Nov 15, 2022 Parks and Recreation

[CALL TO ORDER]

[00:00:05]

>> ALL RIGHT. GOOD MORNING. THE THANKS FOR JOINING US AND WE WILL HAVE A FULL BOARD THIS MORNING.

>> FATHER, WE THANK YOU FOR TODAY, AGAIN, ANOTHER DAY IN ABILENE AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY, FATHER, AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY TO GROW AND WE THANK YOU FOR THE PRIVILEGE TO DO THAT.

WE PRAY OUR MEETING WOULD HONOR YOU AND BRING GLORY TO YOU.

FATHER, WE PLAY -- PRAY WE HAVE WEUS COME -- WISDOM IN ALL WE DO. WE THANK YOU AND PRAISE YOU IN

GEE AS YOU -- IN JESUS' NAME. >> THANK YOU, GARY.

[PUBLIC COMMENTS]

WE WILL HAVE TIME LATER ON THE ITEMS TO COME BACK, BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMENT YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE ON ANY OF OUR ITEMS PLEASE COME FORWARD AND STATE YOUR NAME AND YOU HAVE THREE

MINUTES. >> DOES IT HAVE TO BE SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA? I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THIS.

>> I AM BILLEN RECOMMITTEES -- BILL ENRIQUEZ.

GOOD MORNING TO ALL OF YOU. ALL OF THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED AT SEARS PARK AND CHAVEZ RECREATION CENTER, WONDERFUL THINGS. BE -- WE STARTED THE ANALYSIS OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD IN 1998 AND CHARTERED IN 2001 AS A NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION. WE HAVE BEEN AT THIS A LONGTIME.

LOOKING BACK I CAN SEE THE PARK AS IT HAS GROWN.

IT IS JUST AWESOME. OUR NEW TRACK OR WALKING TRAIL OR TRACK OR WHATEVER IT IS, I WALKED IT A COUPLE OF TIMES.

I GET CRAMPS AND DON'T WALK TOO MUCH.

WHAT I AM HERE TO SAY IS Y'ALL HAVE DONE A WONDERFUL JOB FOR THE KWAUPLT -- QUALITY OF OUR LIFE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

WE WORK WELL WITH LESLIE OVER HERE.

SHE DOES PRESIDENT -- DOESN'T ALWAYS SAY YES, BUT AT LEAST SHE TELLS ME WHY. AND THE REST OF THE STAFF, ALL OF THESE INDIVIDUALS HAVE HAD A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR ASSOCIATION. FOR THE FUTURE, THIS BOOK OUTLINES THE FUTURE. AND WE'RE THERE.

WE ARE MISSING JUST A COUPLE OF THINGS, BUT WE'RE THERE FROM THE BASEBALL FIELDS TO THE TRACK TO THE GAZEBOS AND THAT'S WHY I'M HERE, TO THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE WONDERFUL THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED AT CHAVEZ AND SEARS PARK.

AND AT THE SAME TIME TO ASK YOU TO LOOK A LITTLE FURTHER AHEAD AND WE HAVE A LITTLE WORK TO DO. I WON'T BE HERE 20 YEARS FROM NOW, SO LET'S GET IT DONE BEFORE THAT TIME.

I LIVE ACROSS THE STREET SO I ENJOY ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES GOING ON. WE HAVE LAND THAT WE COULD UTILIZE FOR WHATEVER. WE CAN UTILIZE IT.

OF COURSE, ON THE EASTSIDE THERE IS NOT A WHOLE LOT WE CAN UTILIZE. WE HAVE TWO BASEBALL FIELDS AND WE HAVE THE WATER PARK. IT IS AWESOME.

IF YOU DRIVE BY IN THE SUMMERTIME, YOU ARE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THE PEOPLE THAT ARE THERE AND THE TIME THAT THEY ARE THERE. THEY GET THERE AT 7:00 IN THE MORNING AND ARE SPLASHING AWAY. QUALITY OF LIFE, THAT WAS THE BIGGEST THING WE HAVE DONE TO MAKE THAT PARK AS ATTRACTIVE AS IT IS. AGAIN, I AM JUST HERE TO ASK Y'ALL TO KEEP GOING FORWARD. YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU VOLUNTEER, NOBODY REALLY APPRECIATES IT, DO THEY? I DO. I APPRECIATE YOU.

KEEP US IN MIND AS WE MOVE FORWARD.

I'M TELLING YOU WHAT, THAT WALKING TRACK IS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME. LOOKING BACK AND THIS BOOK IS MENTIONED. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> WE ARE STILL IN THE PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION OF THE MEETING.

DOES ANYBODY ELSE HAVE ANY OTHER COMMENTS ON ANY AGENDA ITEMS TODAY? WITH THAT WE WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENTATION.

IF IT WASN'T FOR ENGAGED CITIZENS OUR PARKS WOULDN'T BE WHERE THEY ARE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT SINCE 1998. WE MOVE NOW TO OUR AGENDA ITEMS

[1. Minutes (Discussion and Action)]

>> I MOVE WE APPROVE THE OCTOBEG MINUTES.

>> SECOND. >> SO MOVED AND SECONDED.

ALL IN FAVOR SAY I. >> I.

>> OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES TO MOVE THE MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING.

[2. Request to Charge Spectator Fee for Movie in The Park (Discussion, Public Hearing and Action)]

THE FIRST ITEM, NUMBER 2 IS THE REQUEST TO CHARGE A SPECTATOR FEE FOR MOVIE IN THE PARK. THIS IS A DISCUSSION, PUBLIC

[00:05:01]

HEARING AND POTENTIAL ACTION. >> CHRIS GIBSON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR PARKS AND RECREATION. WE HAD A REQUEST TO CHARGE A SPECTATOR FEE OF $7 AT FESTIVAL GARDENS.

THIS IS A DECEMBER 10TH EVENT.

IT IS MADE BY THE ABILENE PARTY MAKERS AND INFLATABLES.

