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December 13, 2022 Meeting

Publish Date 12/13/2022

MINUTES OF THE

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2022

 

 

A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, in the Community Room at Police Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City.

 

PRESENT:

Commissioner Mark Tolbert, President

Commissioner Cathy Dean, Vice President

Commissioner Don Wagner, Treasurer

Commissioner Dawn Cramer, Member

Mayor Quinton Lucas, Member

Mr. David Kenner, Secretary/Attorney

Joseph Mabin, Chief of Police

 

This meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Commissioner Tolbert.  Commissioner Cramer attended the meeting via WebEx video conference.  Sergeant Sean Hess led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Chaplain Bill Gorman provided the invocation. 

  1. City Council Presentation. Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McManus, 6th District, presented on behalf of the City Council.  Mr. McManus spoke about the criticism that City departments receive, including the Police Department.  He believes that the criticism is meant to be constructive, and that the involved departments must work together through the challenges.  Mr. McManus believes there are multiple ways that the City and Police Department can collaborate to reduce barriers and increase cost savings. 

            Mr. McManus advised that he believes the newly created Community Engagement Division is a positive step for the Police Department.  He thanked Interim Chief Mabin for his partnership, and welcomes a relationship with the new chief of police and Department leadership. 

  1. Guest Presentations. Jacqueline Cudahy gave a presentation on the KCPD K9 Friends organization.  KCPD K9 Friends is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the active and retired canines of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.  It was organized in 2022, exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, and is funded solely through member dues, donations, and fundraising events.  KCPD K9 Friends provides financial support toward the medical care of retired canines, assists with unexpected financial outlays, and assists with educating the public about police canines. 

            Ms. Cudahy spoke about the annual K9 calendar, which is one of the organization’s primary fundraisers.  The calendar features pictures of the active KCPD canines.  The organization also created trading cards, with pictures and information about each canine, to hand out to kids in the community. 

  1. Community Engagement Division. Major Kari Thompson spoke about the newly created Community Engagement Division.  The Community Engagement Division will be made up of the following: Social Workers, Community Interaction Officers (CIOs), Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), Crime-Free Multi-Housing, Chaplains, and an LGBTQ+ Liaison Officer.  Major Thompson will oversee the Division, and Sergeant Garron Carter will be the Operations Sergeant assigned to the Division.  This Division will aim to improve community outreach and relations.    
  2. Crime Reporting/Gun Crime. Acting Deputy Chief Keith Kirchhoff provided an update on monthly crime statistics.  He advised that to-date in 2022, there have been 166 homicides, compared to 149 at this same time in 2021; the five-year average of homicides for this same time period is 147.  The Department has cleared 69 homicides this year and 14 additional cases from previous years, totaling 83 total homicides cleared in 2022.

Acting Deputy Chief Kirchhoff advised there have been 518 non-fatal shootings year-to-date, compared to 486 for this same time period in 2021.  There were 31 non-fatal shootings in November 2022, compared to 32 in November 2021.  Acting Deputy Chief Kirchhoff presented statistics on suspect and victim characteristics for the month of October 2022.

Acting Deputy Chief Kirchhoff advised that the Department recovered 175 firearms in November 2022, compared to 173 in November 2021.  The five-year average of recovered firearms for the month of November is 189.  The Department has recovered 2,374 firearms year-to-date 2022. 

            Acting Deputy Chief Kirchhoff spoke about cases submitted for prosecution.  In November 2022, there were 305 cases submitted for prosecution; there were 258 cases submitted to Jackson County, 34 to Clay County, and 13 to Platte County.  Acting Deputy Chief Kirchhoff reported that 119 of those cases were filed, and 87 cases were declined. 

            Acting Deputy Chief Kirchhoff advised that there were 52 missing persons reported in the month of November 2022; 47 of them have been located.  There were 67 juvenile runaways reported missing in November 2022; 55 of them have been located.  He advised that a more detailed report will be presented next month.

