JOURNAL OF
TRUST PROCEEDINGS
MAY 20, 2009; 3:30 PM
CONSERVATION EDUCATION CENTER
Trustees Present:
Dick Beshear
M.T. Berry
Mark Sullivan
Byron Gambulos
Kent Williams
Donna McCampbell
Staff Present:
Dwight Scott, Executive Director/CEO
Mark Campbell, Director/Business Services
Jennifer D’Agostino, Director/Veterinary Services
Teresa Randall, Director/Education Services
Tommy Bryant, Director/Buildings and Grounds
Tara Henson, Director/Marketing and Public Relations
Jennifer Davis, Supervisor/Great EscApe
Laura Bottaro, Curator/Mammals
Sophie Palin, Supervisor/Security
Todd Bridgewater, Education
Donna Mobbs, Executive Assistant
Others Present:
Dana McCrory, Executive Director/Oklahoma Zoological Society
Bree Leggett, Oklahoma Zoological Society
Michael Myers, Oklahoma Zoological Society
Marsha Harrod, Assistant Municipal Counselor
Alice Pippin, Oklahoma Zoological Society
Mike Clark, Oklahoma City Public Works Department
Ernie Wilson, Citizen
AGENDA TOPICS
I.
CALL TO ORDER - VERIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH OPEN MEETING ACT
Chairman Beshear called the meeting to order and asked if the Trust was in compliance
with the Open Meeting Act. The Executive Assistant replied affirmatively.
Mr. Scott introduced Tommy Bryant, the Zoo’s new Director of Buildings and Grounds.
Mr. Bryant is a known entity at the Zoo, having been the contact person with JHBR, the
local architect working on the Children’s Zoo. He has a strong construction management
background, as well as management experience and good people skills. The Trust welcomed Mr. Bryant aboard.
II.
RECEIVE MINUTES FOR MARCH 18, 2009
RECEIVED. MOVED BY TRUSTEE GAMBULOS,
MCCAMPBELL
SECONDED BY TRUSTEE
AYES: SULLIVAN, GAMBULOS, BERRY, WILLIAMS, MCCAMPBELL, BESHEAR
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OKLAHOMA CITY ZOOLOGICAL TRUST
MAY 20, 2009
III.
Agenda Item II
RECEIVE STAFF AND/OR COMMITTEE UPDATES:
A. Collections and Facilities/Development
Mr. Bryant reported on Facilities Development::
 Children’s Zoo construction continues and is progressing well. He reviewed the
current details and stated the project is on schedule.

The Centennial Choo Choo is not running at this time; however, parts are in, and
the train should be functional in time for the weekend.

Flowers in Flight is complete and ready to open.

The Zoo’s Custodial Department is working to convert the Zoo’s chemicals to
green (environmentally friendly) chemicals.

Trees have been donated to the Zoo and placed at the Jungle Gym and Cat Forest.

Plant Conservation Day was held last week, and $800 worth of native and drought
tolerant plants were sold during this event.
Dr. D’Agostino reported on Collections:
 The Zoo has received a variety of birds: an Indian spot-billed duck, a Mandarin
duck, a red-crested pochard, a red-billed blue magpie, and an East African
crowned crane. All remain in quarantine at this time. The Zoo also received a pair
of African wild dogs who are recommended for breeding. They are out of quarantine and on exhibit.

The Zoo’s new clouded leopard is now on exhibit. She is utilizing the exhibit at
night but remains very shy during the day.

The Evening EscApe Event went very well and raised just over $6,000. Proceeds
go to the Sumatran orangutan conservation project.

Congratulations to Stacey Sekscienski, Curator of Reptiles, who was awarded a
scholarship to attend an International Butterfly Conservation Management Program this year.
1. Approval of Surplus/Want List/Pending Animal Transactions – April 2009
APPROVED. MOVED BY TRUSTEE SULLIVAN, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE
WILLIAMS.
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OKLAHOMA CITY ZOOLOGICAL TRUST
MAY 20, 2009
Agenda Item II
AYES: SULLIVAN,
BESHEAR
GAMBULOS,
BERRY,
MCCAMPBELL,
PAYNE,
B. Veterinary Services
Dr. D’Agostino reported the following:
 The Zoo’s black-footed cat who underwent a recent medical procedure is now
back on exhibit.

