(a) Subject to the approval of the board, the director shall organize the district zoological park and garden and provide for such officers, agents and employees necessary for the operation thereof. These positions shall be filled solely on the basis of training, experience and other qualifications in the field of zoo management.

(b) As the executive secretary and principal administrative officer of the board, and subject to its approval, the director shall operate the district zoological park and garden and enforce all regulations and policy decisions of the board in regard thereto. He shall perform such other duties as may be directed by the board.

(c)

(i) As directed by the board, the director may establish a schedule of charges for admission to or the use of the district zoological park and garden or any related facility, except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, provide for the sale of gifts, souvenirs, food and beverages, and grant concessions for the sale of such items. The granting of any concessions relative to food, beverages and transit shall not be subject to the competitive bidding procedures, except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph.

(ii) In the granting of such concessions, a contract for such concessions shall be made either upon sealed bids or by direct negotiation by obtaining two (2) or more quotations for the service when possible. At least thirty (30) days before awarding a directly negotiated contract, the zoological board shall, by written published notice, request quotations for the service to be provided. All quotations obtained shall be kept on file for a period of at least one (1) year after receipt thereof. If a contract is made upon sealed bids, the procedure for advertising and awarding bids shall conform to the provisions for competitive bidding in the laws of Mississippi.

(d) In order to encourage and permit the use of and access to the district zoological park and garden, the board shall establish an admissions policy providing for free admission to the district zoological park and garden for all visitors on certain days distributed throughout each year.