HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-12-15 PARCPARC JANUARY 12, 2025 4:10 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Dr. Fred Ferlic, Henry Davis, Oliver Davis, Dr. David Varner
Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Valerie Schey, Karen White, Derek Dieter, Gavin Ferlic
Others Present: Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, David Nufer, Kathryn Roos, Phil St. Clair
Agenda: Update — Potawatomi Zoo Activities— Marcy Dean
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chair of the PARC Committee asked for an update on what was going on at Potawatomi
Zoo.
Marcy Dean, Executive Director of the zoo was present and seemed more than willing to do so. She
began by thanking the Council for their support allowing a public /private partnership between the City
and the Zoological Society regarding the governance and operations of the zoo. In 2014 the Council
encouraged the transfer of the zoo to the Zoological Society from the Park Department.
Using an overhead slide presentation (attached) Marcy highlighted the accomplishments of 2014
culminating in a 5 year accreditation on September 13, 2014. She went on the note all policies,
procedures and protocols were reviewed and revised to encourage reduced costs and efficient
operation. Positive growth in attendance and gift shop sales resulted. The investments already made in
exhibits as well as the master plan were also highlighted.
During the Council questioning period Henry Davis asked if Marcy had any hard numbers regarding the
expenses and revenue dollars of the zoo for 2014. Marcy said those numbers were not yet in, but would
be happy to share that report when completed.
Dr. David Varner asked if efforts were being made to solicit corporate sponsorships to underwrite the
expense side of the zoo. Marcy said the Director of Development was actively working on sponsorships
projecting successful outcomes. These were also to be part of future reports to Council.
Dr. Ferlic then turned to Louella Webster who described the neighborhood efforts to revitalize Kelly Park
in the NNE part of town.
Ultimately Dr. Ferlic adjourned at 4:39 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Fred Ferlic, Chairperson