IT IS PRIMARILY THE SAME TYPE OF EVENT THEY SCHEDULED AND

REQUESTED BEFORE. >> DID WE EVER CHARGE FOR THIS

BEFORE? >> WE APPROVED -- YOU GUYS HAVE APPROVED FOR THIS TO BE DONE, I BELIEVE, TWICE SO FAR THIS YEAR.

>> WHAT QUESTIONS DO WE HAVE? ALL RIGHT.

IT DOES REQUIRE A PUBLIC HEARING SO WE MOVE TO THE PUBLIC HEARING PORTION OF THIS AGENDA ITEM. IF YOU DO HAVE ANY CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS TO BE BROUGHT FORTH, PLEASE COME FORWARD AND INTRODUCE YOURSELVES. SEEING THERE IS NONE WE WILL GO AHEAD AND CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING PORTION OF THIS AND MOVE

ON TO OUR POTENTIAL ACTION. >> I MOVE THAT WE APPROVE THIS REQUEST. IS THIS A ONE TIME ONLY?

>> SO MOVED BY GARY. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND. >> THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN DONE IN THE PAST. GREAT CATCH THERE AND GOOD QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR OF APPROVING THE $7 SPECTATOR FEE FOR THIS AGENDA ITEM SAY I.

>> I. >> OPPOSED? THIS CARRIES AS WELL. WE WILL MOVE AHEAD TO AGENDA

[3. Special Recognition Policy Update (Discussion, Public Hearing and Action)]

POTENTIAL ACTION. >> CHRIS GIBSON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR PARKS AND RECREATION. THIS IS -- WE'VE RECENTLY ADOPTED THE SPECIAL REC COG -- RECOGNITION POLICY.

AS ANY POLICY GOES WE FIND AREAS WE NEED TO MAYBE TWEAK AND POLISH A LITTLE BIT MORE. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE AREAS.

WE REALIZED AFTER WE PASSED THE POLICY THAT THE KEEP ABILENE BEAUTIFUL CELEBRATION TREE PROGRAM WILL BE IMPACTED BY THIS POLICY AS WELL. WHAT WE'VE DONE, STAFF AE GOTTEN TOGETHER AND WE WOULD LIKE TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL STATEMENT IN THE POLICY THAT WOULD ALLOW THE PROGRAM TO CONTINUE OPERATING THE WAY IT IS OPERATING. IT IS A POPULAR PROGRAM.

IT IS PART OF THE KEEP ABILENE BEAUTIFUL PROGRAM THEY OFFER AND WE HAD QUITE A FEW. I DON'T HAVE THE EXACT NUMBERS -- BEFORE YOU ASK ME, GARY, I DON'T HAVE THE NUMBER OF TREES AND BENCHES THAT HAVE BEEN PUT THROUGH THE PROGRAM, BUT IT IS A POPULAR PROGRAM. THEY ARE WANTING TO EXPAND IT TO KEEP ABILENE BEAUTIFUL. JENNIFER PACHECO IS WATCHING AND TAKING CARE OF THAT PROGRAM AND DOING A SPECIAL JOB.

WE WOULD LIKE TO OFFER THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OR TEXT BE ADDED TO THE DOCUMENT ITSELF SO THAT IT ALLOWS THE KEEP ABILENE BEAUTIFUL PROGRAM TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE LIKE THIS.

>> I KNOW THE KEEP ABILENE BEAUTIFUL PROGRAM HAS BEEN AROUND FOR A LONGTIME. THEY HAVE DONE A LOT OF THINGS BESIDES THE BENCH PROGRAM AND CELEBRATION OF THE TREE PROGRAM, BUT THEY HAVE DONE A LOT OF THINGS TO BEAUTIFY THE CITY AND KEEP THE CITY LOOKING NICE. SEEMS TO ME LIKE A REASONABLE

REQUEST. >> I MOVE WE APPROVE IT.

>> WE NEED A PUBLIC HEARING. >> LET'S SEE IF MAYBE WE HAVE QUESTIONS FOR CHRIS AS HE STANDS HERE? ALL RIGHT. CHRIS, WE WILL GET TO WHAT YOU WANT IN A SECOND. I PROMISE.

>> DIDN'T MEAN TO JUMP AHEAD. >> I GET EXCITED.

>> WE WILL MOVE INTO THE PUBLIC HEARING.

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ON THIS ISSUE, PLEASE COME FORWARD AND STATE YOUR NAME. YOU HAVE THRAO*EU -- THREE MINUTES. AT THIS TIME IT DOES NOT LOOK LIKE WE WILL HAVE ANYONE COME FORWARD, AND SO WE WILL MOVE FORWARD TO OUR POTENTIAL ACTION. I DO HAVE ONE QUICK QUESTION FOR YOU. I'M LOOKING AT THIS AS KIND OF A GRANDFATHERED IN KIND OF A POLICY.

IS THAT THE RIGHT WAY TO LOOK AT THIS? TO SAY THIS IS A PREEXISTING PROGRAM AND WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TA PRE-EXISTING PROGRAM. WE HAVE HAD A CHANGE TO THE POLICY AND WE CAN CONTINUE TO GRANDFATHER THIS IN?

>> YES, SIR. >> AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS

FINE WITH THE CITY? >> RIGHT, SINCE IT IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. YES, SIR.

[00:10:01]

>> JUST A POINT OF CLARIFICATION FOR THE POLICY.

ALWAYS GOOD TO HEAR. ANY OAR QUESTIONS OR POE 10 -- ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR POTENTIAL ACTION YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE?

>> THIS MIGHT BE A STUPID QUESTION.

KEEP ABILENE BEAUTIFUL HAS THE BENCH PROGRAM IN THIS NEW POLICY WHERE INDIVIDUALS CAN RECOGNIZE OTHERS IF THEY WANTED TO DO -- SAY A GROUP WANTED TO DO A BENCH, DO THEY HAVE TO SHIFT IT

TO -- HOW IS THAT GOING TO WORK? >> THE WAY THAT ACTUALLY WORKS RIGHT NOW IS KEEP ABILENE -- IF SOMEBODY WANTS TO DO A BENCH, THE PARK WORKS IN CONJUNCTION WITH KEEP ABILENE BEAUTIFUL, BUT BASICALLY THEY WRITE THE CHECK TO KEEP ABILENE BEAUTIFUL AND THEY ORDER THE BENCH AND PARKS ORDERS THE TREE AND PARKS INSTALLS. SO IT IS A PARTNERSHIP.