            Commissioner Wagner spoke about the $25,000 TIPS Hotline reward.  He also spoke about the witness protection program.  He believes that the fear of retaliation prohibits people from reporting tips, and the Department should make the witness protection program more known to the public to increase witness cooperation. 

            Commissioner Wagner also spoke about the violent crime surge in the City.  Acting Deputy Chief Kirchhoff advised that this is a nationwide problem.  Chief Mabin advised that increased partnerships and community engagement will assist with the decrease in violent crime.  Mayor Lucas advised that in a recent meeting, he and Commissioner Wagner requested additional personnel support and resources from the Department’s federal partners.  Commissioner Tolbert added that he believes violent crime is directly impacted by economic hardships. 

  1. Community Outreach. Acting Deputy Chief Stacey Graves spoke about State witness protection funds available to the social workers and detectives.  This money funds lock changes, relocation, etc. for crime victims.  KCPD has funds on hand for witness protection, and seeks reimbursement from the State.  

Acting Deputy Chief Graves presented monthly statistics for the Patrol Bureau.  During the month of November, the 911 Call Center received 74,608 calls for service, compared to 76,430 in November 2021.  In November 2022, officers were dispatched to 17,513 calls; 32,184 calls were alternatively handled.  To-date 2022, the Department has received 832,629 calls for service, compared to 914,733 at this same time period in 2021. 

Commissioner Dean spoke about a public comment that was emailed to the Board regarding the 911 hold times.  Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that calls are answered in the order in which they are received.  If all lines are busy, callers will hear a recording advising of the hold; callers do not receive a busy signal.  Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that his staff will look into the concerns of the public commenter. 

Mayor Lucas inquired about pay increases for call takers and dispatchers.  Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that the Department reclassified the positions within the Communications Unit.  Each member received a salary increase with the reclassification.  Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that the call volume and stress is a struggle for members. 

There are approximately 20 vacancies within the Communications Unit.  Commissioner Tolbert requested that the Department meet again with the Full Employment Council in an attempt to get applicants.  Deputy Chief Niemeier spoke about the challenges that applicants face within the hiring process, such as testing and background checks.  He advised that of 66 applicants, 28 did not respond to the Department’s communication, and five passed the CritiCall testing, but failed the interview.  An additional 11 were disqualified by Human Resources during the background check phase. 

Commissioners Tolbert and Dean requested a deep look into the hiring process for the Communications Unit.  Mayor Lucas recommended recruiting call takers and dispatchers from surrounding agencies.  In response to a question, Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that the Department provides members with a recruitment incentive of $500.00 and an “E” day if they recruit law enforcement, detention officers, or call-taker candidates. 

Acting Deputy Chief Graves advised that she recently received a research memorandum from a KCPD sergeant regarding childcare options for law enforcement.  Acting Deputy Chief Luster advised that the Department is looking into partnerships for a first responder child care option for other agencies with a 24/7 need across the City.  Mayor Lucas believes this is a huge need for personnel working all shifts.  He recommended conducting an RFP for these services. 

Acting Deputy Chief Graves advised that the median response time for priority 10 (also known as priority one) calls for the month of November was 7.85 minutes; the Department’s goal for priority 10 calls is 7.50 minutes.  The median response time for priority 20 (also known as priority two) calls for the month of November was 9.97 minutes; the Department’s goal for priority 20 calls is 9.00.  Acting Deputy Chief Graves advised that last month, due to staffing shortages, the Department redeployed its proactive squads back into patrol sectors to assist with City-wide calls for service. 

Acting Deputy Chief Graves advised that to-date 2022, there have been 80 traffic accident fatalities, compared to 74 at this same time period in 2021.  Over 70 percent of the fatality victims were white males, half of them were the vehicle driver, over 50 percent were not wearing a seatbelt, and 37 percent involving intoxication impairment.  The intersection of 71 Highway and Gregory Boulevard remains the City’s highest crash location. 

