SAN CLEMENTE : Contract Awarded for Animal Shelter

The City Council has awarded a $500,000 contract to a San Diego-based construction company to build a long-awaited, humane animal shelter at Rancho San Clemente Business Park.

Groundbreaking is expected to begin next month and construction may be completed by February, said Jim Holloway, director of community development.

Of the $500,000 budgeted for the facility, $298,500 is from federal disaster relief funds, $200,000 will be donated by Friends of San Clemente Animals and $70,000 will be donated by the Animal Rescue Foundation of Dana Point.

“We’ve done two competitive bids and both of those have turned out too high,” said Councilman Patrick M. Ahle. “We hope this last bid is more palatable for the general community.”

The contractor, Black & Veach, will conduct a study to find out what modifications can be made to reduce costs of the project, Ahle said.

Black & Veach has agreed to cover any costs exceeding $500,000.

If the project turns out to cost less than $500,000 the savings will be shared, with 50% going to the contractor, 25% to the city and 25% to Friends of San Clemente Animals.

The city has yet to approve a joint-use agreement with Dana Point, which already has agreed to share the facilities and will contribute $197,000 to next year’s operating costs. The council will consider the joint-use agreement on Wednesday.

On Sept. 9, Friends of San Clemente Animals will hold a fund-raiser for the shelter at the Pacific Golf and Country Club, featuring a silent auction, casino gaming and a drawing for a $1,000 shopping spree at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 492-1617.