>> SO THE BENCH SOMEBODY WANTS TO DO IT AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTS.

THANK YOU. >> GOOD QUESTION.

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? ALL RIGHT.

DO WE HAVE AN ACTION THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE ON THIS ITEM?

>> MOVE TO APPROVE IT. >> SO MOVED.

DO WE HAVE A SECOND? >> I SECOND.

>> SECONDED. ALL IN FAVOR OF APPROVAL OF THIS

AGENDA ITEM SAY I. >> I.

>> OPPOSED? THIS WILL CARRY AS WELL.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENTATION, CHRIS.

[4. 2023 Standards of Care (Discussion, Public Hearing, and Action)]

ACTION. >> HI.

CHRIS GIBSON. WE ARE BRINGING THE STANDARDS OF CARE TO YOU AGAIN LIKE WE DO EVERY YEAR.

WE JUST WANTED TO REMIND EVERYBODY KIND OF WHAT IT IS.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS APPLICABLE TO THE SUMMER CAMPS OR PROGRAMS THAT ARE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND THOSE TYPES OF THINGS. I WON'T READ THE WHOLE DOCUMENT.

IT IS IDENTIFYING THE STANDARDS WE UPHOLD TO THROUGH THAT POLICY. AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE DO EVERY YEAR. WE GO THROUGH THE SAME PROCESS AND WE KIND OF FOLLOW THE SAME GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS.

WE DON'T HAVE UPDATES TO THE STANDARDS OF CARE OTHER THAN WE CHANGED THE DATES AND WE CHANGED THE LOGO TO REFLECT OUR NEW LOGO. JUST AS A REMINDER, PRIMARILY WHAT IT INVOLVES IS ACCESS TO EMERGENCY ANY EXITS, FIRE DISTINGUISHERS, FIRST-AID KITS THAT OUR FOLKS THAT ARE CERTIFIED TO DO AND USE THESE DEVICES, C CPR CERTIFIED.

THEY HAVE TO BE CLEARLY IDENTIFE LOCATIONS.

WE GO THROUGH A PROCESS WHERE WE DO REVIEWS.

WE HAVE THE INSPECTIONS OF THE FACILITIES DONE BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT -- I'M SORRY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. WE ALSO HAVE SOMEONE THAT IS OUTSIDE THE PARTY FROM -- THAT IS IN THE PARKS AND RECREATION FIELD, USUALLY FROM ANOTHER CITY.

AND WHAT THEY DO IS A REVIEW OF THE RECREATION CENTER.

SO THEY DO WALK THROUGHS. THEY TAKE THEM AROUND AND SHOW THEM ALL THE CENTERS AND THEY GRADE US ULTIMATELY ON HOW THEY DID. IN THE PACKAGE YOU HAVE THE RESULTS OF THE WORKSHEETS AND THE RATINGS FOR THE RECREATION CENTER. THIS YEAR WE HAVE A GENTLEMAN BY THE NAME OF TRAVIS IS -- TRAVIS KENT.

HE IS PART OF THEIR PARKS AND REC PROGRAM.

>> I APPRECIATE THE WORK STAFF HAS DONE ON THIS.

I KNOW WHEN WE DID THE BIG GROUP RIDE A COUPLE YEARS AGO IT WAS AN EXTENSIVE PROCESS AND THE PROCESS HAS HELD UP SO YOU ARE TO BE COMMAND -- KPHEPDED FOR -- COMMENDED FOR YOUR WORK.

>> STAFF IS THE ONE THAT TAKES CARE OF THIS FOR US.

>> ANY OTHER THOUGHTS OR QUESTIONS FOR CHRIS BEFORE WE MOVE INTO PUBLIC HEARING ON STANDARDS OF CARE?

>> I KNOW THE AGING OF THE PARKS, IS THAT A PROBLEM LATER ON -- SOME OF THESE PARKS LIKE SEARS PARK IS STARTING TO AGE REALLY BAD. ANY PROBLEMS LATER ON IN THE

YEARS WITH THIS ISSUE? >> I DIDN'T CATCH THE QUESTION.

>> AS FAR AS THE RECREATION CENTERS GO?

>> YES. >> YEAH.

MOST OF THE RECREATION CENTERS WERE BUILT IN THE MID-60S.

LIKE ANY FACILITY, IT IS SOMETHING WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN. THAT'S SOMETHING WE SEE AT A LOT

[00:15:03]

WE ARE OFTEN COMMENDED WHEN WE BRING UP OUR REC CENTERS AND WHAT WE OFF EVERY -- WE OFFER. WE HAVE CHALLENGES LIKE ANYBODY ELSE. THEY ARE AGING.

>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FOR CHRIS BEFORE WE CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING?

>> AT THIS TIME WE WILL ENTER INTO PUBLIC HEARING ONE MORE TIME FOR THIS AGENDA ITEM. IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO MENTION, PLEASE COME FORWARD. YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES.

AT THIS TIME WE WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR OUR 2023 STANDARDS OF CARE. 57 PAGES WORTH OF STANDARDS OF CARE IS SOMETHING THAT WE -- THIS IS NOT ALWAYS THE EXCITING THING THAT EVERYBODY APPRECIATES , BUT WE KNOW IT IS AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF WORK. THANK YOU FOR THE TIME AND THE IMPACT THIS HAS ON OUR CITIES. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

AT THIS TIME WE WILL GO ON TO POTENTIAL ACTION.

>> I MOVE WE ACCEPT THE STANDARDS OF -- THE 2023

STANDARDS OF CARE. >> SECOND.

>> SO MOVED AND SECONDED ALL IN FAVOR OF APPROVAL OF THESE

STANDARDS OF CARE SAY I. >> I.

>> OPPOSED? THIS PASSES AS WELL.

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR WORK ON THAT.

