And good morning, everyone. Welcome. We have one item on our agenda today, which is the a presentation from our fabulous parks and rec department on Zoo. This Sort of a follow-up discussion on some tax we had last year during our budget process and questions we have related to the zoo's overall financial picture and extent to which it's sustainable and understanding those trends over time, which we wanted to have after last year's budget cycle and also in advance of next year's budget cycle, which is upon us. And this is great timing want to thank in advance director every guest and team for taking time to be with us. And with that, we're going to turn it over to you. Awesome. Thank you. Council members for the opportunity to be here today said on behalf of
Como Zoo. Give you an overview of kind the space is a free cultural destination. And as you mentioned, just general budget overview of of how things operate there. Want to start by introducing Bad Meier finance and planning manager Air Prosser, our deputy director and currently in manager of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Jst noting on the top of the presentation that we're in period of transition of Michelle for who served in that role since 2008 recently left to take a job in Oklahoma City. So we're working to fill that role and get posted. And then on the opposite side for the coma friends, Jackie who has been in that role for over 20 years will wrap up services JULY. So big period of transition at the So we are filling the best we can with the knowledge that
we have understanding that they have some of the historical context. So we'll likely bounce off each other throughout this presentation but questions feel free interrupt and then just want to acknowledge my team noting this awesome photo on the cover, the presentation that I of. But that's just a sampling of. How we have fun at the zoo and offensive revenues. So that is a motorized raft that you can rent at zoo to travel around from destination to destination. Looks like on model how your revenue within the for helping support the zoo. Just a quick overview that. It goes without saying you all know this is the most visited cultural attraction in the in the state. 1.9 annual visitors. In Twenty-twenty for very well attended not just
from Saint Pul residents but across the across the state will get into a little more detail on this next slide here. You can see attendance but dating back to 2021. We kind of had a covid recovery period there coming out of You know, we posted reservation based system coming out of the pandemic for a little bit. Once we get away with that, it took some wild, took a while to build back up 2024. Sa top 5 all-time attendance here with 1.9 million as previously mentioned. So steadily climbing up to the last couple years. Had opportunity to be there earlier this week and just seeing the amount of young people on at the door waiting for that place to be open was quite the Very, very busy place. Looking at the attendance breakdown. As I mentioned, destination, right? So if you look at the kind of pie chart here, you'll see
that 16% of Saint Paul residents make up that overall visitor ship. And then you have around 10896,000. From Non Sint Paul. But the metro area Greater Minnesota, 419,000 out of state, on a very, wide-ranging array of visitors from far and wide. Jumping into the operating budget. Just noting 2025 total of 13.4, 1, 4 Million. You'll see there a breakdown of general fund support. Voluntary donations come a friend, support. And revenue and state support. So a lot of different buckets from the funding sources listed out here and just turn this over to Erica Bratcher. Any additional comments on this slide? Good. Okay. Awesome. Breaking this down a little further. You can see. For the general fund just breaking
that down 2 different categories. You have your general fund support which is largely year employee base to support te zoo. 1.1, 3 million and utilities and then 447,000 in general funds, trade support. Jumping into the special funds. You'll note here sell 7 point 4, 2, 4 million 67 f to ease special fund revenue in revenue out. So that's your voluntary donations. Are the revenue. Friend's parents, states noting when you enter you have the opportunity to donate. So that is dropping a dollar and one of those cash boxes we recently implemented up credit card readers there as well to kind of, you modernize ourselves get that reach him play for visitors, which has been successful so far the chance to see some people using it. And it's very slick.
Works very quick. So there's not a backlog of people when they want to donate. But for the volunteers and folks that are at the entrance for donations. I would say that's pretty consistent. Just from a physical standpoint. It seems that people understand the value of the zoo when they walk in and contribute something in some form. Doctor, before you keep going, how do we determine to looks like 67 have to use are funded through the special fund and then the 41.5 the general fund. How do we decide whether or not he is allocated to the special fund for the General fund? Well, I take that Council PRESIDENT, a Kurd. So the there's some historical aspect to this, but it's largely based fee supported program, so education and
things that self-sufficient o they they what they need to pay for the staff. That's a big chunk of it. A lot of it is grant funded employees that are specific purpose employees. We actually only have about a dozen visitor center attendance that are in the special phone, which we'll talk about that. I think a little bit later in the slideshow general fund is primarily the zoo keepers o kind of like a. The staff that are that are core to its basic operations. Where is a special or supplemental or education or other And then just a quick follow-up. Does the zoo received grants beyond Friends grants? Because I see the picture you showed before the river, didn't list outside grants it because PRESIDENT, I would go after various funding sources
like if there's opportunity to enhance their education program through a grant through. Something outside of the state order. You local governments will But try and find those sources from all different aspects. So in the pie chart on the previous side, with those grants be under. Support our and revenue. This. Trying to get it all. Correct if I'm wrong, Brad, but I I believe like our legacy Grant is the state support column just mis mislabeled upon. But we also receive. There's a few other. There's a few other grants that we have that are in the state support. Some some grants that we go after. The city can't apply for those. They can't go through government entities. So como from supplies for those on our
behalf and those go through. I come That's it. That's likely how it's handled for the non state opportunities. Correct. Council PRESIDENT Acre just noting that is later in the slideshow there. There is a little bit more of a breakdown on that state where there's more to tell where those are coming from. Kind of get to that. Some of that. Thanks, thanks. To lead some of that conversations is just a breakdown of historical funding levels for both general for special fund for comparison purposes over the last 10 years, we can. See here is kind of steadily climbed. You know, if there's anything additional that there. So noting free admission again, voluntary donations about 1.5 for 5 million average cost to operate is a $7.3 per visitor. If you look at that,
comparing it to similar cultural destinations, attractions across the state and even nationally, they usually charge somewhere between 14, 50 all the way up to $52 for zoological experiences. So if you think of the aquarium at Mall of America or the Minnesota Zoo or any of those type of facilities. That is the range. They are usually paying too generate a ticket for admission. So very valuable. Not only to the media community here in Saint Paul, but obviously beyond. It was just a overview of earned revenue sources. So on as noted on the document, ucf Food and amusement commission. So that's your como towns here. Lancer Catering is for concessions throughout the campus. Then you have your facility. Rentals of people want to host meetings or events there. Education
