The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board approved a resolution on Aug. 6 asking the Common Council to authorize a $289,109 transfer from the park concession nonreverting fund for construction of a new Wings of Wonder aviary exhibit at Washington Park Zoo.
Resolution No. 1070, read at the meeting, directs staff to request a formal additional appropriation ordinance from the Common Council; the board approved the resolution and will seek the mayor’s concurrence before requesting the council action. “The $289,000 is in our cash balance for our park concession fund. The ordinance does allow us to spend that on capital projects in the zoo,” Superintendent Shannon told the board, noting the ordinance permits such use.
Zoo Director Jamie Huss, in the audience, had previously briefed the board on exhibit design and cost estimates produced by Kiel Architecture; staff said the department has gifts and endowment funds to supplement the cash balance and that the combined sources will come close to the architect’s estimate. “Some of it's from gifts and donations, some from endowment. We have some budgeted for capital outlays already, and then the cash balance, that'll get us very close to the estimated construction cost that we've received from Kiel Architecture,” Shannon said.
Board member discussion referenced prior suggestions to enhance the exhibit’s clear-story design for visitor experience and natural light; staff said value engineering pared some costs while retaining desired features. If the Common Council approves the requested additional appropriation, staff said the project will be put out to bid.
A motion to approve Resolution No. 1070 was made, seconded and passed by voice vote; the board will forward the request for a formal appropriation ordinance to the Common Council.