[5. Seniors Report (Discussion)]

>> AS THIS TIME WE WILL MOVE TO THE DISCUSSION REPORTS.

WE ARE GOING TO AGENDA ITEM 5 AND IT IS SOMEBODY OTHER THAN CHRIS TO TALK ABOUT OUR SENIORS REPORT.

THIS IS JUST A DISCUSSION. >> GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE.

BOBBY BROWN. GOOD TO SEE YOU.

WE HAVE A COUPLE OF THINGS COMING UP.

WE HAVE SEEN IN THE PAST, I GUESS, THE POPULARITY OF THE PICKLEBALL AND THE POPULARITY OF THE DISK GOLF.

NOW AROUND THE NATION PEOPLE ARE HAVING CORNHOLE TOURNAMENTS.

WE HAVE CORNHOLE EVERY WEEK AT THE SENIOR CENTER SO WE DECIDED TO PUT ON A TOURNAMENT AND THE SENIORS ARE EXCITED ABOUT IT.

THAT IS ON THE 16TH AT 1:00. WE -- IF YOU HAVE TIME TO COME OUT AND WATCH THEM, THEY THINK THEY ARE PROS AND GET EXCITED ABOUT THESE TYPES OF THINGS. LIKE FOR YOU TO COME OUT IF YOU CAN. ALSO WE HAVE OUR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER. WE HAVE A DINNER AND A DANCE AND A RAFFLE, BINGO WHICH THEY LOVE BINGO AND THAT WILL BE ON DECEMBER 9TH. IT IS SOMETHING WE DO EVERY YEAR AS A FUNDRAISER. I THINK WE MISSED IT A COUPLE YEARS AGO, BUT BROUGHT IT BACK LAST YEAR.

IT IS ONE OF OUR BIGGEST EVENTS OF THE YEAR.

IF YOU CAN COME OUT AND MAKE ANY OF THESE EVENTS, HAVE A BALL WITH US AND WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU.

>> WHO ARE THE MOON LIGHT BANDITS?

>> THAT'S ONE OF OUR BANDS, OUR LOCAL BANDS.

WE HAVE LIKE FOUR LOCAL BANDS WE USE.

WE HAVE BANDS AT OUR CENTER EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT.

WE HAVE FOUR BANDS THAT WE ROTATE THROUGHOUT THE MONTH SO THEY WOULDN'T BE, YOU KNOW, MONOTONOUS.

EACH ONE HAS THEIR OWN FOLLOWING.

THIS IS ONE OF OUR BEST BANDS THAT GETS MOST OF THE PEOPLE TO COME OUT. WE GOT THEM TO COME OUT FOR THIS

PARTICULAR DANCE. >> QUESTIONS?

>> I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT I THINKER -- I THINK IT IS GREAT THAT YOU REALLY LISTEN TO WHAT THE SENIOR CENTER WANTS TO DO.

>> AND THEY ARE VERY VOCAL ABOUT WHAT THEY WANT.

>> AND I I WOULD LIKE TO ADD TO THAT, YOU SAY ONE OF THE BEST BANDS. I THINK YOU NEED TO TALK TO ME AFTERWARDS TO PUT ONE OF MY BANDS ON THERE.

>> THAT WOULD BE GREAT. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPORT, SIR. >> NO PROBLEM.

>> WE WILL MOVE ON TO OUR PARKS REPORT AND THIS WILL BE A DISCUSSION AS WELL. SORRY RECREATION.

[7. Recreation Report (Discussion)]

>> WE'LL MAKE AN EXCEPTION. >> WE HAD OUR THANKSGIVING DINNER AT CHOW BIZ RECREATION CENTER.

WE HAD ABOUT 380 PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY.

[00:20:02]

>> YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THIS OLD GAL WORKING.

>> WE HAD HER PUSHING THE CRATES WITH EVERYTHING ELSE.

THIS IS AN ACTIVITY THAT STARTED IN THE EARLY 90S BY MARIA ESTRADA. SHE WAS THE SENIOR DIRECTOR AT THAT TIME. AND THE PURPOSE OF IT WAS FOR GRAND PARENTS AND THE FAMILIES. MARY DECIDED SHE WOULD BRING THE HISPANIC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL INTO THE GROUP.

SHE SAID, LET'S MAKE IT A BIGGER EVENT.

WE HAVE GONE FROM FEEDING PROBABLY 75 TO FEEDING NEARLY 500. THIS YEAR WAS A LITTLE SLOW.

I THINK IT IS BECAUSE OF THE CON.

WE WENT FROM THE DRIVE-THRU TO THE DINE IN AND SO I THINK IT SLOWED US DOWN. IT AVERAGES OUT AT 500.

AND THE SENIORS, BOBBIE OVER HERE, THEY HAVE DONE A FANTASTIL FOR US EVERY YEAR. AND IT IS DELISH.

IT IS REALLY AWESOME. THE AWESOME THING ABOUT IT IS THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY.

EVERYBODY IS COMING TOGETHER. YOU HAVE SEEN PEOPLE YOU HAVEN'T SINCE THE LAST TIME WE SENT OUT AN EMAIL.

IT IS REALLY, REALLY NEAT. DO YOU THINK THERE WAS A LOT OF PEOPLE THERE THAT LOOKED FAMILIAR? BUT THANK Y'ALL FOR APPROVING THAT EVERY YEAR.

IT IS JUST A WONDERFUL EVENT. THANK YOU.

AND THIS YOUNG LADY PUTS IT TOGETHER AS WELL.

THANK Y'ALL. >> SOUNDS LIKE A FUN EVENT.

TODAY -- THIS EVENING WE ARE HAVING THE ASL MIXER AND IT IS TO INVOLVE EVERYONE THAT WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF AND WHAT WE CAN OFFER.

WE WILL BE INTRODUCING THEM TO A TEACHER WE HAVE STARTING IN CLASS IN JANUARY THAT WILL BE TEACHING.

IT WILL BE -- THE CLASS WILL BE AT COBB.

