Council adopts PCOB appointment language favored by board; two alderpersons abstain

The Common Council voted on Sept. 2 to adopt an amendment to Madison General Ordinance section 5.2 that clarifies how members of the Police Civilian Oversight Board (PCOB) are nominated and appointed. The version approved tracks the language recommended by the PCOB and specifies that the Office of the Independent Monitor will receive and coordinate nominations in conjunction with PCOB members.

The ordinance change was the subject of extensive public comment during the meeting. Amelia Royko Maurer, who said she had read the agenda item, urged the council to support an alternative put forward by Alder Madison that matched the PCOB’s unanimous recommendation and would prioritize representation from smaller community organizations. "Eliminating [the small‑organization] provision would effectively allow organizations that already have political access to consolidate power at the expense of smaller, more grassroots organizations," Royko Maurer said.

Several registrants and PCOB members described the amendment as the board’s own recommendation after multiple committee reviews. Stephanie Rearick, who participated in PCOB discussions and represented the board in the meeting, told alderpersons the board had unanimously supported the version now before Council and had adjusted language to have the independent monitor’s office (not the mayor) collect nominations.

Council action: President Vitevere moved the PCOB‑approved version; the motion passed with two recorded abstentions (Alder Harrington McKinney and Alder Pritchett). Members who did not record an abstention voted in favor. The Council noted the PCOB repeatedly placed a competing amendment “on file with prejudice” during earlier meetings and that the board preferred the version adopted.

Why it matters: The amendment shapes the governance and appointment process for an oversight body tasked with receiving complaints and reviewing police conduct. Supporters of the adopted language said it preserves the PCOB’s independence and gives the independent monitor an operational role in assembling candidate pools. Opponents had argued the text could limit opportunities for some community organizations; supporters said the version preserves space for grassroots representation while making the process administratively clear.

Ending: With the ordinance change, the city will continue to use the independent monitor’s office and PCOB members to coordinate nominations before appointments are finalized; alderpersons and PCOB leaders said they expect the board to proceed with its planned meeting schedule.