for 45,000.00 a year, stating they had to do this, to get someone. She stated
that she had spoke to some people already, and even cut a few over their
phone interview. I have done this 4 times she stated. We need the
authority to pay at least that to get someone to come here.
Alex Rockwell resigned.
Aug. 13-- Dick Tiffany came to the board to complain about the female officer . He then
asked where the extra 10,000.00 was coming from for the new chief. Susan
told him that it was in the budget, and the female officer was not fired.
Bob R. stated that he agreed with Dick, and they could of dealt with the sign
more one on one with him.
- Jodi stated that Aaron quit the PD on Aug. 1st, and John Beyer quit on the
13th. we only have Robbie and Jessica left.
- Susan then stated the interviews for a new chief where being dealt with. She
got rid of two of them right away, stating they wanted nothing to do with the
dissention they had before while being part time in Elmwood prior. She then
went on to saying, we would not have considered many of these candidates,
they did not want to deal with the school, and one guy stated a push off attitude
for the community. This left us with only 1 applicant left, Adam Meyers. A
- A citizen spoke up in regards to the bias used by the officers in Elmwood, and
the ranking of being considered the worst place in the state, besides Durand, he
said. The 98’ bike rally, it was well known to stay away from Elmwood.
- Bob R. then stated that the new chief had to live in the community, by rule.
he then added that we could only be so lucky as to get someone like Jodi
Sept. 29--Police Committee meeting w/ new Chief Adam Meyers- start date was 8-28
Bob R. gave an apology for not meeting with Adam Sooner
Bob W. and Rick & Kris Talford also present at the meeting
Adam explained that he has already started soliciting for items he felt
might be of good use for the PD. Also informed Bob R. that Jessica was
leaving to go to North Hudson.
- Bob R. told Adam that his closest thing to a supervisor is Jodi Pulk-clerk
He also told Adam to continue the monthly projects like ordinance awareness
- Rick Talford spoke on a traffic problem w/ speeding be regular on Public Ave
- Bob R. then told Adam that it was his philosophy to give written warnings
first.
- He stated that this is a political situation, and He needed to keep that
in mind. He then told Adam that he needed to have a cell phone on him at all
times, for Jodi to contact him when ever needed. He added, that she does not
want to call the Co. to get a hold of him.
- Then Bob started on the newspaper issues he has, stating that he noticed many
errors, typo’s. .etc. in the paper and wanted to know why--Adam stated that he
did not do the report to the paper, that was completed by Robbie Jaeger, for
the entire month of Aug. Adam stated that he will watch for that anyways.
- Bob R. then told Adam that he needed to keep the part time employees to
600 hrs or less per year.
- Bob R. then went back to the speeders issue, and again told Adam that he
should only give warnings on the first stop, this is small town politics he
stated, and people parking the wrong way, they do that here.
(This ended the meeting, but it was noticeable that Bob attempted to give his
directives to Adam just that quick.)
Nov. 13 -- Meeting cancelled due to not enough board members- 15th new date
- Public Input was a happy parent seeing the Chief in the paper, getting
involved with the school. Happy to see the coop happening between the
School and Chief Meyers
Dec. 4 --- Susan Dzubay. stated that all the part time employees have been cut as well.
- Dick Tiffany then made comment on his belief that Elmwood should not even
have cops, they are nothing but trouble.
Jan. 8 --- Rick Talford asked the board to allow the Police Committee
Bob R. replied that unless they know what the reasons are, you may or may
not be allowed a meeting.
Bob W. then replied that if I wanted a meeting, then I was going to have to
pay for it.
Feb 28 --Police Committee meeting- Bob R. states he is disliking the newspaper reports
that are being published. “Too Much” he states.
(The meeting was to be closed, but the Argus Editor and the Pierce Co.
Herald Editor and Writer all attended the meeting, so they had to keep
part of the meeting open to start. This was not liked and that was
noticeable with Bob Rupakus, body language was irritated and red color
to his face, embarrassed or mad, one or the other)
Paul S. told the board that the “Police Reports, are Public Record.”
Bob R. replied that “The reports are nothing but a gossip column.” there is
“Too Much info.”
Bob Weix stated “I don’t see any problems he is actually quite gentle in his
reports , I thought”
Paul Seeling then spoke, stating the open records and safety support by the
chief are important and that gives the community the right to
know.
Bob R. replied “We don’t say that you can’t review the records”
Paul S. then said that you have to ensure the people are made aware of their
rights, and I feel the EPD has used his space in the paper wisely, even
adding ordinance reminders.
Bob R. then responded that it does not shed a good light on Elmwood, I do
not think that is good.
Doug C. added that he has been harassed about the dummy being used.
Bob R. then continued, stating “I want to review the information before it goes
to publication.” “I do not want to see that stuff,”
“I personally do not want it.”
Chief Meyers then stated that he has been creating case numbers for all cases,
and that is something that was not being done before, when there
where four or five officers working here.
Bob R. stated to Adam, You remember that email thing, it came up again. I
want to review all publications prior to them going to the paper is
my vote.
Bob W. then stated that there are bigger problems out there, like Bloomer has.
Paul S. added that Woodville has had their own trouble also.
