Title
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ARROWHEAD ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S LAKE SUPERIOR ZOO MASTER PLAN
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS: The Arrowhead Zoological Society ("Zoo") holds an operating agreement to operate, maintain, and improve the grounds of the Lake Superior Zoo; and
WHEREAS: Previous collaborative planning efforts amongst the City, Zoo, and Parks and Recreation Commission regarding the implementation of the Lake Superior Zoo/Fairmount Park Concept Plan were approved by City Council on March 14, 2016; and
WHEREAS: The Lake Superior Zoo/Fairmount Park Concept Plan was reexamined and revised to retain and improve the existing footprint of the zoo and restore exhibits damaged by the 2012 flood; and
WHEREAS: The Zoo is pursuing re-accreditation through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which sets performance-based standards that examine the Zoo's entire operation, including: animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education, guest services, physical facilities, safety, staffing, finance, and governing body; and
WHEREAS: AZA standards require the Zoo to develop and implement a long-range facilities plan that forecasts the operational and animal care needs of the zoo in greater detail than has been required in previous planning efforts.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proper city officials are authorized to approve the Lake Superior Zoo Master Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes approval of the Arrowhead Zoological Society's Lake Superior Zoo Master Plan, attached as Exhibit A, to support efforts to maintain Association of Zoos & Aquariums accreditation.
The Society's Board of Directors, with guidance from the City, led the planning process of this plan. Following Board approval, the plan was recommended for approval by the Parks and Recreation Commission on March 9, 2022 unanimously with one absention.
The master plan provides a 15-year concept...
Click here for full text