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Somers shows new school HVAC design, plans to reapply for rolling grants after federal award lapsed
Summary
The board received a completed design for classroom split-unit HVAC and was told a previous $5.5 million federal air-quality grant was likely lost due to timeline constraints; staff plans to apply to monthly 'land priority' grants and hopes to bid the project next spring.
The Somers Board of Finance received an update Oct. 14 on a school HVAC redesign that uses exterior classroom split units and reduces major structural work, and staff said they will seek new grant opportunities after a previous federal award was lost.
A presenter told the board that design drawings for the classroom units were 100% complete as of the afternoon before the meeting and that the new approach would avoid major ceiling and ductwork changes, allowing most construction work to occur outside the academic year. “We should not have to move any students because it’s a completely different design,” the presenter said.
Grant status and next steps The presenter reported that the town likely lost an earlier $5.5 million federal air-quality grant because the project could not meet extension and timeline requirements after delays and cost overruns. Staff said they will resubmit for a rolling “land priority” grant cycle that opens monthly and expects to assemble design and budget estimates in time for a February application window; if awarded, the project could go to bid the following April, the presenter said.
Budget and scope Board members discussed how revised cost estimates could change the amount to be bonded and noted that small grants could reduce the town’s overall borrowing. One participant said the town referendum approved a broader borrowing authorization that provides flexibility for the project within budget parameters.
What’s next Staff will finalize budget estimates, prepare the February grant package if appropriate, and return to the board with grant outcomes and a proposed bid schedule. The presentation did not include finalized bid dates or a definitive funding commitment pending grant decisions.
