By Kevin M. Smith
Killeen Daily Herald

The Killeen Animal Shelter renovations and addition are expected to be in the construction phase within weeks.

The Killeen City Council approved the job order contract with Jamail Smith Construction for $204,941 at its meeting Tuesday.

During a workshop before the meeting, Michael Marrs, of Michael Marrs Architects Inc., told the council he can hand the plans over to the contractor in two to three weeks. Clinton Young, of Jamail Smith Construction, said his company can begin work within 10 days of getting the plans from the architect.

Marrs presented design plans to the council during the workshop.

"These are preliminary plans," Marrs told the council, noting that this was its opportunity to make changes. "It's a real tight budget; I'm trying to find some areas to keep the cost down."

The preliminary plans he presented included renovation of the building to relocate the entrance, include a larger lobby, new work area and new quarantine area.

The building at 3118 Commerce Drive is about 80 feet long and 40 feet wide. The plans also call for a new dog kennel, about 58 feet long and 31 feet wide. It will include a large open area for dog cages and rooms for laundry and storage.

The project, originally approved by Killeen voters as a $180,000 bond in 2002, escalated in price as the Animal Advisory Committee began working on plans in March.

Other costs include new kennel cages, architectural and engineering services and an incinerator. The total project cost is about $299,000.

Contact Kevin M. Smith at ksmith@kdhnews.com or call (254) 501-7550