Steuben County committee authorizes revised warming station RFP with new security and capacity requirements

The Steuben County Human Services, Health & Education Committee on July 1 authorized the Department of Social Services to issue a revised request for proposals for the county warming station, adding security, capacity and procedural requirements.

Lise Reynolds, who reviewed the RFP updates, said the changes allow the warming center to operate “up to 24 hours a day when inclement weather or there’s sustained, cold weather days, below 32 degrees,” expand the maximum paid capacity to "up to 30 beds," and replace a prior requirement that the site be “centrally located to Bath” with a more flexible standard favoring central access to transportation and services. Reynolds also recommended requiring a certificate of occupancy for the intended use before contracts are signed and documented admittance and evacuation procedures.

Reynolds described new safety requirements the department will seek from bidders: private security if used, trained staff, and surveillance. On training she said staff must be trained on de-escalation and Narcan administration annually. Jack K. Wheeler confirmed that including a private security requirement will likely increase contract costs and that the county will evaluate proposals based on capacity and cost.

Nicholas Pelham moved to authorize issuance of the RFP as revised; Justin Eberlin seconded the motion. The committee approved the motion 5-0.