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Advisory and Finance Committee approves $49,446 reserve transfer for Plymouth Library sprinkler repairs
Summary
The Advisory and Finance Committee approved a $49,446 reserve fund transfer to replace 510 recalled sprinkler heads and fix a leaking gate valve at the main Plymouth Library after an NFPA assessment identified deficiencies. Members urged a review of inspection practices and capital planning.
The Advisory and Finance Committee on June 3 approved a reserve fund transfer of $49,446 to repair the main Plymouth Library's sprinkler system after a recent National Fire Protection Association assessment found recalled sprinkler heads.
Karl Anderson, the town's DPW Facilities Manager, told the committee the NFPA assessment identified a recall affecting the library's sprinkler heads dating to 1998 and recommended replacement. Anderson said the town received a quote from Encore Fire Protection for $49,445.58 to replace 510 sprinkler heads and repair one leaking gate valve, and he requested the reserve transfer to cover the cost.
Committee members pressed staff on how the recalled heads had not been identified during past annual inspections. Thomas Jacintho said it was concerning that prior inspections had passed without flagging the recall; Anderson said he did not have inspection records going back to the recall period and did not want to delay the repairs to investigate historical records.
Chairman Joe Lalley noted the system has been in the building for more than 28 years and said the committee should not delay correcting a possible safety issue. Christine Richards and others said the town should follow up after the repair to determine why the recall was missed and to improve future oversight. Everett Malaguti asked how long the town has used Encore and whether other town buildings have the same system; Anderson said he would check other buildings and notify School Facilities Manager Matt Durkee.
Following the discussion, the committee voted to approve the reserve fund transfer; one member was recorded voting against the motion. The committee also approved the minutes of its May 13 meeting, with one member recorded as abstaining, and set its next meeting for June 17. No members of the public spoke during the meeting's public comment periods. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 PM.