programming. So your summer camps are year round opportunities. The ever so popular draft feeding station there and then special events. Carousel photo permits, plant sales kind of that miscellaneous care of category, right to like the motorized raft vehicles, all those things kind of fall in that category. And food amusement piece just noting like we have agreements with Como Town, mentor, catering, those are all competitive processes that we've done over the years in terms of like peas. But note that we have specific percentage commission kind of agreements with all those agencies. Thank you, council PRESIDENT. So director, all of these numbers are just for the zoo and that the court on a separate is that right? does that work? Hometowns. You can just saying, look, that's a pass through for the food. The okay. And it isn't included for like kind of all
these other numbers like the cost topic for visitor and all those things council PRESIDENT Councilmember toast. So the zoo and conservatory has a contract with Lancer Catering to operate. To operate Como town. They're also food concessionaire Our contract includes. If you hold an event at the zoo and conservatory, you have use their catering through Lancer. They also As the boat, boat, a cafe and then there's another pair. 56 food operator. So agreement the contract that we signed with Lays out commission on loans. Tey're a little bit different. You know, food concessions in the summer is a certain person commission off ticket sales at Como Town are different per
cent. Yeah. And there are other new wants things to if you're for months. The obviously a huge lantz or as a as the cater, you know, specific percentage goes it back into that rental agreement. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT And director guys are these annual and revenue sources. Then the men, how have they carried over? Know we've gotten kind of lucky. You're going shot up just like. Yeah. Pre and post pandemic. Some just wondering like where this kind of alliance a council member, I would just say that they kind of strongly correlate with the overall attendance numbers we previously. And just noting overall tennis kind of drives these numbers. But I would say this is a higher
Yeah. Sorry Council PRESIDENT Comes member Johnson. One thing I'll add is that the giraffe Feeding station as a as a new feature. That's that's a that's a new revenue source we've added. That's obviously successful. Curious what other animals one can feed, but that's probably not a productive I PRESIDENT Thought the same thing. Lyon Feeding Station and we worked hard to try to arrange a animal visit today. It just did not Not co-operative. Stick to before Again, just highlighting Como Zoo and conservatory has a economic engine. So you'll see here at 200 million economic impact to the state of Minnesota. Senator, it's 2093 job so that, you know, factors in the jobs that come
with town. Lancer your seasonal your conservatory. Yours. Very busy place. And just hitting on a couple things related to our education programming on annually. I think these are 2025 numbers over 425,000 students have been engaged through programs and field trips just knowing all the different education type programming we doing events. I'm thinking special events like proven in the garden, but also summer camps that we offer partnering with right track to do animal ambassador programs and teaching young people how the basics of to keep it and other PRESIDENT Council members, I wanted point out that there was program. That that Como had run for many years. That was stopped during covid and
we receive legacy funding. Past cycle to renew the residency program. So residency program is where? A second and 3rd grade classrooms. Can come into There's weeklong curriculum. They spend to a little bit. But students spends 2 days como and them. We send educators into their classroom for 2 days for the rest of the curriculum. We've also for the first time been able to do that. Greater Minnesota. So we have an application process. Has metrics who we who we equity in mind. Access. And we just finished up first year of that retooled program and it's from very successful And legacy support has key some of our non fee based programming and reaching young folks. legacy funding has been critical for the zoo and conservatory in terms of what
we can offer to the community in greater part of Minnesota. The slide just highlights kind of proven in the garden music under the glass as examples of larger special events that we we do there. I'll just add a few numbers to that slide. in 2024, we had 16 concerts, including 73, local Minnesota artists. We had close to 9,000 attendees at these events. So use it for agreement on the Garden as outdoor program that we're on for 8 weeks in the summer. We also do under the glass the council member mentioned previously. That that's an 8 week Winter concert series in Conservatory. We also have the summer music Monday is where we have strolling musicians
through the zoo grounds. And that it's really cool to work with a local artists and they have their own following. So it's a way to bring bring in new visitors to the zoo and conservatory. Thanks, Erica. And just leading into that, like I's important for to obviously be inclusive in this space and make sure that our programs are able to reach everyone. So this is just a sampling of things. So sensor sensory-friendly mornings little Explorers program, senior strolls asl interpretive programming Cohen community in Como care stations and videos. There. There's that council PRESIDENT. There's acronyms on all. I'll explain there's
have a of The place that zoos have in in our society and how how we treat animals and now talk about this for a really long time. Kind of the colonial make. The colonial is on nature of. Of zoos and nationally an and now how are treating the animals so safe is acronym that stands for saving animals from extinction. It's how we identify what animals we're going to have in our collection. What other zoos and partner organizations that we work with how we identify the curriculum and what teach the public about the animals that that we have. Now, there's 2 accidents for cares that I can remember brought it up jumping into private
just before you council. PRESIDENT Weiss first want to share Really love the fact you all highlighted the work. The do inspiring youth and also public engagement. I love taking my kids to the zoo here. And I just I really it has to the work that you all do. Im bringing our use groups to sue. Because every time I'm there, I always see like feel chips happening and they're always together in. Usually identify them because they have like some sort of color code for clothing. You're wearing which is really cute. I have a question for you all because I I'm wondering for the earned revenue sources. Do you think that there's any sort of missed opportunity in as collecting more revenue asking this because when am at time noticing that oftentimes like even vending machines are, you
know, they're not working. Where else? Even like the concession stands there, we don't have any staff there to staff it and to so food or snacks to the public. And so. If you can talk a bit of all, whether we are experiencing barriers and getting getting those sort of like amenities staff be really helpful. Yeah, absolutely. Thank you council PRESIDENT Councilmember, I would say for some of those concession amenities, they're seasonal so they might activate, you know, around this time and operate through the end of the summer and then come offline. So really, it's some of those are geared towards those higher volume crowds during the summer that we see as far as other opportunities and things. I would say between come a friends and ourselves always looking for different ways to raise revenue. That's
why the private public partnership with the friends is so important. So they MAY put on various fundraisers throughout the year. Think of a new idea to offer to help raise funds for a specific purpose or for the overall financial health of the zoo and conservatory. But that is something that I say is is very dynamic and ongoing in terms of conversation both Erica and I are are in their board meetings, monthly to kind of talk through those things and we go over financial reports on the nonprofit. It kind of see where we're at in terms revenue raise and how we can adjust things like the gift shop on the concessions. Raise a substantial amount of money and we always look for different ways to continue that. Yeah, I council PRESIDENT Council members.
