Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to renew a five-year lease agreement with Como Friends for office space at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory's Zoological Building.
Body
WHEREAS, Como Friends, a non-profit partner of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory wishes to renew a five year agreement between the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation for leased office space at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory's Zoological Building, 1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, Como Friends is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, preserving and enhancing Como Park Zoo and Conservatory; and
WHEREAS, Since 2001, Como Friends has invested more than $30 million in improvements at Como, including the recent completion of the Capital Campaign raising $8.45 million for Polar Bear Odyssey and the Japanese Garden Experience; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation and Como Friends wishes renew the current agreement for five year lease for the nominal sum of $5.00; and
WHEREAS, Saint Paul Administrative Code ยง86.03(b)(1) requires city council authorization to lease parkland or recreational facilities for a period of more than one year; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council finds that the granting of a five year lease agreement for Como Friends at 1225 Estabrook Drive for the sum of $5.00 has a public purpose and authorizes the appropriate city officials to execute the attached lease.