Title
Amending the Parks and Recreation 2026 Grant and Aid Fund for a $160,000 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 $150,000 for the Conservation Strategic Plan Implementation Program and an additional $10,000 for the Polar Bear Population Alliance Support Program to support and enhance operations at 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 these projected contribution and donation revenues of $160,000; 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 $160,000 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.