We're always looking for other revenue opportunities. I think this is a good time with Michelle taking new position hiring a new executive director for Como friends. Well, 1, 1, thing that I that I do want to part of that revenue that earned revenue source is our fee-based classes. So camps. And other classes that we offer throughout the year we have talked about that as a management team are camps sell out, you know, within days those postings, some of the other special events that that we do charge fees for the Japanese tea ceremony or or cut classes. So those you know those those do sell out. But
when but when we think about those classes in the context of what the has funded and our recreational programming. It's striking. Barriers that are created for access and so we you know, that is where legacy can come in and fill some gaps for us. Expecting recovery programs that we're offering right now. Creates and equity barrier for our participants. And that something that we think about, you know, think about too. Thank you. I really appreciate hearing and I'm hearing the director It's about like some of the. This is something like, for example, the concessions that MAY be being like I do. You know, when I to the zoo with my kids like it does tend to be, think typically during the summer time during what I would say peak time because
it's just completely packed in there. So I don't know And then, you know, ice. I don't like I often like some of the stands being closed. And so that's why mentione. So I'm just putting it out because I would really love to hear in the future from you all that, for example, if staffing needed you know something that we need more. I think I would be something really love to hear out of the future budget presentations that way we can make considerations of those things because I I would love to see some of those things not be seasonal, but for it to be all year round. But of course, you all are the ones who are the experts in knowing - when exactly we want to have certain amenities staffed up at this is so I look to you
for guidance on that, too. Thank Councilmember noted that that is a good point it's a good opportunity to meet for meat. Also plug like the volunteer network that we hve at the and Conservatory and utilizing that resource to help support the conservatory, dozen positions on whether that's greeters at the door or monitors throughout the grounds like volunteers are cure key to what we do every day there as well. But staffing now is the time right now. Well, the month of MAY is usually a time we staff up for the season. Bring on a lot of seasonal employees to help supplement some of those things that you're mentioning. But happy to follow up more detail on that. I just gonna MISS Jones motel. Just want to follow up on things point because I agree and I hadn't actually thought about until you mentioned it. Feel like he
asks are not staffed more often. When I think about a key ask it comes assume it's close. And that's that was also kind of year-round. And I would just offer given that concessions and amusements are 6 times more than several of our other revenue-generating sources. And it looks like 3 times more than the next most lucrative revenue source rentals and given that the zoo is open 365 days a year, which a huge selling point. It seems like having year-round service to give and to the fact that people are there all the time. And I mom who could always use Pakistan, for So that's that's just I do want to hammer home that point a little bit more. And I also think to your point, MISS Presser about equity. I think that question about fairness is critical to all of this conversation. And,
you know, the fact that Saint Paul residents make up just 16% of those who are coming to the zoo. But 45%, the cost is borne taxpayers. Almost as coming from out of state has come from Saint Paul to the zoo. That to me is an equity question. And I'm I'm interested in models where, for example, Saint Paul residents are students receive free or discounted services. But we're upping the price on folks who are not cming from the city. That seems like a model that we might consider. I explained I Johnson's hand. And free to. Follow up on a appreciate kind of like the conversations here, too. And I think my a question just comes from the contract that you have with your I q tour
just how often that that is renewed or talked about And along those lines with events. I know at times some venues have explored what that looks like. You know, when we talk through like equity in spaces, when I think about the calm and I can host team, I can a vendor doing events there. I know sometimes that actually is something that comes up in conversations with me with them. So my committee members is the catering piece of like it's required to work with the specific vendor. I'm just how often that happens and how like how often you consider the defender options and just from shipments business standpoint, just like how often you kind of try to incorporate other culture aspects are bipoc mentors or just kind of thinking about the food options that are offered. Council PRESIDENT Council
members. And he's looking at me, but don't there was a rfp. Process. I think it's on a 5 year schedule. Are you looking to see if you can tell in last time it was. So we we will. We will look into tat council. PRESIDENT. One thing has been a priority for me, sons since I have working daily at at at Com au is integrating right track in turns and a career pathway programs at the zoo and conservatory. We are working to get every single recs center the summer to take field trip to the zoo and conservatory and we're also looking for the fall to implement program where we could teach our rec center staff. Like we have a
curriculum package. That they could be working on at the recs on our own checkers. More fun. It would be supplemental to those field trips. But you're right. It's are awake innings pogram. Last summer took a field with their youth participants to the zoo and conservatory and our manager. One Peterson said something to us afterwards. You know, I think tat it was really striking to and the rest of us that some of those youth didn't even know that existed in their city that was sad. You know, for us to hear. So we've been we have been working since them on. Doing what we can to make sure that same poll residence. Know about and have access to, you have access to the sum of And I would just add on the concession piece like Erica
hit on it. But it. They're usually five-year agreements. And when they lot, I mean, obviously with an agreement have certain provisions that you established during a negotiation period. But when that law to either have something built into agreement called option to renew you could. So is rfp and have a competitive process to see what kind of other vendors MAY be out there and competitively bid You know, when the time comes that like with a new agreement within the department that something that we always way look to see if we need to make any changes with an existing agreement agreement or go out and do some type of competitive bid process. And then next, so that 5 years with the next cycle of it would be. We'll look at when it lapses. I'm yeah, I'm not Yet counts present acre councilmember and looking through the files. We can get back to the exact date I will
in the documents refresh my memory. Lancer did make multi-million dollar investment as part of our capital campaign. When we finish come as part of our build out of the visitor center cafe. So their world were some additional concessions beyond usual 5 years that were granted the agreements that icy have renew language after 2026. With multi extension options through 2036. But there's still always a process as part of those expansions agreements. And then action to renew requirements. Right now. Thanks. Well, a part the We'll be not just for the slide. Just shows the couple friends, annual contributions and our in 2024 raised over 2 million dollars. You'll see
kind of that broken down on the slide here. Asset Preservation Grants, project grants. So tune of 1 million and then store operating. Get the 264,000 addition to some endowment person specific purposes, specifically horticulture and Japanese garden noting the asset preservation obviously couples who has been around for quite some and with inclusion of common sense sales tax and other things like. Trying to attack those deferred maintenance issues throughout the campus the Asset Preservation, Peace helps supplement that to the tune of 500,000. I would cll out Sunken Garden a an example on that was not accessible. From ada standpoint. And there's some historical context that are historical designation, variables that we had to consider but were ultimately
able to make that happen and implement ramps for wheelchair access, not elevator. That would break down every once a while because of the environment of a conservatory would often have a bunch of mechanical related issues. Council PRESIDENT, if I could just add something about the Garden project, if you haven't been order to see the Rams, I I really encourage you to do so one. I was I was standing there think it was Kcp was doing a story we reopen the sunken garden and this woman was being interviewed they asked her, you know what it meant to her to, you know, to be able to be down in the gardens. And she said it was it was life changing and I was thinking about wheelchairs as as we did
the project. But what's been also striking to me is the strollers. I occurred to me that I had never seen so many young families and the sunken garden because they couldn't, you know, most the time couldn't take their strollers down there. But I also want you to really pay attention to that. The masonry work the stones were sourced from all over the world. And it took an immense amount of. Craftsmanship to make it look like it has always been there and that is our city. We some that works for parks. And I'm just like I'm incredibly proud of of that craftsmanship that was that was put into that Those projects get complicated. Really quick with a state historic preservation office and what we can or cannot do in terms of approvals and
design plans. So that was a a very complex project that we're able to accomplish. So kudos to that. Thank Johnson question. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT I really want just say, like every time that you speak of thinking to see that you light up, it's a. The call to hear your excitement from it. So thank you for doing that in the queue for just being able to kind of, I'd say, give information in a way that also just personifies it lot. I just wondering from the project standpoint, like philanthropic, have it. Have a canteen philanthropic granting community foundation granting kind of was regional cuisine and just like a little bit more perspective, esto. Where the money comes from, like, is it state Mike Pence that are received just and the
cold front side. Yeah. Come a friend It's there's a lot of private donors. I would say that they've established over the years, but they also seek out those other opportunities that you listed as well. So it's very much a combination of things. If they feel that they can go after a foundation grant that they feel strongly about her generate a strong application for they will. They will apply. But we usually discuss listings in detail at morning meetings about what is feasible for our. Agency to apply for and whether or not will qualify. But it very much is a partnership oriented discussion and that way to make sure that we're we're both online and what we're applying for sustaining it for the future. Council council, PRESIDENT
Council members there are sponsorship opportunity. We don't we don't do this. Much in the rest of our system. And can to return their our sponsorship opportunities. So you MAY notice that the camp of the Kalahari Harbor Ampitheater is the kstp ampitheater. So we have 3 with kstp that whenever you wherever we mentioned, the ampitheater kstp. The Sparky show is the blaze. Spark a show. So those are some funding opportunities that those go through those go through como Friends, Council, PRESIDENT Cuncilmember Johnson. Think you are asking specifically about te project and where that funding art or more specifically about that they come has a couple different granting processes for U.S..