Bom Bom, one of the Zoo’s silverback gorillas, is experiencing what is thought to
be back problems. He is being treated with medication and will undergo an MRI for
further diagnosis.

A woma python had a chronic eye issue that required a great deal of intensive
management. It could not be repaired and involved much stress and pain for the
animal. The eye was removed, and the python is doing fine and should be back on
exhibit soon.

Trustee Gambulos asked the status of the avocet with the prosthetic beak. Dr.
D’Agostino replied the prosthetic beak has not worked out as hoped, and it has
been removed. Staff is now hand-feeding the bird once again. Dr. D’Agostino has
requested input from colleagues in the veterinary field, and she is hopeful the beak
can be repaired.

Trustee Berry asked what expense is involved in shipping a rhino. Mrs. Bottaro replied the receiving institution paid for the transport and the crate used for shipment. The crate itself cost almost $10,000, and shipping would likely have been an
additional $10,000. The Zoo will be receiving a 2½ year-old female from the Bronx
Zoo tomorrow per breeding recommendations.
C. Finance
1. Receive Financials – April 2009
RECEIVED. MOVED BY TRUSTEE BERRY, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE
SULLIVAN.
AYES: SULLIVAN,
BESHEAR
GAMBULOS,
BERRY,
WILLIAMS,
MCCAMPBELL,
2. Ratify Claims and Payroll – April 2009
RATIFIED. MOVED BY TRUSTEE MCCAMPBELL, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE
BERRY.
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OKLAHOMA CITY ZOOLOGICAL TRUST
MAY 20, 2009
AYES: SULLIVAN,
BESHEAR
Agenda Item II
GAMBULOS,
BERRY,
MCCAMPBELL,
WILLIAMS,
3. Receive Children’s Zoo Financial Report
RECEIVED. MOVED BY TRUSTEE MCCAMPBELL, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE
BERRY
AYES: SULLIVAN,
BESHEAR
GAMBULOS,
BERRY,
MCCAMPBELL,
WILLIAMS,
D. Education
Mrs. Randall reported the following:

There were 120 programs in the month of April with 13,339 participants. This is a
increase of 28 programs over April of last year, and also an increase of 2,164 participants.

The Zoo held several large community events, such as Read Across Oklahoma,
which targeted 1,500 at risk children and focused on reading and literacy, and a
three-day event with UCO called “The Adventures of Mr. Toad”. Staff also attended the Department of Libraries Conference. The month ended with Science Fest.
Attendance at this event totaled 6,800. It was very well attended and received.

36 summer camps are scheduled beginning in the first week of June through the
middle of August. Some of the camps are already sold out.

The Zoo is offering a new program for visitors ages 14 and up involving shadowing
and working with a variety of Zoo keepers for the day. Money collected through
this event goes into the Zoo’s animal enrichment fund.

The Education Department held a very successful open house for Junior Curators
with over 80 students and parents attending.
E. Marketing
Mrs. Henson reported the following:


Despite the rain, the Zoo held six events in the month of April, including Hopabaloo, Party for the Planet, and National Guard Appreciation Day. The Dr. Pepper
vending machine contest came to an end with over 1,300 entries. Mrs. Henson
thanked First Security Bank for their help in sponsoring that event.
The Zoo had two teams who participated in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.
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OKLAHOMA CITY ZOOLOGICAL TRUST
MAY 20, 2009
IV.
Agenda Item II

The Got Milk? tour was rained out, but the Zoo still received $1,000 for a location
fee.

