Board authorizes comprehensive energy audit; selection of Day Automation limited to study phase

The Watertown City School District Board of Education authorized the superintendent to execute a letter of intent with Day Automation Systems to develop a comprehensive energy audit under Energy Law section 9-103, the superintendent said. The board approved a resolution specifying the action authorizes only the audit/study phase and does not approve any energy performance contract (EPC), guaranteed savings, financing, or scope of work.

"What the board is acting on tonight is not a contract for them to do the work, but the contract for them to move forward with the study," Superintendent Dr. Larry Schmeagle said, urging the board to act swiftly to complete testing and analysis in time to consider potential ballot and aid implications. The superintendent noted the districts Maximum Cost Allowance (MCA) could limit the work eligible for state building aid and said voter approval of a related project affects aid levels.

The administration said the district had held interviews with firms and recommended Day Automation; the board voted to select Day as the districts ESCO solely to develop the audit and authorized the superintendent to sign preliminary agreements in a form approved by district counsel. The motion explicitly stated that any approval of an EPC project, project scope, guaranteed savings or financing would require a separate board action following review of the completed energy audit.

Context: The superintendent also described pending federal and state grant activity: the district submitted a FEMA request for storm-damage mitigation and had pursued but not yet secured a Clean School Bus Act grant to offset electric-bus costs. The board was told FEMA is a reimbursement program, meaning work is paid for up front and later reimbursed if approved.

Provenance: topicintro: SEG 1145, topfinish: SEG 1664