Metro, zoo leaders accept auditor report
Metro news release: Nov. 9, 2009
Contact: Jim Middaugh, 5-3-797-1505
Improved oversight and accountability needed for capital construction projects at the zoo
Metro Auditor Suzanne Flynn today released a critical audit of the Oregon Zoo's construction management practices. The Oregon Zoo is a service of Metro. The audit, which was encouraged by Metro, was designed to ensure the zoo would be able to effectively implement a $125 million infrastructure and animal welfare bond measure approved by voters in 2008.
The audit discovered that the zoo did not have adequate staff, controls or monitoring in place to manage multiple, complex construction projects. The audit examined management of the construction of the Cascade Canyon and Predators of the Serengeti exhibits. Both projects were initiated prior to voter approval of the 2008 bond.
"Metro is committed to fully implementing the recommendations provided by the auditor," said Scott Robinson, Metro's deputy chief operating officer. "The changes we've already made and the changes we will make in response to the audit will ensure we deliver on the promises made to voters."
The audit said the zoo's management procedures were not sufficient to effectively manage a major capital construction program and that consistent systems to maintain documentation and provide ongoing monitoring were not in place. It also described a culture where management continually asked staff to do more with less.
While the Predators exhibit was under construction, zoo managers and staff was simultaneously improving the Amur tiger exhibit, working on a stormwater master plan, developing a new landscaped trail for animatronic dinosaurs, designing a veterinary hospital, and preparing to host a national zoo and aquarium conference. In addition, the zoo attracted a record 1.6 million visitors.
"The zoo's staff is highly skilled in animal care, conservation education, safety and making sure people enjoy the zoo but it wasn't set up to manage multiple, complex construction projects," Robinson said.
Robinson said new checks and balances already are in place. "We have new people dedicated to managing our construction projects. We have new financial controls and reporting requirements. And most importantly, we have clear lines of authority and accountability, including a citizen oversight committee," Robinson said. "The auditor's review is making a significant difference" he said.
Metro has so far:
- Hired a bond manager, a construction manager and a construction project manager and shifted two full time positions from its maintenance staff to bond projects
- Formed an expert construction oversight committee made up of people from the construction, finance, architecture and animal care industries
- Formed a citizen-led performance oversight committee to review and publish annual financial audits and an annual report on the adequacy of bond governance and project management
- Put all Metro capital programs under the management of the Metro deputy chief operating officer to ensure role clarity and accountability
- Centralized budgetary and contract controls and oversight under the Metro Finance and Regulatory Services department
- Launched the development of Metro-wide comprehensive best practices for capital project management with the assistance of outside experts
- Begun a zoo master-planning process to address programmatic risks, dependencies and opportunities.
- Implemented new reporting requirements to ensure schedules and project changes are effectively managed and accounted for
Metro, the regional government that serves 1.5 million people who live in the 25 cities and three counties of the Portland metropolitan area, provides planning and other services that protect the nature and livability of our region. The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife.
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