Chief Meyers replied that the papers could come in and get the information
themselves also.
Bob R. replied again by stating I do not want any % used. Bad info. should not
be published. Your position is public relations. I will write down that
this was a meeting for discussion over misc. issues. he then looked at
Adam and said, your a smart guy, do not get into that crap. This is a
Dept. Documented Complaint.
(Bob changed his info. from discussion over a misc. info. to Chief
discretionary errors by the time it made it to the board)
-- Personnel and Finance committee meeting- Jodi stated that she was reviewing
the health ins. policies, and she stated that while looking through them she
noticed there was nothing in writing and she wanted it in writing now,
from them.
(the meeting then went into closed session with Bob W., Bob R., Pam M.,
Susan D., Jodi P all staying in the meeting. The Chief was then called into
the meeting after Kris and I left, as well as Dick Tiffany who sat at the
table with all the board members. sitting there until he knew that we
where not leaving fast enough, that he could stay sitting there for the
closed part of the meeting, I suppose I better get the hell out of here, he
stated as they looked out, and seen Kris and I where still in the office.
More than just the committee was in the room, and nothing stated about
a Quorum staying in the meeting )
Mar. 12 -- Committee and Board reports- Bob R. stated we had a meeting on the 12th
Jodi said, no you didn’t
Bob then stated oh yeah, it was the 28th, and it was for the Police and
Personnel meeting
(note- there is no such committee)
Apr. 19 -- Closed Personnel and Finance committee meeting- Bob R. and Jodi P. created
a story and called the County Law against Rick Talford being in the lobby of
the building, waiting for the meeting to end, for information
Chief Meyers was forced to write out a report after a week went by , the Co.
dealt w/ it
May 2--- Bob R. and Jodi Pulk file Restraining Order against Rick Talford
11-- Village Board members sit in court for R. O. case vs Talford attempted to get
order for entire village board, but only rec’d one for Jodi P. with lies on the
stand. perjury on the stand. no eye witnesses to any action stated done by
Jodi Pulk.
June 18 -- Public Input, Rick Talford asked what the Restraining Order had to do with the
Public, the appeal is not public information. Request to not speak
Bill S. replied that when we get to it, we’ll let you know.
He then went on to add, “We need to protect our employees”
(note- I requested a police report against the board for their actions on the
appeal info. and the Chief refused, a Police report was completed though
with the Pierce County Sheriff Dept.)
Sept. 11 -- Rick Talford asked the board why the Chief was told to ignore those violating
the Ordinance against killing of animals in the village.
The use of Mole Kill Stakes is harm to animals, which the
ordinance is against doing. The Chief was told to stop dealing
with the ordinance by Police Committee Bob Rupakus
Bill S. replied they would look into it. Put it on next months agenda.
Bob R. replied, I admit I use mousetraps at my home.
Rick responded, stating the mouse trap is not what is being discussed.
- Rick Talford then asked why the Police Chief has been banned from speaking
to the media, without prior authorization from the police
committee
Bob R. said, there is information that we do not want released.
Bill S. then said that it was like any other employee, they need ok from their
employer first.
Oct. 8 - questions then started being asked about the Chief being replaced-
Bill S. denied the statement and stated that no one has spoke to anyone.
Kris T. stated that the Clerk stated Robbie Jaeger is replacing him
Bill S. then replied, no one has spoke to you Robbie, have they
Robbie Jaeger was present, and stated no
(yet he was in court for Elmwood the same morning)
- Doug C. then stated that there was no squad car for anyone anyways.
(this also a lie, the Co. squad was already gotten and is in the village police
garage, county deputy came to Elmwood and took Chief to get a
replacement from the County‘s cars.)
- Creation of a Police Commission to investigate Adam Meyers-
The individuals where selected by Jodi and Bill- then placed on a list
Jodi P. stated that We need to protect our employees
(the same statement made by Bill S. in regards to the village paying for
Jodi P. Restraining Order Attorney fees. The citations for the same issue
where thrown out of court by the Judge, and the community should not
have to pay for that either.)
Question now is-- “Who is the Employee”
15 - Chief Meyers leaves request for closed session meetings, after being told that the
village was using his personal family issues against him, statement
by Bob Rupakus did not feel that Meyers was mentally capable to
continue being a cop in Elmwood due to his Divorce.
17 - Meyers receives letter from Village Attorney Robert Loberg that no meetings
can be closed for the commission hearings.
20 - Meyers leaves notice for Village Board, a conflict of interest letter involving 4
of the 7 members selected by the Village Board to use as police and fire
commission. this is against the state stats for them to go ahead and use
these members, but they apparently do not care.
Oct. 30 - Village finally posts Commission meeting for Nov. 7, 2007, 33 days after
the suspension happened. State Stats are that they must be completed within 30
days. Never allowing more than one meeting of the committee and then going
into closed session right after. Paper dated 10-25-07 but not posted until
10-30-07. Village Clerk, Vicki states they are not changing the list for
members. Conflict of Interest not being acknowledged or it has been denied.
