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Selectmen hear update on school boiler costs and OSHA fines; building management system still incomplete
Summary
At the March 3 meeting the town manager told the Board of Selectmen that the Hinsdale school boiler project has a $429,440 budget, with $416,940 spent and $12,500 encumbered; boilers are running but the building management system was not fully installed.
At the March 3 meeting the town manager updated the Board of Selectmen on two operational items: the school boiler replacement project and OSHA compliance matters.
Boiler project
The town recorded a $429,440 budget allocation for the school boiler project. As of the town manager’s report (printed report cited at mid‑afternoon on March 3), the town had spent $416,940 and had $12,500 encumbered. The manager said the boilers are up and running but that, during a walkthrough, he observed fresh‑air intakes that appeared to be open to the outside instead of tied into the heating system, which was allowing cold air into the basement. He also said the building management system (BMS) contractor had not been on site recently and that the BMS was not fully operational; staff said they would follow up and report back to the board by email.
OSHA compliance
The town reported receiving notification of an OSHA matter with initial fines totaling $16,500. Town staff said they have requested an informal meeting with the OSHA director (scheduled for the Monday following the meeting) to discuss possible reductions in penalties and to demonstrate documented corrective actions; the manager said he was optimistic that fines could be reduced based on progress to date.
Why it matters
The boiler project and the BMS affect school heating, occupant comfort and energy performance; incomplete BMS work can delay commissioning and full operational benefits. OSHA fines and compliance obligations can create near‑term financial liabilities and require corrective actions.
Next steps
The town manager said he would provide the board with a status update on the remaining boiler work and the BMS contractor timeline by email rather than waiting for the next meeting. The town also scheduled an informal OSHA meeting to pursue potential fine reductions and to present documented improvements.
Ending
Board members asked specifically whether children in school were being affected; the manager said heating was functioning but pledged to clarify remaining issues and outstanding invoices or encumbrances.
