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Peoria County to replace aging animal-shelter crematory; Matthews Environmental recommended as vendor, funding from Byerland Estate donation
Summary
Peoria County Animal Services recommended replacing an aging crematory unit, citing record shelter intake and repair costs. Purchasing received three proposals; Matthews Environmental was the lowest complete proposer at $95,000 plus a $5,000 contingency for removal/installation costs, to be paid from a restricted Byerland Estate donation.
Peoria County Animal Services staff told the Public Safety and Justice Committee they are moving forward to replace an aging crematory system after receiving a restricted donation from the Byerland Estate.
The shelter reported a record intake year of 6,006 animals, placing continued pressure on operations. Staff said the donation from the Byerland Estate is restricted and may not be used for salaries or wages, and they proposed using those funds for a replacement crematory.
“...This is a donation that came to us from the Byerland Estate, and was designated for basically anything but salaries and wages,” an Animal Services staff member said during the meeting.
Purchasing published a request for proposals for the animal cremation system on Oct. 18 with a return date of Nov. 20. Staff said three proposals were received; one proposal was incomplete because it omitted pricing for the removal and disposal of the existing unit, which will require crane removal and could add significant cost.
Animal Services recommended awarding the contract to Matthews Environmental as the lowest complete proposer. Staff said Matthews’ proposal was $95,000 with a $5,000 contingency, for a total of $100,000. The committee moved to accept and appropriate the Byerland Estate donation and to proceed with the procurement; the chair announced the measures passed by voice vote.
Committee members discussed whether the shelter should use a third-party cremation service temporarily while waiting for the new unit. Staff replied they have used third-party providers in the past and found those costs to be “astronomical,” and explained they had not spent money on repairs to the current unit in anticipation of replacement.
Staff said they plan to “nurse” the older unit along at reduced capacity until the new system is installed. Purchasing and Animal Services were directed to finalize contract details and schedule removal and installation; the county clerk/purchasing staff will process appropriation of the donation.
Sources and provenance: committee transcript of Animal Services presentation and committee motions.