In Re The Matter of: CHARGING COMPLAINT
The Suspension, Reduction or Removal of:
Adam A. Meyers, Chief of Police, Village of Elmwood
I, the undersigned, Robert Rupakus, member of the Village of Elmwood Board of Trustees
and Chair of its Law Enforcement Committee, do hereby make the following Charging
Complaint against Chief Adam A. Meyers as follows:
1. The Village of Elmwood has created a Committee consisting of seven members as an
alternative to a Board of Police and Fire Commissioners. This Committee is separate
and distinct from the Village Law Enforcement Committee. This Committee is
established pursuant to Sec. 5-1-9 of the Village Code of General Ordinances.
2. This Charging Complaint is brought to pursuant to the aforesaid Village Code and
Sec. 62.13(5), Stats.
3. Adam A. Meyers is the Chief of Police of the Village of Elmwood and has served in
that capacity since August 28, 2006.
4. On October 4, 2007 Chief Meyers met with the Law Enforcement Committee concerning
concerns the Committee had with his job performance. At that time he requested he
be suspended as Chief. That request was granted. That suspension was intended to be
only a temporary suspension until a hearing could be held on the matter.
5. Adam A. Meyers has been derelict in the conduct of his official duties, or has
violated State Statutes, Village rules or regulations or directives of the Police
Committee and/or Village Board, as follows:
a. Failure to properly care for and maintain police equipment as required under
Sec. 5-1-4(b) of the General Code of the Village of Elmwood, to-wit:
squad car tires. Failure to properly care for this equipment served to endanger the
safety of the Chief as well as civilians, including pedestrians and operators of
motor vehicles, and property belonging to either.
b. Failure to follow the Elmwood Police Department "ride along" policy, to-wit:
contrary to Department policy, as established by the Village Board, the Chief
allowed "ride along" individuals to exit the squad car while the squad car was
engaged in official duties and the Chief had exited the car for purpose of making
a patrol or police related stop, investigation or call.
c. Engaging in conduct which was unprofessional and unbecoming an officer while on
duty, including the following:
1. Inappropriate contact with a Pierce County Drug Court . participant. Chief Meyers
was requested to monitor a particular Drug Court participant. Chief Meyers
inappropriately made contact with the Drug Court participant, entering her home,
engaging in flirtatious conduct with her and taking action to "make (her speeding
ticket) go away." The Chief contacted the Spring Valley Police Department via the
MDC asking them to throw out the ticket,
2. While pursuing an allegedly speeding vehicle on Race Avenue in the Village of
Elmwood, dangerously and unnecessarily passed two automobiles on the right and
drove on the edge of the road and boulevard, nearly striking a pedestrian who was
walking on the sidewalk
3. Failing to contact the Dunn and Pierce County Sheriff Departments for additional
assistance during UFO Days claiming he would thereby prove to the Board that he
needed more money for part-time officers.
4. Failure to meet with Pierce County Sheriff Department personnel for a regularly
scheduled meeting, and when contacted at home regarding failure to attend the
meeting, being rude and disrespectful to the Pierce County Dispatch Officer.
5. Offering a bartender at Bill's Bar, Spring Valley, to "take care of a ticket"
which the bartender had received from the Menomonie Police Department. It is
believed this occurred in the month of August, 2007.
6. While off duty on September 1, 2007, but at a party involving adults and school
age children from the Elmwood area, offered money to a student to tell a female
that he (the Chief) liked her; and, following this incident, and after consuming
alcohol, in the presence of said adults and school age children, left said party
while operating a motor vehicle.
d. Failure to be available (reachable) by telephone via dispatch or even by driving
around the community (in search of him) while on duty, to-wit:
while on duty, and contrary to Village and Department Policy, the Chief was not in
regular communication with Pierce County Dispatch, did not check in/out with
Village Staff while on duty (said staff being thereby unable to give to the Chief
messages, communications, directives, complaints, etc.) and unnecessarily
exercising his duties in other jurisdictions (e.g., delivery of a Forfeiture
Citation - such as library fines for overdue books - to a resident in Menomonie).
e. Correspondence to American Police containing non factual statements.
f. Inappropriate scheduling, contrary to directives of Police Committee and Village
Board, including:
1. scheduling of work: schools versus regular patrol.
2. working two overnight shifts per month.
3. coordinating with Village/Community events.
4. coordinating work schedule with County Sheriff Department.
5. notification of changes in work schedule.
6. For the reasons aforesaid I make this petition seeking suspension or removal of
Chief Meyers and request a hearing be scheduled on the matter as soon as reasonably
possible.
October 25, 2007
_______________________________
Robert Rupakus, Village Trustee
Village of Elmwood
I, the undersigned, William Stewart, Village President of the Village of Elmwood,
do hereby acknowledge receipt of the within Charging Complaint this 25 day of Oct, 2007.
__________________________________
William Stewart, Village President
Village of Elmwood
Note:
1. The Hearing for the Fire and Police Committee posted on the Village Hall Door on
Oct.30,2007 thus giving one week for Notice of Hearing, w/ 4 members being in conflict
of interest.
2. This was finally placed into writing and sent via email to Meyers Oct.26,2007
w/ notice he could resign w/o investigation before Monday Oct.29,2007, then this
would become public.
