Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to develop a budget to design a habitat for seals and sea lions at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory using funds donated by Como Friends.
Body
WHEREAS, the Como Zoo has been providing the public the opportunity to visit seals and sea lions for nearly 60 years and they are an important part of Como Zoo's conservation and education role; and
WHEREAS, the Como Zoo's current collection is split in three different areas of the Como Campus, with the seasonal Seal Island that was built during the WPA for monkeys and was converted to house seals in the late 70s; and
WHEREAS, anticipated federal regulatory requirements and standards will require the habitat to be updated; and
WHEREAS, Como Friends, the non-profit partner of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, has offered a donation of $400,000 for the design work of the new habitat; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor, pursuant to Section 10.07.1 of the Charter of the City of Saint Paul, does certify that there are available for appropriation funds of $400,000; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Saint Paul, that $400,000 is available for appropriation in the 2015 Capital Improvement Budget, and as heretofore adopted by the Council, is hereby further amended:
Financial Analysis
"See Attachment."
CIB Recommendation
The Saint Paul Long-Range Capital Improvement Budget Committee received this request on May 11, 2015 and recommended approval.