Ashwaubenon Board issues mixed rulings on operator-license appeals

The Village Board of Ashwaubenon considered five appeals of administrator denials of operator’s licenses at its Aug. 26 meeting and issued mixed rulings.

The board overturned the denial for Joseph Devine (10c). Staff reported the denial stemmed from a prior noncompliance with application guidelines; Public Works and Protection had recommended overturning the denial. Devine was not present at the meeting.

The board overturned the denial for Brett Demuth (10d). Demuth appeared before the board, stated his address and said he had completed anger-management and related courses and had no incidents in more than 10 years. Board members debated whether a felony conviction (in earlier years) should bar licensing; ultimately the motion to overturn passed.

The board upheld the denial for Christopher Gillespie (10e). Staff told the board Gillespie’s application had been reviewed in April and, at that time, his background included two convictions or related offenses within the policy’s two-year window; staff recommended upholding the denial. Board members voted to uphold that recommendation.

The board overturned the denial for Ashley Horn (10f). Staff noted Public Works and Protection had approved the appeal; Horn was present and questions asked at committee were reviewed with the board before action.

The board upheld the denial for Graciela Diaz (10g). Diaz was not present; staff reported a disorderly-conduct conviction within the prior two years and the board voted to uphold the committee denial.

Board members emphasized that staff used the village’s licensing policy standards (guidance numbers cited at the meeting) when recommending actions, and that applicants may reapply subject to those policy timeframes.