Council approves preconstruction work for new pet adoption center; 3–2 vote on $231,250 task orders

The Terrell City Council approved task orders 3A and 3B for preconstruction services to complete design and bidding documents for a new pet adoption center, with a not-to-exceed cost of $231,250 charged to CO 2023 C. The motion passed 3–2 at the May 13 meeting.

Project manager Raylan Smith told council the new facility at 1100 Highway 34 is designed to meet current kennel and operational needs and gave a construction estimate the team reduced from about $6.1 million to roughly $5.6 million through value engineering. Smith said, “we have had a commitment from the volunteer group for that,” describing $262,000 in volunteer-dedicated items for landscaping, turf and shades.

Interim City Manager Mark Mills and staff framed the project as funded from the city’s CO 2023 C allocation; Mills and staff said allocating the project to that certificate-of-obligation account keeps it separate from general fund operations. Council discussed operational issues at the current shelter, the building’s storm damage history, and whether temporary fixes should be prioritized while the new facility is built. Several council members pressed for a short-term work plan to address roof, camera and HVAC problems at the existing facility until construction is complete.

Councilmember Phil Robinson moved approval of the task orders with a second from Donna Renee Anderson; the mayor cast the deciding vote and the motion carried 3–2. Council directed staff to return later with bid results and to estimate costs for temporary repairs at the existing shelter.