Mrs. Henson played the Zoo’s latest television spot which airs predominately on
cable channels such as ABC Family, TLC, Lifetime Movie Network, National Geographic, Disney, Cartoon Network, and Channel 9. Two new spots have been
filmed and will air on a variety of cable channels.

Dinosaur billboards will be coming down at the end of June, and a new campaign
will begin immediately.
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
A. Renewal of Cooperative Agreement Between U.S. Department of Agriculture and
the Oklahoma City Zoo to Conduct a Wildlife Management Program
Mr. Scott stated this is a very important program needed to properly manage predators on Zoo grounds.
APPROVED. MOVED BY TRUSTEE SULLIVAN, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE
BERRY.
AYES: SULLIVAN, GAMBULOS, BERRY, WILLIAMS, MCCAMPBELL, BESHEAR
B. Approval of Specifications and Advertisement for Bid – Asia Exhibit, Project
MZ-0044
APPROVED. MOVED BY TRUSTEE SULLIVAN, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE
BERRY.
AYES: SULLIVAN, GAMBULOS, BERRY, WILLIAMS, MCCAMPBELL, BESHEAR
Mr. Scott stated staff and Public Works request that the bid deadline be moved to
June 23 and the contract award date be moved to June 30. Mr. Clark with Public
Works was present and explained that concerns have been expressed regarding the
current bid deadline of June 11. It is felt that contractors need additional time in order
to tighten prices, and that this would result in more favorable bids. This would require
a special Trust meeting on June 30 but would allow contractors an additional 12 days
to review plans. This change would be considered as Addendum #1 and would be
ratified by the Trust at their next meeting. The Trust found this to be agreeable.
Mr. Scott then directed the Trust’s attention to Addendum #2, which addresses incentives and disincentives. Mr. Clark explained this Addendum would require the contractor to complete the elephant portion of Asia by August 1, 2010. An incentive of $3,000
per day with a thirty-day maximum has been added, as well as a disincentive (liquidated damages) of $3,000 per day. There would be no incentives for the three add al-
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OKLAHOMA CITY ZOOLOGICAL TRUST
MAY 20, 2009
Agenda Item II
ternates (Rhino Loop, Thai Demonstration Village, and Entry Temple and Habitat
Complex), but there is a disincentive of $3,000 per day for each of the alternates. Mr.
Scott stated the incentive was suggested for the elephant portion of the exhibit due to
the timeline involving pregnancy of both cows. This would not mean the exhibit would
be open to the public but would be available for utilization by staff.
Mrs. Harrod referred to the disincentives of $3,000 per day and reminded the Trust
that the Zoo would have to prove damage in the amount of $3,000 per day. She also
stated this amount could increase bid amounts. After further discussion, it was decided that disincentives for the add alternates should be reduced to the amount of $500
per day.
Chairman Beshear asked how bad weather days are handled. Mr. Clark replied Public
Works would like to document weather using ODOT information. He added that bad
weather days will most likely be addressed on a third addendum.
Trustee Gambulos asked if staff feels confident that the plans address the Zoo’s
needs specifically enough to get accurate bids which are within budget. Mr. Scott replied yes. He felt that with the add alternates, there may well be a portion of the exhibit which will not fit within the budget of $19.8 million, which is the amount of the construction budget approved by the Trust.
Mrs. Harrod stated Addendums #2 and #3, and any additional Addendums, will also
go before the Trust for ratification at their next meeting.
APPROVED. MOVED BY TRUSTEE COUCH, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE
SULLIVAN.
AYES: SULLIVAN, GAMBULOS, BERRY, WILLIAMS, MCCAMPBELL, BESHEAR
C. Approval of Contract between Oklahoma City Zoological Trust and Grant
Thornton LLP for Fiscal Year Audit 2008/2009
Mr. Campbell stated this is the last year of the City of Oklahoma City’s contract with
Grant Thornton. The Zoo’s audit portion has increased from $40,890 this year to
$44,162 for next year’s audit. Trustee Gambulos asked if the Trust always uses the
same auditor as the City. Trustee Berry replied yes; the Trust is part of the audit
package which is bid out by the City.
APPROVED. MOVED BY TRUSTEE GAMBULOS, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE
BERRY.
AYES: SULLIVAN, GAMBULOS, BERRY, WILLIAMS, MCCAMPBELL, BESHEAR
D. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Between Oklahoma City Zoological
Trust and City of Oklahoma City – Project Consultants
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OKLAHOMA CITY ZOOLOGICAL TRUST
MAY 20, 2009
Agenda Item II
Mr. Scott stated the Zoo would be invoiced for this service on a monthly or quarterly
basis. Attached to the invoices will be timesheets which will be filled out within the
Public Works Department. The fee for their input and partnership is a great investment, and staff recommends approval.
APPROVED. MOVED BY TRUSTEE GAMBULOS, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE
MCCAMPBELL.
AYES: SULLIVAN, GAMBULOS, BERRY, WILLIAMS, MCCAMPBELL, BESHEAR
V.
CONSENT DOCKET - None
VI.
NEW BUSINESS – None
VII. ITEMS FROM TRUSTEES - None
VIII. OKLAHOMA CITY ZOOLOGICAL PARK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO REPORT
Mr. Scott reported the following:
IX.

