District recommends UHL system to replace obsolete building-automation controllers; cost to be covered from LTFM

Summary

Administration proposed replacing aging building-automation controllers in multiple buildings with a UHL system, citing obsolete Siemens controllers and compatibility benefits; presenters said the work would be paid from the Long‑Term Facilities Maintenance fund and discussed BACnet compatibility and lifecycle planning.

District facilities staff presented a proposal to replace obsolete building-automation system controllers at multiple sites, recommending a UHL overlay and upgraded controllers to improve indoor-air quality control and system reliability.

Presenter noted the existing Siemens controllers are old, failing and no longer supported; the Windows-based drive that runs the old overlay cannot be upgraded and the Siemens system in those locations has been unsupported for more than a decade. Staff said UHL (or equivalent modern overlays) support BACnet communications and make it easier to manage heterogenous controllers as replacements occur. The presenter said the contract cost would be paid from the Long‑Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) fund.

Directors asked about vendor consolidation, life-cycle planning, and interoperability. Facilities staff explained that as air-handlers and controllers are replaced, BACnet compatibility and an overlay approach will allow staged upgrades and preserve options for future overlays or different vendors. Administration said they would provide a clean copy of contract documentation and the Siemens quote for comparison before formal approval.