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 $50,000 for Project Manger, $50,000 for the Contingency, $130,000 for the Zoo Grounds Paving, $50,000 for the Visitor Center Doors, $5,000 for the Traveler Room Modification, $15,000 for the Primate Building Security, $145,000 for the Priva Connext Update, $55,000 Zebra Pad and Fence; 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.