Milwaukee FPC votes in new chairman, talks Morales lawsuit

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Before the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission could go over the situation with former chief Alfonso Morales, the board had to vote on a new chairman.

The last two chairmen had resigned, one amidst scandal, the other citing a toxic environment.

Commissioner Ed Fallone was elected new FPC chairman in a unanimous vote. The city oversight board held the meeting virtually and did not decide if they wanted to continue that practice.

"I am ready to go back to an in-person meeting, personally," Fallone said.

"COVID is still out there," Commissioner Amanda Avalos said. "The variant appears to be stronger."

The meeting came two days after the city announced they had a tentative agreement to pay Morales $626,000 not to return.

The FPC never replaced the former chief after they demoted him last August..

"They have no role in the proposed settlement," Alderman Robert Bauman said. "They do have a role in selecting the next chief of police."

City leaders from Mayor Tom Barrett, to Common Council President Cavalier Johnson said they hope the FPC makes Acting Chief Jeffrey Norman the permanent chief.

"I have the highest respect for his capabilities. I think he would make an excellent chief of police for Milwaukee."

The Morales settlement is not final -- it still needs to pass through the Common Council.

"I do anticipate there being eight votes for the proposed settlement," Bauman said. "But the real question at this point is whether the mayor agrees to sign the legislation, or does he veto the legislation."

The Common Council will hold a procedural meeting on the Morales settlement Friday, July 16. A committee is expected to take up the measure Monday, July 19.

The earliest the full council could vote on the proposal is Tuesday, July 27, unless a special meeting is called.