Acting Deputy Chief Graves spoke about street racers and sideshows.  She advised that these events are becoming a huge problem in the City and nationwide.  Injury accidents, shootings, and homicides are occurring at these events.  Acting Deputy Chief Graves advised that community leaders have met to discuss ordinance changes and other proactive measures to reduce these events.  Public Works Director Michael Shaw has had pucks installed at several intersections across the City to reduce sideshows and dangerous driving.  Director Shaw is collaborating with KCPD to identify an additional 50 intersections for puck and camera installations.  Commissioner Tolbert advised that Desmound Logan will be submitting a proposal for a safe place to hold street races.

  1. Administration Bureau. Acting Deputy Chief Daniel Gates provided an update on Department staffing.  As of November 30, 2022, Department strength was 1,669.  For this time period, there were 1,131 sworn law enforcement personnel, 27 recruits, and 506 career civilians.  There are currently 205 total vacancies.  Acting Deputy Chief Gates advised that at this same time period in 2021, Department strength was 1,159.

            Acting Deputy Chief Gates advised that the Department received 936 online reports filed in October 2022.  There were 821 online reports filed in November 2022.  Online reporting continues to increase, and provides a beneficial alternative to having officers take these reports in the field. 

            Commissioner Wagner spoke about the utilization of retired officers like other agencies such as Springfield, MO and Naples, FL.  Acting Deputy Chief Gates advised that he believes there may be challenges with the Department’s retirement plan, but he will look into it.  There is a large pool of retired officers with a very high skillset that could be utilized in a number of ways.  Commissioner Wagner believes it would be extremely helpful to utilize retired officers part-time to fill staffing shortages.

            Mayor Lucas requested a future presentation on bonuses and incentives to enhance officer recruitment.  Deputy Chief Niemeier advised there is a $13 million decision package in the Department’s requested budget this year.  This package would include an $8,000 retention bonus for existing members, and a $7,000 sign-on bonus for new members (over the course of three years). 

  1. Executive Services Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier presented the following items for Board approval:
  2. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2022-23.  A memorandum dated November 28, 2022, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers.  This transfer will affect the General Fund, Police Drug Enforcement Fund, Police Grants Fund, and the Grants Special Revenue Fund.   

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Wagner, to approve the budget transfers as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2022-23.  A memorandum dated November 29, 2022, was presented to recommend approval of an appropriation of $565,035 to the following accounts within the Special Services Fund: Financial Services – Minor Equipment, Personnel Division – Health & Wellness, and Personnel Division – Contract Work.  This appropriation will be used to fund minor equipment purchases, insurance plan education (reimbursed by Blue Cross/Blue Shield), and flexible spending deposit.    

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Wagner, to approve the adjustments to special revenue accounts as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Bid No. 2023-15, Police Uniform Contract.  A memorandum dated December 1, 2022, was presented to recommend approval to award Bid No. 2023-15 to Galls LLC, GT Distributors, Inc., and Baysingers Police Supply, Inc., for police uniforms.  The contract period will be one-year, with the option to renew for four additional one-year periods.  The anticipated expenditure is $320,602.07, for the contract period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. 

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Wagner, to award Bid No. 2023-15, Police Uniform Contract, to Galls LLC, GT Distributors, Inc., and Baysingers Police Supply, Inc., at an anticipated expenditure of $320,602.07.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

Mayor Lucas briefly left the meeting.

  1. Lexipol Policy and Training Solutions. A memorandum dated December 5, 2022, was presented to recommend approval of a contract with Lexipol Solutions, to assist with policy development and integration, at an initial cost of $169,885.88. 

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Wagner, to approve a contract with Lexipol Solutions, at an initial cost of $169,885.88.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

  1. Renewal of Claims Service Provider. A memorandum dated December 5, 2022, was presented to recommend renewal of the contract with Gallagher Bassett Services Inc., as the Department’s workers’ compensation claims services provider, at an annual cost of $548,023.11.  The contract period is October 1, 2022 through October 1, 2023. 

