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PARC JANUARY 12, 2025 4:10 P.M. <br />Committee Members Present: Dr. Fred Ferlic, Henry Davis, Oliver Davis, Dr. David Varner <br />Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Valerie Schey, Karen White, Derek Dieter, Gavin Ferlic <br />Others Present: Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, David Nufer, Kathryn Roos, Phil St. Clair <br />Agenda: Update — Potawatomi Zoo Activities— Marcy Dean <br />Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chair of the PARC Committee asked for an update on what was going on at Potawatomi <br />Zoo. <br />Marcy Dean, Executive Director of the zoo was present and seemed more than willing to do so. She <br />began by thanking the Council for their support allowing a public /private partnership between the City <br />and the Zoological Society regarding the governance and operations of the zoo. In 2014 the Council <br />encouraged the transfer of the zoo to the Zoological Society from the Park Department. <br />Using an overhead slide presentation (attached) Marcy highlighted the accomplishments of 2014 <br />culminating in a 5 year accreditation on September 13, 2014. She went on the note all policies, <br />procedures and protocols were reviewed and revised to encourage reduced costs and efficient <br />operation. Positive growth in attendance and gift shop sales resulted. The investments already made in <br />exhibits as well as the master plan were also highlighted. <br />During the Council questioning period Henry Davis asked if Marcy had any hard numbers regarding the <br />expenses and revenue dollars of the zoo for 2014. Marcy said those numbers were not yet in, but would <br />be happy to share that report when completed. <br />Dr. David Varner asked if efforts were being made to solicit corporate sponsorships to underwrite the <br />expense side of the zoo. Marcy said the Director of Development was actively working on sponsorships <br />projecting successful outcomes. These were also to be part of future reports to Council. <br />Dr. Ferlic then turned to Louella Webster who described the neighborhood efforts to revitalize Kelly Park <br />in the NNE part of town. <br />Ultimately Dr. Ferlic adjourned at 4:39 P.M. <br />Respectfully Submitted, <br />Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson <br />