WE WILL ROTATE IT TO EVERY REC CENTER SO IF THEY CAN'T COME THIS MONTH, THEY CAN COME TO ANOTHER REC CENTER IN YOUR PART OF TOWN. WE WANT TO ENGAGE EVERYONE IN EVERY COMMUNITY. THAT'S AT 6:00 AT COBB PARK.

AND THIS SATURDAY IN THE NICE CRISPY COLD WEATHER IS THE BIG COUNTRY PUMPKIN CHASE AT JOHNSON PARK.

AND THAT STARTS AT 8 A.M. I HAVEN'T SEEN SOME OF YOUR NAMES ON THE LIST SO THERE IS STILL TIME.

>> LESLIE CAN BE OUR LEADER. DO YOU WANT TO BE OUR LEADER, LESLIE? WE'LL FOLLOW YOU.

>> WE HAVE A GOOD -- A REALLY OUTCOME OF PEOPLE THERE SIGNING UP FOR THIS. AND WE ARE GETTING READY FOR SANTA CLAUS. HE IS COMING TO READ STORIES AT COBB ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 3RD AND THE LIBRARY WILL BE COMING OVER AND PARTNERING WITH US AND BRINGING STORIES FOR SANTA TO READ. I BELIEVE MRS. CLAUS IS COMING AND SO THERE WILL BE HOT CHOCOLATE AND WRITING LETTERS TO SANTA. AND THERE IS A GREAT CAMP COMING UP. THEY ARE JETTING OFF TO OUTERSPACE AND THAT WILL BE THE RECREATION CENTER AND THAT STARTS DECEMBER 26TH TO JANUARY 26TH.

THEY DON'T GO BACK TO SCHOOL UNTIL JANUARY 9TH.

WE HAVE BEEN REALLY BUSY LATELY. ANY QUESTIONS?

>> ANYBODY HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? WELL DONE.

ALWAYS SO MANY GREAT THINGS DONE GOING ON AT RECREATION.

I REALLY CAN'T BELIEVE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT WINTER BREAK.

[6. Parks Report (Discussion)]

>> GOOD MORNING. PARKS DIVISION MANAGER.

THIS MONTH WE WERE ASKED TO PARTICIPATE AND SEND A COUPLE OF GUYS TO THE AISD CAREER ON WHEELS.

WE HAD SOME ELEMENTARY KIDS GO OUT AND LEARN ABOUT SOME OF THE CAREERS THAT SOME PEOPLE DO THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES.

WE SENT TWO GUYS FROM OUR CREW. YOU CAN SEE IN THE PICTURE THERE, THEY TOOK A BACKHOE AND A MOWER.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THE KIDS HAD A LOT OF QUESTIONS.

JOHN LEWIS, FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, DID A GREAT JOB ANSWERING THEIR QUESTIONS, AND JOHN DOESN'T LIKE TO GO OUT TO THESE THINGS, AT LEAST HE SAYS HE DOES PRESIDENT, BUT -- HE DOESN'T, BUT HE DOES A GREAT JOB.

THE KIDS LEARNED A LOT ABOUT WHAT WE DO AND OBVIOUSLY WE ARE EXCITED TO TELL THEM WHAT WE DO AND THEY CAN GET AN IDEA OF WHAT

[00:25:05]

>> THEY ARE REALLY, REALLY NICE LOOKING.

Y'ALL DID A GOOD JOB. >> WE HAVE MORE PARKS COMING.

I'M PROBABLY GOING TO BE DOING I THINK SIX PARKS.

THERE WILL BE EIGHT CENTERS AND SO YOU WILL SEE A LOT MORE

COMING UP THIS YEAR. >> OUR SECOND GRADERS AT STAFFORD ELEMENTARY, THEY LOVE THE CAREER ON WHEELS DAY.

THEY CAME BACK EXCITED AND READY TO TELL THE OTHERS THAT DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO GO ABOUT WHAT THEY HAD LEARNED FOR THE DAY.

>> AND LIKE I SAID, FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND JOHN DID A GREAT JOB.

I TOLD HIM, YOU DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND YOU WILL BE GOING TO A

LOT OF THESE. >> THE SIGNS ARE BEAUTIFUL.

>> THEY ARE. >> EVERY TIME WE PASS THEM MY KIDS SAY WE GOT A NEW PARK, EVERY SINGLE TIME.

ABSOLUTE SHOUTOUT TO YOUR TEAM FOR THE DEDICATION FOR COACH BALLENTINE. IT WAS DONE SO WELL.

I DON'T KNOW -- ONE OF THE THINGS THAT GOT ME CHOKED UP AND I DID NOT EXPECT THAT MORNING WAS THE IDEA OF SEEING COACH ON THAT SIGN. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS ABOUT SEEING THE WORD COACH ON THERE. I JUST THOUGHT, MAN, WHAT AN UNBELIEVABLE ADDITION THAT I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT TO INCLUDE. I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT, PUT HIS NAME ON THERE. UNLESS YOUR TEAM IS WORKING THROUGH THOSE PIECES, WELL DONE AND IT SHOWED WELL.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON THAT. >> AND BECAUSE THESE SIGNS AND WHAT IT TAKES TO GET THEM, IT IS GONNA TAKE US THREE TO FOUR YEARS BEFORE WE GET THE SIGNS REPLACED AT ALL OF THE PARKS.

WE'RE WORKING THROUGH THAT. IT IS A TIMELY PROCESS JUST SO THAT YOU'RE AWARE AND IF ANYBODY ASKS YOU WHY DOES THIS PARK NOT HAVE IT. WE WILL GET THROUGH IT AND IT

WILL TAKE A FEW YEARS. >> IT IS WORTH THE TIME AND THE INVESTMENT. THANKS FOR THE UPDATE.

[8. Zoo Report (Discussion)]

LET'S HEAR ABOUT THE ZOOS. >> ZOO DIRECTOR.

I WANTED TO SHARE SOME INFORMATION FROM LAST WEEK.

I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO PUT THE SLIDE ON BECAUSE THEY WERE DUE A WEEK AGO AND WE UNFORTUNATELY HAD A PASSING OF ONE OF OUR LARGE, MAGESTIC ANIMALS, THE BLACK RHINO.

