ADOPTED - MARCH 25, 2008

Agenda Item No. 3

Introduced by the County Services and Finance Committees of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION TO PURSUE AN AGREEMENT WITH

THE POTTER PARK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY

RESOLUTION #08-072

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 501c(3) nonprofit fundraising organization that raises the necessary monies to support the Zoo; and

WHEREAS, the Society had an agreement with the City of Lansing, a Michigan municipal corporation, prior to County control; and

WHEREAS, the Society and the County wish to enter into an agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Zoological Society operates the concession stands, gift shop, and pony rides; and sponsors special events with the help of their 35+ seasonal employees; 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, this program enrolls over 100 students each year; and the Zookambi summer school program, a program that educates over 400 students per summer; and

WHEREAS, the parties have decided upon a program that will accomplish the goals of the parties to the agreement.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners authorizes the Ingham County Parks Department to pursue an agreement with the Potter Park Zoological Society.

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

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