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CITY OF SOUTH BEND <br />PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR <br />OFFICE OF THE MAYOR <br />May 22, 2013 <br />President Derek D. Dieter <br />South Bend Common Council <br />4th Floor County -City Building <br />South Bend, IN 46601 <br />Dear Council President Dieter: <br />As the state of Indiana's oldest zoo, the Potawatomi Zoo is a terrific city asset and a popular <br />regional destination for people of all ages. With engaging exhibits, a diverse animal collection, <br />numerous educational opportunities, a dedicated staff, and special events, the Potawatomi Zoo is <br />a place that needs to operate under the highest standards. <br />Since I have been in office, the zoo has been under the supervision of an interim director and our <br />veterinary services are now conducted on a contractual basis. This is solely due to the low salary <br />levels that are currently in place for these two positions. The administration strongly believes <br />that the recruitment of a zoo director and zoo veterinarian are vital to the continued and future <br />success of the Potawatomi Zoo. This is especially important now because the zoo will commence <br />its reaccreditation process next year through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). <br />As such, the administration is filing an amendment to the salary ordinance today for first reading <br />on May 29, 2013. To make the pay competitive —based on enclosed AZA data —the zoo <br />director's salary is proposed for a range of $91,000 496,000 and the zoo veterinarian's salary is <br />proposed for a range of $78,000483,000, in order to conform with general norms for a city our <br />size. <br />The City remains open to further conversation with the Potawatomi Zoological Society on a <br />potential public - private partnership in the future, but the administration believes focusing on <br />strong leadership in the short-term is the best course of action for zoo staff, our animal <br />collection, and the residents and families of our community who enjoy visiting the zoo. <br />1400 COUNTY -CITY BUILDING • 227 W. JEFFERSON BOULEVARD • SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601 <br />PHONE 574/235 -9261 • FAx 574/235 -9892 • TTD 574/235 -5567 <br />