GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A May 20 trial date was scheduled Friday in a case challenging the use of audio recording surveillance devices in public hallways at Green Bay City Hall.
Green Bay installed the security cameras with audio-recording capability before December 2021. In August 2022, Janet Angus requested details of audio surveillance equipment, which the city provided. A lawsuit was filed in February 2023, shortly before the mayoral election. A week later, the city’s Park Committee recommended the ending of the recordings. A judge entered a temporary order to halt it on March 2. Days later, the City Council prohibited audio surveillance at City Hall.
Attorney Kyle Engelke, who represents the city, objected to setting a trial date. Motions to dismiss are forthcoming, he said, on issues of mootness and if the suit is barred by time limits. The city also objects to the State Senate being a party.
Attorney Ryan Walsh, who represents the plaintiffs, pushed for a trial date, and for the recordings to be turned over.
Judge Marc Hammer did not address the merits of any of the arguments Thursday. Besides the three-day trial, he also set a series of deadlines for the two sides to file motions and for providing discovery in the case.
Judge Hammer also reiterated that the city needs to maintain the recordings which were already made.
The lawsuit was filed by Angus, the Wisconsin State Senate, State Sen. Andre Jacque, and former Ald. Tony Theisen. Angus has since been dropped as a plaintiff.
Besides this civil proceeding, there is a criminal investigation to determine if the city broke any laws when installing the equipment. It has been referred to the West Allis Police Dept. for investigation.
Under state law, one party to a private conversation must consent for it to be recorded as long as there is reasonable expectation for privacy. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit contend there is an expectation for privacy in the hallways of city hall, while Mayor Eric Genrich’s administration maintains there is no expectation of privacy in the hallways.
