Wallingford approves $60,000 transfer to replace Wallingford Public Library boiler

The Wallingford Town Council voted unanimously July 14 to transfer $60,000 from unallocated capital nonrecurring funds to a new capital account to replace a boiler at the Wallingford Public Library.

Rob Baltermitis, director of public works, told the council the boiler was original to the library expansion completed in 2005 and, despite regular inspections and service, is now in a condition that requires full replacement. "The estimate of work is $58,000 and change," Baltermitis said, adding the $60,000 request covers contingencies and that any unspent money will revert to the capital nonrecurring fund.

Baltermitis said the town is responsible for the building envelope and major building components while the library handles routine maintenance. He cited recent town-funded work at the facility — replacement of several HVAC units in 2025 and an elevator in 2022 — and said the replacement would be performed by the town's HVAC vendor through the public bid process after purchasing department review.

Councilor Brevard asked whether the boiler heats the entire building; Baltermitis replied the boiler provides forced hot water for the exterior envelope and supplements forced hot-air HVAC units, rather than serving as the single large heating boiler. He also noted there may be separate domestic-use boilers for other functions.

The vote was taken by roll call and recorded as unanimous in favor (Allenton: yes; Carmody: yes; Fishbein: yes; Laffin: yes; Reynolds: yes; Brevard: yes; Versace: yes; Tata/Tada: yes; Testa: yes). The transfer was recorded as approved and will be placed into a new capital account for the boiler replacement, with the procurement and contracting process handled by the town's purchasing and HVAC vendor selection procedures.

Next steps: the purchasing department will process the project, solicit bids per town procurement rules, and return any unspent portion of the transfer to the capital nonrecurring fund.