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Reading Energy Board reviews MERP-funded upgrades for town buildings, approves minutes
Summary
The Reading Energy Board on June 12 reviewed completed attic insulation removal at Robinson Hall and next steps for rewiring and conduit for mini-splits, discussed Food Shelf electrical/HVAC bids that exceed budget, and approved the May minutes; board members plan further coordination with contractors and GMP on a transformer upgrade.
The Reading Energy Board met June 12 and discussed a series of MERP-funded energy upgrades to town buildings, including completed attic insulation removal at Robinson Hall and outstanding electrical and HVAC work at the Food Shelf. Bill Neukomm, a committee member, said the Robinson Hall attic insulation was removed over three days and recommended delaying installation of new insulation until conduit for mini-split heat pumps can be run from the ground floor to avoid exterior conduit on the walls.
Neukomm said Matt Smith of Brite Lite will assess what rewiring is required. He also recommended photographing the rough electrical work before insulating to document conduit and junction locations. Neukomm said he and Brian Cali are working to be designated project managers on building projects so they can sign invoices and be paid for project-related work.
On Food Shelf work, Neukomm reported two electrical bids; Brite Lite's estimate is roughly $4,000–$5,000 lower than the other contractor, but both quotes exceed the available budget. The scope includes installing a new 200-amp service in a closet and related wiring. Contractors disagreed on whether one or two 40-amp circuits are required for the proposed mini-split system; Neukomm had both contractors bid two circuits. Neukomm said Matt Smith contacted GMP about a transformer issue, and GMP responded that the transformer needs upgrading, which must be coordinated with the electrical contractor. Neukomm said he is seeking a third quote.
The board also approved the May meeting minutes. Neukomm moved to approve the minutes; Kevin Kaija seconded, and the motion carried, per the minutes.
Why this matters: the decisions and contractor choices will affect project timing, visible conduit on building exteriors, and the town’s budget for energy upgrades. Next steps recorded by the board include Matt Smith's site assessment, obtaining at least one more electrical quote for the Food Shelf, coordinating transformer work with GMP and the selected contractor, and continuing conversations with the town about energy-efficiency design for a new town barn. The board set its next meeting for July 17 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
