Title
To amend the Parks and Recreation 2026 Grant and Aid Fund for a $500,000 donation from Como Friends, a non-profit to promote, support, preserve and enhance the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.
Body
WHEREAS, Como Friends is a registered not-for-profit organization formed to promote, support, preserve and enhance the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory; and
WHEREAS, the Como Friends' mission is to advance Como Park Zoo and Conservatory as a destination where people from all walks of life can gather, learn and enjoy the natural world; and
WHEREAS, Como Friends is donating an additional $500,000 to support and enhance the Japanese Garden and the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation wishes to establish new budgets in the Grant Fund to receive the projected contribution and donation revenues of $7,600 for the Zoo Nutritionist Consultation, $8,000 for the Animal Enrichment Program, $15,000 for the Animal Care & Support Supplies, $16,000 for the Dental Radiograph & Dental Drill, $10,000 Thermography System for Preventative Diagnostics, $8,600 for the Waterproof Ultrasound Probe, $1,000 for the Veterinary Library, $4,000 for the Como Harbor Robotic Pool Cleaner, $25,000 for the Anaconda Exhibit Renovation, $10,000 for the Life Support System Maintenance Supplies, $20,000 for the Bison Barn Door, $15,000 for the Therapeutic Laser, $6,000 for the Primate Habitat Window Graphics, $6,000 for the False Bottom, $76,000 for the Polar Bear Filtration, $20,000 for the Website Infrasturcture Modernization, $15,000 for the Upgrade Picnic Shelter, $10,000 for the Replacement tables, $3,000 for the Step-n-Wash stools, $5,000 for the Retractable safety gates, $12,000 for the floor scrubbers, $20,000 for the Cushman utility cart, $15,000 for the Exit Only Gate, $1,500 for the Vacuum cleaners, $10,000 for the Off Season Planter Material, $5,000 for the Plant Material, $15,000 for the Compost, $15,000 for the Integrated Pest Management, $30,000 for the Soil Replacement, $10,000 for the Tree Maintenance, $3,200 for the Mobile Coat Caddies for School Groups, $20,000 for the Nature Play Pocket Spaces, $15,000 for the Bathroom stall partitions, $10,000 for the New Ambassador Animal Room, $15,000 for the Replacement Radios, $10,000 for the Social Media Strategy, $12,100 for the Right Track/Nature Walk Support; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor, pursuant to Section 10.07.01 of the Charter of the City of Saint Paul, does certify that there are available for appropriation, funds of $500,000 in excess of those estimated in the 2026 budget; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul approves these amendments to the 2026 budget, and thanks Como Friends for its ongoing support.
Financial Analysis
See Attachment.