Committee recommends granting operator license appeal for employee with 2005 felony on record after employer testimony

The Green Bay Protection Policy Committee voted to recommend granting an operator license to an employee whose record includes a 2005 felony conviction, after hearing testimony from the employee’s employer and a remote speaker.

Staff told the committee the application triggered an automatic denial because the applicant had a felony on her record dating to February 2005. Deputy staff noted the charge was theft from a business for more than $10,000. Josh Olajec, who identified himself for the record and said he employs the applicant, spoke on her behalf and said she has worked for his establishment since 2010 and was promoted to nighttime manager. Olajec said he included in his letter the employee’s completion of probation.

Committee members asked whether the applicant was present; Olajec said she was not because she was attending a meeting in Chicago for another job. The committee heard from the employer that the establishment serves a small number of alcoholic drinks on a typical night and that the employer preferred managers hold operator licenses.

Members debated whether the applicant’s absence was a reason to deny the appeal. One committee member said they would vote no because they preferred to have the applicant or her representative present; another agreed. Other members said the age of the conviction and her subsequent employment record weighed in favor of approval. After discussion, a motion to grant the appeal passed by voice vote; there was at least one recorded nay.

The committee’s recommendation will be finalized by the Common Council. The committee also encouraged applicants to attend in person or send representation when practical.