Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City contracts for design of free‑range cat rooms at animal shelter; Gossage Trust to fund project
Summary
Council approved WDM Architects for design and construction administration services for a free‑range cat room addition at the Hutchinson Animal Shelter; design fee $19,400 plus $4,910 for construction administration, to be funded from the Gossage Trust. The addition would include two free‑range rooms and catio/outdoor space to improve welfare and
The Hutchinson City Council on Oct. 21 approved hiring WDM Architects PA to design two free‑range (cage‑free) cat rooms and associated spaces at the Hutchinson Animal Shelter, with design fees of $19,400 and $4,910 in construction administration fees if construction proceeds. Parks and shelter staff said the work will be funded from the Gossage Trust, a private trust whose proceeds are dedicated to shelter improvements.
What a free‑range cat room is
"It's a way of housing cats not in boxes and cages," said Mikaela, Hutchinson’s animal services director. Free‑range rooms let cats move freely, socialize and display normal behaviors, which staff and researchers say reduces stress and illness and improves adoption rates. The WDM concept includes two indoor rooms with access to enclosed outdoor ‘‘catio’’ spaces, plus a small commissary/kitchen area for shelter operations.
Procurement and funding
Three proposals for design services were received. WDM was selected by staff and a selection committee based on local experience with animal shelter projects and because the firm provided a concept design with 3‑D renderings in its proposal. The $24,350 total includes design and a modest construction administration allowance. The Gossage Trust board previously indicated it would support using trust proceeds for design and—if approved later—construction, with the city planning to bond construction costs through the trust to earn higher interest benefit before paying for construction.
Timeline and next steps
Staff will proceed with detailed design and bring construction cost estimates back to the Gossage Trust board. If approved for construction, staff expects to bond the construction costs using trust proceeds and to follow procurement and bidding procedures. Council approved the design agreement unanimously.
Ending
Staff emphasized the addition will not increase intake capacity; it will improve welfare, reduce disease risk and increase adopter engagement by presenting cats in more natural, social settings.
Quote
"When you reduce stress in your cats, it reduces sickness and disease," the animal services director said.
