Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoo Infrastructure Grant topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Zoo to replace two walk‑in coolers after single bid; receives $11,250 final grant from Moriah Fund
Summary
City staff recommended and the commission approved an $80,912 bid from Hutton Corporation to replace two walk‑in coolers at Lee Richardson Zoo after limited bidding; earlier in the meeting the zoo also received a $11,250 gift check from the Moriah Fund, which is closing.
The Garden City City Commission on Sept. 16 approved a bid from Hutton Corporation to replace two walk‑in coolers at Lee Richardson Zoo and accepted a final grantee gift from the Moriah Fund.
Zoo maintenance staff and Christie (zoo staff) explained the Nutrition Center addition built in 2002 included two coolers whose wall panels had warped and developed mold issues despite periodic repairs; the refrigeration equipment was replaced in 2019 and is not part of the replacement. The zoo solicited bids twice; the first solicitation received no bids and bidders indicated a required pre‑walkthrough had been a barrier. After reissuing the request without that requirement, the zoo received one bid on Aug. 26: Hutton Corporation at $80,912, exceeding the $40,000 budgeted amount.
The nut graf: staff recommended funding the additional cost from the capital improvement reserve, reallocating monies previously earmarked for other zoo projects (including $20,000 for a planned street ceiling project that staff said is no longer needed) and anticipated savings from a separate zoo generator installation. The commission approved the Hutton bid by voice vote.
Commission discussion noted the large price jump from the original $40,000 budget. Commissioner Manny Ortiz and others asked whether the existing refrigeration equipment was compatible with the new insulated cooler panels; staff said the refrigeration system replaced in 2019 should support the new cooler if the replacement provides improved insulation. Staff also said they had contacted multiple vendors and went through the city’s advertising and bidding process; only one responsive bid was received.
Separately during the public comment portion of the meeting, Lauren Duvall, speaking on behalf of the Moriah Fund board and citing Jeff Thorpe’s letter, presented a final grantee gift check of $11,250 to Lee Richardson Zoo. The check must be cashed or deposited by Oct. 15, 2025, per the letter included in the packet. Christie accepted the check on behalf of the zoo.
