Renovation after sprinkler-related flooding displaces CYS; county preparing six-month lease extension and provider leases

County officials told commissioners that a December fire activated the sprinkler system at the Human Services Building, causing water damage that poured from the third floor to the second floor and required one side of the building to be gutted.

Officials said ductwork may have been damaged and that delivery delays for replacement equipment have extended a renovation timeline the construction company initially estimated at three to four weeks to a projected three to four months. The county said insurance is handling renovation costs and oversight.

As a result of the displacement, the county plans to extend the lease for the Rochester office used previously for assessments for another six months so Children & Youth Services (CYS) can continue operations while repairs proceed. County staff said the landlord required a six-month minimum term to enter the lease extension.

Commissioners also previewed upcoming agenda items that include a lease for office space in the Human Services Building used by behavioral-health services (UPMC) and a lease for provider space in the courthouse for an existing provider. The meeting transcript included a phrase transcribed as "SNOT part" when referring to the courthouse lease; county staff did not clarify that phrase during the meeting.

Ending: County officials said renovation management is being handled through the county—s insurance carrier and that they will continue to update commissioners and the public as timelines firm up and leases are executed.