ADOPTED - FEBRUARY 26, 2008

Agenda Item No. 11

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

RESOLUTION #08-043

WHEREAS, after careful review of several species of interactive exhibits, a resolution was passed, 8-0, by the Zoo Board on January 22, 2008, recommending to the Parks & Recreation Commission that authorization be given for the approval of expenditures of a seasonal outdoor interactive avian exhibit using Australian Seed Eater Birds for $183,000; and

WHEREAS, the costs for the “Seed Eater” Exhibit will actually cost $183,000 the first year, $125,000 the second year, and $40,000 the third year; and

WHEREAS, the financial projections for this exhibit are anticipated to be:

Cost of Exhibit Projected Revenue Profit Projections

First Year                          $183,000                            $190,000                        $7,000

Second Year                     $125,000                            $190,000                      $65,000

Third Year                           $40,000                            $190,000                    $150,000

WHEREAS, the projected revenues for the first year will be close to $183,000 due to an increase in visitation, entry revenue into the seed eater exhibit, and sales from “seed sticks” to feed the birds; and

WHEREAS, there will be substantial revenue earnings the second and third years of operation; and

WHEREAS, the company Living Exhibits, Inc., will not require Ingham County to enter into a contract for the second year or third year if so desired; and

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

WHEREAS, Living Exhibits, Inc. will construct a portable 1,080 square foot  aviary, at a cost of $58,000,  for the housing of the birds and for the public to enter and interact; and

WHEREAS, Living Exhibits, Inc. will donate this portable structure, that can be moved, to the Potter Park Zoo/Ingham County after the second year of operation; and 

ADOPTED - FEBRUARY 26, 2008

Agenda Item No. 11

RESOLUTION #08-043

WHEREAS, Living Exhibits, Inc., San Diego, California, has been selected after extensive research of a variety of seasonal exhibits, and it has been determined by the Purchasing Department to be a single source vendor; and

WHEREAS,  the Ingham County Parks & Recreation Commission passed Resolution #05-08 on January 28, 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; and

WHEREAS, $120,000 is included in the 2008 budget for this project and the $63,000 of added expense will be offset by additional revenue.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners approves entering into a contract with Living Exhibits, Inc. for the construction 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 2/19/08

FINANCE:  Yeas:  Grebner, Hertel,Weatherwax-Grant, Dougan

Nays:  None          Absent:  Celentino, Schor       Approved 2/20/08