Dane County  
Minutes - Final Unless Amended by  
Committee  
Henry Vilas Zoo Commission  
Consider:  
Who benefits? Who is burdened?  
Who does not have a voice at the table?  
How can policymakers mitigate unintended consequences?  
Tuesday, September 3, 2024  
8:00 AM  
Henry Vilas Zoo, 702 S. Randall Ave., Madison, WI 53715  
A. Call To Order  
Others present: Ronda Schwetz, Joseph Darcangelo, Kristin Moala, Courtney Cordova,  
Jess Thompson  
A motion was made by ROSS that the Zoo Commission meeting be called to  
order at 8:03am.  
7 - TAG EVERS, JEFFREY GUNDERSON, SARAH JUSTUS, MICHAEL  
PETERSEN, ANNE ROSS, JASMINE BANKS, and ERIN WELSH  
Present  
B. Consideration of Minutes  
C. Action Items  
AWARD OF CONTRACT TO JBM PATROL AND PROTECTION FOR  
SECURITY GUARD SERVICE  
2024  
RES-099  
2.  
Sponsors: ENGELBERGER  
Attachments:  
2024 RES-099  
2024 RES-099 Fiscal Note  
2024 RES-099 CONTRACT #15543  
Joseph Darcangelo talked about this resolution. The zoo currently has overnight  
security year-round. This resolution would also give the zoo a daytime security person  
on grounds between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which is when the zoo sees the  
majority of its guests. Having a security person on grounds will help with many of the  
guest services issues the zoo deals with all summer including reuniting children with  
parents, dealing with any disruptive guests, and helping guests with disabilities.  
Discussion ensued.  
A motion was made by JUSTUS, seconded by EVERS, that the Resolution be  
recommended for approval. The motion carried by a voice vote.  
D. Presentations  
2024  
PRES-064  
Attachments:  
2024 PRES-064  
Joseph Darcangelo updated the Commission on the proposed 2025 zoo budget that  
was sent to the County Executive's office. The zoo makes up less than 1% of the  
County's total budget. There were minimal changes this year. The concession's budget  
was adjusted to separate out the operations of the train and carousel, which the Zoo  
currently operates. There are no new capital requests, only ongoing requests needed to  
maintain our grounds and animal health center.  
There are two new positions in the budget for the zoo, a new FTE education outreach  
coordinator, which will be paid for by a slight increase in zoo camp registrations, and a  
water quality analyst. The zoo currently contracts water quality services but that limits  
on-ground help to four times per year. Having a FTE position on grounds will improve all  
exhibits with water including seals, bears, flamingos, Aviary, and the Herpetarium. The  
analyst position would work directly with the zoo veterinarian and be able to assist with  
animal welfare as well.  
Discussion ensued.  
A motion was made by ROSS, seconded by JUSTUS, that the Presentation be  
placed on file. The motion carried by a voice vote.  
E. Reports to Committee  
Ronda Schwetz updated the Commission on animal acquisitions and upcoming  
departures, as well as recent events at the Zoo.  
F. Future Meeting Items and Dates  
The next meeting will be held on October 1st at 8am in person at the Zoo.  
G. Public Comment on Items not on the Agenda  
None  
H. Such Other Business as Allowed by Law  
Courtney Cordova and Jess Thompson spoke to the Commission about 20224  
RES-119, a resolution that will allow the Zoo to accept grant money that will help us  
evaluate the effectiveness of our interpretive master plan. The grant funds will be used  
to hire a LTE position who will be responsible for evaluating and training staff on  
conservation action interpretation.  
I. Adjourn  
A motion was made by EVERS, seconded by JUSTUS, that the Zoo Commission  
meeting be adjourned at 9:22am. The motion carried unanimously.  
Respectfully submitted by Kristin Moala, pending approval by the Commission.