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Thread: Dog lives matter

  1. #181
    Member mark blazejewski's Avatar
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    Town to pay more than anticipated for new dog control facility

    July 15, 2021

    by MARIA PERICOZZI Editor

    At the July 5 meeting, the Lancaster Town Board voted to finance the new dog control facility cost that is not covered by a grant, which is three times higher than the pre-pandemic estimate.

    In January 2020 before the pandemic began, the board was given a conservative high preliminary cost estimate of $280,000 to $320,000 to build the new dog control facility. The town applied for a grant to cover the cost, which was 75% funded, with a 25% match.

    In March 2020, the town was awarded the grant of $228,759 from the Department of Agriculture under the state’s companion animal capital fund, and the town would be responsible for 25% of the match, around $76,250.

    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the price of building materials rose, and the recent bids for the project came in much higher.

    The dog control facility is now expected to cost $485,000 total, with $228,759 of the total being from the grant.

    The resolution approves the town paying for the remaining $256,250 of the project, which is about three times more than the original expected amount of $76,250.

    The resolution passed with a 4-1 vote. Supervisor Ronald Ruffino Sr. voted against the resolution.

    “I am 100% in favor of building a new dog control facility, however, I feel that the current time is not the best time to build it,” Ruffino said.

    The town originally planned for a 1,200-square-foot facility and garage, but it increased to a 1,600-square-foot facility and garage, with the addition of specialty items that increased the cost. Ruffino said for the awarded grant, the town has the ability to request a two-year extension, twice, without jeopardizing the grant.

    “I believe at some point, the cost of materials will level back down, so my position is to hold off paying more money and re-bid when the cost of materials starts coming down,” Ruffino said.

    The current facility poses issues for the Dog Control officers, and numerous residents have issued complaints regarding the facility. If there is an overflow, dogs are put in crates in the office spaces, which is a state violation. There also are no large-breed dog kennels, no place to walk or exercise the dogs, and visitors can feed the dogs or stick their fingers through the kennels.

    Council member Adam Dickman said in April that the facility is “basically a shed that houses four dogs.”

    During the May 3 meeting, council member Michael Wozniak said the cost of construction materials was going through the roof, and that he was curious to see how bids come in.

    “The dog control facility is starving for room,” Wozniak said May 3. “The existing conditions are deplorable, in my opinion, and we need to do something right. Trying to stay positive here, but for me personally, the focus is to get a new facility in some way, shape or manner. It’ll be challenging.”

    The next Lancaster Town Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, July 19, at Town Hall, 21 Central Ave., Lancaster. A work session will be held at 6:30 p.m.

    Reference: https://www.lancasterbee.com/article...trol-facility/


    "The town originally planned for a 1,200-square-foot facility and garage,"
    seriously?
    Last edited by mark blazejewski; July 15th, 2021 at 11:23 AM.
    LIDA Member Rinow to Member Ruda: You were a sitting Trustee on the Board. Did you help support Mr. Sweeney getting a seat on the CDC Board?"

  2. #182
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    https://www.lancasterbee.com/article...trol-facility/

    In January 2020 before the pandemic began, the board was given a conservative high preliminary cost estimate of $280,000 to $320,000 to build the new dog control facility. The town applied for a grant to cover the cost, which was 75% funded, with a 25% match. The town originally planned for a 1,200-square-foot facility and garage, but it increased to a 1,600-square-foot facility and garage, with the addition of specialty items that increased the cost.
    The town did not plan for a 1,200 sq. ft. building. The 1,200 sq. ft. plan was erroneously cost estimated. The State Animal Companion grant application was for a 2,100 sq. ft. building (not 1,600)) with nine (9) kennels, a two-car garage, etc. A ‘contractor’ who was assigned to estimate project cost incorrectly cost estimated the wrong project design plan. The public still has no knowledge of what the current project encompasses.

    “I am 100% in favor of building a new dog control facility, however, I feel that the current time is not the best time to build it,” Supervisor Ruffino said (explaining his resolution ‘no’ vote. “I believe at some point, the cost of materials will level back down, so my position is to hold off paying more money and re-bid when the cost of materials starts coming down,” Ruffino said.
    The lowest of the eight May construction bids from MGR has been reduced from $603,000 to $485,000. Was it already reduced for foreseeable material cost reductions or has something more been eliminated from the recent bid design? Wasn’t MGR the contractor that initially underestimated the initial grant application project cost?

