked Taylor and DePriest for sharing their comments with the Board, and assured that the Board was listening to their requests.

3. Councilperson Alissia Canady.
Councilperson Canady thanked Stanley Taylor and Twyla DePriest for sharing their comments. Councilperson Canady stated that the unofficial narratives released to the public after the occurrence of an officer-involved shooting oftentimes are not accurate. Councilperson Canady mentioned that the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office is hosting a training to describe the review process used to evaluate excessive use of force cases. Councilperson Canady believes that having a different agency, such as the Missouri State Highway Patrol, investigate cases that involve the Department will produce the most credible investigation.

Councilperson Canady introduced community members from the Blue Hills neighborhood that were present at the meeting. Mr. Hoffman, a Blue Hills community member that was not present, asked Councilperson Canady to express his concern with property crimes in the neighborhood. Mr. Hoffman requests more police presence in the area.

4. Chief Darryl Forté.
Chief Darryl Forté thanked the Police Foundation for holding the event, A Call for Backup, on Friday, February 24, 2017. Chief Forté expressed his concern with the number of line-of-duty deaths this year around the country. He also expressed the importance of community/police interactions. The Chief stated that the open houses being held at the division stations have been successful at increasing those community/police interactions. Chief Forté spoke about the value of KC NoVA, and stated that the program will continue to offer services to those involved. Chief Forté asked Deputy Chief Cheryl Rose to review the Department’s Interrogation Policy, to ensure that the Department uses the best interrogation process. Chief Forté spoke about an event that will be hosted by Elevate KC, and said that he will provide the Board with more information in regards to the event when he receives it.

5. City Architect’s Report.
Mr. Eric Bosch gave an update on the North Patrol Construction. He advised the Board that construction on the new station is almost complete, with a ribbon cutting scheduled to happen in approximately 70 days. Mr. Bosch invited Department members to take tours of the station prior to the ribbon cutting. In response to a question, he stated that the community room at the new North Patrol will hold 50-75 people, not counting the patio area.

6. Approval of minutes.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt with a second by Mayor James, to approve the minutes of the February 14, 2017, open Board meeting. The vote was 4-0 in favor.

A motion was made by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt with a second by Mayor James, to approve the minutes of the February 14, 2017, joint meeting between the Board and the City Council. The vote was 4-0 in favor.

7. Executive Services Bureau.
Deputy Chief Patty Higgins presented the following items for Board approval:

a. Bid No. 2017-3: New 2017 Model Year Ford Police Pursuit Vehicles. A memorandum dated February 24, 2017, was presented to recommend approval for the purchase of (10) 2017 Ford SUV’s at a cost of $27,739.00 per vehicle from Shawnee Mission Ford. The total anticipated expenditure for all vehicles will be $277,390.00. These vehicles will be used by the Patrol Division.

A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, to approve the purchase of (10) 2017 Ford SUV’s at a total anticipated expenditure of $277,390.00. The vote was 4-0 in favor.

b. Prospect Corridor Project Modification. A memorandum dated February 22, 2017, was presented to recommend the approval of the reduction of funding in the amount of $1,210.34 for the grant ending March 31, 2017. As a result of this modification, total funding for the Prospect Corridor Project will be $532,613.66.

A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, to approve the reduction of funding for the Prospect Corridor Project in the amount of $1,210.34. The vote was 4-0 in favor.

c. Bid No. 2016-4: Ford Parts and Accessories. A memorandum dated February 24, 2017, was presented to recommend the approval for a one-year contract renewal to provide Ford Parts and Accessories to Thoroughbred Ford for an anticipated expenditure of $145,364.76.

A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Mayor James, to approve the one-year contract renewal to provide Ford Parts and Accessories to Thoroughbred Ford for an anticipated expenditure of $145,364.76. The vote was 4-0 in favor.

d. Bid No. 2016-3: Motorcraft Parts, Brakes/Components and Accessories. A memorandum dated February 24, 2017, was presented to recommend approval for a one-year contract renewal to provide Motorcraft Parts, Brakes/Components and Accessories to Factory Motor Parts for an anticipated expenditure of $159,881.27.

A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, to approve the one-year contract renewal to provide Motorcraft Parts, Brakes/Components and Accessories to Factory Motor Parts for an anticipated expenditure of $159,881.27. The vote was 4-0 in favor.

e. Renewal Bid No. 2015-1: Ballistic Protection Vests. A memorandum dated February 22, 2017, was presented to recommend approval for the split award of a one-year contract renewal to provide Ballistic Protection Vests per Bid No. 2015-1 to Galls, Inc. and Ed Roehr Safety Products. The total anticipated expenditure is $180,407.58. In response to a question from Commissioner Rader, Deputy Chief Higgins indicated that these vests were the best that money can buy.

A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, to approve the split award of a one-year contract renewal to provide Ballistic Protection Vests per Bid No. 2015-1 to Galls, Inc. and Ed Roehr Safety Products, at a total anticipated expenditure of $180,407.58. The vote was 4-0 in favor.

f. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2016-17. A memorandum dated February 24, 2017, was presented to recommend approval of budget transfers. This budget transfer will affect the General Fund, Police Drug Enforcement Fund, and the Police Grants Fund.

A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, to the budget transfers as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.

Deputy Chief Higgins advised the Board that the Department met with the City Council to discuss the budget, and should have more information in two weeks.