I KNOW A LOT OF YOU HAVE MET HIM.

A LOT OF THE COMMUNITY MET HIM. HE IS A HUGE LOSS AND A QUICK UPDATE ON WHAT HAPPENED. IF YOU DON'T RECALL ABOUT FIVE WEEKS AGO, A FEW OF YOU KNOW, WE HAD TO DO AN ANNUAL KNOCKDOWN WHICH MEANS PUT HIM TO SLEEP AND FLOAT THEIR TEETH.

IF THEY DON'T GET WORE DOWN THEY CAN HURT THEMSELVES.

WE DID THAT AND SAMPLES. DURING THE PROCESS, WHICH WAS QUICK. HE WOKE UP WITH A LIMP LEG, HIS FRONT RIGHT. IF YOU DON'T KNOW, THEY PUT A LOT OF WEIGHT ON THE FRONT LIMBS THEY GRAZE AND PUT THEIR HEADS DOWN. 60% OF THE WEIGHT.

RHINOS PUT 70%. FOR ONE OF THE LEGS TO GO BAD, THE WORST WOULD BE THE FRONT ONE.

AFTER TPA*EUF DAYS HE DID -- AFTER FIVE DAYS HE DID GO LAME AND WASN'T ABLE TO STAND UP. AFTER THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO GET UP. DURING THE PROCESS WE DID NUMEROUS THINGS TO TRY TO TREAT IT FROM ELECTRO THERAPY TO PHYSICAL THERAPY WITHOUT US BEING ENDANGERED BY HIM.

HE IS A WILD ANIMAL, EVEN THOUGH HE IS CUTE AND CUDDLY AND A BEAUTIFUL CHUBBY UNICORN, HE CAN HURT US.

TO DO THIS WAS TIME-COMSUMING AND SAFETY MEASURES WERE SET IN PLACE TO MAKE SURE WE CAN DO THE APPROPRIATE THERAPY.

DURING THE PROCESS WE FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A RESCUE TEAM THAT WORKED WITH THE LARGE HOOF STOCKS SUCH AS LARGE BULLS AND CATTLE AND HORSES AND EQUINE THAT BROUGHT IN A HOIST.

I AM HOPING TO SHARE THE SLIDES NEXT MONTH.

WE RAISED HIM UP AND WE WERE ABLE TO ELEVATE HIM TO GET THE WEIGHT OFF HIM TO START TO DO MORE APPROPRIATE REHABILITATION.

WE HAVE GOOD FOOTAGE OF DOING LOTS OF ROPE EXERCISES WITH HIM.

UNFORTUNATELY AFTER FIVE WEEKS THROUGH THIS PROCESS HIS BODY DECIDED TO GIVE UP. THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED.

IT WASN'T OUR CHOICE. IT WAS MACHO'S CHOICE.

EARLY IN THE MORNING ON NOVEMBEO GO.

I HOPE TO HAVE MORE EXPLANATION ON WHY THIS HAPPENED, BUT RIGHT NOW ALL WE CAN DIAGNOSE IT WITH IS A RADIAL NERVE ISSUE FROM

[00:30:05]

HE HAD A RADIAL NERVE DAMAGE IN THE LIMB.

WHICH MEANS WE NEED TO REGENERATE THE NERVE SOMEHOW.

IT WOULD HAVE TAKEN MONTHS OF THERAPY.

UNFORTUNATELY HIS BODY COULDN'T HOLDUP BECAUSE OF THE MASSIVE AMOUNT OF WEIGHT. HAVING 2500 POUNDS LAYING DOWN AT ALL TIME IS NOT GOOD. HOPE TO HAVE MORE ANSWERS FOR YOU. WE DID A GROSS NECROPSY WHICH IS AN AUTOPSY FOR ANIMALS AND DID LOTS OF BIO SAMPLES AND LOTS OF RESEARCH WENT INTO MACHO. THERE ARE LOTS OF UNIVERSITIES THAT ASKED FOR SKIN SAMPLES, GI SAMPLES, LIVER SAMPLES, HEART SAMPLES. LOTS WENT OUT SO PEOPLE CAN LEARN FROM THIS BEAUTIFUL SPECIES.

HIS BODY DIDN'T GO TO WASTE. HOPEFULLY IT WAS BROUGHT TO THE SCIENCE COMMUNITY. WITH THAT A LOT OF PATHOLOGY SAMPLES THAT WILL HOPEFULLY HAVE MORE ANSWERS AS WELL AS HIS LIMB IS BEING CAREFULLY DISSECTED TO FIGURE OUT WHETHER IT WAS TRUE NERVE DAMAGE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

I WANTED TO GIVE YOU A QUICK UPDATE ON THAT.

ANY QUESTIONS? >> SAD.

>> SAD. >> IT IS A BIG LOSS FOR THE ZOO.

>> SOME OF THE COMMUNITY HAS ASKED IF WE WILL REPLACE MACHO AND THAT IS OUR GOAL, PART OF THE PLAN IN EXPANDING THE RHINO YARD. WHAT SPECIES WOULD THAT BE? I WOULD LIKE TO STICK TO THE BLACK RHINO SPECIES BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT GRAZERS. WHITE RHINOS ARE LAWN MOWERS.

THE YARDS WE PUT ENERGY INTO TO MAKE GREEN WILL BECOME A DUST BALL AGAIN. THE BLACK SPECIES, THE BLACK RHINOS BROWSE THE LEAVES AND TWIGS OF THE BRANCHES.

WE ARE HOPING TO STICK TO THE BLACK RHINO SPECIES, BUT THERE ARE VARIATIONS, EASTERN, MACHO WAS A SOUTHERN BLACK RHINO.

MORE TO COME. WE HAVE OUR ACCREDITATION THAT HELPS US WITH OUR PROGRAMS AND WE REACH OUT TO THEM AND THEY HAVE LOOKED FOR A REPLACEMENT. I WANTED TO ANSWER THAT AS WELL AS WHAT WE REPLACE HIM WITH. IT COULD BE THREE WEEKS.

IT COULD BE THREE MONTHS AND IT COULD BE SIX MONTHS.

