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REGULAR MEETING JULY 25, 2011 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />end of last year they installed new high efficiency gas unit heaters within the building. <br />She stated that they also accepted a donation from zoo fans that provided six fans to help <br />circulate the air within the building. She stated that she worked with the Park <br />Department and the Botanical Society to bring this project to fruition and it has been a <br />number of years and really feel that these upgrades are necessary and it will continue to <br />be a great place for everyone in the community to enjoy. <br /> <br />Heidi Gray, Manager, Conservatories, 517 Webster, South Bend, Indiana, advised that <br />she supports this bill and urged the Council to give their favorable consideration to this <br />project. She stated that attendance has increased at the conservatory due to events being <br />scheduled and classes offered. She stated that they have seen a lot of new visitors as well <br />as return visitors who share wonderful memories of coming to the conservatory and <br />greenhouse as a child and reminisce about the wonderful times that they have had there. <br />th <br />She stated that 2013 will be the 50 Anniversary of the Ella Morris conservatory and <br />greenhouse and with all these upgrades what a fitting tribute to the conservatories and to <br />the families who gave these gifts to the city. <br /> <br />Catherine Hostetler, Treasurer, Botanical Society, 708 N. St. Joseph, South Bend, <br />Indiana, stated that in addition to the increase in attendance and the increase use of the <br />conservatories for events they have been booking weddings into the fall of 2012. She <br />stated that it has been very encouraging. She stated that there is a broad base of support <br />for the conservatories in the community. She stated that one area of this broad base <br />support is in the replacement of the astro turf stuff that is in the Muessel Ellison in the <br />lower level will be replaced with bricks and they have received donations of the bricks <br />from both the brick company and Old Fort. They have received donations of the shipping <br />costs from Questor’s and were the recipients of the Downtown South Bend Rotary Club’s <br />$10,000 annual Philanthropic Award for the installation of those bricks along with a very <br />generous gift a donation from Foegley Landscaping to install the bricks properly, so that <br />they will be more conducive to the better quality of air, they won’t trap moisture, they <br />won’t be trapping mold & mildew like the astro turf stuff. It is going to really improve <br />the health of both the collection and the people that work around it. It is just going to <br />make this venue just drop dead gorgeous. She stated that she is so excited about this <br />project, but reminded everyone that this is just one small piece. This overall 1.2 million <br />dollars is going to take care of the envelope of the building while the community <br />themselves take care of some of the smaller things that need to be done but are very <br />necessary. She stated that she thinks it does show that the people of South Bend are <br />behind these conservatories and would really like to see them maintained. <br /> <br />Suzanne Rickey, 802 Wall St., South Bend, Indiana, stated that she has gone to the <br />conservatories since 1947 when her family moved to South Bend and when she heard <br />several years ago that they were in danger, she joined the Botanical Society and have <br />been a member for 4 ½ years. She stated that they have come a long way, but have a <br />long way to go yet. She stated that once the new brick pavers installed and some of the <br />other improvements such as the electrical system fixed it will be a wonderful venue to <br />rent out for parties, weddings and all kinds of events. She stated that it could be a <br />wonderful destination for people coming into South Bend to visit along with the zoo. <br /> <br />Jan Michalski, Secretary, Botanical Society, stated that she remembers speaking to the <br />Council about six (6) years ago about the future of the Potawatomi Greenhouse and <br />Conservatories. She stated that back then it was eminent that the greenhouse and <br />conservatory would be closed and many people in the community were greatly <br />concerned. She stated thanks to the decision of the Council, things are still up and <br />running. She stated that they have an active Botanical Society that is successfully <br />working in partnership with the Park Department. She stated that there are activities <br />taking place in the conservatory on a regular basis and attendance is good. She stated <br />that she is speaking tonight to have the Council continue their support for the <br />conservatories so that this partnership can continue and so that the people of this <br />community can enjoy this treasure. So may wonder during this time of financial <br />difficulty why they would want to spend money on something like this. She stated that <br />she believes it is because of it uniqueness. Where else can you go and see the beauty, <br />feel the peacefulness and smell the aroma of plants all year round. It is a special place for <br /> 4 <br /> <br />