He attended his first Zoo Director’s meeting in Washington, DC last week. This involved two days of very productive meetings. There was a great deal of discussion
regarding the economy and revenue generation. He also spent a day on Capital Hill
meeting with Oklahoma’s congressional senior staff members, sharing with them the
economic impact the Zoo has on the community, as well as the Zoo’s education/conservation programs. These meetings are meant to establish a relationship and
open lines of communication. Invitations to tour the Zoo have been extended to all of
Oklahoma’s congressional members.

Budget development is going very well. A meeting will be held next week to complete
it.. Staff has done a great job of developing a very conservative budget. A Revenue
Generating Task Force has been created to develop ideas for next year. Also, the
Green Team is looking at the Zoo’s utility use (water, gas, fuel and electricity) to see
how costs can be cut.

The Animal Division will be presenting scheduled Keeper Talks which will begin the
weekend following Memorial Day. Nine talks will be given on Saturday and Sunday
each and will continue through October. The talks will be announced on the kiosk at
the front gate, and signage will also appear in each area.

There has been recent discussion regarding the placement of the Animal Shelter under the Zoo’s direction. Mr. Scott felt this issue has been put to rest and is no longer
an issue.
OKLAHOMA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
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OKLAHOMA CITY ZOOLOGICAL TRUST
MAY 20, 2009
Agenda Item II
Mrs. McCrory reported the following:
 Mrs. McCrory introduced Alice Pippin, who is the Society’s incoming President for
next year. A board governance retreat was held in April, and the OZS will be looking
at ways to maximize the efficiency of its board in raising more dollars for the Zoo.
 Membership continues to be strong with 18,532 members as of the end of April. The
spring campaign did show an increase of 550 new members over last year’s spring
campaign.
 Even with questionable weather, the Ostrich Egg Breakfast had record attendance
with over 3,200 participants. Mrs. McCrory thanked all who volunteered at this event.
 Mr. Scott, Mr. White and Mrs. McCrory will be visiting with City Council members on
the 2nd and the 9th of June to answer questions and respond to issues and concerns.
They will also discuss the memorandum of understanding which will go before City
Council for approval in June.
 OZS is continuing to look for new dollars. Two first-time grants were received, those
being the Mack Foundation in the amount of $10,000 which will go towards the Children’s Zoo, and the Oklahoma Historical Records Board, which donated $2,800 for
the purpose of digitalizing the Zoo’s photograph collection.
 Zoobilation is scheduled for June 19.
 The new ZooSounds is now out. It is dramatically different and continues to be a work
in progress. Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions are welcome as OZS continues
to do everything it can to support the Zoo.
X.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
There being nothing further to come before the Trust, the meeting was adjourned at 4:40
PM.
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