    There was an initial contractor project cost estimate SNAFU from the get-go. The grant application should have been for $500,000 which would have covered today’s $485,000 project cost – minus three kennels and who knows whatever else. The cost to the town would have been $125,000, not $260,000.

    Stop the song & dance blame game and replace the ‘deplorable / inadequate’ dog shed. It’s not the first time the town has mistakenly squandered taxpayers money. It’s time to move on. The estimated time of construction is four months.

  3. #183
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    Bid award resolution for Dog Shelter Project

    At Monday evening’s town board meeting, resolution #12 proposes awarding a construction bid for the new Lancaster Dog Shelter. The contract will go to MGR Constructors for $485,000.

    MGR was the lowest of eight contractor bids submitted on May 3, 2021, at $603,000. Town Engineer Ed Schiller approached MGR Contractors, Inc,, to “Value Engineer” their documents to reduce costs to meet budgetary restrictions. Schiller now recommends MGR receives project construction approval after MRG reduced the bid from $603,000 to $485,000 - after MGR applied “Value Engineering" techniques to their original bid and has submitted Change Order No 1 to reduce the project cost amount by $128,044.

    The resolution Change Order description states: The original contract amount was based on an estimated quantity-quality for items included for construction. This is the adjustment to reflect the changes for those bid items.

    There is no language in the resolution that indicates what ‘changes’ are being made – whether there is a project construction cost adjustment, or whether changes have been made to building design, size, materials, equipment, etc.

    In a communication that was received by the Supervisor’s office on July 14th and received today by the Clerk’s office and published in the communications (602), Town Engineer Edward Schiller writes in a correspondence sent to Ag & Markets:

    As anticipated the Town Board authorized going to Bid and bids were received May 26, 2021. Bids were received and the low bid was still over budget. However, the low bidder agreed to negotiate and Value Engineer the project. Alternate materials were submitted for review and approval. A new cost was submitted, and the Town Board agreed to Bond the required amount needed.

    The facility floor plan is unchanged, and the garage will be included. Material changes included exterior wall (Morton Style vs Pre-manufactured, on demand vs hot water tanks, metal studs vs wood) as well as other minor changes. The elements per the grant (kennel walls and flooring, separate HVAC, wash basin, exam room, hot water, etc.) are unchanged.


    Information too little and too late for a public vested in the project to address the Town Board on the subject this coming Monday.

    The resolution states the ‘specifications are on file’ in the office of Wm. Schutt & Associates, PC. Why are the new specifications not made accessible on the town website or ON FILE in the Town Clerk’s office – accessible to a public unable to venture out? Why haven’t any of the several alternate project designs been made accessible to a public asked to comment on the project.

    One thing is crystal clear, town taxpayers are obligated to pay more for services and receiving less because of a screw-up in initially estimating dog shelter project construction costs and not appropriately applying for maximum allowable NYS Animal Companion grant funding.

    The shelter needs to be built. The public needs to hear the truth on how we got where we are and what kind of shelter our money will buy.!

  4. #184
    Member mark blazejewski's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lee Chowaniec View Post

    The shelter needs to be built. The public needs to hear the truth on how we got where we are and what kind of shelter our money will buy.!
    Those of us who love animals and value our furry family members owe you a debt of gratitude for getting this project moving.

    I also wish to extend my thanks to Mrs. Karn for all of her virtuous efforts. The Dog Control Office staff, pet owners, and of course the animals, could not have a more trusted advocate and dedicated friend.
    LIDA Member Rinow to Member Ruda: You were a sitting Trustee on the Board. Did you help support Mr. Sweeney getting a seat on the CDC Board?"

  5. #185
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    MGR Constructors, Inc awarded Dog Shelter construction bid

    By a 4-1 vote MGR Constructors Inc. were chosen by the Lancaster Town Board to build the new dog shelter. Supervisor Ruffino was the lone ‘no’ vote.

    MGR was the lowest of eight contractors bidding on the construction of the shelter received and reviewed on May 26th - $603,000. Town consulting Engineer Ed Schiller approached MGR to ‘Value Engineer’ their bid documents in order to reduce costs to meet budgetary restrictions.

