Peshtigo Common Council hears letter from police department

PESHTIGO – The Peshtigo Common Council held their most recent meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 6. After approving the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting, the council opened up the floor for public comments.

A variety of police officers took to the floor to read portions of the letter they wrote to the council. Officer Adam Hynnek began, explaining that the police department had previously requested the hiring of an additional officer.

However, they had been told that, despite Officer Cohan already being trained, there were no extra funds for an additional hire. Officer Hynnek stated that this extra officer would be crucial to “give officers more time to arrest drunk drivers and get drugs off of the street.”

Next, Officer Alex Wojcik continued the letter. He stated that each officer in Peshtigo has a higher rate of civilians to officers than surrounding towns. An additional officer would not only decrease this, but would increase officer safety by allowing more than one officer to respond to calls when need be.

Finally, Officer Josh Lindt said the fire department and EMR received a 41% budget increase while police officers are working overtime to complete investigation, public relation and education duties. Officer Lindt stated “we feel that the concrete numbers…clearly articulate our need for another member.”

He closed the letter by noting that an additional officer could alleviate call volumes, increase morale and improve officer mental health. Officer Lindt then asked the board to reconsider.

Police Chief Fred Popp spoke to the council to inform the members he did not ask the officers to prepare this letter, but added that it is an important matter.

He added that, while he was not trying to offend the fire department or EMR, he felt that the police department was not being given enough consideration.
Alderperson Angel Wink thanked the police officers for presenting their letter.

The letter will be sent forward to the finance department.

In council member news, Joel Ahrens was appointed as Alderperson to the vacant seat in District 2. Alderperson Ahrens then joined the Judiciary Committee as well as the License and Policy Committee. Alderperson Robert Warren joined the Fire, Lighting, and Building Committee. Alderperson Angel Wink joined Parks and Recreation as well as the Chair of Fire, Lighting, and Building Committee. Alderperson Keith Klimek became the Chair of Parks and Recreation and Alderperson Brigitte Schmidt was nominated as the Council President.

Afterward, the council took a moment to recognize the men and women who have served the country in advance of Veteran’s Day. This included city workers Alderperson Robert Warren, Police Chief Fred Popp, Officers Randy Miller and Steve Scmidt, Public Works Jeff Vorphal, Parks and Recreation John Breault and John Valitchka and Firefighter/EMR Brandon Lindsay.

Following recommendation from the Fire, Lightening and Building committee, the council approved the 2025-2027 Fire Museum and Cemetery lease, 2025-2027 Berth Park Lease, switching the Mayor’s office and Clerk of Court’s office locations and placing DNR maintained underwater antennas on city-owned shorelines.

The Common Council will hold their budget meeting on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 3:30 p.m.