REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE BIG BEAR VALLEY RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
February 11, 2020
FROM
LUTHER SNOKE, Interim Director, Special Districts Department
SUBJECT
Title v
Memorandum of Understanding with Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo that specifies the roles and responsibilities of the respective parties toward betterment of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, with a term commencing February 12, 2020 and expiring January 1, 2022.
(Presenter: Luther Snoke, Interim Director, 386-8811)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This is a non-financial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District (BBVRPD) and the Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (FOBBAZ). Therefore, approval of this item will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
As part of its services, the BBVRPD manages and operates the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (BBAZ). The BBAZ’s mission is the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured and/or orphaned wildlife. The BBAZ is currently in the process of relocating to a new facility that will enhance the size and quality of the inhabitant enclosures, advance the health and welfare of the animals, and improve the overall visitor experience. BBAZ and its staff continually seek to inspire visitors through education and outreach programs.
FOBBAZ is a 501(C)(3) non-profit agency. Since 1989, FOBABAZ has supported BBAZ by providing financial support through fundraising and other initiatives, with the purpose of enhancing BBAZ’s development and programs designed to improve the visitor experience. In addition, FOBBAZ provides docent assistance, special event coordination and other vital support functions for the BBAZ.
On December 19, 2017 (Item No. 73), the Board of Directors approved an MOU between BBVRPD and FOBBAZ to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the parties toward improving internal efficiency, transparency to the public, and service to the BBAZ animals and its customers, as well as formalizing the existing relationship between the parties. The MOU recently expired on January 1, 2020, but both parties desire to renew the MOU in order to continue assisting BBAZ in providing an excellent experience for its visitors and accredited care for its animals.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Dawn Martin, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on December 20, 2019; Finance (Tom Forster, Administrative Analyst, 387-4635) on January 3, 2020; and County Finance and Administration (Matthew Erickson, County Chief Financial Officer, 387-5423) on January 9, 2020.