Police employee's brain cramp could cost city $45,000

Aug. 15, 2005 -- A Police Department employee's failure to lift the phone to make a single call could cost the city $45,000, records show.

The Common Council's Judiciary and Legislation Committee delayed action on approving the payment to Phil Tolkan Leasing Co., Inc.. Aldermen wanted to determine whether the payment, which would compensate the firm for the loss of a 2000 Land Rover, should be lower.

The vehicle, which cost Phil Tolkan $50,000 to buy, was stolen from the Prestige Motor Group on W. Capitol Dr. in Jan., 2002, according to a letter from the city attorney's office. It was recovered by police in Chicago a few weeks later.

Chicago cops notified their Milwaukee counterparts, but the local cop shop didn't follow the requirement that it notify the car's owner that it was found.

"As a result, the truck was eventually sold by the City of Chicago at auction," the letter said.

Tolkan has agreed to settle for $45,000.