>> IN THAT PROCESS WILL WE TYPICALLY GET ANOTHER MATURE RHINO OR A CALF? WHAT DOES THAT TYPICALLY LOOK LIKE? > IT DEPENDS ON THE ASSESSED RECOMMENDATIONS, THE SPECIES SURVIVAL PLANS.

IT COULD BE A YOUNGER JUVENILE, YES.

MORE THAN LIKELY IT WILL BE A MALE BECAUSE THE YARD IS NOT A LARGE YARD. AND IT CAN EASILY FILL TWO TO THREE RHINOS, BUT WE WANT TO EXPAND IT TO HOLD FOUR OR FIVE.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE STAFF FOR THE FORE THOUGHT TO COMMUNICATE WITH ZOO MEMBERS AND INTERESTED PARTIES SO IT WASN'T A SHOCK. WE APPRECIATE THAT.

>> THAT'S ONE OF MY GOALS TO BE VERY TRANSPARENT WITH OUR ANIMALS AND WHAT WE ARE DOING AT THE ZOO.

WE ARE NOT HIDING BEHIND THESE THINGS THAT HAPPEN WHICH A LIFE.

A LOT OF THE COMMUNITY WILL SAY WHY DO ANIMALS KEEP DYING AT THE ZOO? BECAUSE THEY DON'T LIVE AS LONG AS HUMANS. MACHO DID DIE UNFORTUNATELY EARLY, BUT LOTS OF ANIMALS ARE GETTING TO MATURITY AGE AND WILL PASS ON. WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF BIRTHS TOO.

I HOPE THE COMMUNITY CAN FOCUS ON THE BIRTHS WE HAVE HAD,

ESPECIALLY THE LAST TWO YEARS. >> ON BEHALF OF OUR BOARD, MAN, WE MOURN THIS AS A CITY, BUT WE KNOW THE FOLKS THAT WORK WITH MACHO DAY IN AND DAY OUT, THIS IS HARD ON YOUR STAFF.

YOU CAN HEAR IT IN YOUR VOICE AND SEE IT IN THE EYES OF YOUR TEAM. YOU HAVE OUR CONDOLENCES AS WELL AND WE APPRECIATE YOUR TEAM AND THE EFFORT IN THE MIDST OF THIS DIFFICULTY. THAT IS A HARD THING.

>> APPRECIATE THAT. WE DID REACH OUT TO THE CITY AND THEY ARE ABLE TO HAVE A CHAPLAIN COME OUT TO THE ZOO TO MEET WITH A FEW OF THE KEEPERS THAT, WOULDED CLOSELY WITH MACHO SO THAT WAS VERY APPRECIATED. LET'S GET STARTED.

THE ZOO CONTINUES TO ADD UPGRADES.

IF YOU DON'T RECALL THE ASH TREE IN THE WINTER STORM WAS -- PERISHED SO WE ASKED THE CONSERVATION TEAM TO COME IN AND HELP. WE WANT TO PUT A SHADE TREE BACK BECAUSE THE ASH TREE WAS SHADY AND NOW IT IS MORE PLEASANT FOR TE ADULTS TO SIT ON THE NICE LIME STONES WHILE THE KIDS CLIMB ON THE COMMUNITY STRUCTURE. THE ABILENE FACILITY STAFF IMPLEMENTED THAT AND GOT THAT PUT UP.

WE HAVE RECENTLY PAIRED UP WITH OUR MASTER GARDENERS IN ABILENE.

THEY ADDED PLANTS IN ZONES THAT HAVE BEEN ATTRACTIVE FOR THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY THAT CAME THROUGH IN THE WINTERIZATION.

THE ZOO WAS PACKED WITH MONARCHS.

THIS WILL BE ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL BOTANICAL SPACES.

AND YES I ADDED GREEN SPACE INSTEAD OF CONCRETE, LEASELY.

>> THANK YOU. >> WE DID HAVE A COUPLE OF STONES THERE THAT A LOT OF YOUR KIDS OR GRAND KIDS HAVE SAT ON.

THEY WERE PLAIN STONE. I HAD AN ARTIST COME AND PAINT THEM AS A CATERPILLAR AND A LADY BUG.

I DIDN'T KNOW THEY WOULD BE SO ATTRACTIVE.

I SEE NOTHING BUT KIDS CLIMBING ON THERE ALL THE TIME.

[00:35:04]

IT LOOKS GOOD. BOO AT THE ZOO WAS A SUCCESS.

WE ADDED A TUNNEL OF VEGETATION THAT HAD REAL LIFE -- LIFELIKE LOOKING DINOSAURS. THE PUMPKIN PATCH, WE ADDED THIS PUMPKIN BARN THEY CALL IT -- YEAH, A BARN LITTLE TRUCKS AND EVERYTHING. IT WAS A HUGE -- IT WAS A GREAT HALLMARK MOMENT IF YOU WANTED A PHOTO FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

>> WAS THAT A PUMPKIN CHUMPKIN? >> YEAH.

THAT'S ANOTHER DESIGN THAT MY STAFF WAS ABLE TO CREATE.

WE WROTE AN SOP OVER IT AND GOT THOUSANDS OF LAUNCHES AND THEY HAD CERTAIN GUIDELINES. YES, WE HAVE HAD THAT NOW FOR THREE YEARS. GARY YOU HAVEN'T LAUNCHED A

PUMPKIN? >> I HAVEN'T AND I NEED TO DO THAT. I APOLOGIZE.

>> PLEASE COME OUT. >> NOW THAT I KNOW YOU GOT IT, I

WILL. >> IT IS MAGESTIC TO SEE IT AND FEEL IT. YOU NEED TO CHECK IT OUT.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT ATTENDANCE. THE ONES IN THE RED WE HAVE HAD -- WE HAVE BOO THE ZOO DATES.

THREE SATURDAYS IN A ROW. IN 2020 WE UH-HUH TENDONS OF 11,000 AND 2021, 13,500. COMPARED TO THIS YEAR IN THOSE DAYS WE SAW 16,500 AND THEN ADDED A FOURTH DAY.