$500,000 in asset Preservation Grant. We put together a list of asset preservation, deferred maintenance projects that we want to do annually. And we present that to the board. And generally they approved the projects. There that. That we have another really cool thing that that Como has. There's another about a half a million dollars that fits into that project. Grant funds where our staff. Like any staff at the zoo propose a project or project. That is that come out, friends would find that that is more. I would say. Like competitor, we with a lot more requests to como from The nra. Our funded. But those things could be For
example, our veterinary team. Purchasing a mobile. Senator Graham, I come, you know, equipment. Or it could be could be other enrichment items for the animals. that's a big part of what that Project Grant Fund It's a good reminder of things that emerged at the zoo and conservatory throughout the year. There might be a unexpected happening that, you know, the friends might need to help a supplement just because we don't have a budget or other things. So it's like there's a strong veterinary mean due to equipment, failure or something to maintain the site. We usually would go to them to see. Can w collaboratively problem solved come up with the funding to get that piece of equipment or replace what needs to be
replace? Just a similar question is we before we move forward realize that historic can mean both? Brand-new and always happens is the historic operating gift. Historic like it never happened before or is it historically it always happens every year. Historically large, like annual contribution. That's how I would. I would define it. So it's not like a new historic like they donated this amount of money. It is something that they've historically contributed counts. Present maker from a finance managers perspective. Couple friends under promises over delivers in this case for 2024. They start. They historically performed in terms of what they gave us for their annual kind of gift. So it's always operating 94. It
was historically folks. Also explain why the 2025 budget for come. A friend support as one point 8 Million. And this is 2.2 million. So yur budget less than lely wind up taking His pastor, did you? Whispering at Just noting on that coma, friends, capital campaign, you know, they've helped us a ton over the years to renovate existing spaces on the campus. So this is just a breakdown of different things that they've done capital campaigns for. So if you're familiar with the coma harbor and the renovation that we did to that space, there 4.3, 9 million polar Bear odyssey, a 0.5 for 5 million visitor center. 7.6, 1 million. So really just a key component to what we do to enhance those spaces. A lot lot of times that funding is
match with state bonding dollars or other funding sources that we can get our hands on to help complete these projects. And one of those the upcoming tire exhibit which we'll talk here. Just before we move on. It does with that saying and you have said the doctor, but huge. Thank you to come a friend's. There's no way we can. Fact them. And this is just truly inspirational matter giving. So. Thank you to them. Yeah. This is the slide. Just further breaks down the state kind contributions that you receive. So you'll see like a the dnr lottery and the funding at 255,000 Metroparks operation and maintenance that's through regional park supported by the state. And then the legacy funding that was referenced previously to help U.S. Support
programming and other initiatives across the zoo. But specifically the shuttle operation as well t get from a to b if you're parking further away. And director, maybe again us and as a follow-up, but it would be helpful to see how state support has changed over time. In the last 10 years or so. Yeah, absolutely. I think that is thank you. Call the PRESIDENT. That is something we can follow-up on. I'd say that's a dynamic conversation every year just because it ties into the overall regional park system within the metro area. So we're always advocating for percentage increases and other things. And depending on how legislative sessions go, that's I don't know until the final days, but I would say that. Contingent o regional Park Prtners our very strong
advocates for the regional parks and the zoo is a centerpiece to all of that work. Yeah. Council council PRESIDENT Maker just taking notes as we're going. And he didn't want me to be labor too much nerd word. But we have a lot background like spreadsheets and things like that. We can provide as a supplemental to kind of illustrate Wolf and earn revenue where the starkly come from as well as state support, Friends kind of funding come from to it just would have probably made the presentation a little bit more energy than what probably would have like. So we find that the spreadsheets are often the most important sites. So happy to have that as Council PRESIDENT, one thing, one thing I'll add. I don't believe it's been signed
yet, legacy bill that put forward for fiscal year 20. 5.26, is less than we received. In previous years. Yeah, I would just note that like every legislative session emerging needs from all over cup. Right? And it's always what? What can we balance or where can we take from? So becomes a strong game of advocacy for us and hitting the key points that I've noted these presentations and why it's so important to keep funding levels stable at the zoo given its its reach across the state as an asset to our community. But beyond. So kind of leading into that, that's a good segue of of asset preservation, state funding. We have a current, Rick. We had a current request of of 20 million, whether a bonding bill passes this legislative
session is to be determined. But there are a lot of priorities as previously mentioned, that the big cat exhibit is the next critical endeavor that we need follow through on at And we've been working closely The couple friends and others to see what we can do to further fund raise and get that project done. Council PRESIDENT Council members, there's a pretty visual rpresentation of why that the big Cat exhibit is the next on our list. You've seen scaffolding that's under that's under the ramps there there's also I just in in general as the zoological world. Advances modernizes, I would say the the
requirements. You know, keeping and taking care of those animals like what the habitat features look The you know, behind the scenes, veterinary needs, etcetera. Have have really canged. And some of some of those things. You know, force us to think differently about how are building the spaces. It also I know that. I'm probably opening up I can't I can of worms here. As we have looked at animal collection that we have the, you know, kind of master planning for what the campus looks like. It has made me think about some of like unused out on the como campus and whether or not there's there's an opportunity to kind of expand where we have exhibit space. And, you know, I know that as impacts to neighbors, et cetera. But there's it's been a while
since since we have updated with campus Looks like the big cat exhibit that we have schematic designs for right now. Was assuming that we would build. On exact spot within the same footprint and have the same animals in that space. And I think that this, you know, if we don't get anything there is a session, we don't get anything this time. I think we really need look at that kind of we haven't cut funding. And this request has been 2 or 3 years so there's a real like there MAY be a reason why it wasn't funded. And we have look at that whether or not we want to do such a large project player times. Yeah. And as you can see on the slide, like historically, we've had a lot of success with the state. In terms of bonding dollars. But there also there's also a state run you