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Wagner, to approve the contract renewal with Gallagher Bassett Inc., at an annual cost of $548,023.11.  The vote was 4-0 in favor. 

Mayor Lucas returned to the meeting.

  1. Supplemental Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2022-23. A memorandum dated December 12, 2022, was presented to recommend Board authorization for the Department to establish the Radio Equipment fund.  The Department received $19,072,000, as provided in City Ordinance No. 221063, to purchase radio equipment.  The City will issue special obligation bonds in spring 2023, and the Department will annually appropriate monies for payment beginning in Fiscal Year 2023-24, over a ten year period, with funds from general revenues. 

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to accept City Ordinance No. 221063 and authorize the Department to establish the new Radio Equipment fund.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, in connection with the financing for the needed replacement of two-way radios and computer-aided dispatch used by the Department.  The vote was 5-0 in favor. 

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to execute a contract for payment up to $19,072,000 for the radio purchase.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

Deputy Chief Niemeier thanked Tammy Queen and other City staff for their collaboration on the radio project. 

  1. Professional Development and Research Bureau. Acting Deputy Chief Paul Luster presented the Basic Training Class Summary for November 2022.  He advised that the 175th Entrant Officer Class graduated on November 18, 2022.  There were 15 KCPD recruits that graduated; they have now began field training.  The 176th Entrant Officer Class began training on October 18, 2022, and is expected to graduate on May 4, 2023.  There are 26 KCPD recruits and 13 recruits from outside agencies in this class.  The 177th Entrant Officer Class is scheduled to begin January 24, 2023.   

Acting Deputy Chief Luster presented the following items for the consent agenda:

  1. Project 1319B: Limited Duty
  2. Project 1417: Claims for Damage to Personal Property

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner

Wagner, to approve Project 1319B, Limited Duty, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve Project 1417, Claims for Damage to Personal Property, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

            Acting Deputy Chief Luster provided a brief update on the Youth Services Unit.  The D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T. Programs held several graduations in November.  The Police Athletic League (PAL) held their annual PAL Draft, and is grateful for the donations they received. 

  1. Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Holly Dodge presented the November 2022 Private Officers Licensing Unit Monthly Summary.  In November 2022, there were 33 private officer license suspensions, two license denials, and zero revocations.

            Ms. Dodge presented the following Private Officer Licensing Appeal:

  1. Private Officer Licensing Appeal: James D. Harper.  A memorandum dated November 23, 2022, was presented to recommend the denial of the armed private security license of James D. Harper.  The basis for the denial is outlined in Title 17 of the Code of State Regulations Section 10-2.050(1), which stipulates in part, “all applicants for licensing shall successfully pass a written examination as presented by the department of potential licensees.  A person failing to obtain a passing score as established by the board may be allowed to retake the written test three (3) times.  An additional fee and a new Form 5409 P.D. is required each time the test is retaken.  The test may not be taken more than one (1) time per day.  An applicant shall have the right to review their test.  The Private Officer Licensing Unit (POLU) may refuse to test any person if evidence exists that there is grounds for denial of the license.”  In addition, Title 17 of the Code of State Regulations Section 10-2.060 (8)(I), which stipulates, “the chief of police or his/her designee may impose a fine, order probation, order a suspension or revoke a license of any company granted under Section 84.720 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri pursuant to the procedures set forth in section (10) of this rule, when there exists information that the licensee is an organization, any of its officers, directors, partners, or associates has – (I) provided other facts or actions which demonstrate that the applicant is unsuitable or ineligible to continue to hold a license.”  Mr. Harper failed to pass the written portion of the armed examination.  Mr. Harper was given the test and answer sheet to review.  This is to ensure every applicant is aware of the correct answers.  When Mr. Harper was given the test to review, Private Officer Licensing Officer Supervisor Tamy Gallagher observed Mr. Harper bring out a sheet of paper and begin writing down answers to all ten questions in the armed section of the examination. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Wagner, to uphold the decision of the Private Officer Licensing Unit to deny the armed private security license of James D. Harper.  The vote was 5-0 in favor. 

