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ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br />Meeting Date: November 2, 2006 <br />Action AgendaQ ~_ - <br />Item No. 1 ~ <br />SUBJECT: Contract Approval: Animal Services Facility Design Services <br />DEPARTMENT: Purchasing and Central PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No <br />Services, Animal Services <br />ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: . <br />Pam Jones (919) 245-2652 <br />Cost Proposal Bob Marotto (919) 968-2287 <br />PURPOSE: To consider authorizing a contract with Dixon Weinstein Architects for services <br />associated with the design of the new Animal Services Facility on Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill <br />and services associated with the regulatory approvals required for the project, at a cost not to <br />exceed $623,375, plus reimbursable costs. <br />BACKGROUND: The County has recently concluded aqualifications-based selection process <br />for design services associated with the proposed 19,000-24,000 square foot Animal Services <br />Facility, in which to consolidate all divisions of the Animal Services Department. Of the six firms <br />that responded, four were interviewed. While each of the firms is qualified, the design team led <br />by Dixon Weinstein is recommended for the Board's consideration. <br />The selection group focused not only on the design capabilities needed for a quality facility, but <br />also the ability of the consultant to shepherd the project effectively through the 12-15 month <br />regulatory review process that is required. The design team recommended is strong in both <br />areas. <br />Dixon Weinstein's work is well known to the County through the design work associated with the <br />Skills Development Center on Franklin Street, Chapel Hill; and mare recently through the design <br />of the Solid Waste Administration Building that will be built on Eubanks Road. The firm can <br />bring an innovative design approach to the project that incorporates elements that are important <br />to the success of the. project, -such as incorporating sustainable design elements into the <br />building and the development of the site; beginning the project with familiarity with the Eubanks <br />Road area because of on-going work with the Solid Waste Administrative offices; and a having <br />awell-developed working knowledge of the Chapel Hill regulatory process. <br />