know. From Milan some part of priority over us. It's not a competition between us, but just knowing that that's estate asset, but they prioritize. So it is a puzzle piece to our puzzle that we're trying to put together depending on the outcome of this. This next session. I come back to that state runs But times, Johnson. I was just I guess what is the So we don't know if they'll bill, but what is that? Some of the latest, I guess you've heard from the ask regards to the zoo and this big cat exhibit. It's been pretty quiet. And I think just overall for the legislative session, it's again, just trying t prioritize different projects. But it's, you know, there's a lot of nonprofit asks and other and that question. But for the list of across the city on. There's been a couple inquiries just about facing
and how we can get this work started. But in terms of like substantial kind momentum to. Fund this project through, I'm not certain where it will land. Anything else Council PRESIDENT Yet just that that was the consists islands consistently couple times. We were asked about whether or not the project could be financed and It's very hard to face a project like that, especially with animals. The starting line Feeding Station. Jacket. I don't know that want to do that because I have that we feed alliance. Mission as making an even markers. also just acknowledge a quick sidebar of like when we have construction at the zoo, the guerrillas have developed a fear of construction workers. So if you show up in
the yellow have a very strong reaction because make it equivalent to noise and disruption and other things. So just one of the really interesting nuances of Don't worry know, just where he'll up. A lot us this to about and this presentation. I think it's cuts to the state questions like this. You know, sometimes you hear the state to. But is there a state record right now as well for their own zoo and then what is and I'm not necessarily watching some of things related to the session, but what are the kind of nuance? Is there a few? I mean, I'm sure that it's there's only so much to share, but what the state zoo requests at the same time. What to are they facing there? is there like they have a few asked their they and for
customer. A few different asks out. They're related to a state-of-the-art veterinary center that would help serve their campus but the wider state as well. That is something they've asked for our collaboration on and it becomes a balancing act right of a signing on to is that if we do that doesn't prioritize their request over ours or things of that nature. In addition to that, they have entire new master plan and vision for the state that they're working to establish an will have future ask for and just like any other facility that a lot of deferred maintenance needs off. Council PRESIDENT Council members I will say in the few times that I testified the session about come related bills. We have incredible like There is an incredible of como by Legislature. Smile when they see us on the agenda,
they all have their part. The personal stories that they, you know, tell there's there's really a connection. And I Director Rodriguez's comment about, you it the state. It is a state runs a. That there's like an obligation there. That's a little. Different Then funding requests I don't. I got the sense that. Like says it's it's not it's not a competition. And they do vow they really value kind of the difference. And, you know, and the 2, the 2 and take our request seriously. Yeah. And I would acknowledge you work really well with Minnesota the u of Veterinary Center like We're all strong partners in this work and we have to be for the overall health of of all animals across each each location. There's a lot of
networking and communication that happens there in terms of veterinary health and sport and how we can support one another in general. And as income and think just said. Chad Johnson it's also not the only bonding parity we had as a as well. And so it's not that it's in addition to that, we're competing with the state funded program. Our state funds you, but also that we have our own funding. Perry says just a name. I think this would be a great update for us to have their policy or in committee for have a legislative update not just on the policies or the priorities in terms of wants to get done, but also in terms of anybody projects that we might see it come out of this legislature. In special session this year. Tara, because earlier depending on the outcome of of of how those things planned
for the new leadership at the zoo. This is going to be the first big project, right? Like what is the road map for this project? What can we try and commit to for a timeline and how can we get it done? Is going out and doing another capital campaign? And if so, how much are the friends going to try to race and, you know, we also have a safety factor with the bridge, right? Likely short it up and engineering studies and got an emergency funding to keep it up and running. But if something happens again, likely maybe get a decision point to say like. That bridge might be closed temporarily or something. We've had to do it once and hope. I'm hopeful do not have to do it again. appreciate the questions. All all the questions my colleagues are asking and curious as well. It's like we've been kind of on a four-year major capital projects almost exactly. Is that going to be the standard into the future or at some
point, is it? We've done a huge burst of building. We're going to be good for a while. More like an airport like constantly apart under construction can do. We have certainly very, very long term outlook on that yet. Council PRESIDENT, that's a great question. I would say just with the current funding landscape at all levels right now, it is kind of challenging to answer like I would love to say yes, every 4 to 5 years that will have a major construction project. There's always going to be something to do with the zoo. But I'd say this is the the last major exhibit. we will tackle over the couple of years. Erica. Council, PRESIDENT. One of the I have a request and to call my friends that they'll considering at AUGUST meeting. And I'm I'm really not. Optimistic about chances
approving it. But we'd like to update master plan as well as animal collection plan at the campus. I think that will give us a better idea I. Timing and help our longer but it from the council going to you know, to do that study which is probably why it's been a while since that plan has has has been updated. As we do that we can look at things like do do our collections like? And in our climate. Is it too expensive to have certain animals because they can't be outside in the wnter and process, you you know. Excessive amounts of money to, you know, why some, you know something. And and I think be really helpful to have that to all looking forward. I would just add expanding the on to
the overall department, right? Like we have a duty to plan for the future across our system. And there are larger projects on. Outside of the that we need to look at and consider too. So the River Learning Center, or the next wrecked center, things like that. And how do we prioritize all those kind of larger portfolio of projects from a funding perspective or whatever source said at the federal level through earmarks are. Other opportunities. So kind of the imperfect process across the department to prioritize those. But it's a they all have a different form of support the Lake Como friends, the Parks Conservancy passage, certainty. And how do we use them as as vehicles to response? I'm jumping into this next slide. I know was a lot of interesting kind of the paid parking feasibility study
that was while back. Believe we had sent that to you all previously. But just Anderson, the goal to understand what kind impacts or the other earned revenue that we've covered in this presentation like voluntary donations, food sales, if shots are other things. If we were to implement some form of pay parking on the site on the findings for that study that was done by an outside consultant show that the intent to donate would fall from 84% to 69%. After a mention of parking fe and the average amount of her visit, spending increases by about 20%. This was conducted by the Como friends a while back turn over the air combat. A few additional comments related to the feasibility study. Yeah. Kuz PRESIDENT Maker Councilmembers. I just know that it's almost 5 years ago
