Springfield has leased the Cottage Street site for its animal control needs since the building was constructed a decade ago; the center also serves Chicopee and Holyoke.
SPRINGFIELD — A new, 20-year lease is being finalized for the city’s continued use of the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center on Cottage Street with the current landlord.
The landlord, Monarch Enterprises LLC, was the lone bidder in September, when the city advertised for a new lease at either the current site or a new location.
The terms of the contract have been agreed upon by the Law Department and Monarch Enterprises, City Solicitor Edward M. Pikula said this week.
The agreement is being forwarded for needed signatures by Monarch and city officials including Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Pikula said. Paul C. Picknelly is owner-manager of Monarch.
Monarch, within its lease proposal, gives the city the option to buy the building every five years at a declining price.
As bid, the annual lease is $324,885, for the full 20-year term, Pikula said. The prior annual rent was $317,000.
The center serves Springfield, Holyoke and Chicopee, with Springfield being the lead community and the other communities paying an annual fee based on population.
Chicopee and Holyoke pay $3.45 per capita for animal control services. Based on population, Chicopee is projected to pay $190,778 this fiscal year and Holyoke is projected to pay $137,586.
The contributions from Chicopee and Holyoke increase to $3.75 per resident, effective July 1, 2014.
Springfield also makes per-capita contributions to the center’s budget, Pikula said. In fiscal year 2013, that contribution was $482,139.
All of the center’s expenses including salaries and operational costs are paid out of its budget, which is comprised of the per-capita contributions, grants, fees and other revenues.
Former Mayor Michael J. Albano had signed the original lease with Monarch Enterprises in 2002, which had an annual rent of $380,000, but was subsequently reduced voluntarily by Monarch when the city was faced with financial hardships, Pikula said.
The original lease had been challenged by 10 taxpayers in 2003, and the case was argued and appealed before three courts. The original lease and option to purchase agreements were voided, and the city advertised for new proposals while continuing to pay rent and stay at the existing location.