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Committee approves hiring WDM Architects to update wildlife sanctuary master plan with donated funds
Summary
The committee voted to hire WDM Architects to prepare a new master plan and strategic business plan for the wildlife sanctuary for $310,000, to be paid from a restricted donations account rather than taxpayer funds.
The Parks and Recreation Committee approved hiring WDM Architects to produce a master plan and strategic business plan for the city wildlife sanctuary, with the $310,000 cost to be paid from previously donated funds rather than the tax levy.
Dan (city staff) told the committee the sanctuary's last master plan dated from 1980 and needs updating to guide future exhibits, building uses, parking, circulation, ADA access, stormwater management and zoo licensing requirements. “So this will just guide us in the future of which direction to go,” Dan said.
Steve Lakatos, wildlife sanctuary superintendent, said the sanctuary operates an extensive animal rehabilitation facility and the master-plan process will include assessment of that facility and potential upgrades. He said the Friends of the Wildlife Sanctuary participated in the consultant review committee and supported the recommendation to hire WDM Architects.
Staff said the city solicited five proposals and received two; WDM Architects submitted the lower quote and have relevant zoo-design experience, according to the packet. The strategic plan portion will analyze finances and explore options to reduce reliance on the tax base, including revenue and fundraising strategies; staff said specific program or revenue recommendations will come later in the planning process.
Committee members asked about recent capital work at the sanctuary and staff confirmed recently completed projects — a renovated gift shop, expanded parking lot and current electrical upgrades in the bird cage area to meet USDA standards — would be considered by the consultant so new work would not unnecessarily remove or rework recent improvements. The master plan will include 5-, 10- and 30-year scenarios and a public input process; staff said implementation would return to the committee and council when funding or policy decisions were required.
A motion to hire WDM Architects using donated funds carried by voice vote; committee members emphasized the funds are donated and that future implementation would be subject to further review and available funding.
