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Cambridge Woods General Meeting Minutes of September 21, 2004

	Meeting convened at 7:07pm.
	Else Ankel chaired the meeting in Peter McMullen’s absence.
	The meeting started with a brief overview/preview of working committee reports for the benefit of the Association’s guest presenters.
	Amy Watson of UW-Milwaukee announced that there will be a question & information session regarding the redevelopment of the Kenilworth Building. The session will be on Thursday, September 30^th, 7:00pm, at the Lake Park Pavilion. General plans for the building include retail & studio space, private condominiums, and housing for graduate students and married students.

Guest Speakers

Else introduced two guest presenters for the evening: Pam Hodermann, the new UW-Milwaukee Chief of Police, and Officer Bruce Scott, MPD. They have been meeting to discuss more successful collaboration between UWM and MPD. This includes better communication and shared resources between the two in an effort to “step up” enforcement.

In addition, UWM gave MPD $7,000 to help cover overtime costs for putting undercover MPD officers on the street during major party nights. Office Scott explained that the MPD has added more people and squads in the area. They are targeting illegal taverns focusing arrests and citations directly on the people running the tavern. Each tenant receives a ticket. The same is true for noise violations.

The problem in our neighborhood is mostly alcohol. Officer Scott said there is some pot use in the area but “very little” in the way of hard drug use.

If you observe or suspect a house party or drug activity going on, contact Officer Scott at 935-7258. When you call the police, document the time you called, the reason for the call, the operator’s name, and your name, address and phone number. If you are told that your call is not a police matter, ask to speak with a supervisor. If you are still given a hard time, call Officer Scott the next day.

Use 933-4444 for non-emergency situations. This number calls the downtown dispatcher who sends a squad. Use 911 for emergencies such as fights or other violent crimes.

Officer Scott cautioned all to lock doors and windows when you leave your house even if it’s just for a little while. Forty of 70 burglaries have been through unlocked doors.

The question of capping enrollment came up. Amy Watson said the new chancellor is looking at the issue. She encouraged more people to write and give their opinion about the matter to the chancellor.

Amy further explained that, currently, UWM cannot discipline students for off-campus behavior. However, they are looking at some “serious and drastic” alternatives. Else suggested making students who have received tickets or citations attend a compulsory class on being a good neighbor.

Officer Scott said that major crimes like burglaries and robberies in our district have decreased. However, illegal entry into automobiles is a huge problem.

Pam Hodermann explained that UWM Police jurisdiction is limited to the campus but they are working more closely with MPD. UWM Police take action if they observe a crime even if it is off-campus but they cannot write tickets off-campus.

The UWM Police Department is more involved in freshman orientation. They have more patrols along the campus perimeter. UW Police can only send officers off-campus at the request of MPD (Mutual Aid).

Both Officer Scott and Chief Hodermann said there are some plans in the works that they could not discuss with the group but that we would be pleased with them.

Committee Reports

Fun & Games: Eight – 9 households participated in the Rummage Sale on September 11^th. Amy ? was in charge and did a great job. Some households donated a few dollars to cover the cost of the ad.

A Halloween event is scheduled for Saturday, October 30^th, 6:30 – 8:30pm. There will be a Treasure Hunt Walk along the bike path ending with a party at the new Urban Ecology Center. The event is free for CWNA members and $5 for all others.

The committee is planning a Chili Fest this winter. It will probably be scheduled for 2005.

Neighborhood Quality Team (written report distributed): Peter McMullen creates a list of houses for sale in the neighborhood. Committee members have been trained on how to do a neighborhood survey.

The committee would like to highlight a block every month. Highlights could include a housing rehab, new baby, good student neighbors, and other good things.

Membership Committee (written report distributed):

As of last count, we had 43 members. A mailing was sent out on September 8^th to former members not on the e-mail list. One hundred and seventy-three people are on our current e-mail list.

Safety Team (written report distributed): The team is working on a template for calls to MPD. Members should inform Else after making a call to MPD.

In order to increase safety in the neighborhood, members are encouraged to attach an alley light at every residence. The team is coordinating with Home Depot to provide lights at a discount/bulk price. Contact Adrian Spencer at Home Depot for more information. Ms. Spencer’s number is 263-1291.

Residents are also encouraged to attach their house number to their garage. This makes it easier for police who are patrolling the alleys to call in a location.