Norfolk County maintenance director reports building repairs and new building-management system

Norfolk County maintenance director John Vignoni reported to commissioners on Aug. 27 that crews have completed a range of repairs across county courthouses and administrative buildings and are finishing installation of a building management system intended to improve temperature control and equipment efficiency.

The update matters because the work affects daily operations in the Superior and District courts, the registry of deeds, and other county buildings and could reduce energy and maintenance costs once the system is balanced and staff are trained.

Vignoni told the commission that maintenance crews have relabeled and replaced data wiring and electrical plugs in several locations, replaced doors to meet accessibility needs, performed painting and ceiling repairs, and repaired air-conditioning units. In the Superior Court building, he said crews repaired two of four main courtroom AC units and are obtaining prices to replace the remaining units. He also described exterior work, repointing and power-washing of steps and ramps, and relocation of files to the administration building.

On the new building management system, Vignoni said the contractor installed sensors on supply and return ducts and at outside-air intakes. "So we can now control the units, the heating and air conditioning units better using information that we're getting from the outside air temperature as well as what the air is coming back to the unit as and what it's being discharged at," Vignoni said. "So it gives us a lot more control over being able to keep the building in the right temperatures." He added that final steps include balancing the system, calibrating fans, replacing steam valves and training staff on the new software and controls.

Commissioners asked practical questions about where the BMS server will be hosted and whether remote monitoring is available. Vignoni said the server is currently located in District 1 and that remote, centralized monitoring of multiple buildings is "in the making" and expected to follow once systems are finalized and staff training is complete. He said Superior Court will be the next site scheduled for BMS work, followed by the Dedham complex and then satellite sites.

The report was informational; no formal vote was taken. Commissioners praised the work and asked staff to provide quotes for remaining AC replacements and to return with timelines for BMS commissioning and staff training.

Ending: Maintenance staff and elected officials said they will return to the commission with cost estimates and a schedule for completing outstanding HVAC replacements and for rolling the BMS out to additional buildings.