By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers approved a resolution Wednesday that is designed to
remove lead paint threats in eight to 12 owner-occupied homes this year.
The funding is part of a $2.5 million Housing and Urban Development grant to the health departments in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties received nearly 2 ½ years ago.
Up to 12 homes will have lead paint safely removed by approved contractors at a cost ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 per project. The county is budgeting $300,000 from the grant for lead paint removal. The grant is fully funded by the federal government.
The homeowner is considered the responsible entity for the purposes of procurement of contractor rehabilitation services, according to the resolution, which was submitted under immediate consideration. There was no discussion on the resolution, which was discussed in the Republican legislative caucus prior to the meeting.
The health department, “on behalf of the homeowner, shall facilitate compiling bidder lists; developing a scope of work, technical specifications, and in-house cost estimates; soliciting, receiving, and comparing bids; resolving disputes between the contractor and homeowner; and any other administrative tasks that may arise during the term of assistance to that household,” the resolution states.
Public Health Director Dr. Kevin D. Watkins is authorized to accept bids and administer contracts on behalf of the county from May 13 to Nov. 1.
Nearly 70% of the county’s homes were built before 1978 when the use of lead paint was banned.
There are nearly 100 children in the county being treated for high levels of lead in their blood and the health department performs tests regularly.
IN OTHER ACTION, legislators:
- Approved bids for painting of two county bridges, one in Leon and one in South Valley for $314,314 by Erie Painting & Maintenance, Cheektowaga.
- Agreed to pay Greenman-Pedersen, Buffalo, $53,400 for bridge painting inspections.
- Agreed to advance $400,000 for the 2026 bridge washing program involving 226 bridges and the sealing of 27 bridge decks. The federal government pays 80%, or $352,000 of the cost. By advancing the federal share, the county can start the program sooner.
- Accepted the low bid of Aramark Healthcare Support Services, Philadelphia, for two years of providing food services to the county’s Olean and Machias nursing homes. The contract calls for traditional tray services for $30.46 per patient per day and $31.29 for personal directed meals. There are options for two additional one-year terms of service.
