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Reading board reviews Food Shelf and Robinson Hall energy upgrades, flags contractor and budget issues
Summary
Board members reported a 200-amp electrical upgrade approved at the Food Shelf, competing bids for mini-splits at Robinson Hall, and difficulty obtaining firehouse plans from Morton Buildings; some work was scaled back for budget reasons.
The Reading Energy Board reviewed planned electrical and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning work for municipal buildings and discussed challenges lining up plans and contractors.
Bill Neukomm, a Reading Energy Board member, said a 200-amp electrical panel upgrade at the Food Shelf was approved and that Brite Lite will handle the electrical work; Green Mountain Power (GMP) will install a new transformer and ARC is slated to install the mini-split heat-pump systems. Neukomm said budget constraints have required scaling some work back: appliances at the Food Shelf are newer and will not be replaced, and mini-splits will not be installed in the addition to the Food Shelf at this time.
Neukomm also presented proposals from ARC and Brite Lite for mini-splits and electrical upgrades at Robinson Hall. He said ARC's bid was the most cost-competitive but slightly over budget and covers only the first floor; a 400-amp panel upgrade was considered too expensive and will not be pursued. Neukomm said installing mini-splits on the second floor would double the cost and is not feasible at this time.
Separately, Brian Cali said he is having difficulty obtaining plans from Morton Buildings for the firehouse; if the plans cannot be obtained, the board will pursue a Plan B. Cali also said he is waiting on a structural engineer's assessment of the library roof and attic area before proceeding.
The minutes do not record formal approvals beyond the Food Shelf panel decision or a named vote tally for the Robinson Hall proposals. The board set its next meeting for Oct. 15 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
