08-22-18 Personnel and Finance (#4)

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CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK Councilmember Broden followed up, There is a Fund Development position that has happened, correct, since 2015? Ms. Dean replied, We've added several new positions since 2014, which, I anticipated we would as we took over the day-to-day management. When we were just the Society, I was the Chief Fundraiser for the Zoo. When I became Executive Director, obviously I still f indraise for the Zoo but we did bring a full-time Director of Development. We also added a Director of Business and Operations. Since then, we've added a couple more animal care positions. We recently brought back an employee as well. And as our animal collection has grown, we added an Animal Care Manager as well as doubled the staffing in our education department. When we took over the City was only funding one (1) full-time educator and we now have three (3). That is all part of trying to increase our educational programming. We've also brought on a Marketing and Communications Manager as well. So we've actually increased staffing in several places because as we grow, we understand there is a need in all different departments to keep us moving forward. We've pretty much doubled our staff.We have a full-time events person now and that is imperative to revenue generation. Councilmember Broden followed up, Could you address the difference between being accredited and not being accredited? Ms. Dean replied, Really the difference between that, and there are just over two hundred (200) AZA accredited facilities and we are one (1) of them amongst 2,500 USDA permitted exhibiters, is that AZA accredited institutions are held to the highest standards of animal care and quality of life of the animal. They look at everything from animal and vet care to maintenance and deferred maintenance,governance,financial sustainability,education and conservation. They really run the gamut. If we lose the AZA accreditation, we would lose probably close to seventy-five to eighty percent (75% - 80%) of our animal collection. We are afforded the opportunity to exhibit the rare and critically endangered animals that we exhibit and breed because of the accreditation.We would also lose funding. I am big on telling donors that they are giving to an AZA accredited institution. I also think it is a big piece of the partnership with the City. You guys want an AZA facility. We would become a roadside zoo without that. It also gives a peace of mind to the 240,000 plus guests that visit us every year that we are held to the highest standards of quality and care. Our animal are enriched,well taken care of,health and active,all of our exhibits are safe and are up to standard and we are doing the best in terms of educational programs as well. Councilmember Broden replied, Thank you and I am glad I asked that question. Ms. Dean stated, That is why that deferred maintenance piece is so important because that is a huge part of the accreditation. Councilmember Broden then stated, I want to get some updated figures on the Food and Beverage Tax. I think that is important. Committeemember Voorde asked, What do you do about security for the Zoo? Ms. Dean replied, We actually have a security staff on site from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. They take care of the Zoo after hours. Then we have several procedures in place for both security and safety. Part of our accreditation makes it so that we go through so many trainings and such per EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 1227 W.Jefferson Bvld I South Bend,Indiana 46601 p574.235.9221 f574.235.9173)TTD574.235.55671www.southbendin.gov 18