Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Award of Contract for Animal Shelter Services.
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From: Darin Lenyi, Chief of Police
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Karla Santillan, Business Services Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
A. Approve a contract with Westminster Adoption Group and Services (WAGS) for Animal Shelter Services for Fiscal Years 2025-2030, a five-year term, in the amount of $4,757,485 over five years; and
B. Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City.
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BACKGROUND
On April 9, 2025, the Westminster Police Department issued Request for Proposal (RFP No. 25-PD0002) seeking qualified organizations to provide animal shelter services for the City of Westminster. The RFP was publicly advertised and widely distributed to promote a competitive and transparent selection process. By the submission deadline, the City received one responsive proposal from Westminster Adoption Group and Services (WAGS).
The proposal was evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Compliance with RFP requirements
• Understanding of the project
• Relevant experience with similar scope and complexity for other public agencies
• Educational background and directly related experience
• Proposed pricing
• Financial guarantees
• References
WAGS, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, currently serves as the City’s animal shelter provider. The City Council previously awarded WAGS the current contract at their meeting on March 11, 2020. That contract is set to expire on June 30, 2025.
The new RFP outlines a five-year contract beginning July 1, 2025. The selected provider is required to operate a shelter facility to house all animals impounded or quarantined by Westminster Animal Control Officers, including those impounded on behalf of the City of Stanton. The facility must be maintained 24 hours a day in a clean, sanitary, and safe condition, and operated in compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and humane animal care standards. Additionally, the RFP stipulates that the City will retain the ability to collect and manage related revenues.
WAGS Proposal
WAGS submitted a bid of $850,000 for the first year of service, with pre-determined yearly increases. Based on their strong history of providing reliable and satisfactory service to the community, staff recommends awarding the contract to WAGS. The proposed agreement is for a five-year term, beginning July 1, 2025, and continuing through June 30, 2030.
WAGS has been a part of the Westminster business community for nearly 20 years and is centrally located just one mile from the Westminster Police Department. This close proximity is a significant benefit to Animal Control Officers (ACOs), enabling them to drop off animals at the shelter at any time during their shifts without leaving the city. As a result, ACOs can dedicate more time to patrolling Westminster and Stanton and handling administrative duties at the station. The shelter’s location also offers convenient access for residents of both cities.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds in the amount of $850,000 are available in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget in the Animal Control Account 32000-43090 Contractual. No additional appropriation is required for this action.
A six percent annual increase to the contract price will take place at the beginning of year two and year three, and a five percent increase will take place in year four and year five; these amounts will be reflected in future budget allocations.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
WAGS currently serves as the city’s animal shelter provider. Approving the contract with WAGS ensures the city can continue to offer quality animal shelter services as needed through Animal Control operations.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Request for Proposal
2. Agreement with Westminster Adoption Group and Services
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager