By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
LITTLE VALLEY — A water leak that closed the Cattaraugus County Center here for a second time in six weeks will cost the county up to $25,000 for the cleanup.
County employees who arrived at 7 a.m. Monday found water dripping through ceiling tiles near the first floor entrance.
Officials announced at 8 a.m. the Little Valley facility would be closed, but that County Court would continue as scheduled. At 10:15 a.m., the building was reopened to the public.
Maintenance employees were able to shut off the water that fed an air conditioning unit in the penthouse, which is located on the roof of the County Center, stopping the leak.
James Adsit, director of Buildings and Grounds, said a bearing broke and caused a drain line to leak. The damage was similar, but not as extensive as the July 16 leak. “It’s not as bad as the first time,” he said of the damage.
Still, there was an undetermined amount of water than leaked through three floors at the County Center, ruining more ceiling tiles, including some that had just been replaced. Some equipment was damaged, but no estimate of the loss has been tallied.
County lawmakers were forced to pay the restoration company ServPro up to $25,000 to dry out the areas.
where water pooled. Dehumidifiers and fans were still being used on Wednesday.
The previous water leak forced the closure of the County Center for six days. Dehumidifiers and fans were used extensively to dry out the areas that were affected.
IN OTHER NEWS from Wednesday’s County Legislature session, Chairman Anderew Burr, R-Gowanda, declared this National Suicide Prevention Week and presented a copy to Community Services Director Mary O’Leary.
Legislators approved a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement for the redevelopment of Olean Center Mall by Olean Towne Center LLC by the Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency.
The IDA last week agreed to $5.3 million in tax abatement for the $40 million project by Rochester developer Angelo Ingrassia. It includes sales tax, mortgage tax and property tax abatement over 11 years.
The project is expected to begin this fall with the demolition of much of the former Bon-Ton store to construct a more inviting entrance to the mall.
The low bid of Good Times of Olean for food service for the Machias Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Campus was accepted by the County Legislature.
Three meals daily will cost between $28.52 and $29.35, depending on whether they are served in-room or in the dining hall. The two-year contract can be extended for two one-year periods. There is a 2% annual increase included.
County lawmakers also approved a contract with a Florida company, Trinity Services Group Inc., for food procurement management services for the county jail.
For up to $170,000 a year, the company provides purchasing services and dietary and food management advisement services. Also included is $50,000 worth of food and other items for an annual staff dining fund at no cost to the county. Local foods will be used in meals.
The cost of the meals will be based on the number of meals. For example, the cost will be $2.90 for between 60 and 69 meals down to $1.98 for 150 or over. The initial contract is for three years, with an option of two additional one-year contracts.
The all-Republican legislature voted unanimously to re-appoint Cortney Spittler as Republican election commissioner for a four-year term. Legislators Norm Marsh of Little Valley, Donald Benson of Allegany and Jeffrey Stoltenberg of South Dayton were absent.
Also re-appointed to a four-year term was Dawn Pezzimenti, director of Information Services.
Bonadio & Co., Pittsford, was contracted for up to $75,000 to audit consolidated financial reports of the Department of Community Services for the years 2020-2023.
Legislators adjourned in memory of Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Timothy T. Lexer, who died in a tragic traffic accident near his home in East Otto on July 29.