8. Professional Development and Research Bureau.
Deputy Chief Bob Kuehl presented the Academy Class Summary for March 2017. Deputy Chief Kuehl requested Board approval for the following consent agenda items:

a. Project #764, Arrest Guideline/Procedures
b. Project #708, Questioning and Detaining Persons
c. Project #876, Pursuits and Emergency Vehicle Operations
d. Project #959, 10-30 Armed/Potentially Dangerous Subjects.

A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, to approve the consent agenda items. The vote was 4-0 in favor.

9. Investigations Bureau.
Deputy Chief Cheryl Rose presented the Board with the Investigations Bureau reports for February 2017.

Deputy Chief Rose said that to-date in 2017, there have been 22 homicides, compared to 18 at this time last year. Deputy Chief Rose advised that the Investigations Report presented to the Board has changed, to include statistics from the Narcotics and Vice Division along with the Violent Crimes Enforcement Division. This change resulted in more information being presented in the report, causing numbers on the reports to fluctuate. Deputy Chief Rose advised that the hundred blocks of the drive-by shooting locations have been added to the report.

10. Administration Bureau.
Deputy Chief Oakman presented the Regional Criminalistics Division monthly statistics for March 2017.

11. Patrol Bureau.
Major Scott Glaeser spoke for Deputy Chief David Zimmerman in his absence. Major Glaeser presented the Monthly Offense Summary dated January 2017.

Major Glaeser presented the Traffic Summary for the month of February 2017. He advised there have been 14 fatalities to date this year, there were 3 at this time last year. Commissioner Wasson-Hunt asked the Traffic Unit to send the high-crash locations to MODOT monthly, as additional information for the traffic study.

12. Office of General Counsel.
General Counsel Virginia Murray stated she had nothing for discussion at this time.

13. Professional Standards Division.
Major David Bosworth presented the OCC Investigations Summary dated March 2, 2017.

14. Human Resources.
Director Meredith Rund presented the Personnel Summary dated March 2, 2017. For this time period, Department strength is 1,306 law enforcement and 513 civilians.

15. Office of Community Complaints.
Director Merrell Bennekin stated that he had nothing for discussion at this time.

16. Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 99.
Detective Errol Riggins spoke for Sergeant Brad Lemon in his absence, and said he had nothing for discussion at this time.

17. Commissioner Michael C. Rader.
Commissioner Rader congratulated the members of the Department that were promoted at beginning of the meeting. Commissioner Rader also thanked the Kansas City Police Foundation for all their hard work, dedication, money raised, and donations made to the Department.

18. Commissioner Alvin L. Brooks.
Commissioner Brooks thanked all of the sergeants on the Department that have met with Chief Forté, and presented their plans to make the Department stronger. Commissioner Brooks noted that sergeants set the tone for the Department.

19. Scheduled meetings.
The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:

Board Hearing:
Friday, May 5, 2017
In Re: The Matter of the Disciplinary Proceedings of: P.O. Jason Oldham #5767
9:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City

Special Meeting:
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
9:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
This meeting is being held to discuss budgetary items via telephone conference.

Regular Meetings 2017:
April 11, 2017
The meeting listed above will be held at 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

May 9, 2017, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD East Patrol Division, Community Room, 2640 Prospect, Kansas City.

June 13, 2017
July 11, 2017
August 15, 2017
September 12, 2017
October 10, 2017
November 14, 2017
December 12, 2017
All meetings listed above will be held at 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

A motion was made by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, and seconded by Commissioner Rader, and by vote indicated below, to adjourn its open meeting at 11:37 a.m. and reconvene in closed session 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 October 20, 2016, 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, March 7, 2017, at KCPD Headquarters, 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:

Commissioner Alvin L. Brooks – Aye
Commissioner Angela Wasson-Hunt – Aye
Commissioner Michael C. Rader – Aye
Mayor Sylvester “Sly” James, Jr. – 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 March 7, 2017:

Commissioner Shurin had an excused absence.

1) Following a motion by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt and a second by Commissioner Rader, the Board voted to go into closed session to discuss litigation matters, personnel matters, and labor negotiations. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Mayor James voted Aye, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, and Commissioner Brooks voted Aye.

2) Following a motion by Commissioner Rader and a second by Mayor James, the Board voted to approve the application for continued employment of Major Sharon Laningham. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Mayor James voted Aye, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, and Commissioner Brooks voted Aye.

3) Following a motion by Commissioner Rader and a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, the Board voted to approve the duty-related disability retirement of Officer Sam Sneed. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Mayor James voted Aye, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, and Commissioner Brooks voted Aye.

4) Following a motion by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt and a second by Mayor James, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners on February 14, 2017. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Mayor James voted Aye, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, and Commissioner Brooks voted Aye.

5) Following a motion by Commissioner Rader and a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, the Board voted to go into special closed session at 12:29 p.m. to discuss personnel matters and labor negotiations. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Mayor James voted Aye, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, and Commissioner Brooks voted Aye.

6) Following a motion by Commissioner Rader and a second by Mayor James, the Board voted to give Chief Darryl Forté a 1.3% raise of $2,453 per year, retroactive to January 1, 2017, increasing his annual salary to $189,704.62. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Mayor James voted Aye, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, and Commissioner Brooks voted Aye.

Mayor James left the meeting at 1:10 p.m.

7) Following a motion by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt and a second by Commissioner Rader, the Board voted to come out of closed session and adjourn. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, and Commissioner Brooks voted Aye.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 p.m.

_____________________
President

_____________________
Secretary/Attorney

Board of Police Commissioners Minutes