A.H. Blank Park Zoo Lease Agreement and Economic Development Grant. $24.7 Million of Planned Improvements. April 11, 2011 City Council Workshop

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1 A.H. Blank Park Zoo Lease Agreement and Economic Development Grant $24.7 Million of Planned Improvements April 11, 2011 City Council Workshop 1

2 Current City A.H. Blank Park Zoo Agreement February 16, 2005, by Roll Call No , City Council approved a Blank Park Zoo Operation Agreement with the Blank Park Zoo Foundation (BPZF). City required to provide capital funds for maintenance of existing zoo infrastructure. BPZF to provide new capital improvements and provide daily management and maintenance of zoo. Term is 10 years with 2 5 year renewals. 2

3 Current SuperBlock Plan April 21, 2008, by Roll Call No , City Council approved Conceptual SuperBlock Master Plan and authorized the City Manager to take steps to implement the plan. 3

4 Proposed City BPZF Agreement Propel the Zoo into a premier, regional attraction; through diversification of zoo operations and capital revenues. Current proposed project is $24,700,000 in improvements to the Zoo by the end of

5 BPZF Proposed Projects AFRICA 8 separate buildings, adding 22 new species exhibited SEA LION POOL increase gallon size from 110,000 to 132,000 gallons add underwater viewing for the public AUSTRALIA New bird holding building by the existing aviary 10 new species Educational inter-active signage and Australian theming A.H. BLANK PARK ZOO ENTRANCE New public park area restrooms, shelter, playground New hoofstock exhibit Native Vegetation Security barrier 5

6 BPZF Proposed Master Plan 6

7 Proposed New Agreement Terms and Conditions Summary City to lease Zoo and A.H. Blank Park to BPZF. The City of Des Moines will invest $8.1 million under a development grant. (City will also be responsible for Project Civic Access (ADA) requirements). City to continue to provide Hotel/Motel tax of $290,000 for 20 years. City to request continuance of $150,000 annually from BRAVO to Zoo for 20 years. City will transfer ownership / possession of animals and equipment during lease term. City will own improvements, animals and equipment at lease end. City will have Zoo master plan compliance review. 7

8 Proposed New Agreements Terms and Conditions Summary - Continued City Council will be asked to approve Zoo master plan. Major changes to master plan required to get City Council approval. City will have responsibility for the 8 Fort Des Moines historical buildings, excluding 1 (BPZF maintenance shop). City will provide funding which will leverage non-city funding sources (Sources include private and State of Iowa funds). BPZF permitted to submit documented in-kind gifts for related improvements to qualify for City grant. 8

9 Proposed Lease Boundaries 9

10 City Funding Schedule Total $8.1 million disbursed as follows: Payment of initial $2.7 million % of documented expenses for constructing and equipping existing Zoo improvements Payment of remainder -- 50% of documented expenses for constructing other Zoo improvements Payments subject to cumulative cap limits FY $3.35 million FY $4.4 million FY $7.1 million FY $8.1 million 10

11 Proposed New Agreements Terms and Conditions Summary BPZF will invest at least $16.6M in planned improvements. BPZF will provide management of daily operations. BPZF will finance all capital needs for old and new zoo. BPZF will maintain American Zoo Association accreditation. BPZF will provide 2 positions on the BPZF Board to the City. BPZF will set fees for all related activities of the zoo. A.H. Blank Park will continue to have free access to portions of the park. 11

12 City BPZF Partnership Benefits for the Community The new proposed agreement would transfer the management and facility operations while controlling the financial commitment and relieving the City of capital investments. The City s investment will leverage non-city investments, while increasing the potential to regionally fund the facility. BPZF has a proven track record of managing the Zoo. City costs for Zoo are controlled (City can provide additional funding at its discretion). 12

13 Next Steps Council Meeting Set hearing on vacation of A.H. Blank Park Set hearing on approval of lease and management agreement Council Meeting Approval of new Master Plan for SuperBlock Approval of BPZF Zoo master plan First reading of parkland vacation ordinance Approval of lease and management agreement Approval of development grant agreement 13

14 Next Steps Continued Council Meeting Second and proposed final reading of parkland vacation ordinance 14

15 Questions? 15

16 BPZF Proposed 2011 Changes to SuperBlock Master Plan 16