    MGR applied ‘Value Engineering’ techniques to their original bid and has submitted Change Order No. 1 to decrease the amount by ($128,044.00). The Town Board approves Change Order No. 1 to MGR Constructors, Inc, with respect to the outlined description provided to the Town Board which has been certified by engineer Edward Schiller, to contain no material changes:

    DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 1: The original contract amount was based on an estimated quantity/quality for items included for construction. This is the adjustment to reflect the proposed changes for those bid items.

    In the two-year-long process to get to this point we have seen several different shelter plans with myriad changes and the mantra ‘we may have to think outside the box’. So, the question becomes what has been eliminated from the $603,000 bid to reduce the project construction cost by $128,000?

    We are advised that the project specifications can be reviewed at the office of Wm. Schutt & Associates, P.C. Will the $603,000 bid specifications also be made available for comparison? What is being eliminated to account for the ‘Value Engineered’ $128,000 project cost reduction. Why not accessible on the town website?

    The $128,000 project savings sounds fiscally responsible. The $485,000 project cost exceeds the project cost by $135,000 had the town applied for the max NYS Animal Companion grant of $500,000 – not the $305,000. The town’s portion of the $500,000 grant would have been $125,000 (25%), not $260,000.

    Supervisor Ruffino voted ‘no’ on this resolution and the bond resolution declaring the town had time to wait until material costs came down. This individual as well as 63% of Lancaster residents voted the building should take place now. The current 4-kemmel shed is in deplorable shape – as the Supervisor and boards members have declared. The need to build is imminent.

    Go back to square one and ask who estimated the project cost to build a 9-kennel facility with a two-car garage, etc. could be constructed for $305,000.

    Just build the damn thing. The dogs, staff and residents deserve better,

  6. #186
    Member gorja's Avatar
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    In case anyone is interested, this is the grant application contract that I FOIL'd for from the NYS Dept of Agriculture and Markets.
    https://apis.mail.aol.com/ws/v3/mail...c-5a0217010600

    Georgia L Schlager

  7. #187
    Member gorja's Avatar
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    Oooops!! Apparently the link won't open. I'm not up to posting 53 single pages

    Georgia L Schlager

  8. #188
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    NYS Animal Companion grant & drawings

    Individuals who have become confused by what was originally in the 1/16/19 NYS Animal Companion grant and what has recently been approved for development can examine the attachments to determine original project cost estimate vs. current cost and comparative building dimensions.

    Building dimensions are similar. New drawing shows three less kennels (9 – 6), smaller garage, and other subtle changes. In a work order change MGR lower the bid price by $128,000 that resulted in the town’s project cost to come in at $485,000. It is yet to be determined if anything else was removed from the contract bid with the project cost reduction.

    Where the grant application project cost to the town was estimated at $76,250, the cost to the town is now $257,000, and the town will be getting less in return.

    NYS Animal Companion grant application.pdf

    new and old kennel drawings.pdf

  9. #189
    Member mark blazejewski's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lee Chowaniec View Post
    NYS Animal Companion grant & drawings

    Individuals who have become confused by what was originally in the 1/16/19 NYS Animal Companion grant and what has recently been approved for development can examine the attachments to determine original project cost estimate vs. current cost and comparative building dimensions.

    Building dimensions are similar. New drawing shows three less kennels (9 – 6), smaller garage, and other subtle changes. In a work order change MGR lower the bid price by $128,000 that resulted in the town’s project cost to come in at $485,000. It is yet to be determined if anything else was removed from the contract bid with the project cost reduction.

    Where the grant application project cost to the town was estimated at $76,250, the cost to the town is now $257,000, and the town will be getting less in return.

    NYS Animal Companion grant application.pdf

    new and old kennel drawings.pdf
    Thank you for posting the drawing(s) and the document Lee.

    After a quick review, they certainly serve to set things straight and clear in my mind.
    LIDA Member Rinow to Member Ruda: You were a sitting Trustee on the Board. Did you help support Mr. Sweeney getting a seat on the CDC Board?"

  10. #190
    Member gorja's Avatar
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    Since I'm still unable to upload my FOIL pdf through speakup, I'll do it this way http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view...d=8263825&da=y
    Attached Files Attached Files
    Last edited by gorja; August 11th, 2021 at 06:46 PM.