3. The Village Clerk began selling copies of this complaint as of Monday, Oct.29,2007
4. Newspaper listed Conflict of Interest on Oct.24, 2007 (Argus) - never acknowledged
5. Oct.4,2007 was the date of suspension- 30 days to complete investigation by state
statue Bob Rupakus states issues where there before in Sept. 28,2007 meeting, yet he
took 4 weeks to get the charges in writing that the state only allows 3 days to get
all charges in writing by statue:
6. Oct.8,2007 was the creation of the police and fire commission- set up hearing date to
give chance for multiple hearing dates if needed. stated by Village Board in meeting,
to be fair was the reason.- not done- set for Nov.7,2007 only allowing one meeting
before final action to be taken.
Wi Stats. 62.09 through 62.13 (a) - (j) and Village Ordinance 5-1-9
Village of Elmwood
VS
Chief Adam Meyers Case
Under WI State Statues 62.09 there is an outline of responsibilities in regards to the Mayor (8), Treasurer (9), Comptroller (10), Clerk (11), Attorney (12), Police (13)
The direct responsibilities of the Village President fall under 62.11
Any Disciplinary Actions must be followed under 62.13 (a) - (j)
Any Dismissal falls under (5m)
Police and Fire Commission fall under (6m)
(a) population under 4000, the Village may create a committee for the action taken.
(b) the committee members may not be board members, elected or appointed, nor can the
be employed by the Village.
The Village Ordinance in the case of the Chief are under the Village of Elmwood 5-1-9
Suspension or Removal of a Law Officer- also clear that no commission member may be a board member, elected or appointed, nor can they be employed by the board.
62.13(d)(5) Disciplinary Action towards Chief
(a). suspension or penalty by board or commission
(b) Charges must be in writing and given to the Village President
(c) No hearing will be held, unless requested by employee
(d) Hearing cannot happen with the first ten days, but must be completed within 30 days
of the suspension (action taken) The hearing must be public, and both sides have the
ability to subpoena witnesses, which will all be filed by the Village President
(e) if the board finds not enough evidence, then they can over rule the suspension or
penalty set immediately.
(em) No employee may be suspended or released by the board, if the charges are filed by
a board member, or the board, or any aggrieved person.
(b) unless there is just cause and evidence
(f) the findings and determinations must be in writing within 3 days in the
clerks file.
(g) the board may add to these conditions in their ordinances
(h) No reduction in pay can be done while under the suspension
(i) the Appeal can be completed by filing with the circuit court within 10 days of the
action taken. The Clerk then has 5 days to get all documentation to the courts. A date
will be set for a hearing within 15 days. The court will determine if the Board did have
sufficient evidence or just cause for the actions taken. All fees will be paid by the
Village
There are specific Standards that must be followed in the procedure for suspending and or dismissing a law officer. The following is a list of the standards:
1.- The employee could have reasonably been expected to know there would be
consequences for the conduct they where involved in:
2.- Whether the rule violated, is reasonable
3.- Whether the board, before filing any of the charges against the employee, made a
reasonable effort to discover if the employee did in fact violate a rule or order.
4.- Whether the effort was fair and objective
5.- Any substantial evidence that a rule or order was violated.
6.- Whether the board applying the rule or order fairly and without discrimination
against the employee
7.- Does the discipline equal the reasonable action being taken
Points caught in Hearing on Adam Meyers
Dan Burgess: (Spring Valley PD Chief)
Stated Robbie Jaeger informed him about email, without seeing it, or having proof of such email in the hearing.
Stated that discipline should be done with Meyers on the case, yet stated that if it was his officer, he would have to look at how he received the information, to weather he would investigate such a complaint.
Went to WILE net only today prior to hearing, to do a checkup on him, due to talk around Spring Valley. Certification info.
(CROSS)
Letter authored to Jodi Pulk-Administrator just done upon her request, without any reason. Complaint never made prior to today, stating that he felt the matter was over.
William Harshman: (Spring Valley Public Works)
(CROSS)
Friend and co-drinker with Robbie Jaeger for past two years
When asked if Meyers statement on ticket was possibly just kidding,
he answered, I do not know
Never filed a complaint about case with anyone
Linda Hoit: (Pierce Co. Drug Court)
Never filed any complaint to Police or Village until after she spoke with her sister, a Elmwood Village Trustee, Pam Marson.
(CROSS)
Complaint was not filed until after the suspension of Meyers
Stated that she did not discuss the case with her sister, but was told by her to write the Village Board about it.
Stated that Meyers was working against her - yet did not give any example of how
She had contact with Loberg and told Amanda to talk with Loberg also. Both had contact just two weeks ago.
When asked to speak with Meyers attorney, she called Loberg and was told she could do what she wanted, she was a big girl.
Amanda Hinzman: (Drug Court participant)
stated Meyers was crying in her home, yet he was wearing glasses, and he rubbed his eyes. When asked if she knew he was crying, she replied “a little bit”
Meyers only visited her at her home one time, and she visited him at the PD over a citation question she had.
She stated that Meyers sent Robbie an email over the laptop in the squad, while she stood outside the car, she also stated that he wrote asking to dismiss the case, pretty please.
She confirmed she was outside the car.
