Elko council approves Myers Anderson Architects to design new animal shelter

The Elko City Council voted to select Myers Anderson Architects to provide schematic design services for a proposed new animal shelter, after a selection committee reviewed 15 statements of qualifications and interviewed four firms.

Ralph Negron and Jan (speaker 15) told the council the Local Area Shelter Support Organization (LASO) has committed to lead a capital campaign to fund construction while the city agreed in last year’s budget to pay for design. Negron explained the committee narrowed submissions to a recommended firm that has done similar local projects and can be available for on-site needs during construction.

Jan reported the shelter is currently dated and limited in capacity; she later told the council the shelter recently received 33 dogs from a hoarding case from Mountain Lake County and is retaining those animals pending court disposition. Local groups are fostering some animals and the community has donated specialized food and supplies.

Council member Joe (speaker 2) moved to approve selection of Myers Anderson Architects and the council unanimously voted aye; staff will negotiate a professional services agreement for later council review and approval.

No construction contract or funding appropriation was approved at the meeting; the city’s action was limited to selecting a design firm and directing staff to negotiate terms. Jan said LASO will undertake a capital campaign to raise construction funds and the item remains contingent on that fundraising and a future council approval of a professional services agreement.