Kenner approves $2.56 million agreement for police emergency operations center design; state funding covers design phase

Kenner City Council on June 30 approved an agreement not to exceed $2,558,630.29 with Linfield Hunter & Junius Incorporated for architectural and engineering services to design a proposed police emergency operations center and training facility.

The agreement covers the design and construction-administration phase for a complex that the city says will include a 15-lane indoor shooting range, a shoot house, an armory, an auditorium, classrooms and an emergency operations center on the north side of Kenner. City staff said the design phase is funded primarily by an initial $2,500,000 allotment from a state criminal justice and first responders fund; the design work will be used to develop construction cost estimates and to pursue additional state or federal construction funds.

Kenner Police Department leadership described the project as a longstanding goal intended to reduce travel to off-site ranges and to concentrate specialized tactical and training capabilities locally. The chief said the design phase is required before construction estimates and that state and federal law require qualifications-based selection for professional services, which focuses on experience and qualifications rather than price.

Council members sought to emphasize funding clarity. Council member Brannigan asked whether there was any Kenner local funding in this phase; staff said no local funds were being used for the professional services contract, though a local match could be discussed in a later construction phase. A member of the public, Greg Tefft of the Fifth District, said he initially opposed the contract on grounds of a perceived no-bid process but indicated relief after hearing staff explain the state funding and procurement rules.

Direct quote: "Now there might be a match down the road that we'll have to talk about, but right now, this is all state money," said the Kenner Police Department chief during the council discussion.

The ordinance (summary ordinance number 13,854) passed unanimously, 6-0. Staff said additional oversight from state commissions will apply if the city moves to draw construction funds from the state; the design work was presented as the necessary step to make the project shovel-ready for future construction dollars.

Ending: The council approved the design contract and directed staff to proceed with design services and follow-up work to identify construction-phase funding.