HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-09-13 PARCPARC
5:30 P.M.
May 9, 2013
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Gavin Ferlic, (left at 5:55 p.m.); Tim Scott
Other Council Present: Valerie Schey, David Varner, Derek Dieter
Others Present: Ann Puzzello, Joann Slomski, James Martindale, Jamie Richard, Jim Szucs,
Tony Flora, Tom Landgrebe, Dave Walsh, George Horn
Agenda: Potawatomi Zoo
Henry Davis, Jr., Chairperson of the PARC Committee (Parks) called the specially called meeting of his
committee to give the Potawatomi Zoological Society an opportunity to outline their proposal for
hanges in the operations of the Potawatomi Zoo.
Henry began by welcoming the Zoological Society while commending them for their commitment to the
betterment of the zoo. Additionally while expressing a sense of gratitude for their presentation, he
reminded them any changes in the governance of the zoo would come from the Mayor and the Park
Board. That notwithstanding Henry expressed a willingness to work with the administration, the
Society, and the public as conversations ensured.
As stated this meeting was to hear the Zoological Society's proposal to operate the zoo as a public
private partnership.
George Horn, past president of the Zoological Society an attorney with the Barnes & Thornburg law firm
made the presentation. He gave a brief background of the Zoological Society's long involvement with
the zoo, helping it raise funds and achieve accreditation for the zoo. He went on to begin to provide a
description of a public private partnership model for the future governance of the zoo. Essentially the
City would act as landlord to the Society which would operate the zoo. They would care for the animals,
enhance and expand exhibits, raise money, and manage the day to day responsibility of managing the
ZOO.
For its part the City would maintain ownership of the zoo and would have to approve any major changes
to the zoo. The City would also commit to $1.1 million dollars per year for 10 years to help keep up the
zoo operations.
George Horn completed his outline, and then introduced Dave Walsh, a zoo operations consultant hired
by the Society to recommend a model of "best practices" of zoo management from his research and
experiences with zoos around the country. The model proposed and outlined by Mr. Walsh using a 16
slide overheard walk- through (attached) is a public private model used by many zoos around the
country. He claimed the best, most interesting and most efficient zoos were based on a public private
partnership model.
Subsequent to his presentation Henry allotted time for those to speak in favor of the proposed
governance change. In total, 6 spoke. Four supported the proposal unconditionally. Two both union
representatives offered support as long as employees' wages and benefits were not negatively
impacted.
Given the chance for anyone to voice opposition, only one person expressed reservation claiming the
current scheme works well as it is. During the following council portion, Henry called upon the five
attending Councilmembers a chance to comment.
Derek Dieter expressed concern for the future of the current employees stating he could not support
any change which would compromise the future of the current employees stating he could not support
any change which would compromise employees earned expectations.
David Varner offered qualified support, also hinged on employee's treatment. Tim Scott reserved
judgment until he could analyze the thoroughness of the Zoo Society's due diligence and the Zoo's
financials as well.
Valerie Schey's comments focused on concerns for the animals, their care and well- being.
Henry wrapped things up by thanking the Zoological Society for their work and also expressing support
for the workers.
Given the chance for a brief summary George Horn said now was the best time to act. He said he hoped
for a resolution of support from the Council and a commitment from the Mayor to move ahead.
There being no further business to come before the committee at this time, PARC Chairperson, Henry
Davis, adjourned the meeting at 6:37 p.m.
Respectf y Submitted,
e avis, Jr., Chairperson
PARC Committee