Council approves $49,007.97 from impact fees for two senior‑center condensers; members warn of larger HVAC replacement

The Coventry Town Council approved a resolution to use $49,007.97 in public building impact fees to purchase two main condensers so the senior center can resume services.

Town staff told the council the building’s HVAC system, installed in 2018, was inappropriate for local conditions and has required repeated temporary repairs. The town’s HVAC contractor, ATC, provided a ballpark that replacing the two condensers should restore about 85% of functionality, but warned that a comprehensive replacement for both the senior center and police department could total about $1.2 million (staff cited roughly $700,000 for the police portion and about $450,000 for the senior center). Meanwhile, staff reported portable units and room air conditioners were installed to reopen services immediately.

Councilmembers pressed staff on warranty history, whether the original installer’s warranty had expired and whether the town should competitively bid large‑scale replacement work. Staff said the original warranty expired in 2025 and subcontractors who installed the system are no longer in business; ATC holds a service contract for town buildings but a full replacement project would go out to bid if the council authorizes it. One resident and several council members urged a long‑term plan that avoids “kicking the can” and cautioned that repeated repairs have already cost the town tens of thousands of dollars.

The motion to approve the use of impact fees for two condensers passed unanimously. Staff said they will explore supplementary funding to reduce the impact‑fee amount and will return with budget account balances and options for the council’s next meeting.

The senior center will reopen with temporary cooling implemented; staff will monitor performance of the new condensers and report back on warranty options and bids for a potential full replacement.