The Village of Brown Deer Board of Trustees on July 7 denied an appeal by Jonathan Verbaughn of a village manager’s decision to refuse an operator (bartender) license.

The decision matters because village code (chapter 14-87) and state law allow local officials to weigh applicants’ criminal records in licensing decisions; trustees must decide whether an applicant’s convictions reasonably relate to the duties of the job. Village staff and counsel told the board the most recent conviction and prior alcohol-related offenses were the basis for the recommended denial.

Tyler (staff member) summarized the case for the board and read a counselor’s letter stating, in part, that Verbaughn “is making good progress as to dealing with his past alcohol abuse issues” and that he “will continue counseling for the next 3 months.” Verbaughn told the board he has been sober since April 1, 2023. Resident Mary Moran, who spoke in support, said she has “seen him since the issue in 2023, do quite a bit of a change in the lifestyle” and added, “I really see a change in him.”

Ben (staff member) explained the legal framework to the board, referencing village code 14-87 and Chapter 125 of the Wisconsin statutes and noting the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act’s requirement that license denials be reasonably related to job duties. Ben told trustees that courts have treated alcohol-related offenses as related to the duties of serving alcohol and that, in this case, Verbaughn has three OWI arrests or convictions since 2018, including a conviction dated March 18, 2025.

Trustees asked Verbaughn about his current employment (he said he serves about five days a week and owns a doggy day care in addition to bartending) and about timing of counseling (staff read that counseling began May 28, 2025). Trustee Thompson moved to deny the operator license appeal; Trustee Greaves seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion carried.

Discussion versus decision: the transcript records extended questioning and public comment — including testimonial support and staff legal explanation — followed by a formal motion and vote to deny the appeal. Following the vote, staff offered to meet with Verbaughn to discuss next steps and the path to reapplying.

The board’s action was limited to the local license appeal and did not change or vacate any court convictions. The minutes note that Trustee Woods was excused from the meeting.

A follow-up meeting or administrative steps were offered by staff to explain reapplication procedures and timelines to Verbaughn.