SO OVERALL WE SAW 21,000 GUESTS IN FOUR DAYS.

IT WAS A HUGE, HUGE SUCCESS AND A HUGE FUNDS RAISING -- FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR THE ZOO. HOPEFULLY WE CAN USE THOSE MONEP UPGRADING THE ZOO. ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS? WHRA*S -- LASTLY IS OUR NEXT FUNDRAISING EVENT BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR WHICH IS CHRISTMAS FROM THE 16TH TO THE 23RD.

COME EARLY. IT STARTS AT 4 P.M. AND ENDS AT 9 P.M. THE LIGHTING OF THE TREE IS AT R FESS 5 TEES -- FESTIVITIES SUCH AS MEETING REAL LIFE REINDEER AND MAKING REINDEER FOOD FOR YOU OR YOUR CHILDREN.

THERE IS A ICE SCULPTURE AND S'MORES AND MORE.

IT IS CALLED CHRISTMAS VILLAGE AND IT WILL BE MAGICAL.

IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT, PLEASE COME OUT AND SUPPORT THE ZOO.

LIFE VEST IS OUT THERE TOO AND THEY ARE GREAT ENTITIES AND GREAT FUNDRAISING EVENTS FOR BOTH COMMUNITIES.

THAT'S IT. >> I WOULD LIKE TO JUST MAKE ONE COMMENT. I WAS AT A LUNCHEON YESTERDAY, AND OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE SKY, A FRIEND OF MINE SAID THEY SPENT THE WEEK IF FORT WORTH, THE WEEKEND WITH FAMILY AND GRANDKIDS AND EVERYTHING. THEY WENT TO A SEALIFE PARK THEY HAVE THERE. I DIDN'T KNOW THEY HAD ONE IN FORT WORTH AND THEY WENT TO THE FORT WORTH ZOO.

UNSOLICITED HE SAID, YOU KNOW, OUR KIDS AND OUR FAMILY FELT LIKE IT WAS GREAT GOING TO THE FORT WORTH ZOO, BUT THEY LOVE THE ABILENE ZOO BETTER THAN THE FORT WORTH ZOO SO I WOULD LIKE TO PASS THAT ON TO YOU. NOT KNOWING I WAS CONNECTED WITH

THE CITY OR THE BOARD. >> WE GET THAT COMPLIMENT QUITE

A BIT. >> THAT IS GREAT THAT YOU KWAN SEE IT AND NOT FEEL YOU JOBBED -- JOGGED A MARATHON.

>> THE WHOLE FAMILY SAID THEY ENJOYED THE ABILENE ZOO MORE THAN THE FORT WORTH ZOO. I THOUGHT THAT WAS QUITE A COMPLIMENT AND I WANTED TO PASS THAT ON TO YOU AND YOUR STAFF.

>> JESSE, HAVE WE EVER DONE LIKE A ALMOST AN ENTREPRENEURIAL REVIEW OF ALL OF THESE THAT ARE GOING ON WITH THE ZOO AND WAYS

YOU CAN REINVEST IN THE ZOO? >> COLLABORATE.

>> I JUST THINK THERE ARE OTHER PRIVATE ENTITIES IN THE MIDST OF FUNDRAISING AND TEACHING KIDS ABOUT FUNDRAISING AND I AM ALWAYS BLOWN AWAY WITH YOUR ABILITY TO COME UP WITH EVENTS AND REINVEST. I DIDN'T KNOW IF THERE WAS A FORMAL REVIEW OF THIS IS HOW WE ARE DOING IT AND THIS IS WHY WE

ARE SUCCESSFUL. >> WE DON'T HAVE A FORMAL REVIEW, BUT WE HAVE THE BLUEPRINTS.

EVEN THE FINANCIAL PICTURE, ESPECIALLY THE MONEY GOING INTO THE UPGRADES OF THE ZOO. IT HAS BEEN VERY SIGNIFICANT.

LIKE AN ADDITIONAL MILLION DOLLARS OF REVENUE COMING IN ANNUALLY AS WELL AS OVER A HALF MILLION GOING BACK TO THE ZOO

ANNUALLY. >> IT REALLY IS AMAZING AND YOU HAVE DONE AN UNBELIEVABLE JOB SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN HERE ABOUT COMING UP WITH NOT ONLY GREAT FACILITIES, BUT THESE PROGRAMS THAT EVERY SINGLE TIME WE HAVE FOLKS -- THIS IS THE FIRST TIME

[00:40:03]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK WITH THAT AND FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING FOR THE CITY. IT IS AMAZING, MAN.

>> I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT THE STAFF AND I WILL CONTINUE TO ASK FOR MORE LABOR. THE REASON IS IT IS A RETURN.

I NEED TALENTED FOLKS AND YOU HAVE TALENTED FOLKS IN ABILENE AND THEY HAVE BEEN A HUGE -- THEY HAVE TAKEN THE WEIGHT OFF MY SHOULDERS. I COME UP WITH IT AND THEY CREATE IT. IT IS MY EXPERIENCE AND THEY DO IT. HOLY COW.

THESE GUYS ARE TALENTED. OUR ZOO IS BLESSED WITH A LOT OF VERY TALENTED FOLKS. I WANT TO MAINTAIN THEM AND KEEP INVESTING AND CREATE MORE POSITIONS.

ANOTHER FUN FACT IS WE CREATED ALMOST 20 POSITIONS IN THE LAST THREE YEARS SINCE I HAVE BEEN HERE.

THAT'S ANOTHER THING, THAT COST NOT GOING INTO THE UPGRADES, BUT THE LABOR MODEL OF COSTS HAVE GONE UP AS WELL CLOSE TO 350,000 ANNUALLY. IF NOT MORE.

>> YOU ARE DOING AN UNBELIEVABLE JOB WITH YOUR RESOURCES.

THANK YOU. REALLY WELL DONE.

>> THANK YOU. >> ARE THERE ANY OTHER ITEMS ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO BRING TO THE BOARD'S ATTENTION THIS MORNING? WITH THAT WE WILL MOVE FOR ADJOURNMENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND WE'LL SEE YOU NEXT MONTH.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.