Council approves demolition-phase GMP amendment with Nabholz for animal shelter property; members request broader shelter discussion

The Olathe City Council unanimously approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendment with Nabholz Construction for Phase 1 demolition and construction management services tied to a property purchased by the city for an eventual animal shelter. Council action on the amendment (agenda Item P) passed 7-0 on Sept. 16.

City staff said the amendment covers demolition of existing buildings on the city-acquired parcel so the land can be repaved and reconfigured into three parcels; two of the parcels are planned for immediate sale facing Santa Fe, with the remaining parcel intended for the eventual animal shelter. Director of Quality of Life Mike Jensen (identified in council discussion) explained the intent was to clear existing structures that had become targets for homeless encampments and to ready the property for redevelopment. “The property that we acquired for this has buildings on it now that need to be demolished. And then it'll be broken into 3 parcels, 2 of which will be for sale right up front on Santa Fe,” Jensen said.

Council Members Paul Felter and (identified in the transcript) Skidover said they pulled the item from the consent agenda to record their interest in having more council-level input into shelter planning because of the project’s dollar value and the broader policy choices involved in a new animal shelter. Felter said he supported the demolition contract but asked staff to return with proposals for partnerships and additional options for the shelter program and funding. “I will support this item, but I still want the presentation on [the] animal shelter,” Felter said.

Council Member Skidover echoed the request, noting existing shelter conditions are inadequate and that the capital-improvement program already contains a line for a new animal shelter in the $18–19 million range. Multiple council speakers noted the council will have additional opportunities to consider scope and function as staff brings forward facility options and financing plans; several members praised staff’s work and asked for future briefings on partnerships and programmatic elements.

A roll-call vote on the GMP amendment recorded seven yes votes. The council directed staff to continue coordinating demolition work with site-readiness and to return with programmatic and partnership options for the animal shelter project as part of future briefings and CIP discussions.

Votes and next steps: GMP Amendment No. 1 to the Nabholz agreement for Phase 1 demolition services approved 7-0; staff to proceed with demolition services and return to council with animal-shelter operational and partnership options and further scope details before broader construction funding decisions.