Title
CONSIDERATION OF A FUNDING REQUEST BY THE SEDGWICK COUNTY ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
Presented by: Tim Kaufman, Assistant County Manager for Public Services and Kevin Arnel, President of the Sedgwick County Zoological Society.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the funding agreement.
Body
Over the past year, the Sedgwick County Zoological Society worked with Sedgwick County and numerous stakeholders and partners to develop a new 25-year Master Plan for the Sedgwick County Zoo.
It is anticipated that the first phase of the Master Plan will include a combination of a new Visitor Entry Center that creates a functional and welcoming new front door to the Zoo, as well as functional administrative offices and gift shop. It will also include a train to transport guests around the Zoo and a new Amur Leopard habitat as an expanded exhibit for these magnificent but highly endangered animals.
Phase 1 is estimated to cost $15 million and the Society is requesting funding of $6.0 million from Sedgwick County. With this contribution, the Society is confident they will be able to raise the remaining $9.0 million required to complete the phase.
Alternatives: Deny the funding request.
Financial Considerations: County funding support of $6.0 million to be accomplished by a commitment of $2.0 million per year for 2019, 2020, and 2021. Funding for 2019 will come from a transfer from the Operating Reserve to the Zoo fund center. Funding for 2020 and 2021 will be allocated through the budget process.
Legal Considerations: N/A
Policy Considerations: N/A
Outside Attendees: Representatives from Sedgwick County Zoological Society.
Multimedia Presentation: N/A