08-13-2007 Luecke pledges $1.4 million, long-term plan for zoo

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o�sou Tx F dx :J b W eFacE � � y� a 1, a2 1865 Office of the Mayor NEWS RELEASE August 13, 2007 For Release: 5 p.m. Luecke pledges $1.4 million, long-term plan for zoo Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications&Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564 To address the Potawatomi Zoo's short-term needs for a successful 2009 accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Mayor Stephen J. Luecke today recommended an allocation of$1.4 million to address immediate concerns at the state's oldest zoo. In a presentation to the South Bend Common Council during Reports of City Offices, the mayor affirmed the value of the zoo to the community, the good work that has been done by zoo staff over the years, and the city's commitment to meet AZA accreditation standards in 2009. "We have been planning to budget funds for this work as part of our 2008 and 2009 budgets," Luecke said. "Today's proposal accelerates the availability of resources so that work can begin even sooner." Luecke also proposed the creation of a bipartisan community task force to address longer-term issues, including a sustainable and broader funding base, continually rising AZA accreditation standards, and expectations for Potawatomi Zoo that are in line with the city's size, the zoo's attendance, and its level of public and private support. The task force will include city council representatives; state legislators; leaders of the zoo, zoological society and the South Bend Department of Parks and Recreation; along with other officials and private citizens. The $1.4 million in funds — $1 million returned from the Business Development Corp. and $400,000 from the city's 2008 capital budget—is the maximum identified by a zoo consultant as needed for Phase I immediate action to ensure continued AZA accreditation. The projected costs include new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems for four exhibits as well as necessary lighting, electrical and safety measures for several exhibits. The funds also will ensure implementation of an ongoing maintenance program.