to the day that. We were asked to come and we had completed the parking study which was in 2019 and we revisit revisited the conversation a few times since then and tried to kind of slice and dice to figure out what the impact would be if if there phased in approach for different transition periods are things like that and that the end result based on what we had in the study materials is that the the net, you'd be a net negative for all revenue sources. So if you factor in the commission structure, what we get from the call friends in terms of how how having paid parking program might impact. Both are operating annual operating gifts and future capital gifts as well as the impact voluntary
donations. The net result for come home was a negative financial impact. And that's what the last line says did provide this morning. The supplemental materials. So as part of the budget process, we'd be happy to revisit if there's if there's questions or if you'd like more details in terms of what the numbers kind of show and how the findings and key recommendations were developed. The zoo advisors which is a nationally reputable firm that conducted the survey and analysis. Their recommendation was to not move forward because of all those things. And we as a city kind of went through the process and discussed the impacts and the options and decided not to pursue. It is something that does come up from time to
time. And so we'd be happy to have further conversations as we kind of go through the rest of the budget process, too. I would add that I do think the Met Council does play a role in that decision as well. Gun at has regional park designations of just making sure that you are aware that there's an ad there that is involved in the process with a swimmer in regional park space. Not saying couldn't just that. Need to be advised talk about whether new approvals at their level are things that we would need to go through to to pursue that if needed. Highlighting some recent changes, yu all know about the geothermal work, the phase one of the Zoo admin polar bear. Just trying to get those things up and running. That was a huge, common set investment out of the gate. You're one that work is ongoing. But again, helping to achieve our goal of being carbon neutral by 2030,
citywide by 2050. That is a begin ambitious project that has a been under way for quite some time. And then previously mentioned credit card donation kiosks and advance online donation options have been implemented. That's something that I would consider very dynamic. And we're always looking for ways to innovate around donations or other things across the campus. So implementing the credit card readers has been successful since it started. Council PRESIDENT Council members I also just wanted to highlight. Director Rodriguez mentioned, you know, and opportunity. 4 change with the new. A new director Common Friends. With Michelle's departure. But we also their their such a revived energy. I at the
campus we have a new direct he's been here a year, but I've learned when you work at the city of Saint Paul, you can say are new for like 10 So we have new director of animal care that's with us for just under a year. And there was little gap in between but took the place of previous director who had been with us for. Ages, ages 2030 and, you know, 30 years. And we also have a curator horticulture curator they are such breath of fresh air how they are thinking about that space and how they're working collaboratively with each other is is just really it's really cool to see. So ii am excited I'm I'm excited for
the future. We are a nationally accredited zoo. The accreditation process is is pretty rigorous. We're starting that now. I the inspections will happen early and 2026, It can be stressful. But it I think it will help us learn a collectively about where our strengths and opportunities as a campus. And I'm I'm just looking forward to it. Yeah, those those folks in those new positions, it's great to bring a fresh perspective on 2 operations and think differently. Obviously, folks, previous had been there for quite some time and established procedures and protocols that they're comfortable with. But it's always good when someone new comes in and ask questions, right? Been a very positive aspect for us and expect that to continue into the future. Great.
question them for my colleagues to 2. This is really, really hlpful. And I appreciate sending all detailed information, including the parking feasibility study in advance. So we all have that in our inboxes of people on it again, I guess, you know, again, the purpose of this conversation originally was to delve into the finances, which really glad that they were able to focus on and trying to get to the bottom of this. What I consider to be really, again, a fairness issue of the city of Saint Paul. Residents, property taxpayers donors are really subsidizing the cost us what's really a statewide and even regional amenity and, you know, given that 6 million dollars is coming from the general fund and there's a lot of uses for those 6 million dollars. I think the extent to which come up can generate revenue. That opens up a lot
of opportunities to to use those dollars for other things. So that's where my question is coming from. And curious what other revenue generation ideas besides the paid parking which you looked at extensively and determined to work. Just it's great. It's great to done that work. It's great to have the answer. The answer is no excellent. But are there other ideas and specifically thinking about you know, again, charging for admission. Perhaps not for residents, perhaps only for folks coming from outside of Saint Paul. I think when we talked before this you and for me that we're the only free. Zoo in the country, maybe except for the Smithsonian that what locals Lincoln Park Zoo is in One of 2. So just that or other ideas, I'm just curious what research has gone into those options. Council
PRESIDENT. I would say in my experience of the last 3 years working with the friends that and Michele and others that there's kind of continuous. Conversation process about how to raise funds. I think of the capacity of the friends and the amount of fundraisers that they do annually throughout the year. Whether or not tose can be increased. Are there changes too? The gift shop that we can do to increase revenue. There. Those are always ongoing conversations. And then, you know, is there something that we're not doing that could could raise revenue as well? Also not to go back to the motorized traffic example, but that's like a addition. So like any of those kind of quick hit, like couple dollar kind things that they can implement, I think they're
very much open But I would say that's just a continuous conversation of how we respond. Obviously, I've been thinking about that a lot, too, because almost every day friend tells me to. Check your check your special fund balance you know your question makes me wonder if we've done it in a systemic like. Advisers group that did the parking feasibility works zoos all over the country. Maybe he's American Zoological Association Network. But I that I'm a part of now and maybe through a consultant. We can look at what other zoos are doing revenue generation I know that it that know tat we talk about I as as things come up.
But I'm not sure. I'm not sure how we have like as an institution looked at. I think there's also a number cited on the voluntary donation. That we could look at increasing for awareness to look those that visit. And at not certain on the last time that we do not. That seems like opportunity to possibly. A quick hit to raise more funds fit, you know, 2 to $4, you know, doesn't make sense to say like the average donation 46, but it's a thaw. Yeah, that's PRESIDENT. The conversation around what tools in our tool box to help because we do have an operating deficit at in our special funds right now because we still have about 13 Ft. He's from the visitor center.
