Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, to recognize Como Park Zoo and Conservatory volunteers for their valued contributions by designating funds in the amount of $5,000 for thank you, sympathy or celebration cards; flowers for personal events in their lives; and food for volunteer recognition events held in 2015.
Body
WHEREAS, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory Volunteer Services receives 54,000 volunteer hours from 1,550 volunteers, equivalent to 26 FTEs in 2014 alone; and
WHEREAS, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory Volunteer Services' recognition of volunteers and their accomplishments, as well as acknowledgement of the volunteers and their families' successes and struggles, assists with volunteer support and retention; and
WHEREAS, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory Volunteer Services offer 2-4 recognition and/or informational evenings a year for volunteers; and
WHEREAS, the successful facilition of a volunteer program and related expenditures have a clear public purpose and benefit as they contribute to the services at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory with the service received resulting in budgetary savings; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul and the Saint Paul City Council authorize the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory Volunteer Services office to purchase food items, flowers and cards for volunteer recognition events, funerals, extensive hospital stays and events needing support in an amount not to exceed $5,000.00.