Council hears mold, remediation and cost update for Killeen animal adoption facility; architect to assess options

City staff updated the Killeen City Council on the city's animal adoption facility after mold was detected at the Ranciere site and described next steps to correct drainage and evaluate renovation options.

Animal services staff said the city purchased the East Lake Veterinary Clinic (6,000 square feet) in 2023 for a final price of $1,770,000 with about $5,400 in immediate retrofit expenses; staff added approximately $33,000 in kennels paid through a Petco grant. An air‑quality test performed Feb. 24 returned levels within a safe range, but a May 27 mold test later confirmed the presence of mold and staff completed remediation earlier in the month at a cost of about $44,000. While remediation is complete, the building remains out of service and animal services moved operations to the Commerce Drive facility.

Staff described facility details that informed the original purchase: the clinic included a surgery suite and built‑in drainage in some kennels; staff said 16 built‑in kennels existed in the purchased clinic and that the facility could hold about 26 dog kennels and roughly 12 cat kennels when configured for shelter use. Staff said cleaning procedures — including squeegeeing cleaning agent and water from temporary kennels to main drains — likely contributed to water damage and mold growth because the clinic was not originally constructed as a long‑term shelter.

To address the problem, staff submitted a CIP request of $1,670,000 to correct drainage problems and expand kennel capacity. Staff reported engaging an architect to assess structural and drainage conditions and provide detailed cost and timeline options (remodel, add an addition, or rebuild). The city has procured a portable building (about $1,800 per month rent) to support in‑house veterinary procedures at the Commerce location while options are evaluated.

Council members pressed for more oversight and expressed concern about cost overruns on city facility projects. Council asked that the architect's assessment include design, engineering and construction cost estimates, timeline estimates and long‑term maintenance plans, and requested regular public progress reports and clear thresholds at which staff should recommend abandoning renovation in favor of a rebuild. Staff said the architect will be onsite that week and staff will return with options in the coming months.

The council took no vote on funding at the meeting; staff said they would return with firm estimated costs and schedule before any appropriation or contract award.