REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF BIG BEAR VALLEY RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
October 5, 2021
FROM
BRENDON BIGGS, Director, Department of Public Works - Special Districts
SUBJECT
Title
Donation from The Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo for Restroom/Snack Bar at Big Bear Alpine Zoo
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District:
1. Accept the following donations from The Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo totaling $292,272:
a. Prefabricated modular Americans with Disabilities Act compliant restroom/snack bar combination building valued at $195,272 for installation at Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
b. Cash of $97,000 for site preparation and utility connection costs related to the restroom/snack bar combination building at Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
2. Approve Capital Improvement Project in the amount of $97,000 for the Big Bear Alpine Zoo Modular Restroom/Snack Bar Site Preparation Project.
3. Authorize the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector to post budget adjustments, as detailed in the Financial Impact Section, for the restroom/snack bar combination building and related costs at Big Bear Alpine Zoo (Four votes required).
(Presenter: Brendon Biggs, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote the Countywide Vision.
Ensure Development of a Well-Planned, Balanced, and Sustainable County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary Funding (Net County Cost). The Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District (District) will receive a donated prefabricated building from The Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (FOBBAZ) at a value of $195,272. FOBBAZ will also fund the Modular Restroom/Snack Bar Site Preparation Project (Project) with a cash donation of $97,000.
Proceeding with this item requires the following budget adjustments for the District:
|
Fund Center |
Commitment Item |
Description |
Increase Amount |
|
6200002582 |
54304030 |
Structures & Improvements to Structures |
$292,272 |
|
6200002582 |
40809976 |
Donated Fixed Assets |
$195,272 |
|
6200002582 |
40809945 |
Contributions/Donations |
$97,000 |
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
As part of its services, the District manages and operates the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (BBAZ). BBAZ’s mission is the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and/or orphaned wildlife. BBAZ recently completed relocation to a new facility that enhances the size and quality of the inhabitant enclosures, advances the health and welfare of the animals, and improves 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, FOBBAZ 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.
The restroom/snack bar that was initially planned for the south end by the Grizzly Bear exhibit was removed from the BBAZ final project completion plan. The intended space for the restroom/snack bar space was constructed knowing that a drop-in facility may become feasible in the future. This created an opportunity for FOBBAZ to target a specific need for the new zoo that they could direct their fundraising efforts towards.
One FOBBAZ fundraising campaign involved raising funds to purchase and donate a building, with all associated utility connections and site preparation, for a combination Americans with Disabilities Act restroom/snack bar. FOBBAZ is now in the position to provide the financial means to accomplish this worthy addition to BBAZ.
Approval of this item will allow the District to accept the prefabricated modular restroom/snack bar building from FOBBAZ, as well as the funds necessary to install the needed utilities (water, gas, electric, sewer) and foundation for the restroom/snack bar. Per County Policy No. 06-01 and Standard Practice No. 06-01SP, Board of Supervisors’ approval is required to accept gifts or donations valued over $10,000.
PROCUREMENT
Upon approval of this item, the District will competitively solicit bids from contractors for the Project. Once the site preparation work is completed, the modular restroom/snack bar donated by FOBBAZ will be installed and open to serve the public.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Dawn Martin, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on September 10, 2021; Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (Vanessa Doyle, Chief Deputy Controller, 382-3195) on September 13, 2021; Finance (Tom Forster, Administrative Analyst, 387-4635) on September 13, 2021; and County Finance and Administration (Matthew Erickson, County Chief Financial Officer, 387-5423) on September 19, 2021.