Sharon Energy Committee reviews Baxter Library heat-pump service, eyes grants for upgrades

At its Feb. 24 meeting, the Sharon Energy Committee reviewed recent service work at the Baxter Library and identified grant opportunities to support further building upgrades. Chair Ryan Haac told members he met with library contacts to review heat-pump operation and that an energy-recovery ventilator (ERV) had been configured to exchange more fresh air than necessary, which contributed to performance issues.

Haac said the library’s heat pump was serviced and coils cleaned last month but that a backup heating system would still be useful for the coldest periods. He outlined potential uses for available grants, including reclaiming basement floor space, improving rear entrance and handicap accessibility, adding backup heating, modifying existing HVAC ducting and creating more vertical book storage. The committee also agreed to resume work on a Radio Repeater RFQ once winter consumption data are available.

The discussion was framed as a committee report rather than a formal vote; the transcript records Haac’s update and the committee’s interest in grant options and infrastructure work. Members did not take a formal funding action on these library items during the meeting.