Authorize the execution of a construction contract for improvements to the Animal Shelter, Whiskerville, with Choice Partners, Blue Ox Construction, Inc., contract #21/039MR-02, in the amount of $140,132.76.

In 2017, the City acquired the former Head Start trailer building for the repurposed use at the animal shelter as "Whiskerville".  Since that time, the building has been heavily utilized and has experienced treatment more typical of commercial use as opposed to the residential purpose for which it was originally designed.  

Currently, the building houses the shelter's cat population as well as a maternity ward, laundry and food preparation facilities, and a veterinary room in which medical supplies are kept. In addition, the majority of diagnostic testing and medication preparation occur within the building.  Activities within the building have impacted the stability of the floor. Sanitation protocols necessitate the daily use of industrial-grade cleaners, which contribute to the accelerated wear on the flooring.  The maternity ward areas are also impacted by moisture due to the potty training activities. These factors, in addition to moisture underneath the building due to poor drainage, have contributed to the need to replace the building's floor and subfloor in order to ensure the continued safety of the structure for the animals, employees, volunteers, and public.

Staff previously took measures to address the moisture underneath the building by adding a French drain and replacing the trailer skirting with lattice in an attempt to lower the moisture levels.  However, over time the issue continued. 

The vendor, Blue Ox Construction, Inc., is a Choice Partners Cooperative company (contract #21/039MR02).  Cooperative Agreements are with governmental purchasing organizations of which the City is a member. These agreements leverage the purchasing potential of governmental entities. All contracts are competitively bid, and contracts are awarded in compliance with state procurement laws and regulations.

Blue Ox Construction, Inc. conducted an assessment to determine the needed repairs to provide a more stable flooring and extend the life of the trailer.  The assessment determined several areas of moisture due to negative sloping and therefore water draining underneath the building, which has caused overly saturated soil conditions; old gutters and downspouts which are keeping the foundation from remaining dry, and evidence of termite-damaged-wood at the perimeter of the building (due to the moisture around the building).

Blue Ox Construction, Inc. scope of work includes the following items:

1. Install 24 additional piers to less the span distance between piers
2. Adjust and level building with hydraulic jack 
3. Repair, level and adjust existing piers affected by the soil movement
4. Remove and replace deteriorating wood from termite damage with a termite metal shield on top of existing and new piers
5. Demo and remove existing vinyl floor and subflooring
6. Install new subfloor and sheet vinyl flooring with welded seams

The associated cost of the project to repair "Whiskerville" is $140,132.76.  Funding is available in the Facilities Rehab Fund with a balance of $254,794.00.

The project is anticipated to begin in November and should achieve substantial completion within 90 Calendar Days.

The Environmental and Neighborhood Services Department requests the City Council authorize the execution of a construction contract for improvements to the Animal Shelter, Whiskerville, with Choice Partners, Blue Ox Construction, Inc., contract #21/039MR-02, in the amount of $140,132.76.