Council tabled the vote on the letter of intent at its Oct. 21 meeting until Nov. 4 to provide more time to get feedback and answer questions from the community.
The details
The letter of intent would begin negotiations on a partnership between the city and Wiggle Butt Academy, a local business that offers training and behavioral modification services for dogs.
The partnership would commit the Community Development Corporation to developing the 4-acre facility. The facility would then be leased to Wiggle Butt Academy and its founder, Nicole Kohanski.
Frisco gets support from the Collin County shelter in McKinney for its animal needs. However, officials said residents are looking for a more convenient place to reunite with their pets, such as the proposed facility.
The specifics
The CDC would recoup its investment in the facility through rent payments and services provided by the operator.
On top of providing animal services support to the city, Kohanski would be allowed to operate private animal businesses on the site, to include a veterinary clinic, boarding facility, grooming and training.
Wiggle Butt Academy would help manage kennel operations and veterinary care for stray animals secured by the city’s animal services division.
Mayor Jeff Cheney said planning out the animal facility has been a multiyear process with city staff and that council members and residents will have more opportunities to provide their input before a final agreement is signed.
“There will be many bites at the apple,” Cheney said.
The background
Frisco officials have been considering an animal facility for years. A 2023 city bond committee recommended $5 million be placed on the ballot to build an animal shelter. The item ultimately was not added to the bond package, which passed in May 2023.
In November 2023, Collin County voters approved $5.7 million in bond funds for an expansion of the county shelter.
