Report Prepared by: Jennifer Arellano, Recreation Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Authorization to Accept Volunteer Labor and Donated Materials Valued at Approximately $4,400 from Correct Craft to Repair Applegate Park Zoo Exhibit Barrier Fencing, Touch-Up Painting of the Facility, Removing and Replacing the Existing Bulletin Board, and Constructing a New Bulletin Board
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving acceptance of labor and materials valued at approximately $4,400 for Applegate Park Zoo improvements from Correct Craft.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion accepting a donation from Correct Craft for volunteer labor and materials valued at approximately $4,400 for improvements to Applegate Park Zoo.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for consideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
5. Continue to future meeting (date and time to be specified in motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2019-20 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Correct Craft, located in Florida, recently acquired Centurion Boats in Merced, and contacted the City inquiring about possible service projects the company could do at existing park locations. Correct Craft operates on three pillars- people, performance, and philanthropy. Their mission includes “building boats to the glory of God”, and their culture of philanthropy helps to accomplish their mission of “making life better”. Every year the Florida production plant closes for a week, and the employees volunteer for various service projects around the world. They have served in India, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Mexico, (plus more) and this year will be travelling to the Central Valley.
They chose several projects in Merced, Atwater and Winton for various non-profit groups. The City of Merced project is located at Applegate Park Zoo to repair failing exhibit fencing, removing and replacing the current bulletin board, touch-up painting of the facilities, and constructing an additional bulletin board near the front entrance.
The company is flying out two teams on two separate dates to accomplish the work, totaling 92 volunteers in all, with 25-30 volunteers working directly at the Zoo. The Zoo will be closed to the public from noon to close on Sunday, June 30th, and all day on Monday, July 1st, Friday, July 5th, and Saturday, July 6th to allow for the work to be completed.
The Zoological Society will be offering free activities for kids in the Rossotti Ed-Zoo-Cation Center from 10am to Noon on Saturday, July 6th in lieu of the public being able to visit the Zoo.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
There is no direct impact on City Resources. Capital improvements to the Applegate Park Zoo will enhance the Zoo for the public, and save the City resources.