Dan Thomas

The strategic plan for the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission outlines efforts to recruit and hire police officers for the city of Milwaukee. It focuses on two main components: robust recruitment strategies and modernized testing and hiring processes. Key initiatives include expanding community outreach, targeted advertising, optimizing applicant opportunities, streamlining testing while maintaining high standards, and fostering diversity. The plan aims to increase the size of Milwaukee's police force, improve public safety, and ensure a dedicated, qualified police department by setting goals for application and hiring increases through 2026.

The Fire and Police Commission's strategic plan outlines efforts to recruit and hire dedicated and qualified police officers for the city of Milwaukee. Key objectives include increasing the overall size of the police force, maintaining high testing standards, and strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion. The plan is structured around two main components: robust recruitment efforts through community engagement, targeted advertising, and maximizing applicant opportunities; and improving testing and hiring processes by modernizing procedures, maintaining high standards, and increasing the diversity of recruit classes. The ultimate vision is to strengthen public safety, create family-supporting jobs, and enhance community-police relations.

The Licenses Committee reviewed and recommended for approval various license applications including tavern, food dealer, public entertainment, secondhand motor vehicle dealer, and extended hours establishment licenses. Specific agenda items addressed changes in agents, renewals with stock transfers, and new license applications for various local businesses and events. Additionally, the committee processed warning letters and sent certain license applications back to committee for further discussion.

The Common Council meeting covered a wide array of municipal business, including licensing recommendations, ordinances regarding liquor sales and parking and traffic controls. The Council approved various lease agreements for personal communication antennas and reviewed public improvement projects, including assessment and construction plans. Financial topics were a major focus, with the adoption of budget revisions, carryover of fund balances, and reallocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds for programs like the Bridge Project and eviction prevention services. Additional resolutions addressed Fire and Police department funding, health department grants, paramedic services, and legal settlements. The Council also handled several personnel reappointments and reviewed internal communication reports regarding departmental activities.

The committee discussed and acted on a substitute resolution regarding the reallocation and expenditure of $617,215 in American Rescue Plan Act funds. Members considered several proposed substitutions for the allocation of these funds, ultimately recommending the adoption of a substitute resolution that included funding for the Legal Aid Society's Eviction Free MKE, the Employ Milwaukee Earn & Learn Program, and the Earn and Learn Summer Youth Intern Program, as well as down payment assistance.