Kennel pod estimate doubles; staff negotiating with Nichols and Fries

The committee received an update that the kennel pod project estimate has increased significantly since the 2025 presentation.

Animal Services Manager Amanda Wedel said the 2025 estimate for permits, testing and fees was $400,000, but a proposal from the firm Nichols and Fries was $800,000. "It was 800,000. So double... what we initially estimated," Wedel said, and warned that the higher proposal would also raise total construction costs.

Committee members cautioned that market factors could push prices higher if the project is delayed. One committee member with construction experience said the price could continue to rise if a nearby data center project drives demand. Wedel said staff have been negotiating with Nichols and Fries and will seek other firms if agreement on price cannot be reached. She said staff plan to update council not at the next meeting but at the following one, with a decision deadline set for that later council meeting.

No formal procurement decision was recorded at the meeting. Staff indicated they will return with a recommendation after negotiations and potential bidding.