Approving the issuance and sale of Park District Bonds

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South Bend Common Council Page 2 The 11,388 persons who signed the bond petition clearly indicated that they want a zoo in South Bend and that they want the other projects listed in the bond issue. Potawatomi Zoo, which was built in 1917, has been enjoyed by thousands and has proven to be the most popular facility in the park system for all ages. Unfortunately, the zoo has been neglected for many years and did not keep up with the changing of time. Thirty or forty years ago the menagerie type zoo was acceptable but in todays society the menagerie zoo is doomed. With the passage of the Animal Welfare Act of 1970, which requires zoos to be licensed, Potawatomi is faced with an ultimatum of either fixing the zoo or close the zoo down. It is not only the federal regulations that concerns the Park Board but our feeling of the humane treatment of the animals such as proper housing, adequate isolation quarters for sick animals, proper drainage, sanitation conditions and security for the animals from malicious acts. It is true that in a letter to Councilwoman Adams I stated that the zoo could possibly be brought to federal standards (at this time) for about $225,000.00. But as the federal people so clearly stated, they will be in touch with us concerning additional needed changes. In looking toward the future and prudent planning, the Board decided to spend enough money to obtain a complete zoo which will meet the federal requirements now and in the future. The $225,000.00 stated in my letter of January 17, 1977 listed the need for a perimeter fence and improvements in the bear ex- hibit. However, as pointed out by the Health Department, an improvement must be made in the pollution and sanitary conditions at the zoo which was not mentioned by the federal people but must be improved to bring the zoo up to the health department and our standards. I have met with Dr. McCraley, County Health Officer, and reviewed the plans for the new zoo. Dr. McCraley made some recommendations that we will incorporate into the new plans. The Park Department appreciated the help and the cooperation of Dr. McCraley and his staff in this important sector of the zoo plan. New utilities are very expensive but feel that such an expenditure is a must if we are going to have a zoo. Such a large expenditure was not mentioned or suggested by the federal people as a requirement. You could be assured that a couple of years from now they would demand such an improvement. To me it would seem crass to float a bond issue for $225,000.00 for zoo improvement and then come back two or three years later and float another bond issue for additi- onal improvements. Bond issues are expensive to prepare and sell and are very time consuming. It costs no more to sell bonds for $1.5 million than $225,000.00 and in my opinion it would be poor judgement and no doubt more expensive to sell bonds for $225,000.00 and try to improve the zoo on piecemeal basis.