When she was asked to speak to Meyer’s attorney, she called Linda, and was made to feel uncomfortable, then she called Loberg and he implied that she should not speak with the attorney.
She stated that Meyers never acted flirtacous as charges stated.
She never filed any complaint against Meyers at any time, until requested by Linda to do so. She only spoke to Loberg a week prior to the Hearing. He made her feel uncomfortable to speak to Meyer’s attorney.
Robbie Jaeger: (PT EPD & SVPD Officer)
When at bar, Harshman a friend told Jaeger about citation issue with Meyers. Stated that he brushed off.
Stated he has made mistakes over citations before
Stated that he worked at EPD several years, when in fact he only worked in Elmwood 2 yrs.
He told Jodi Pulk that Meyers was not hiring any part time help to show board he needed part time help money. UFO days
stated that he interviewed for chief position, yet Susan Dzubay stated that she only had Meyers to interview for the position during the hiring process.
(CROSS)
stated to be friend and drinking buddy with Harshman in Spring Valley bars.
denied stating anything about any bloomer or Woodville thing, yet moments later, said that he told everybody that it should not become a bloomer or Woodville thing.
stated that he rec’d the email, but never kept a copy, and the system always deletes itself.
Bill Stewart: ( Village President and Pierce Co. Deputy)
stated that he and several other officers where at the scene of the accident.
only one Co. squad was seen at the accident scene.
When asked about the accident site, Bill did not know the street, yet has lived in the town many years.
Stated that Jodi Pulk led him to believe that Meyers was not going to hire PT help for UFO days.
stated that he has made mistakes on citations, but they could only be dismissed by the judge. This is false, I have personal experience and the Sheriff Dept. has authority to over rule the citations.
(CROSS)
he stated that no inquiries where completed prior to suspension, but where done after
did not have any knowledge of tire search by Meyers
stated that he uses discretion in cases, whether to give warnings or not.
stated that all purchases are to be kept local, yet tires where purchased in Durand Bauer Built.
he had no idea of the tire condition of the squad, yet seen the squad very often.
stated that Meyers was his own boss
He marked a map as an exhibit, yet had no knowledge earlier to location and addresses in Elmwood
Jamie Reitz: (Village Public Works for Elmwood)
(CROSS)
With no prior experience with purchasing squad tires, he purchase them out of Elmwood like Bill Stewart said was to be done, and did so in Durand Bauer Built.
Robert Anibus: (Eau Galle Shop Owner)
nothing caught to be an issue
Steve Thompson : (Shop Owner in Elmwood)
stated that Meyers was there regularly to deal with his tire issues over 2 months
when using a tire gauge, he measured the tread depth, and stated that the left side tires
both where 1/32 deep and both the left side tires where 3/32 deep.
there is no way for car tires to wear this way
he stated that he offered Meyers tires and later the same day, Meyers told him those where ok’d, yet they never set anything up to put them on.
(CROSS)
he added that he did not have any knowledge of the 500.00 until after the suspension happened,
squad had no maintenance ever done at his shop, he thought all was done at Quinns because they bought the car there
Jodi Pulk: (Elmwood Village Clerk)
stated the Bob Rupakus was Adams supervisor
stated that she and Meyers did talk about the tires at Thompsons, but did not remember anything else about conversation
stated that Meyers had 500 open check book
stated the 2 tires on rims where the spares, yet there where 2 tires then missing that where not seen at the hearing
did not print up any of the schedule info. until the day of the hearing
stated that she used info. that was from a closed meeting with Susan and Meyers on Aug. 13, 07
stated that she made a list of issues 4 days after the suspension of Meyers- also stated that there was no complaint discussion prior to suspension
had knowledge that Bob R. was giving directives to Meyers
(CROSS)
has cell phone and knowledge they do not work well in Elmwood
stated the schedules could be modified but did not know if the schedules where all current
also there is no policy in place for scheduling
stated that she used info. that was from a closed meeting that she was not involved with.
stated that Bob Rupakus had issues with the pay being 45K, and after the hiring was done, he continued to complain about it.
