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Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to pay for travel-related expenses, including airfare, lodging, meals, etc., not exceeding $4,000 from existing budgeted funds, for Como Zoo's Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Accreditation inspectors, who are not city employees, from July 5-8, 2015.
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WHEREAS, every five years Como Zoo enters into the process of accreditation through AZA. Zoos and Aquariums that earn accreditation have achieved AZA's rigorous, professional standards for animal welfare and management, veterinary care, wildlife conservation and research, education, safety, staffing and more. Fewer than 10% of the USDA licensed wildlife exhibitors, just over 200, are AZA accredited; and
WHEREAS, the AZA Accreditation Commission's mission is to establish, uphold, and raise the highest zoological industry standards through self-evaluation, on-site inspection, and peer review; and
WHEREAS, AZA will send a team of three inspectors to Como Zoo to fulfill the required on-site, in-depth inspection of the entire facility; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking authority to pay for related travel expenses which include airfare, lodging, meals, etc. for three Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) inspectors, who are not city employees, as part of the AZA Accreditation process for Como Park Zoo and Conservatory on July 5-8, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that there is a public purpose for the expenditure of the travel and associated expenses in ensuring that Como Zoo meets and exceeds the highest industry standards; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Department of Parks and Recreation is hereby authorized to pay for the above mentioned expenses, not to exceed $4,000.00, from existing budgeted funds.