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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: March 5, 2026 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-h <br /> SUBJECT: Approval of Professional Services Agreement for Animal Services Improvements <br /> DEPARTMENT: Asset Management Services <br /> (AMS) <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> 1) Professional Services Contract Angel Barnes, 919.245.2628 <br /> 2) Professional Services Proposal Jovana Amaro, 919.245.2651 <br /> Alan Dorman, 919.245.2627 <br /> PURPOSE: To: <br /> 1) Approve the County entering into a professional services agreement with Smith Sinnett <br /> Architecture, P.A., for the Animal Services Improvements; and <br /> 2) Authorize the County Manager to execute the Agreement, subject to final review by the <br /> County Attorney, and any subsequent amendments for contingent and unforeseen <br /> requirements up to the approved budget amount on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. <br /> BACKGROUND: The Orange County Animal Services facility opened in 2009. Each year, the <br /> Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Animal Services Welfare Section conducts <br /> inspections of the facility. In Fiscal Year 2023-2024, the Board of Commissioners approved <br /> funding to replace the peeling epoxy flooring. <br /> In September 2023, Orange County issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) RFQ #367-5400 <br /> Professional Services for Various Architectural Projects located in Orange County, North Carolina <br /> for architectural firms to submit their qualifications for various related projects, including the <br /> replacement of the epoxy floor at the Animal Services facility. <br /> In November 2023, the evaluation committee reviewed the submitted package from Smith Sinnett <br /> Architecture, P.A, and negotiations began after the selection was made. During this process, <br /> another inspection of the facility revealed additional issues. Staff decided to pause the project and <br /> request further funding to address all identified items as a single project. This decision was made <br /> primarily to save on labor costs and minimize disruptions for both staff and animals. <br /> As part of the Capital Investment Plan approval during the June 17, 2025 Business meeting, the <br /> Board of Commissioners approved additional funding for several improvements, including the <br /> replacement of dog hold doors, relocation of the feeding areas, improve air quality and visibility, <br /> tint glass, replacement of the entrance curtain wall door and hardware, replacement of a retaining <br /> wall at the rear of the site, replacement of the existing greywater harvesting storage tank and add <br /> screening, and replacement of existing exhaust fans, among other items. <br />