Frisco council tables letter of intent for proposed animal facility after residents press for more study

Frisco City Council on Oct. 21 voted to table consideration of a nonbinding letter of intent (LOI) that would have authorized staff to begin negotiating partnership agreements with a proposed operator for a new city animal facility.

City staff outlined a public‑private partnership model in which the Frisco Community Development Corporation (CDC) would fund, design and build a roughly 19,000‑square‑foot, two‑story facility on a four‑acre CDC parcel near PGA Parkway and Preston Road and lease private business space to the operator. Ken Schmidt, director of special projects, told council the CDC would provide just under $13 million to design and construct the building and that the operator’s private business space is projected to recover about $7.7 million of that cost. The presentation described a base rent of $32,000 per month (payable in cash or in services such as animal care), an additional rent equal to 15% of net profit after year one, and estimated operations and maintenance of about $12,000 per month. Schmidt said the city’s goal is to maintain a minimum five‑day hold for unclaimed adoptable animals and to expand adoption, training and community services on site.

But animal advocates and residents told council the LOI should not move forward without further analysis and clearer policies. Abby Allison urged the council to “stop sending animals to Collin County,” saying transfer to the county had resulted in animals being euthanized and asking why Collin County was being used as a backstop. Allison and other speakers requested a feasibility study or needs assessment that would revisit proposed kennel counts and cat capacity, asked about owner‑surrender policies and quarantine procedures, and urged that the city plan to house sufficient animals rather than rely on an outside shelter.

Council members said they had received many written questions and that staff has been compiling answers. Several members said they wanted an additional public meeting so residents could hear answers and staff could incorporate input. Council agreed to a special council meeting on Nov. 3 for additional public engagement and added the matter to the Nov. 4 council agenda. A motion to table the LOI carried 5‑0.

The LOI itself is nonbinding, staff emphasized: if approved later, it would authorize negotiations but any final partnership agreements and funding decisions would return to council and the CDC for formal approval. Schmidt said next steps also include more detailed design work, procurement of architects and completion of studies that would inform final kennel counts and operational policies. The proposed operator named in staff materials is Nicole Kohanski of a local boarding/training business and K9 Lighthouse rescue; staff reported the city did not competitively bid the partnership because it followed the city’s established public‑private partnership approach and had pursued direct outreach to identify a partner aligned to Frisco’s goals.

Council members who supported the tabling motion said it would allow time to answer outstanding technical questions and to avoid public misperception that the LOI signals a done deal. Those who supported progressing the LOI without further delay said an LOI helps secure partner interest and enables staff to spend time and money to produce the detailed studies and agreements required for a final decision. If the LOI returns, council will consider a formal agreement in a later meeting once staff and partners complete negotiations and supplemental studies.