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Board denies one operator license over application discrepancies, approves another after review
Summary
Trustees denied Andrew Lennox’s operator license citing inaccuracies in his application and background-check flags; the board approved Marissa Cartahana’s license after she addressed trustees about pending misdemeanor matters and legal guidance on chapter 125 obligations.
The Village of Salem Lakes considered two operator license applications and took different actions after reviewing background information.
Andrew Lennox’s application was presented to the board in his absence. Clerk and trustees reported discrepancies between the application and the background check; concerns were raised that the application answers were inaccurate. A trustee moved to deny the license based on the application and background-check findings; the motion was seconded and the board voted to deny the application.
Marissa Cartahana appeared in person to answer questions. She told trustees she is a registered nurse on leave and that some pending misdemeanor charges dating to 2023–24 are under discussion between prosecutors and her attorney; she said an earlier OWI matter had been resolved and she has completed required obligations. Legal guidance was provided on Wisconsin Stat. ch. 125, including the need to consider whether convictions are substantially related to operator duties rather than applying blanket denials. After questioning about handling intoxicated patrons and confirming current employment plans, a trustee moved to approve Cartahana’s operator license; the motion passed by voice vote with one trustee recorded as opposed.
Why it matters: Operator licenses are regulated under Wisconsin Statutes ch. 125; background checks and conviction-related inquiries must be evaluated under state standards that prohibit blanket denials and require analysis of whether offenses are substantially related to duties.
What’s next: Cartahana’s license was approved contingent on standard conditions; Lennox may reapply if he provides corrected application information or addresses background issues.