    Georgia L Schlager

  11. #191
    Member mark blazejewski's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gorja View Post
    Since I'm still unable to upload my FOIL pdf through speakup, I'll do it this way http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view...d=8263825&da=y
    Thank you for posting the FOIL response and records which confirm that Supervisor Ruffino submitted a grant application to NY State on July 16, 2020.

    As there is no dispute as to the submission of the application, your post supports the unchallenged. After a quick perusal, the posted response and records appear to raise no new issue, at least from my viewpoint.
    Last edited by mark blazejewski; August 12th, 2021 at 08:39 AM.
    LIDA Member Rinow to Member Ruda: You were a sitting Trustee on the Board. Did you help support Mr. Sweeney getting a seat on the CDC Board?"

  12. #192
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    New dog shelter construction scheduled for September

    In his dog control committee report at Monday’s town board meeting councilmember Mike Wozniak announced construction of the new dog shelter would begin sometime in September absent some ‘curveball’ halting the project’s progress. A meeting was to take place today between the town and engineering to move the project forward.

    No reference was made to the nature of said ‘curveball’ that could come along now two years after the town initiated the construction project, 17 months after receiving a $228,000 NYS Animal Companion grant, board approved bonding for the project, and contractor contract consignment to begin construction in July 2021.

    Lancaster taxpayers have seen enough ‘curveballs’ over the past 2+ years. Enough delays, increases in project costs with less services to be provided, and inexcusable defensive posturing.

    There is consensus by town administrators and the public that the 4-kennel shed is inadequate, in deplorable condition and in dire need of replacement. An operation where the Dog Control Officer’s office is several hundred feet distant from the kennels.

    July’s three week Dog Control activity report confirms the operation is efficient / worthy and in need for a more functional building that promotes the safety and wellbeing of dog shelter staff and public's as well. Dog bite and aggressive dog incidents are increasing.

    July Dog Control report (up to July 21)

    247 Complaints or calls received
    107 Calls responded to / follow-ups
    17 Compliance notices
    16 Final notices
    26 Court appearance tickets issued
    5 Dog bite reports filed
    8 dogs redeemed.
    0 Dog rescue transfer
    1 Dog transfer to SPCA
    0 Dogs euthanized
    0 Deceased dogs
    1,507 miles patrolled with van

    It is unfortunate that the Town Justice and Town Prosecutor are reticent in enforcing punitive action for violations leading to court appearance.

    As thee town grows every department but dog control has seen budgetary increases - unlike this department, a department that by law is supposed to be receiving license revenues, but does not. A part time staff that is paid less today than it was a decade ago - less than an employee flipping burgers at McDonalds and subject to hazard job conditions.

    Build the damn thing! NOW!

  13. #193
    Member mark blazejewski's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by lee chowaniec View Post

    Build the damn thing! Now!
    Amen!!!
    LIDA Member Rinow to Member Ruda: You were a sitting Trustee on the Board. Did you help support Mr. Sweeney getting a seat on the CDC Board?"

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    Through a program called ‘The Vocational Work Experience Program’ the Lancaster School District has for the fourth consecutive year agreed to collaborate with the Lancaster Dog Control Department to provide vocational training to students, with and without disabilities, that prepares them for their eventual entry into the workforce.

    The goal is for students to develop a comprehensive skill set comprised of general workspace responsibilities, e.g., being held responsible for tasks, timely completing all assigned tasks, and to the extent possible making independent decisions.

    Working with DCO Jean Karn students will learn the department’s operational side, maintenance requirements, proper and safe manner in approaching a dog safely, as well as interacting with assistance dogs.

    The student will initially work under the supervision of his/her job coach, which will be a District employee. Eventually, the goal is to decrease the job coaches participation and oversight of the student so that the student becomes independently capable of carrying out the task(s).

    The Dog Control Department also provides seminars for schools, businesses, and other entities needing employee training in approaching and dealing with animals safely while performing services.

    Hopefully, the new dog control shelter will be quickly constructed to provide students a better operational environment to learn.

  15. #195
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    Lee, when Mr. Wozniak is defeated this fall, I am confident his replacement will push and push until it is complete. Mr. Wozniak has never taken any real interest in this so-needed project. The same for the incompetent town engineer. He is another that may be sent packing along with the lazy town lawyer after the elections.
    Frank Lee Speaking....

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