Former US magistrate to mediate settlement between Morales, city of Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The legal team for former Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales and the legal team for the city of Milwaukee have agreed to use a mediator to settle their dispute.

If the two sides can't reach a settlement by July 3, a judge's order means Morales will be reinstated as the city police chief.

Milwaukee Alderman Robert Bauman said the city "needs a divorce, and divorces can be expensive."

"I don't think any of my colleagues want to see him return as police chief," Bauman said. "I don't think the mayor wants to see him return as police chief. I don't think the Fire and Police Commission wants him to return as police chief."

Morales's attorney Frank Gimbel said the two sides have agreed on former U.S. Magistrate Judge David Jones as mediator.

Bauman said the city will likely settle because of what he referred to as an error of the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission.

A judge ruled the body improperly demoted Morales to captain.

"Five of the six who are still on there are directly responsible for this mess with Morales, will cost the city a substantial amount of money and they should all resign," Bauman said.

Mayor Barrett announced three nominees to fill the months-long vacancies to the FPC in former United States Attorney Joan Kessler, MENTOR Greater Milwaukee Director LaNelle Ramey, and Marquette Professor Ed Fallone.

"I don't have any agenda," Fallone said. "I don't have any preconceptions about any of the issues that the Fire and Police Commission will face. My only goal is to protect and serve the voice of the community.

Barrett's nominees must be confirmed by the Milwaukee Common Council.