stated that all other maintenance on the squad was done by Meyers
When asked if she had any supervisory control over Meyers, she stated NO
David Wheeler: (Elmwood Citizen)
stated he never seen any cars speeding
stated he never seen any cars coming from opposite direction- never looked
never told anyone about incident until 2 weeks ago
stated that the squad did not use lights or sirens, yet car did pull over for Meyers
(CROSS)
wrote and gave complaint to Jodi just a week ago, but did not keep a copy
stated that no one asked for the statement, and he did not have any knowledge 1 wk ago of the suspension that happened 4 weeks prior
(note- report one wk ago, on incident 2 wks prior = 3 wks --Meyers suspended 4-5 wks before, so time frame not possible)
Susan Dzubay: (Village of Elmwood Trustee)
did hiring of Adam Meyers basically alone
knew Bob Rupakus was mad about the pay being 45K, instead of 35K, stating he felt it was too much
stated she seen both at village meetings, yet Chief and Bob only attended one meeting for the village together
stated she was an advocate for Meyers, and she felt he was doing his job
(started crying here)
issues she knew of- newspaper articles in Feb. 07, then he seemed to be on a quest and stopped too many people in 1 wk. 20 she thought
had no knowledge if Meyers checked in and out with Co. dispatch
Apr. 07 issue was about article in police magazine- said false info. provided about PT help being cut in Dec. (this was stated by her at the Dec. budget talks)
stated that Meyers soliciting was useless, no need for restraint chair or shield he rec’d
again said she was an advocate for Meyers
said she told Meyers that this was small town politics and he needed to just play the game and do his job, she claimed she told Meyers this 2 times before the accident
said the village board runs the town, then tried to deny the statement about the small town politics
had no part in the suspension process
(CROSS)
denied cutting the part time help again
Aug. review had no issues listed about the articles
told written warnings are not professional and she listened to people complain about it, yet told Meyers not to listen to the people complain
no analysis was ever done to see how affective the soliciting was, yet complained
stated that Meyers was over zealous with his patrol stops
Oct. 9 schedule issues email sent to Meyers was seen by her- stating that is Meyers did not get schedule done by Oct. 11 at 5pm, then it would be done for him, by BOB, I trust this is clear being stated in writing. CC: was sent to Susan, but she did not remember ever seeing that stated
stated a third time that she was an advocate for Meyers, everyone needs a mentor she said
stated there was talk about pay reduction for Meyers yet, did not remember who started that talk
stated that she seen complaint, but did not see Loberg response to fax, and the committee did not meet and discuss the issues either.
the pre-hearing statement was never seen by her before, and it was not approved by the committee before Loberg sent it. she also had no input to the complaint.
Bob Rupakus: (Village Trustee- Complaint filer)
stated he was supervisor over Meyers and was hands off to start
1st guidance was Oct. 25th he said, the 2nd month on the job
(note he did not meet him until he had 30 days in)
stated that he was apposed to the pay
stated the total budget for the police dept. is 45K, this was a direct lie- budget has been 60K
1-stated the first issue was over the schedule in Oct. 06 - Meyers was spending 6-8 hrs a day at the school (not possible) he stated that was too much, and denied Meyers time to be at school
2-stated the ride along policy was the next issue in Oct. and Dec. he rode with, and there was no issues though
3-Feb. 07 was the next issue- newspaper releases - too much info being released, in Apr. 07 he wrote about the church having doors unlocked, bob felt that was bad release
Feb. 28 the sober ride program was stopped by Bob because he felt it might be abused and liability was an issue
Apr. 19th review was over the newspaper publishing issues- 2nd time, w/o Meyers being present
Apr. 07 he was complaining about the article in the police magazine. stating the info. was not true, we don’t was to that info said
4-Meyers was using personal vehicle to send written warnings out by mail
stated he had closed meetings to protect Meyers and the PD integrity
No meetings where held between Apr. to Aug. stated
5-Meyers did not do bike program because I did not allow publishing over it, stated by Bob
6-Citizen was unable to reach Meyers, so I did a search and could not find him either.(Yauch)
Sept. review was done w/o issues
Sept. 28 meeting was over the thought of suspending Meyers, creation of a police commission, but no actions where taken
7-Sept. 30 = accident
Oct. 4 was the suspension
8-schedule calendars showed no issues of bad scheduling as complaint filed stated
Bob clearly stated that Meyers day to day supervisor was Jodi Pulk
(He stated this in Meyers first meeting also-Sept. 06)
(CROSS)
when asked if Meyers worked all scheduled hrs, he replied he did not know, he honestly did not know if the hrs where full-filled
when asked if the car was out when the chief was to be out, he again did not know
when he was asked if he had personal knowledge of all the charges, he replied “to a degree”
knowledge of any ride along failures, again replied to a degree no
stated that the info. found was after the suspension
did the police committee discuss the charges- no
no knowledge of the wheeler incident until after the suspension
any info. gathering on the charges before suspension- no
when you could not find Meyers , did you ever ask him why- no
was all the work on the website done while he was on duty- unknown
anyone ever tell Meyers that termination could happen- no
any policy on this- unknown
when asked if he authored the pre-hearing statement- he replied yes, but he did not have any part of the creation of it.
when asked who the complaint from the citizens was- reply was Yauch
Defense Witnesses
Shawn Madden (Elmwood School Principal)
contact with Meyers in 06-07’ school year, was good law enforcement and socializing with the kids
when asked if Meyers was a nuisance , the answer was - NO
was Meyers ever at the school 6-8 hours on any given day- NO
was he ever on school grounds for 6-8 hrs on any given day - NO
do you recall a bomb threat at the school last year- I do recall that situation
did Meyers over react to the bomb threat in the 06-07’ school year - NO
how do you feel the contact at school from Meyers went- Very Positive and good influence for the kids
NO CROSS
Nicole Baker (Elmwood Resident )
sister in law to Amanda Hinzman
stated that Amanda would speak to Attorney Dittmar after a certain time
stated that Amanda called Linda Hoit, and was told to contact Attorney Loberg
Linda then called Loberg
Loberg then called Amanda and told her not to speak to Attorney Dittmar, that she could speak to her at the hearing, and Loberg would protect her
Monday following the call, Nicole rec’d a letter in regards to tampering with the witness, same as statement made by Loberg to Amanda per their phone call
(CROSS)
Loberg asked if Meyers was flirtacous with Amanda, no
did Amanda state that she was uncomfortable with Meyers at her home- no
Did you ever ask Amanda why she was doing this to Meyers-no
She then stated that Loberg called Amanda at her work, stating that Loberg was angry and wanted to know if he was needing to file tampering against Nicole
Objection then happened when Loberg began to get argumentative with Nicole
Did you kick Amanda’s chair at the hearing on Wed. night- no
Chief Adam Meyers (Elmwood Police Dept.)
