Report Prepared by: Michelle Reid, Recreation Supervisor
Title
SUBJECT: Authorization to Execute 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
Authorization to execute the 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 - Adopt a motion authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
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ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff (identify specific finding and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
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AUTHORITY
Municipal Code Section: Article VI, Sec. 606, Sec. 1105 and Administrative Policy A-49, Donation and Gift Policy.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
This program aligns with the City Council’s FY 2022/23 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 contribution funded position will help to create continuity in services to the Zoo. At the end of the third year of contribution, if the position is still filled, staff are recommending that part-time allocations be reduced to retain a full-time position. After presenting the sustainability plan, staff added the contribution funded position as part of the Budget Errata list approved by the City Council on June 21, 2022. The Cost Sharing Agreement was also brought back and approved on June 21,2022 to ensure that the necessary documents to receive funds were in place prior to beginning the recruitment. However, the report did not include the authorization for the City Manager or the Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Staff is requesting the authorization be approved so the position can be released for recruitment.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Cost Sharing Agreement