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Rio Grande City staff outline plan to add 20 kennels, split smaller runs for animal-control facility
Summary
Staff described an expansion plan at the city’s animal control facility that would add roughly 20 kennels (plus smaller subdivided runs for small animals), new drainage and state-required infrastructure; city staff said final plans for bidding would be presented in about two weeks.
City staff told the Rio Grande City Commission on May 20 that they plan to expand the municipal animal-control kennels and will seek bids after final plans are submitted.
Animal-control staff said the current facility has 10 kennels and the plan proposes adding 20 more, with some of the new spaces divided to create smaller runs for cats and small animals. The project includes upgraded drainage, state‑required design elements and security cameras, and staff said the site under consideration sits on Eisenhower Street near a 14‑acre property owned by the city.
Animal-control staff showed commissioners construction sketches and described the typical kennel size as 3 by 6 feet; they explained that one of the new, larger units could be subdivided into multiple smaller compartments for cats and wildlife. Staff said the scheme must meet state kennel and drainage standards and be approved by state regulators before construction.
Public works staff and the animal-control director said the project will undergo bidding. The commission was told that a complete set of plans will be provided for approval and bidding within about two weeks. “In 2 weeks, I’ll give you guys a complete set of plans for you guys to start sending it out,” staff said during the meeting.
Commissioners asked about staffing, spay/neuter vouchers and rabies‑clinic results; animal‑control leadership reported a recent vaccination clinic with more than 200 animals and said the city is preparing a spay/neuter voucher program expected to distribute roughly 50–100 vouchers.
No construction contract was awarded at the May 20 meeting; staff will bring finalized plans to the commission before advertising for bids.