Law Enforcement Bureau standards- certified - yes in Racine-Waterford
training courses are continued and kept on the computer at the PD
(note- Jaeger left immediately)
Employer report form 303 that was the Villages responsibility to fill out for the officers they hire
The village nor Adam ever filled out the 303 form
when asked if Adam ever filled one of those out before, his answer was never
LES active officers at the Elmwood PD- Christianson, Gilles, Kirtsella (?) all listed, but not working with the police dept., since Meyers hire date (this was not maintained by the village police committee)
Wile Site- stated that you are not listed- false listing on page 7 of the listings
the 1st step of employment, is the employer seeks the certifications - yes
1st listing of complaint-charges was rec’d by email on Oct. 24th, 2007 by Loberg, also stating not to communicate through email back to him
2nd was a letter by fax on Oct. 25th to Loberg stating the charges where to vague- no details rec’d. He then sent the demonstrative exhibit
the accident was a complaint- an incident report was filed by Meyers w/ narrative report gold intrepid- radar caught at 40-45 and increasing to near 50mph it was raining hard, and my car hydroplaned on the bridge, sending me in a spin and I then hit the mailboxes and came to a stop. suspect was near hwy 128 and had to of seen the crash, but did not stop--the accident report was filed on Oct. 2nd at 11:50 am
(digital pictures where taken at the scene by Kris Talford after our son came home and told us of the accident. Bill Stewart was at the scene, and was spoken to as well. no other patrol cars where in the area)
picture one showed how the weather was, picture two showed the squad car in it’s final resting spot, and picture three was where the accident took place, a day later
Dittmar asked Meyers if there where any pedestrians in the area-- no
any other vehicles --no
Oct. 4th was a police committee meeting that was held at the village hall. Bob Rupakus, Doug Claflin, Pam Marson and I attended.
Bob stated that he was disappointed in me, and I let down the community. He then stated that he felt I intentionally wrecked the squad, and he did not believe I was mentally capable of doing my job
They began discussing my options of suspending immed. or waiting for after the board meeting for suspension.
Meyers spoke up and stated if he had anything to say, they might as well suspend him immed. pending the investigation, in which Bob then put it in activation. He then stated that there where many other things that were also included in this, but refused to state any of the issues he had.
as far as the knowledge of the tires, Meyers stated that he took the squad to Cenex for an oil change, and Ben stated the tires where poor, and they could get tires, but the paperwork would be needed to be completed
Meyers then went to Jodi P. stating the tire issue, and she told him that they would get it taken care of before winter.
Contact was made with Thompsons also in regards to the tire issue, and Thompson had a couple used tires to sell Meyers at 10.00 each. Meyers told him that he would talk to the village and did return later the same day, stating he could get them, but neither set up any appointment to do the tire change.
Dittmar then asked Meyers if he intentionally wrecked the squad--no
Dittmar then asked if he intentionally put people in danger --no
Meyers added that in Racine, the officers did not do anything with the maintenance of the cars.
Passing Two Cars on the right on hwy 72- Sept. 6th, 2007 -- no knowledge of complaint, Meyers never met Wheeler before nor did he remember any incident Wheeler stated the squad passed two cars, without lights and sirens, yet the car pulled over. He also stated that he and his kid where on the sidewalk, and he did not believe the car was speeding, nor could he remember if there was any traffic coming from the opposite direction
Dittmar then brought out the regulations for the village on creating a complaint by a citizen- Wheeler filed the complaint just a week prior to the hearing, stating it was two weeks prior to that when the incident happened, yet Meyers had not been on duty for near 5 weeks from the time of the hearing. The complaint was not signed, nor sworn to or dated as the ordinance states. the complaint was never seen before the hearing, and no one from the village ever made contact with Meyers on it.
UFO Days complaint of not getting help-- not only did Meyers look and get help from the Pierce and Dunn Co. Sheriff Dept. he also contacted the State Patrol for assistance
Robbie Jaeger made this complaint come to life, when he told Jodi P. that Meyers intended on showing them how they needed more funds for the PD and planned on an incident to happen because they would be short handed. Jodi then made Bill Stewart believe this was going to be an issue. Susan Dzubay even stopped and spoke with me on hwy 72 and was told it was already taken care of
charge was dropped ride along violations
Spring Valley Bar incident with Bartender and William Harshman (father) Meyers was having a conversation with the bartender in regards to a ticket she rec’d in Menomonie
Meyers stated that he jokingly stated to her, want me to pay for it? that was the end of it.
