Number
170634
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. ZIELINSKI, BORKOWSKI, PEREZ, STAMPER, RAINEY AND BAUMAN
Title
Resolution directing the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of State legislation relating to how fire and police chiefs may be removed from office.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Affairs Division to seek introduction and passage of State legislation to amend s. 62.50, Wis. Stats., to grant the common council of a 1st class city the authority to remove the chief of police or the fire chief from office by a two-thirds majority vote of its members.
Body
Whereas, Since its establishment in 1885, the Fire and Police Commission has been
responsible for appointing the police and fire chiefs of the City of Milwaukee; and
Whereas, This arrangement, which is mandated under State law (s. 62.50, Wis. Stats.), is relatively unique among American cities of Milwaukee’s size; and
Whereas, While this appointment procedure once served a valuable purpose in shielding the chiefs of fire and police from political influence, it is nonetheless necessary to update this arrangement to ensure that the chief of police and the fire chief are fiscally-conscious, operationally-efficient and responsive to the needs of the community served; and
Whereas, The Common Council is an appropriate body in which to vest the authority to remove from office a chief of police or fire chief who no longer has the faith and support of the community and its elected officials; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Affairs Division is directed to seek introduction and passage of State legislation to amend s. 62.50, Wis. Stats., to grant the common council of a 1st class city the authority to remove the chief of police or the fire chief from office by a two-thirds ...
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