City approves HCI contract to renovate Bedford shelter after months of planning

The council considered a construction contract to renovate the Bedford animal shelter (referred to in the transcript as the Bedford Bridal Shelter). Staff presented a bid package with HCI Commercial as the selected contractor. The bid amount noted in the meeting was approximately $3.227 million and staff recommended including a 15% owner contingency to cover potential surprises during renovation and pricing volatility; staff said any change order would require management approval.

Police Chief Bobby Lapena, who spoke to the item, said staff would coordinate animal relocation as part of preconstruction activities and that a preconstruction meeting was already scheduled. Council approved the contract unanimously and staff said construction is expected to take roughly nine months with liquidated damages (a per‑day penalty) for schedule overruns; staff will report back with move‑out and scheduling details before work begins.