Friends of Lake Wingra

5 pm Introductions

5:10  Where are we as an organization? (Vision, strategic plan, beach clean-up initiative)

5:25  Background on Stormwater Utility Initiative

1. Rationale - help work toward goals
2. Feedback so far

5:40  Small groups address the following questions:

1. Do we like the proposal?
2. Should we proceed? (Do we have the capacity?)
3. If so, how should we change the proposal?

6:10  Reports from groups

6:25  How do we proceed? (e.g., engage our allies, share our proposal more widely)

6:55  Wrap up

Notes:

Role as catalyst and facilitation

Stategic Approach

• Improve the proposal by adding a strategic plan.
• Submit a complaint to Public Service Commission.
• Conduct a non-confrontational citizen's audit of the SWU (perhaps led by MEA intern).
• Ask the County Committee of the Environment to hold a public hearing.
• Think about state regulations in addition to the city's stormwater utility.
• Go to the city with a "big dream" proposal.
• Collect anecdotes about what hasn't worked in Madison.
• Ask Ron Seely (WI State Journal) to write an article.
• Engage alders and neighborhood associations.

Potential changes to the SWU

• A regional SWUB could parallel the regional NPDES permit.
• Create a set of criteria for evaluating stormwater practices.
• Categorize budget items (e.g., emergency, concrete, green) to evaluate allocation of resources.
• Provide incentives for landowners.
• Increase the stormwater tax (Roger Bannerman says 2x would be acceptable).
• Tie into 40% TSS reduction goal associated with NPDES permits.