William Harshman son had rec’d a citation for speeding from Elmwood PD, and upon Robbie Jaeger asking Meyers to drop the ticket because he knew the family and the kid was going through rough times, had dropped out of college and came out of the closet with other info. Robbie called me by phone and told me that I had cited a SV employee’s kid, and asked if the ticket had gone through the system yet- asking if it had not, to drop it. Meyers added that he had never had another officer request anything like that, and because of the friendship issue he acknowledged the request. He informed Harshman by leaving a message on their voice machine, and also Jaeger had contact with him, and went to their home to tell them in person.
Amanda Hinzman case- Mrs. Hoit requested Meyers to make contact with Hinzman for the drug court recipient services, Meyers did this after he rec’d the call request. Dittmar then asked about being flirtacous, and Loberg objected, getting mad, he stated that was a mistake by him. Meyers stated that he had been at the Hinzman residence once before for a false fire alarm. He denied crying when he spoke to Hinzman, and stated he was talking to her about personal issues, as she was explaining personal issues of her own to him. A month later she rec’d a citation from Jaeger that had errors on it. While dealing with it, he asked Jaeger if he would look into the errors, using the squad computer, he did not respond, so I called him and left a message. Jaeger turned the request over to his Chief against Meyers for requesting he drop the ticket. Chief Burgess then called and gave Meyers an ear full. Meyers stated that he apologized and felt it was over with. The following day, Jaeger came to the EPD and told Meyers it was no big deal.
not being available for cell calls from Jodi P.- everyone in Elmwood knows that cell phones do not work well here. There is a portable radio in the car, that does not work well, and then there is a landline phone in the PD, and the car radio, which is the most reliable. Also email and the website for communication needs.
American Police Beat article- Dittmar asked Meyers who hired him, he replied number one- Jodi Pulk, and number two Susan Dzubay. I was the Chief with 4 part time officers, Robbie, Jessica, John, and Aaron
Dittmar then asked Meyers if Susan told him that all the part time officers where let go, due to he was receiving all the funds for the PD--no she did not was his answer, she called and said they would pay 40K, and I denied the amount, stating I needed 45K to move my family. After my hiring, I ran help wanted with Wile net and rec’d somewhere around 70-100 applications and Bob told me to continue that. In the Dec. board minutes, I read the part timers had all been cut, leaving only me. I found out by the newspaper.
any complaints about the article--no
schedule was the next problem that Bob had, stating that you did not work homecoming- false I was in the parade and took part in the activities
The 1st meeting with the police committee happened a month after I started working. a month later he began emails telling me what he did not like, he then started having closed meeting all the time. Mark Palvony wanted to talk with me, and Bob sent an email asking what they had to do, to get it through to me. that became normal
Meyers stated that he and Rupakus did not agree on many things from that point on.
There was an incident at the school with a student threatening to blow the Elmwood school up, and then Bob stated that Barry Rose did not want me at the school, because I was disrupting them. I went to them and apologized, and they stated they had no complaint to begin with.
Meyers went on to add the initiatives he began, with the website and Ted Mop
he began warning the community of programs he would be running to stop speeder, just to have Susan Dzubay complain he was stopping too many people.
(CROSS)
Loberg then started to re-run the same questions over and over until the committee finally stopped him, and told him to get past the issue and go on. This happened twice. he was attempting to over kill the tire issue.
he questioned the Warrant that he went to Menomonie to make the arrest on.
he pointed out the schedule problems that where minor, and had been covered.
he then had to find out where the pictures came from, pinpointing Rick Talford as the photographer, which was false
he pushed the state statues and ordinances that are not followed by any of them, but Meyers was to be different, he must follow them all.
The Harshman case was poor judgment, and professional courtesy stated Meyers, Loberg asked Meyers what where you thinking, and Meyers stated he really wasn’t
Loberg then stated that Meyers was within an arm length of Wheeler
Robbie Jaeger has been running around with a SQT badge that he bought himself, stated Meyers, he even bought his own bars for his shirt
Loberg then brought out solicitation letters and questioned Adam about them, just to have Adam state that they where not his, and they had many errors that he would not have made. These are not mine, he claimed.
Loberg then re-called Pam Marson to the stand, and asked if Bob ever stated anything about Meyers intentionally wrecking the squad, and she claimed --no
Loberg then re-called Robbie Jaeger to the stand and asked him, did you ever ask Meyers to drop a ticket, and without any surprise, he said--no
Loberg stated in his closing statement, that everyone lied, and Meyers denied everything, except that which he could not weasel out of. He stated this 3 times. He claimed that Meyers liked the grand showings of his pins, office, and etc. He stated that Elmwood is just a dinky town, just a pimple that don’t mean anything. He claimed that Meyers did not respect the law, in his philoneous acts.
Conclusion
The Hearing went into closed session to deliberate and they came back about two hours later, to state
“we have found enough convincing evidence to release Adam Meyers”
Sari Gordon asked them if they would state what the most convincing testimony that did it, and the refused to comment, and closed the hearing.
Loberg then went up and shook the hands of every member of the committee. This was truly sickening to see. What lawyer do you see shaking the hands of the Jury, or Judge. Loberg likes to get up in front of people and name call, that is truly a ethical thing for a lawyer to do.
more to come--update will be done as info. becomes available--