That are contributing to that that our our revenues just created enough revenue to offset what the expenses are so when we look at opportunities to fix structural imbalance, there tools are quite limited. I think when we looked at voluntary donation, ask increase, it was like for every dollar that you asked for more. As for another dollar and voluntary donation, you received about $0.8. So it's it's there is some incremental things that we could do on the revenue side issues. There's some cascading impacts both with nonprofit partner and Flint philanthropic, where kind see this trend of a U.S. Trying to generate more revenue as opposed to creating this free and accessible experience for
all. So I think that conversation something that will have as part of the budget process. We fully expect to have a big chunk of our conversation, a special fund because of the notation that the rating agencies for for the city's credit rating noted as part of their annual kind of review of this fund in particular where it was, you know, in the in the positive probably about 15 years ago or so. And it trended negative ever since we opened the visitor center in 2005. So you can kind of see where the impact was or where the country big contributing Factor But from a from a creative standpoint, the tools are a little bit limited. I think having a fresh set of eyes with Eica here could have had a lot of conversations about where
there might be some unique opportunities to to kind of squeeze a little bit more revenue here o there. But ultimately in 2013, the decision was made to kind of take a multi tiered approach because we're losing, you know, almost $800,000 a year. So 2 shift staff from the special fund to the General fund. W shifted all of our utilities that will be charged to the special fund to the General Fund and then we also increased our voluntary donation ask that helped get us to kind of more of a break. Even that was a very lengthy and difficult conversation to kind of achieve. And because of those decisions, utilities have increased 30% annually or not annually. But since then and are wage increases kind of contribute. So if we don't
increase our revenues by at least $0.4 or 4% each year, we're going to actually contribute to a further of of a gap just based on our cost of living increases and other inflationary think so. I think it's part of this budget process for 2026. You can expect an extended conversation. Great. Thank you. Appreciate As income and the missing. Finance a half. My question, how the other? Was around the accreditation process and you kind of spoke to philanthropy and warning easy to just be free and accessible to all that. It port and kind of wondering. What is the impetus for the accreditation process and you think that opens up different opportunities for philanthropy. It for us. Council PRESIDENT Council member. I think it's a very important variable for us to
be accredited agency, not only from a donor perspective for just like the prestigious within the zoo industry and what that means. It means we obviously take work very seriously and are taking the highest levels of of care and approach to our facility. Are animals and the health. But yes, I do think that actually helps with philanthropy donors and to be able to say that we're credited nationally accredited Zoo Association. And then just very random health question. Do we receive any donor advised Fund Inc? We do. Thanks, Megan. Thanks. Council PRESIDENT, I first want to say that the question you brought up like equity and just really making sure that. That we are finding ways to expand on on revenue, especially just like I would
say overall getting our fair share that that is so important. As you talking about that I thought about how. How about? Grateful. I am to be living in a city where we have members for caring and we also have elected officials, staff members who are still carrying where we we do more than our share even when it comes to providing for homeless community in to and just, you know, even like building affordable housing, all these things that we talk about the table here, we are doing more then that I feel even surrounding cities are doing to and why we keep talking about that. Their share peas. And I think it's really great
When it comes to even the request for him a big cat exhibit that we are asking for such a large amount. It feels like a really large conte amount. But in my opinion, it should be because we are seeing tat. And this is something that would probably never know if it weren't for the data that you continue to show us off on time and time again that it is in part residents who I really the ones carrying a lot of the load when it comes to funding or city here. And so makes sense to me buy the asset? We have government entities have to be so large me. It's it's also hollow. They contribute to this really important and secret public amenity to what I do. I am very interested the question council PRESIDENT And
I think it would be really worthy of us to continue exploring that and just bring figuring out what more can you do to Make sure that we sustain a bring in revenue for come was here. I do just want to say that, you know, for me, I wouldn't I would I'm very opposed to charging emissions that come latest. Think a lot about the experiences that I've heard from other people. You even my own experiences to wear, you know, growing up. Didn't always live in Saint Paul. And a family with even when we lived and become part, Gore know in Minneapolis, we always came to the zoo because it was a free public amenity for us that we didn't have in or, you know, in our own city. And that's the same story that keep hearing from people who outside of Saint Paul to is I just wanted to be really clear about where I am on and the post charging fees that come here and it's why even come to
come more than I would ever go to the Minnesota Senate. Just more affordable, more equitable has better access to families who low income or living in poverty in. That's a background that so many of them are fire households and the east side come from. But I think that, you know, for me like it makes you all talked about donations. And so if we really want to move into direction of being really transparent about the contributions that come from Saint Paul resident and then on Saint Paul residents. I think even for the voluntary donations that we could even make a Polish promotion of. And if you're seeing PRESIDENT, here's what our recommended donation would If you're announcing PRESIDENT, you know, here's what we are recommending you to give and
hear their reasons why just really sharing that out. I think even small tweaks like that would be really helpful because we are already doing the visibility that, you know, that we want to donations like I see them. And when I met and I think that's just different ways in which we can. Uplift those sort of things and also not try to bring in more revenue at the same time. So I definitely have to ponder on this some more. But that was just the thought I had right off the bat on a suggestion. Thank you, councilmember and we'll follow up to Wilson. The state statute around regional parks and funding levels just provide a better understanding of how that works at the state level. For you al, but point well taken. Appreciate all of your time today. And if you have any other additional questions outside of this meeting, just let us know. looks like couple more within the meaning to It's just I was trying have thank you council PRESIDENT. I just
wanted to what you're talking about the use Como Zoo by Saint Paul residents and equity PRESIDENT's. Coming earlier, I think one thing that would be interesting to look into like a lot of your programming in in camps or day camps that there's a way to. I think there's a discount if you're a coma friend. But if you're a Saint Paul resident versus an unseen, Paul resident MAY be maybe you pay council. Present maker mentioned that I'd also be interested in those camps information about like how many of the participants ae simple residence? Because I think I'd like to see, you know, ways that we can. We can if it's happening but have you know, accessibility are more accessibility for simple
residents to participate in those programs. As we know that those child care programs over the summer so hard to find and are expensive and just hard to hard to get into. So that's something I just want to lift up that I think the council PRESIDENT Mentioned earlier and then I think in regard to you know, I'd be hesitant as well for charging admission. I think that's what you know, bring so many people into the zoo and then, you know, would fewer people come if we did charge admission and maybe there's other opportunities to for folks to to spend the money once they're at the MAY be another way is and then again, looking at if there's opportunities for Saint Paul residents to to get some more perks once they're at the zoo versus versus non Sint Paul
residents. That would be something I'd be interested in. Thanks. That's just tear thinks I can share this conversation. I think just looking at what had to go back to the attendance breakdown and assuming that some of the city of Saint Paul residents repeat visitors are like attending more than once and that an annual year because number exceeds the population. But just for curiosity, you know, and I think plan think that I'm really interested. And it's like who is attending who? But I feel like a lot of times we do say a lot of things surrounding equity, but in red have an equity response. Truly doesn't apply to everybody like equity and equality here. Different. And so like when we're talking through, like equity pieces, that's part of why. I think that like looking at some of the but looking at it was a
