Meeting of June 1, 2006 @ 9:00 a.m. Mayor Juan Perez, Chief David Kirk, Officer John Winter

Notes prepared by Mary Rajer

Meeting was called by Mayor Juan Perez regarding letter to editor written by John Winter to The Beacon. The mayor said he has some people saying strong things to him because of Officer Winter's letter which starts out by saying "This letter is to express the serious concerns the Sheboygan Professional Police Association has with the recent actions of the Common Council and the mayor to possibly eliminate the existence of the Sheboygan Police Department. The mayor said it's a problem because it disrupts administration of government.

The mayor asked Off. Winter where he got "and the mayor" from. The mayor didn't vote, nor was his name on the resolution.

Off. Winter said that he views the mayor as captain of a ship, the head of city government. This issue has been lying over for some time and must have been conversation about it.

The mayor said all he's asking is for him to say the truth.

Off. Winter brought up memo from mayor saying they can't ell citizens police department is short staffed. Mayor said it was to not create disruption.

Chief Kirk brought up conversation he had with mayor yesterday where mayor indicated that if it would come to an 8-8 tie the mayor would not back Act 40.

Off. Winter - This is all about Act 40-130 jobs on the line - it doesn't talk about sharing services - it's about possibly eliminating the police department. Mayor is part of city government - mayor didn't talk against Act 40 at Council meeting.

The mayor again reiterated that Off. Winter was making a giant leap of faith to drag his name into this article and that he should have his facts straight - had no basis for including mayor.

Off. Winter said mayor is head of city government and knows what's going on in city government.

Mayor said he would like Off. Winter to correct article.

Off. Winter said he didn't think that people calling the mayor and telling him what they think is disruptive - it's open government. Even if the mayor's name weren't in the article he would still be getting calls.

Mayor stated again that using his name in the article is based on untruthfulness -should never drag his name into anything unless you have the facts. If you are going to drag my name in without any basis I'm going to call you on it. This is not the first time that we've had this discussion. I hope you can understand it and correct it.

Off. Winter asked how to correct and mayor said by writing something to say mayor wasn't involved. Off. Winter asked mayor if he did know about it. Mayor said he heard rumblings. Mayor pointed out that Off. Winter made sure to thank those not involved. Off. Winter said maybe they should agree to disagree. Mayor said he would respond by writing something and call it free speech.

Off. Winter said he would like to say that after speaking with the mayor he could say that he wasn't for Act 40. The mayor said that was something he would be discussing with the chief.

Off. Winter said the Act 40 issue is huge. It involves not just the police but fire, and AFSME. He said he has no problem with sharing services but doesn't see the need to bring Act 40 into this. Take it out of the resolution and it will change everything. Take that out and Off. Winter said he would call the radio stations, etc. and tell them he was wrong for including the mayor. The mayor asked him why he couldn't just call anyway and he said because he was too wishy washy without the mayor coming out and saying he did not support Act 40.

The mayor said the chief never spoke up to say that he supported the police department. The chief said that he has spoke about the support by the mayor for the MEG unit, tazers, squad cameras, etc.

Off. Winter said this is the perfect opportunity for the mayor to come out and say he is against Act 40. Give him the OK and he'll get the work out that he's wrong about the mayor being behind this.

The mayor explained that he doesn't dictate what the alderpersons do. Many times he doesn't see a resolution until documents are prepared for council. He doesn't control what happens on the council floor.

Chief Kirk said he thinks not only is it the action - it is the in-action. The mayor did not speak on it.

The mayor said he will speak when he wants, when it is the proper time.

Off. Winter again talked about the police department being a huge public safety issue - can't get away from talking about Act 40 - effects all personnel in department, effects hiring, etc. Jobs are on the line - citizen positions - there will be bumping going on within union, etc. Officers will be given preference in hiring at Sheriff Dept. but will have to start at bottom. Moral is very low right now.

Mayor reiterated again that he is not behind current resolution. This is all based on speculation and conjecture.

Off. Winter said that as leader of the citizens mayor should know everything that's going on - if not there's some serious flaws.

Mayor said he has respect for everyone - when the right time comes he will speak up. Don't forget the importance of truth.

Officer Winter said this is a hot issue that is not going away.