OBSERVER Photo by Gregory Bacon The Chautauqua County Legislature approved the Office for the Aging and the Veterans Services Agency to relocate the Jamestown offices from 610 W. Third St. to 107 Institute St.

The Office for the Aging and the county Veterans Services have been given final approval to relocate their Jamestown offices.

During the recent Chautauqua County Legislature meeting, lawmakers unanimously approved a 15-year lease for the Office for the Aging and the Chautauqua County Veterans Services Agency to relocate from 610 W. Third St. to the second floor of the Chautauqua Center, 107 Institute St.

Rent cost will be $13.40 per square foot at a monthly rate of $2,791 a month for the first year with an annual increase of not greater than 1%. There is also a build out charge of $1.15 per square foot at a monthly rate of $239 per month for 15 years.

Legislator Dan Pavlock said he believes this move will be a benefit to both organizations. “The new location will be a little more adequate for their facilities and departments. I hope moving forward to make the transition smooth for them. The two departments communicate better for them. … Congratulations on your new place,” he said.

In legislative committee meetings, Office for the Aging Director MaryAnn Spanos noted the current location has very thin walls and is difficult to speak privately to clients.

In unrelated business, Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon announced that the legislature will return to a Zoom-only format next month. The past few months county legislators were given the option to meet in Mayville or participate electronically. This will include not only the legislature’s monthly meeting, but all committee meetings as well.

“This is being done with an abundance of caution and concern for the health and welfare of county staff, the public and legislators. Now that the 2021 budget is done, now that the indoor season is upon us, and with an eye to the increased incidents of COVID-19 cases, the county legislature will lead by example by reducing the risks associated with our group meetings,” he said.

In other business:

¯ The legislature accepted a $500 donation from Robert Van Every for the improvements to the Overland and water trails.

¯ The legislature authorized using the county Occupancy Tax Reserve Funds to repair the Chadakoin River Flow Gage. The repair is expected to cost around $30,000. The county will use $20,000 of “in-kind” contribution by having the county Department of Public Facilities to provide the labor and $10,000 from the reserve account to purchase concrete and heavy stone riprap.