            Ms. Dodge presented Title 17 – Private Security Regulations and Licensing, for Board approval.  Ms. Dodge explained that this was previously approved by the Board in October 2022; however, Chief Mabin has requested to add the option to carry rifles.  A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve Title 17 – Private Security Regulations and Licensing, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor. 

  1. Office of Community Complaints (OCC). Director Merrell Bennekin advised that he will be presenting the OCC Annual Report for 2022 at the January Board meeting.  He is excited for the new Community Engagement Division, and believes there is a lot of opportunity for training, education, and collaboration.  Mr. Bennekin congratulated Senior Legal Analyst Michael Walker on his upcoming retirement after serving 51.5 years on the Department.  Mr. Bennekin extended his condolences to Ms. Pearl Fain after the passing of her husband.  Mr. Bennekin congratulated all retiring KCPD members.  He wished everyone a safe and Happy Holiday. 
  2. Public Comments. Desmound Logan advised that he will be running for City Council 5th District.  He gave Major Kari Thompson a round of applause for her work in the community.  He expressed concerns with mentally ill people being dropped off in the City by Independence Police.  The Board asked Chief Mabin to look into this matter.

Ron Hunt expressed concern with the Department’s internal problems that have recently been discussed in the local media.  He stated that he is glad that Acting Deputy Chief Graves is in the running for Chief of Police.  He would like to see more advancement of Black people within the Department. 

Sheryl Ferguson spoke about racist tendencies within the Department.  She stated that the new Chief of Police needs to address it. 

Teresa Loar advised that she was appalled when reading the letter released to the media by former Associate General Counsel Ryan McCarty regarding alleged misconduct of General Counsel Holly Dodge.  She believes Ms. Dodge gives bad legal advice, specifically when it came to her son’s employment with KCPD.  She demanded the Board investigate this matter.  She called for the immediate resignation and/or termination of Chief Joseph Mabin and General Counsel Holly Dodge.

Doug Shafer expressed his concerns with the passing of Missouri Amendment 4, which amended Section 21, Article X of the Missouri Constitution, which increased police funding from 20 percent to 25 percent of the City’s General Fund.  He demanded the Board members’ resignation.

Stan Morgan and Scott Meyers advised they recently sent the Board two letters, but have not received a response.  They requested dialogue with the Board.  Commissioner Tolbert advised that the Board did receive their letters, and would be in contact to schedule a meeting.

Pat Clarke advised that his son was a call taker for the Department, but resigned to due to the stress of the job.  He spoke about the trauma and stress from which call takers suffer.  He believes it would be helpful for the Department to provide coping mechanisms and training related to the stress these employees have to endure.  He commended Major Kari Thompson for the work she does in the community.  He wished everyone a Merry Christmas. 

Jacqueline Cudahy advised that she is part of the Crime Commission’s Crime Stoppers Board.  She advised that they are trying to increase advertising of the TIPS Hotline and reward amount.  The Board advised that they would like to see more publicity about the witness protection program. 

  1. Approval of Minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the open session minutes from the Board meeting on November 15, 2022.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.
  2. Recap from Chief Joseph Mabin. Chief Mabin stated that he is disappointed in the year-end violent crime statistics in the City.  He spoke about the increase of non-fatal shootings and homicides in the City throughout the year.  He stated that 166 local families are experiencing immeasurable grief this holiday season due to homicides.  He advised that he is optimistic for next year because of the increased partnerships and initiatives.  He wished everyone a Happy Holiday.

            Commissioner Tolbert thanked Chief Mabin for leading the Department in the interim. 

