Title
Discuss Animal Shelter and Adoption Center Needs Assessment and Concept Design prepared by Quorum Architects and scaled alternatives discussed with the Capital Improvement Bond Committee.
Summary
Quorum Architects of Ft. Worth, Texas was retained by the City following the issuance of a Request for Statements of Qualifications late last year. Architect David Duman and Project Manager Kim Dowdy have prepared the attached needs assessment and conceptual design to determine scope and cost of a new animal shelter and adoption center. Based on previous discussions, the site considered within the report is at Lake Pflugerville. The scope was relatively unconstrained and includes ancillary facilities beyond the animal shelter and adoption center to address complementary functions for the facility and its environs at Lake Pflugerville, including additional parking, community meeting space, police satellite offices, the opportunity for veterinary services, high visibility and good access. The site at the lake, between the spillway and the north parking lot does not interfere with the proposed improvements associated with the Lake Pflugerville Master Plan authorized last year. Funds previously committed for parking could reduce the cost of this project since the parking constructed serves both needs.
While the Capital Improvement Bond Committee evaluated a range of projects, the animal shelter occupied much discussion because it had the most developed material from which to evaluate options. Through this process, as has been referenced, additional options were requested by the committee and developed by the architect for discussion, including an option B, B-1, and C. The City Council presentation file shows each of these three alternates with a conceptual site and floor plan and an itemized list of differences from Option A presented in the report. The Animal Shelter Technical Committee recommended Option A, and the Bond Committee recommended Option B-1 as was presented in June 2015.
The report also considers operations and maintenance of the facility, including staffing needs as follows:
2 Managers / Supervisors
12 Animal Control Officers (these may be split between shelter officers and field officers)
4 Administration Staff / Receptionist
5 Kennel Technicians
1 Janitor (to maintain public areas, restrooms, break rooms, and office)
10-12 primary Volunteers, plus periodic Volunteers to assist in:
-- Daily cleaning
-- Answering Phones
-- Feeding
-- Adoption Counseling
-- Bathing
-- Walking Dogs
-- Customer Service
-- Photography / Social Media
A total annual cost of operating and maintaining any of the proposed options for a new animal shelter has not been determined.
Status
The Animal Shelter Technical Committee recommended Option A as presented in this report. The Capital Improvement Bond Committee recommended Option B-1 and a monetary threshold to consider on a bond referendum.
Prior City Council Action
The Bond Committee presented their recommendations to the City Council on June 9, 2015.
Deadline for City Council Action
The City Council would need to direct staff to begin preparing documentation for various actions for a November 2015 bond election by July 28th to allow adequate time to call the bond election by the August 24 deadline.
Fiscal Impact
The Needs Assessment and Concept Design was funded by the general fund balance at a cost of $37,300.
Staff Recommendation
This item has been prepared for discussion.
Drafter
Trey Fletcher
Assistant City Manager