07-29-09 Personnel and Finance Committee Minutes

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Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting July 29, 2009 Page 8 In response to questions from Council Member White, Mr. St. Clair stated that the golf courses are close to being self-supporting; and that O'Brien also falls into this category. The skateboard park has not been attended as well as they had projected; but that the splash parks have been packed all over the city. In response to a question from Council Member Kirsits, Mr. St. Clair stated that splash parks begin at $85,000 in costs and run into the seven digits. In response to questions from Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., Mr. St. Clair stated that there are costs differences for operations of the various pools throughout the city and that he will provide that information to the Council. There are no fees coming back to the city for the UND Women Basketball tickets being sold on city property. Susan O'Connor noted that the university contacted the city about space so that residents would have easy access to tickets. The university provides the staff for this, with no city personnel being use. Council Member Puzzello brought concerns of Martha Lewis about the Conservatories and their future operations to the Committee's attention. An additional $50,000 is needed at a minimum to which Mr. St. Clair stated that it would be discretionary. In response to questions from Council Member Kirsits, Mr. St. Clair stated that $1.4 million was spent which is helping the Potawatomi Zoo during its accreditation process. The initial report from the AZA is favorable and that they will get final word by the end of August. Having AZA accreditation allows selected species to participate in programs with other zoos. The St. Joseph Community Fund has also partnered with the Park Department successfully on many ventures. Zoo Director Terry DeRosa stated that today's inspections showed no non-compliance items by the USZA. He added that zoo attendance is up over 20,000 to this point in time when compared to last year. Council Members Puzzello and Kirsits were very complimentary of the zoo operations. Dr. Varner inquired about other revenue sources and how they were being pursued, noting that Fort Wayne has extensive zoo sponsorships. Mr. St. Clair stated that many efforts are under consideration. He knows that Fort Wayne has been very aggressive in pursuing support groups from companies and business for many years. Council Member Rouse noted that the NNRO's work at Coquillard Park of about $100,000 is just one example of grass roots support and partnerships.