2018-08-30 Cost of Government Commission minutes

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Cost of Government Commission August 30, 2018 meeting minutes Culture and Recreation Subcommittee members met with personnel at the zoo and golf course. Information discovered: approximately 285,000 people visit the zoo each year. The golf course has about 1,100 people each year that make approximately 58,000 visits. The zoo has experienced more visitor traffic due to the volcano eruption and the national park being closed. The zoo has a lack of help. Their total staff is 6 and 1 groundskeeper. The front area needs to be fixed to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Commissioner Jones would like to explore the possibility of some manpower borrowed from the golf course to be reassigned to the zoo. Commissioner Birch said this may involve dealing with union issues for employees. If staff are reassigned, it could be considered a lateral transfer but this needs to be researched. Corporation Counsel suggested checking with Human Resources. The “Friends of the Zoo” provides some materials. The subcommittee observed that some pillars of the zoo infrastructure are rotting in place and there are termite issues. Grounds keeping and beautification efforts would help make people want to visit. Zoo staff said the reason they are unable to charge for admission is lack of staffing. One thing to note when considering charging for zoo entry is that some local residents may stop visiting. The County could explore a discounted rate for residents. Volunteers run the petting zoo and gift shop. The golf course does well with their personnel and likely cannot take a hit to their budget. 3