Warren approves $99,542 energy upgrade for DPW transfer station and $9,980 emergency boiler repair at Head Start building

The Warren Town Council on Jan. 14 approved two Public Works requests: a grant‑funded energy efficiency project for the DPW transfer station and an emergency condensate tank replacement at Mary B. Quirk (Head Start).

Public Works Director Brian Wheeler told the council the town secured $97,452.66 in federal Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant funding plus $100,000 from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The project scope targets weatherization, insulation, HVAC zoning and heat‑pump mini splits for the DPW transfer station. Wheeler said an initial contractor quote was $155,000 and did not meet requested specifications; the town received a second turnkey proposal from Vision Energy Solutions for $99,542 that fits the grant scope.

Wheeler said the grant will reimburse the town; "they're eager to give us the money," he said, adding reimbursements arrive quickly after invoices are submitted. Council approved moving forward with the Vision Energy Solutions contract and asked staff to update the MOU with the funding agency and begin work.

Separately, Wheeler reported an emergency failure of the condensate receiver at Mary B. Quirk. The tank and associated pumps were leaking and staff installed a temporary fix to avoid a complete shutdown during cold weather. The town solicited two quotes: ATC at roughly $20,000 and EnergyOne at $9,980. The council approved the EnergyOne quote and instructed staff to proceed using the maintenance account; members said timely repair was important because the building supports Head Start services.

Why it matters: The energy upgrades are grant‑funded and intended to reduce operating costs and the town’s carbon footprint; the boiler repair preserves heating service for a facility serving young children. Both actions were approved at the meeting and staff will return with implementation updates.