At its Sept. 2 meeting, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Board of Commissioners authorized lead-based paint inspection and assistance contracts valued at up to $9 million. Four companies—Affordable Services Inc., ARC Environmental LLC, Inspection Experts Inc., and Ohio Lead Inspectors LLC—will each receive three-year contracts with two optional one-year renewals, according to meeting notes.
Claire Russ, CMHA's chief of agency analytics, inspections and technology, said EPA-certified experts will use XRF devices to identify lead-based paint and provide safety data.
Separately, the board approved a five-year contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. worth up to $936,748.59 for body-worn cameras, electronic control weapons, digital evidence storage, and live video access. CMHA Police Chief Andrés González said Tasers have been in service since 2008, body cameras since 2022, and Tasers are used on combative subjects. He said officers may request access to other agencies' camera feeds through FUSUS with permission.
The board also authorized up to $3.9 million in contracts with nine vendors for work orders under the Prepare for Occupancy program. A CMHA official said nine responsive bids were received, with seven participating in PFO to address backlog and emergency orders needed to complete HUD inspections within 24 to 72 hours.
Additional items included approval of a public art installation at Riverview Tower Welcome Center, a report of more than 120 successful moves to opportunity areas, and a write-off exceeding $750,000 for unpaid rent.