Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to donate potted plants from the Como Zoo and Conservatory to the Minnesota State Fair that would otherwise go to waste as a result of COVID-19.
Body
WHEREAS, Saint Paul Administrative Code § 2.02(G)(6)(g)3 permits the transfer of materials upon the request of a bona fide, charitable, educational, religious or fraternal nonprofit organization for a nominal or no consideration if the transfer is related to a function of government, serves a public purpose, is for the benefit of the community as a whole; and
WHEREAS, the Como Zoo and Conservatory currently has a number of potted plants that were intended to be used for the Spring Flower show that now have no use because of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the Parks Department and the Emergency Operations Center have received a request from the Minnesota State Fair, a bona fide nonprofit organization asking that a portion of the potted plants be donated to the organization; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota State Fair is currently open for public activity use while practicing social distancing standards and these potted plants would be used in current garden and green space areas to enhance the experience of citizens using the grounds; and
WHEREAS, the potted plants, valued at approximately $1,000, may be transferred to the organization for no consideration; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the potted plants are no longer needed to carry out department functions and are obsolete, and
WHEREAS, the City Council’s transfer of the potted plants is a function of government, would benefit the community as a whole, and would serve a public purpose by providing the Saint Paul community with an enhanced experience when using the State Fair grounds for regular public activity; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby authorizes the donation of the above described obsolete property to the Minnesota State Fair; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that said organization shall take responsibility for removing the obsolete property from City premises in a manner and in accordance with the time line mutually agreed upon with the Saint Paul Parks Department and the Emergency Operations Center and shall bear all costs associated with the removal and transportation of the designated obsolete property and agrees to accept the property as is; and be it
FINALLY RESOLVED, that upon the donation, the City shall have no further responsibility for said property and shall not provide and warranty, maintenance, repair, technical assistance, or any other kind of ongoing support, nor assume any costs that may be related to the ongoing use of the property by the Minnesota State Fair.