(Atlantic) The Animal Shelter expansion project is back on the table.
The Atlantic City Council is expected to hold a public hearing and set a bid date for March 17 on the project at Wednesday’s meeting.
The project is made possible through the generous donation of $135,000 from the Lorene Eppelsheimer estate to benefit the animals in the shelter, particularly cats.
Nearly one year ago, the City Council received the final plans and specifications for the project; however, the City Council rejected the bid and tabled the project when the lowest bid of $180,300.00 fell well above the estimated cost of $151,620, with $149,419.27 sitting in the Atlantic Animal Control gift fund balance.
Atlantic City Administrator John Lund says Atlantic’s fiscal position is better than expected this year. This, along with tight budgeting and re-estimated forecasts, gives the City more flexibility to reconsider the project.
The proposed project includes; a new floor and office space. Additionally, the project would increase the number of cages allowing the cat portion of the shelter to operate separately from the dogs. The project would also have proper food storage required by the state and an exam and grooming table, and a more efficient water heater.
Snyder and Associates are in charge of the final plans and specifications for the project.
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.
