ADOPTED - JANUARY 22, 2008

Agenda Item No. 15

Introduced by the County Services and Finance Committees of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A FUND TRANSFER TO THE POTTER PARK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY

RESOLUTION #08-007

WHEREAS, the electorate of Ingham County overwhelmingly approved the millage proposal in November of 2006 to fund the operation and improvement of Potter Park and the Potter Park Zoo; and

WHEREAS, the Potter Park Zoological Society is a private 501(c) (3) nonprofit fundraising organization that raises the funds to support the Zoo; and

WHEREAS, in that capacity the Zoological Society supports: the Education Department, which provides over 500 programs per year that reaches almost 25,000 students; the Docent Association, that currently has over 120 volunteers; the Teen Zookeeper Program, enrolling over 100 students each year; and the Zookambi summer school program, a program that educates over 400 students per summer; and

WHEREAS, the Zoological Society operates the concession stands, gift shop, and pony rides; and sponsors special events with the help of their over 35 seasonal employees; and

WHEREAS, the Zoological Society operates on a $900,000 budget, supporting the Potter Park Zoo through educational programming, special events, and capital improvements; and 

WHEREAS, the Potter Park Zoological Society Board of Directors is comprised of 16 enthusiastic community leaders; and

WHEREAS, the Potter Park Zoological Society Board in addition to this $40,000 appropriation will continue to contribute to the marketing campaign at the 2008 levels at a minimum; and

WHEREAS, this marketing sub-committee works with the Ingham County Zoo Board to determine the best way to promote and spotlight the Potter Park Zoo; and

WHEREAS, the Ingham County Potter Park Zoo Board and the Parks & Recreation Commission recommend that the Board of Commissioners authorize the transfer of $40,000 to be used by the Potter Park Zoological Society for 2008 marketing purposes.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners authorizes the transfer of $40,000 from the proceeds of the Potter Park Zoo millage to be used by the Potter Park Zoological Society for 2008 marketing purposes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners authorizes the County Attorney to prepare the necessary documents.

ADOPTED - JANUARY 22, 2008

Agenda Item No. 15

RESOLUTION #08-007

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board Chairperson and County Clerk are authorized to sign any necessary documents consistent with this resolution after approval as to form by the County Attorney.

COUNTY SERVICES:  Yeas:  Nolan, De Leon, Copedge, Soule, Grebner, Severino

Nays:  None          Absent:  None        Approved 1/15/08

FINANCE:    Yeas:  Grebner, Hertel, Weatherwax-Grant, Celentino, Schor

Nays:  None        Absent:  Dougan         Approved 1/16/08