Milwaukee County approves settlement with Zillie Hospitality Group for Berner Gardens agreement

In a hybrid meeting held on May 6, 2025, the Milwaukee County Committee on Parks and Culture convened to address pressing issues affecting the community, including a significant settlement agreement with Zillie Hospitality Group and broader concerns about community accountability and education.

The meeting opened with Supervisor Martin expressing frustration over Milwaukee's persistent low rankings in various statistics, questioning the underlying causes and emphasizing the need for greater collaboration and accountability within the community. He highlighted the importance of education and personal responsibility, urging residents to take advantage of available resources to improve their circumstances.

Following this discussion, the committee turned its attention to a resolution authorizing the Milwaukee County Department of Parks to enter into a settlement agreement with Zillie Hospitality Group. This agreement aims to resolve disputes stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic regarding fees owed to the county under a catering and facility management services agreement for the Berner Botanical Gardens. Deputy Corporation Counsel Karen Tidwell and Deputy Director Jim Tarantino presented the resolution, noting that the settlement would involve a payment of $82,072 and extend the existing agreement by three years.

Despite some committee members expressing concerns about the speed of the resolution and the nature of the partnership with Zillie, the committee ultimately voted in favor of the settlement, with a tally of four votes in favor and three against. The discussion revealed a desire for transparency and further inquiry into the agreement, with some supervisors indicating they would seek additional information in future meetings.

As the meeting concluded, the committee underscored the importance of addressing community needs and fostering collaboration among local organizations to support entrepreneurs and enhance educational opportunities. The discussions highlighted a collective commitment to breaking down barriers and improving the quality of life for Milwaukee residents, setting the stage for future initiatives aimed at community empowerment and accountability.