organization knows who they are working with. He said many local
businesses were involved in the work on the NFL Draft and the new airport
terminal. From a workforce perspective, these people will come from here.
Jeff Jenkins said these are people who we know and have worked with
previously. Donna Peyton asked how this team reflects the original
request for proposal that was submitted last year. Dan Wehmuller said the
proposals submitted were vetted by a committee of county staff
unanimously as being the most qualified team. That process focused on
qualifications. The overall budget was stated in the RFP and all
responding firms were aware of the price. JCDC Partners oversaw the
procurement of the design builder.
Jeanie Lauer, County Legislator, said the understanding was that this
project will be design-build to budget. That was the driving criteria with a
price of $256.6 million. The most qualified contractor to meet that budget
would be chosen. That has been a confusing factor in this process. We’ve
now come up with increased costs due to supply chain issues and Covid.
Ms. Lauer said she has had questions from constituents about unused
space in the facility. The building has a lot of open areas. Mr. Berglund
said many of these so called unused spaces are intended to be used.
DaRon McGee, County Legislator, asked the team to send an email
regarding the use and square footage of various spaces. Mr. Berglund
said they would follow up.
Ms. Lauer asked about the amount and type of glass used in the facility
and if it is secure or a risk for contraband or escape. Mr. Berglund said the
glass is to allow for more lighting and a bright space. The building has a
secure perimeter. The glass is not the typical glass used in most facilities.
They will send a video with specifics of these products.
DaRon McGee introduced Sean Putney, Executive Director/CEO Kansas
City Zoo, to present information regarding the Zoological District
Commission and the Kansas City Zoo. Sean Putney took the reins of the
Kansas City Zoo as executive director/CEO in January 2022. He brought
nearly 29 years of zoo and aquarium experience to the role, including 14
years at the Kansas City Zoo.
A native of Pennsylvania, Sean got his start at Catalina Island Marine
Institute in California before spending 12 years at Omaha’s Henry Doorly
Zoo. Sean began his tenure at the Kansas City Zoo in 2007 as an animal
curator, working his way up as he took on more responsibilities overseeing
the Zoo’s animal collection, animal care staff, conservation program,
veterinary health department, and facilities.
Mr. Putney said the zoo has had an exciting decade. They have nearly
completed building an aquarium, which he believes is a game changer for