Title
Amending the financing and spending plans in the Department of Parks and Recreation in the amount of $282,500 to reflect 2016 funding expected from Como Friends.
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 inspire generosity 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, since forming in 1999, Como Friends has reinvested more than $30 million in programs and projects at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory; and
WHEREAS, Como Friends wishes to donate $282,500 funds to develop new interactive elements in Polar Bear Odyssey, enhance the new Centennial Garden, purchase I-pads for educational programs and support the onsite event for the American Public Garden Association that would not be possible without these resources; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation wishes to thank Como Friends for their continued support for allowing Como Park Zoo and Conservatory to accomplish their mission to inspire the public to value the presence of living things in our lives; 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 $282,500 in excess of those estimated in the 2016 budget; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul approves these amendments to the 2016 budget.
Financial Analysis
See attachment