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Select Board weighs near-term heat-pump fix for Mystic School; members ask School Committee to weigh in
Summary
Consultants proposed isolating a corroded 100-year steam core and installing heat pumps to protect programs and avoid catastrophic heating failure. Staff framed a ~ $900,000 near-term option to cover the most at-risk portion of the building; board members asked the School Committee to confirm priorities before allocating ARPA funds.
Town consultants and staff presented updated designs and cost estimates on June 3 for heating and partial electrification of Mystic School, focusing on isolating a corroded 100-year-old steam piping core and installing heat-pump equipment for the most at-risk areas. The plan offers two equipment approaches — individual split units or a variable-refrigerant-flow (VRF) system — and includes electrical upgrade considerations, abatement for asbestos and construction sequencing to minimize disruption to ongoing programs.
Pete (project lead) summarized the proposal: "What this project does is it takes the core of the building which is the 100-year-old portion... replaces the heat source and adds air conditioning to these classrooms by electrification." Consultants said a fully comprehensive replacement of the school-wide system could be a multimillion-dollar undertaking; staff presented a focused option that would address roughly half the building and reduce near-term risk. Town staff noted the design was crafted to fit within roughly a $900,000 budget envelope after anticipated rebates and to avoid a larger service upgrade that would substantially raise costs.
Board members debated whether to spend ARPA funds now on the focused project or to delay and pursue a longer-term capital solution. One select board member characterized the risk as "catastrophic" for many families if the building loses heat and programs must close. Staff said the proposal would buy a several-year window of reliability (estimated 5 years) while the town and the School Committee evaluate longer-term options.
The board agreed the School Committee (tenant for some programs) should be formally consulted before final approval. Staff said they would coordinate a meeting with School Committee leaders and return to the board with any adjustments and a recommended authorization timeline.