comparison only because of nothing state. You know, they do charge attendance and they charge parking. I'm not sure what the numbers look like or where their tenants comes from or Saint. Residents prefer over state of Minnesota Zoo. But if they are managing to have a better, I think financial picture and some of their homes. You know, I think the question really, because they also have there food court it's every day. That's has a solid like 5 hour. Time frame in which it's open ad so I you know, I think that there's just some things that have we could be learned from that from capital cent to just like how things are working, especially for continuing on like I kind of I do think that over time it continue to be hard for Comey attractions, too, the And that's not to say that. That's
not something that I you know, like wood oppose to or even just being. But I'm just like. Yeah, I don't know how that will look. And 5, 10, 15 years. And you know, my hope is that we will, especially as we're adding. Multi-million dollar amenities to the especially around exhibits that currently advocating to get the funding for it to continue to expand. I think there MAY be a time to be realistic about what it costs the city as well. So as a couple friends and just overall what it cost the zoo to operate. And I think that that's the piece where, you know, I would hate to I think so many times with organizations. What you see is a vital and when it's like. Rays were ringing the alarm, you know, it's like this is going to make this a make or break time. And I think one of the things that I really love
about our city, but also our state to is that has how we prioritize that over time. And so what I hear, you know what? Yes, there's a multi-year capital campaign. And yes, there is strides t be equitable, but also then there's findings of just like. How we continue to be organization that draws like how the continues to draw residents outside of the city limits because free because it is not charging for parking because they aren't. There really isn't as much revenue coming from your individual Visit that for me. Like when we talk through equity could look different for home. Comes to visit. And so I think one of my, you know, biggest interest areas is really like who actually comes and how do we track the demographics of our visitors where they're visiting as well like and non Saint Paul metro areas, a very wide part rpresentation. But I'm just So with schools,
those are like what space is, those are where they're coming from and how we track those with greater Minnesota as well. Like it's a huge child of our state. We talk about going up, but it's quite literally like, you know, being from going myself. I that's like 80 counties. And I'm just kind of wondering like what exactly is the time when it comes to just who is coming and what data that that could be shown, especially at the state level as you continue to advocate for things that are important. Because that could be that could be for me. I'm like a piece of when you discuss equity. I think it's important to note that that will eventually be different than everyone gets in for free. That might look different for
especially as we continue to maybe shift in this case like what happens if the state doesn't fund couple campaign and we do have like the city of Saint Paul resident stepping up to do that. Get equity might look a little different for folks that are coming in virtually outside of the area. That's actually paying a tax dollars for it to continue. And so that's just one piece for me that like when I think about that, I'm like I think there's a lot of ability in around residents in Saint continue to be able to access the rent, the the amenities. But if there's little bit of a hesitation, especially surrounding the fact that over 80% dn't come from Saint Paul. That might be something to really hammer home to at the state level because I'm just not sure what they're like their base in Apple Valley. What is look like and are the folks come? How much of their Apple Valley residents are footing the bill
for if at all. That's just one question that I probably would say. And also for not actually seen the demographic breakdowns. I don't actually know, you know, from an equity lens like. Quite literally. I just want to know kind of you where they're coming fom, where of the students like that, what probably people participate programs. How many of them a backpack low-income families versus maybe the the means to pay. 20 $15 for the admission to Minnesota that. She's the kind of the most because it's free. That's all all great. But that would be something that would be interesting, too. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT Council member a couple things on that front. I would just note is that we can certainly pull some Metro Park data through the Met Council. They do. Annual park counts. Other things on. And then,
you know, this data is some work with some outside help. So updating that information or bring someone online to kind of take a deeper dive into some of the questions you're Seems like it would be worthwhile for an abundance of reasons. I did want to address the resident and nonresident piece too. I mntioned the Met Council previously, but with the regional park designation, I think that prohibits us from charging anything related to non resident. So like that is just another another challenge that we have in trying to solve this puzzle, their strict guidelines of what we can and cannot do with in regional parks in terms of charging participants. Goal is to. Print in a regional visitor ship across the metro.
So those are conversations we could certainly have with my counsel, but just wanted to know if that that a hurdle to get to resolution on that. You start appreciate that. And, you know, I think that we're eploring different ideas here. I I for 01:00am not married to any particular one, but I think the exploration ad this and the doubling in is what's what's important, for example, to that point, I mean, I I didn't ask, you know what's what is the cost benefit of being a regional park? Not sure how much money Met Council, for example, again. Bt And I also really appreciate my my colleagues points about the value of a Like I completely understand that. Agree with that and I think that there isn't. There's midpoint
between. Free and cost prohibitive. I mean, the Minnesota Zoo is charging $26 for an adult $20 for a child. Would consider that to be cost prohibitive. But if we charge, you know, say $5 per person, which is probably the cheapest traction, any family can can do anywhere except one of our. 3 parks, rec centers, libraries. You know, the new at 10 million dollars of your 13 million dollar annual budget. Attendance so I just I think I think there's you looking at just as mutually exclusive free or extremely expensive. This is not the right way that I would encourage the department to to think about it. And I really like the idea of maybe other ways to have perks for Saint Paul residents. You know, within the facility. Thank you. Calls come present. Just quickly. I mentioned the Met
Council tents will not tense. Do they do funds from the state? So if Metro Parks them as an example, 470,000. Our 407,000 that would match that. That number to help round it out. All right. Think that any other? All right, seeing it sounds like there are a number of fall of items that ask Would you mind just staring back at you have down? On the same page. So Ineed Council PRESIDENT. I looking into them. The seasonality of our concession amenities are open. And even when they're supposed to be opened it sounds like sometimes certain stands clothes on their supposed to be open. We will look into
that. And they responded to this. But jst few discounts for Saint Paul residents. Can't looking our program. Demographics. There are some deeper dive on financials as Brad to refer to as a that we will. We will as well. Yet you want me to go into detail, considers an acre. So I've got earn revenue. Look back. I've got the state come a friend support. Look back as well as kind of I was going to add what our staffing structure, the breakdown between general special fund. Look back what some want to say. Look back. And I think our data goes back at least 10 years. So we can hopefully provide that. And if it's too much, you can let me know. But there's a lot of lot of
detail. Will include the language, our statute regional parks to that helps around out some of the knowledge around funding aspects. It sounds like the pre 2005 is important there. Terms of when the special went from being self-sustaining to not so maybe for that one a little bit further back It's just it also asked about the participation of Saint Paul residents, a new program make sure that this happened to. Anything else. People want to make sure that they see after this. Thank you again for the time for really deep dive appreciated. And we look forward to further conversations as budget cycle against something else to come for. So prosecutors