Meeting2008–08

Present

Charlie Behnke, Maria Pandazi, Mike Veith, Yvette Truth, Anne Marie Worly, Howard Leu, Ron Doetch,
Young Kim, Mary Beth Driscoll, Anne Bales Johnathan Bales, Mary Lou Lamonda, Margee Foulke Evans,
Marcia Caton Campbell, Dennis L, Martha Davis Kipcack, Nicole Lightwine, Peyton Covey
Announcements

TUG-ALL:

 Aug 21st  Teutonia  Urban Gardens: Housing Project Opening includes a garden managed by local school. 

The cistern is in, the gardens will be in place. Please celebrate the opening of this beautiful new residential commercial space.

Urban Aqua-Culture Center

A number of MUAN folks helped out at the week long State Fair show booth. Jon Bales reported on the Urban Aquaculture Center’s perch exhibit at State Fair which many people visited. The result was a number of volunteers and lists of people who want to be kept informed.

Meeting Discussion

I. Maria Pandazi of DCD stated that the City is working on comprehensive planning in terms of urban agriculture because this has never been done. There will be 13 smaller area plans and a bigger umbrella plan in this City-wide policy plan. A broader food system should be included. (I think Maria or Mike may have said this planning is part of Smart Growth legislation of the State). Meetings will be once a month or every other month, according to Maria who is in charge of this project, with hopes of finishing by the end of 2009. Martha Davis Kipcack, Young Kim, Ron Doetch, Marcia Caton Campbell, Sharon Adams have all agreed to be part of the planning process.

II. Dennis L…discussed chickens saying that Milwaukee always needs to base it’s recommendations on what is being done elsewhere. So Seattle, Portland, Madison and its Mad City Chickens policy was the basis for Cream City Chickens. The City ordinance will be written in September or October and submitted to the Legislative Reference Bureau. A sponsor is needed, and a majority of the Common Council must agree to this ordinance. There was some discussion about which policy committee would be used to pass the ordinance.

III. Green Roof Symposium discussion has just begun about holding a Green Roof Conference with a focus on growing edible crops to be delivered in Milwaukee over the winter months. Hoping to use the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities that have already conducted 33 of these symposiums. The cost is $5,000 to have them work with the city and local businesses to create a green roof long range plan for the city. There are three people on the committee, it is open to more people. Please contact info@mkeurbanag.org if you are interested in helping out on this.
IV.

Break and snacks.

Nicole of Walnut Way spoke about the Walnut Way and then lead the group on a tour of Walnut Way and Venice Williams took us through a tour of Alice’s Gardens. Everyone was very impressed with all of the activity and beauty of the gardens.

Next meeting September 9th at Firefly Ridge and Honey Farms (Nicole Capizzi’s Gardens)