ADOPTED - SEPTEMBER 23, 2008

Agenda Item No. 16

Introduced by the County Services and Finance Committees of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES

 FOR AN OUTDOOR INTERACTIVE AVIAN EXHIBIT USING

AUSTRALIAN SEED EATER BIRDS AT THE POTTER PARK ZOO

RESOLUTION #08-257

WHEREAS, Resolution #08-043 was passed by the Ingham County Board of Commissioners authorizing the approval of the vendor, Living Exhibits, Inc., for a seasonal outdoor interactive exhibit using Australian seed eater birds; and

WHEREAS, the exhibit was not implemented in 2008 due to inability to secure Living Exhibits, Inc., in a timely manner; and

WHEREAS, the Potter Park Zoo staff and Potter Park Zoological Society fully support opening the interactive exhibit in 2009; and

WHEREAS, the vendor expenses for the “Seed Eater” Exhibit previously approved in Resolution #08-043 for the 2008 season were:

First Year                     $183,000

Second Year                $125,000

Third Year                    $  40,000

WHEREAS, the vendor has submitted the following quotes for 2009 and 2010 and no contractual cost for 2011:

First Year - 2009         $193,000

Second Year - 2010     $  99,000

Third Year - 2011          No Cost

WHEREAS, Living Exhibits, Inc. will construct a portable 1,080 square foot aviary for the housing of the birds and for the public to enter and interact; and

WHEREAS, Living Exhibits, Inc. will donate this portable structure to the Potter Park Zoo after the second year of operation; and

WHEREAS, the Potter Park Zoo will purchase birds in year three (2011) and continue to operate the exhibit; and

ADOPTED - SEPTEMBER 23, 2008

Agenda Item No. 16

RESOLUTION #08-257

WHEREAS, funds to implement the exhibit have been identified within the approved 2008 Capital Improvement budget and Controller Recommended 2009 Capital Improvement budget; and

WHEREAS, the exhibit will generate revenue for Potter Park Zoo in its first year of operation (2009); and

WHERAS, the Potter Park Zoo Board and Ingham County Parks Board have determined there should be no exhibit entry fee, thus making the exhibit available to all Zoo visitors; and

WHEREAS, the Potter Park Zoo will sell seed sticks to visitors that are anticipated to offset operational expenses, seasonal wages primarily; and

WHEREAS, the addition of new exhibits sends a positive message to the public that the Potter Park Zoo is an improving and growing enterprise, thus inspiring repeat and new visitors; and

WHEREAS, the Potter Park Zoological Society will greatly benefit from this exhibit with increased revenues at their food concessions and gift shop; and

WHEREAS, the Ingham County Parks & Recreation Commission passed Resolution #22-08 on September 3, 2008 recommending that the Board of Commissioners enter into a contract with Living Exhibits, Inc., San Diego, California for the construction and implementation of an outdoor interactive avian exhibit.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners approves entering into a two year contract with Living Exhibits, Inc., San Diego, California for the construction and implementation of an outdoor interactive avian exhibit using Australian Seed Eater Birds.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board Chairperson and County Clerk are hereby authorized to sign any necessary documents upon approval as to form by the County Attorney.

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

    Nays:  None               Absent:  None      Approved 9/16/08

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

     Nays:  None            Absent:  Hertel       Approved 9/17/08