Informational Meeting

MINUTES Informational Meeting Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 4:00 PM Carnegie Town Hall, 235 West 10th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 1. Call To Order Council Members Present: Janet Brekke (Via telecom), Alex Jensen (arr. 4:38 p.m.), Rick Kiley (Via telecom), Greg Neitzert, Marshall Selberg, Curt Soehl, Pat Starr Council Members Absent: Christine M. Erickson Council Chair Greg Neitzert called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. and asked for a roll call of attendees. 2. Committee/Commission Reports A. Experience Sioux Falls - BID Board: Thursday, January 28, 2021 (Council Member Brekke) Despite the pandemic, discussions show that the City is still above its peer groups in terms of hotel and visitor numbers. The ESF believes there is a pent-up demand for travel to Sioux Falls -- they are starting to see bookings for the outyears. It was also noted that Falls Park is up for the top park in the country--people can vote for it online. 3. Councilor Remarks Neitzert spoke about fundraising for Hayward Park through the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. He encouraged others to visit SFACF.org/hayward to learn more about the effort. 4. Presentations A. The Link Update by Alicia Collura, Assistant Director of Public Health; and, Steve Lindquist, Project Director for The Link Presentation: Approximately 10 minutes followed by discussion Collura opened the presentation by reviewing the purpose of The Link, background on the project, and partners involved with the project. She then reviewed milestones that were recently achieved: detailed facility design meetings were held with MSH Architects and Lloyd Co.; ongoing legal, regulatory, billing, operational, and transition discussions; formal agreements with Patient Care EMS; naming of Avera  as the healthcare provider; and execution of a communications plan. Steve Lindquist, Project Director, next discussed current construction progress. Demolition began last fall and build-out is ongoing. Initial costs for the project came in at approximately $850,000 but changed condition saw costs updated to approximately $1.2M. The cost increase is due to a variety of factors to include the addition of floor space to the project, increased material costs, and changes associated with the transition from a social detox center to a medically-managed detox center. Lindquist noted that donations and grants from various entities to date have been generous, to include the local hospital systems, which donated beyond the terms of the Joint Participation Agreement. Discussion followed about: construction costs; parties to the Joint Participation Agreement; fundraising; the operational budget; security; the level of medical service provided; and, employment opportunities. B. Great Plains Zoo Update by Don Kearney, Director of Parks and Recreation Presentation: Approximately 15 minutes followed by discussion Becky Dewitz, CEO of the Great Plains Zoo, introduced herself to the Council and provided background on her previous experience and vision for the Zoo going forward. She reviewed the Zoo's mission, which is to foster a greater understanding of the natural world through education, conservation, recreation, and discovery. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), placing it in the top 10% of animal institutes in the nation. The zoo cares for hundreds of animals daily through training, top-quality veterinary care, and nutrition. In terms of conservations efforts, the zoo participates in the AZA's SAFE programs for monarchs, lions, and eastern black rhinos. They also actively do fieldwork to conserve the Dakota Skipper pollinator, are part of the Raptor Rehab Program, conduct field efforts for Black Rhino Conservation in Namibia. Dewitz reviewed the 2021 initiatives, which include: AZA re-accreditation; establishing the zoo as a regional leader for conservation and wildlife understanding; elevating the guest experience with education opportunities to learn about modern zoo husbandry; strategic planning; the African exhibit expansion; Black Bear exhibit improvements; addressing aging infrastructure; and growing usership. Design for the Lion exhibit will begin in 2021 and use a combination of regional and local architect firms. Primary goals of the exhibit are to meet the whole life needs of the animals and offer a valuable experience for visitors helping to foster appreciation for the natural world and conservation awareness. Bidding for construction is anticipated for the spring or fall of 2022. She also discussed efforts to raise funds for the exhibit, which includes private donor support as well city grant support. She highlighted the ongoing efforts of private citizens who are generously helping to raise needed funds. Discussion followed about: anticipated construction costs; the zoo budget; the accreditation process; the generosity of donors; and, responsibilities of the City for capital improvements. 5. Public Comment There was none. 6. Adjournment Council Chair Greg Neitzert Adjourned the meeting at 5:07 p.m. Thomas M. Greco, City Clerk