The meeting was called to order at 5:00p.m. by Jon Bales with introductions of attendees. Minutes of the September 24, 2008, meeting were read and approved.
Pat Wilborn’s Presentation
Pat Wilborn from Port Washington gave a presentation on his proposal to regain Port’s prominence as a community known for fish through aquaponics. He has proposed using four acres of land located next to the WE Energies Power Plant for this proposal and making use of the hot water WE Energies discharges. A meeting to determine usage for this land which is part of a larger twelve-acre site is taking place this evening. Pat realizes there are a number of hurdles to overcome before this project would become a reality. Pat thinks his proposal is a good fit for Port because of its past “Fish Days” history but realizes the need to create grass roots support and to convince city hall.
He would like UAC to have a presence at the April 25th Sustainabilty Fair.
Jon asked what would be available to the public for viewing because of issues with biosecurity. Mark questioned whether people from Milwaukee would be willing to drive to Port. Mike Spott asked how Pat’s plan would benefit Port. Pat said he wanted to create more traffic into the city by providing an anchor and bringing some needed revenue back into Port which has been hurting economically.
Jon stated that the reason Pat came to this meeting was to ask if UAC wants to be involved in some way: demonstrate at their sustainability fair in April; take part in Fish Days; give presentations to rotary and lions clubs. There are opportunities in Port for teaching and training. Jon feels that UAC is prepared to give presentations possibly to the common council and the mayor.
501 (c) (3) Update
Jon reported that UAC has applied for its non-profit status, a change from its previous LLC status. This was a comprehensive process that was submitted to the IRS.
The attorney who worked on this application also provided a general set of by-laws used by nonprofits. These need to be considered at the next board meeting. Approval of UAC as a nonprofit could take three weeks or up to three months.
Tim McCollow added that having a 501 (c) (3) is of major significance in order to be recognized as a legitimate charity and then be able to receive earmark money. Nonprofit status establishes credibility. Jon added that any money previously received by UAC went to Growing Power as our fiscal agent. With its own non-profit status, money will come directly to UAC.
State Fair Grounds Report
Jon discussed his contacts with Wisconsin State Fair’s Brian Bolen. State Fair would like to become more involved in urban agriculture and, in particular, to have a permanent display of aquaculture. UAC board members and others checked out a 5000 sq ft. open-structure building which the State Fair suggested might become a pilot project. Mike Hoyng came up with a figure of $200,000 to enclose the building, though this figure could be tweaked to a lower amount. UAC needs an operating plan. Jim Gennrich was a corporate executive in plan design and is willing to help with an operating plan.
Tim McCollow raised the questions of warehouse space rental as another option since that may be more cost effective than the cost of renovating the state fair building.
Jon mentioned that he received a phone call from someone in Random Lake who has cement fish tanks in a barn and a heated greenhouse that he doesn’t know what to do with.
Logo Contest
UAC’s webmaster, Brook Meier, will be asking for logo design ideas on the website.
The winning entry, selected by UAC and members from Milwaukee area design firms, will receive a $200 prize which Mike Hoyng is donating.
Tim Vargo stated that the contest rules should be included and the contest be widely distributed. Mark Rhodes said that contestants need to be provided with something tangible to work with. Mike Hoyng added that UAC’s mission statement should be included.
Additional Discussion—Old and New Business
A general discussion ensued about UAC’s possible support of the Port Washington proposal and UAC’s mission of education. Tim Vargo said that UEC’s biggest strength is access to neighborhood schools, and UAC could work in concert with UEC. Mike Hoyng feels that State Fair would provide a space for both production and education. Charlie Behnke thinks it’s important to draw in those people who are interested in aquaponics and to demonstrate that it can work in the state fair setting.
Mike Hoyng added that it’s important to show success. Mike Spott asked what UAC sees as success. UAC’s own aquaculture demonstration was mentioned as one measure of success. Mike Spott has been at Growing Power where there is a rendering of a major structure that Will is considering.
Jon mentioned publicity including the February 1st article by Jennifer Yauck in the Bay View Compass.
Tim Vargo mentioned that the consulting firm, Boris Frank Associates, will give a free planning session for newly established non-profits. Tim heard a talk by him which he considered to be very good.
Mike Hoyng thinks it’s important to generate excitement and to get back to Herb Kohl’s office to see if there is any money available and to request people to each send one dollar to UAC. Anne added that’s how Greg Mortensen of the Central Asian Institute received some of his first money—from Wisconsin Rapids school children, Pennies for Peace.
Mike Spott wondered why the City of Milwaukee isn’t enthusiastic about UAC’s proposal. Jon told of his meetings with the Mayor and talks with Rocky Marcoux which were not very successful. The City wants jobs and people who already have money for projects especially in the Menomonee Valley. Mike Spott thinks that the time is better now because of green products and sustainability gaining momentum. Mike Hoyng agreed that the building industry is seeing green building as marketable now and that green buildings will eventually save money. A LEED (Leadership, Energy, and Environmental Design) certificate provides credibility.
Board Members Present: Jon Bales, Mike Hoyng, Tim Vargo, Tim McCollow
Others Present: Bryce Ruddock, Mark Rhodes, Anne Bales, Pat Wilborn, Charlie Behnke, Michael Spott, Jim Gennrich.