  1. Secretary/Attorney David Kenner. Mr. Kenner wished everyone a Happy Holiday, and safe New Year.
  2. Mayor Quinton Lucas. Mayor Lucas requested an update on the litigation liability insurance project at the next Board meeting.  He also requested the Department take a look at the 2nd Quarter spendings, to see if additional funds allow for salary increases.  Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that the Department is currently $1.5 million over budget in overtime spending.

            Mayor Lucas advised that the chief of police search has been a detailed process, and that everyone is working towards the best outcome.  He believes the Department has narrowed it down to three qualified candidates.  He advised that he is always open for more transparency.

            Mayor Lucas ensured that the Board will take the whistleblower accusations seriously, and will investigate the allegations.  He wished everyone a Happy Holiday.

  1. Commissioner Dawn Cramer. Commissioner Cramer wished everyone a safe, health, and happy holiday season.
  2. Commissioner Don Wagner. Commissioner Wagner thanked Chief Mabin for his service as Interim Chief. He wished everyone a Happy Holiday.  
  3. Commissioner Cathy Dean. Commissioner Dean thanked members of the Department and the community with their assistance in the chief of police process.  She also thanked Chief Mabin for his leadership as Interim Chief.  She wished everyone a Happy Holiday.
  4. Commissioner Mark Tolbert. Commissioner Tolbert advised that the community forum for chief of police was very helpful in this process.  He thanked Board Assistant Bethany Ruoff for her assistance with the forum.  He also thanked City Staff, Chief Karl Oakman, and the staff at the Mohart Center for their assistance.
  5. Scheduled meetings. The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:

 

Board Disciplinary Hearing:

 

BOPC 21-02

February 24, 2023, 9:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

*Discipline hearings are closed under Section 590.502.3(6) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.

 

Regular Meetings:

 

January 31, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

February 21, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

March 28, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

April 25, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

May 23, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

June 27, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

Mayor Lucas advised that discussions regarding the selection of the next Chief of Police should be held in open session.  Other Board members disagreed, stating that personnel matters should be discussed in closed session.

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Wagner, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 12:03 p.m., as provided in the following resolution.  Following a roll call, the vote was 4-1 in favor. 

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, notice of the board meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners was given on December 20, 2021, 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, December 13, 2022, 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                                                 -           Nay

Commissioner Dawn Cramer                                     -           Aye

Commissioner Don Wagner                                       -           Aye

            Commissioner Cathy Dean                                         -           Aye

Commissioner Mark Tolbert                                       -           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, December 13, 2022:

The Board went into closed session at 12:14 p.m. 

1)         Following a motion by Commissioner Dean and a second by Commissioner Wagner, the Board voted to authorize the payment of attorneys’ fees and expenses in an amount not to exceed $300,000 to counsel for the Board in the case of Gwendolyn Grant v. Board of Police Commissioners.  The vote was 4-1 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Wagner voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Nay.

2)         Following a motion by Commissioner Dean and a second by Commissioner Wagner, the Board voted to authorize the payment of attorneys’ fees and expenses in an amount not to exceed $300,000 to counsel for the Board in the case of Quinton Lucas v. Eric Schmitt, et al.  The vote was 4-1 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Wagner voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Nay.

3)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Dean, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed Board meetings on November 15, 2022.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.   Following polling, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Wagner voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

4)         At 12:27 p.m., following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Wagner, the Board voted to go into special closed session to discuss personnel matters and litigation matters.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Wagner voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

5)         Following a motion by Commissioner Dean and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to come out of special closed session.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.   Following polling, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Wagner voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

            The Board reconvened in open session at 2:00 p.m.  Commissioner Cramer did not participate. 

            The Board announced they will be holding a closed session meeting on Thursday, December 15, 2022, to discuss personnel matters.  The Board anticipates selecting the next Chief of Police of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department at that time.

            A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Wagner, to adjourn the open session meeting.  The vote was 4-0 in favor. 

            The Board adjourned at 2:03 p.m.