Report Prepared by: Michelle Reid, Recreation Supervisor
Title
SUBJECT: Direction Regarding Cost Sharing Agreement with Daniel R. Martin Family Foundation, Inc. and the City of Merced to Fund a Third Zookeeper at Applegate Zoo for Three Years
REPORT IN BRIEF
Provide staff direction regarding a Cost Sharing Agreement between the Daniel R. Martin Family Foundation, Inc. and the City of Merced for the funding of a third zookeeper at Applegate Zoo for a three-year duration.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Provide staff direction on pursuing the Cost Sharing Agreement between the Daniel R. Martin Family Foundation, Inc. and the City of Merced, for the funding of a third zookeeper for three years.
Body
AUTHORITY
Municipal Code Section: Article VI, Sec. 606, Sec. 1105 and Administrative Policy A-49, Donation and Gift Policy.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
This grant program aligns with the City Council’s FY 2021/22 Goals and Priorities to invest in the Applegate Zoo.
DISCUSSION
In June 2021, a representative from the Daniel R. Martin Family Foundation approached Applegate Zoo staff about its interest in providing a financial donation. The Foundation representative inquired as to the greatest need of the Zoo, and the cost associated.
Zoo staff indicated that greatest need was a third full-time zookeeper. The zoo has two full-time employees and seven part-time employees, who are regulated to 960 hours per fiscal year. A third zookeeper would provide enhanced visitor experiences, the creation of virtual and in-person classes, increased animal care, grounds improvement, and the opportunity for staff development. In addition, regular maintenance provided by a third zookeeper would allow for better upkeep and reduced costs associated with large scale repairs.
The donation proposed by the Daniel R. Martin Foundation is $40,000 which will assist in covering the costs associated with a third full time zookeeper on an annual basis for a total contribution of $120,000 over a three-year period.
On February 7, 2022, staff presented this item to the City Council for direction. It was requested that a sustainability plan be evaluated prior to entering into an agreement. Staff returned to further evaluate options. Currently, Zoo staff experience a high rate of turnover in their part-time positions. This grant-funded position will help to create continuity in services to the Zoo. At the end of the grant, if the position is still filled, staff are recommending that part-time allocations be reduced to retain a full-time position. With the approval of this sustainability plan by the City Council, staff will add the grand-funded position as part of the Budget Errata list for consideration on June 21, 2022. The Cost Sharing Agreement will also be brought back on June 21,2022 to ensure that the necessary documents to receive funds are in place prior to beginning the recruitment.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
The estimated cost breakdown for third zookeeper for years 1-3:
|
Zookeeper |
Salary |
Benefits |
Total |
Contribution |
City Cost |
|
FY 22-23 Year 1 |
45,272.66 |
28,339.21 |
73,611.87 |
40.000.00 |
33,611.87 |
|
FY 23-24 Year 2 |
49,437.65 |
28,966.22 |
78,403.87 |
40,000.00 |
38,403.87 |
|
FY 24-25 Year 3 |
51,909.52 |
29,315.99 |
81,225.51 |
40,000.00 |
41,225.51 |
|
Total |
146,619.83 |
86,621.42 |
233,241.25 |
120,000.00 |
113,241.25 |
Salary expenses and benefits not covered by Daniel R Martin Foundation to be paid for by City of Merced.
Benefits: (Note - health benefit estimated for employee + 2 or more dependents. Cost could decrease if lower coverage is elected based on employee familial status.)
ATTACHMENTS
1. DRAFT Cost Sharing Agreement