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Board hears plan to convert steam to hot-water boilers and other Phase 4 energy projects, citing grant support
Summary
District staff proposed a $7.29 million scope of Phase 4 energy and HVAC projects including steam-to-hot-water conversion and gym HVAC upgrades; the board moved the amendment forward amid questions about contract length and contingency for asbestos remediation.
The district presented a Phase 4 amendment to its guaranteed energy-savings agreement with McClure Company covering three priority projects intended to address aging heating and ventilation systems and building health.
Operations staff described the three projects as: a steam-to-hot-water HVAC conversion at William Powell School, extended HVAC service staffing support to train and augment in-house staff, and a right-sized HVAC replacement for William Allen High School’s gym to prevent moisture and floor damage during high-use events.
The district provided a total estimated cost of $7,291,130 for the Phase 4 package and said some of the work would be funded through grant awards. Operations staff also told the board there is a contingency allowance to address potential asbestos abatement if found when older pipe and building fabric are opened during work.
Board discussion: Board members raised operational and contracting questions including the contract term for the extended service agreement (initially misstated as “12 years” in committee and later clarified during discussion as 12 months of extended service to augment district staff). Members also pressed for details on the size of the contingency for environmental remediation; the operations lead said asbestos remediation is budgeted as a contingency in the project total and that any additional costs would be brought back to the board.
Why it matters: Many of the district’s older buildings rely on outdated mechanical systems. The projects are presented as addressing health and learning-environment risks and extending the useful life of building systems. The school’s operations director summarized facilities priorities with three key words: “Warm, safe, dry.”
Actions: The committee moved the Phase 4 amendment forward to the regular meeting; the full board later voted to carry the item forward during the evening session. Administration said staff will pursue grant reimbursement where available and report back to the board on final contract terms and any abatement costs.
