Tupper Lake approves RFP to use $600,000 NYSERDA grant for Town Hall energy upgrades

The Town Board voted 5–0 to approve a Request for Proposals seeking contractors to implement energy-efficiency upgrades to the original Town Hall building using a $600,000 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The contract calls for completion by Sept. 30, 2026, in line with NYSERDA deadlines.

Assessor Jessica Eggsware presented the draft RFP outlining scope: removal of glass‑block windows and installation of triple‑pane and high‑performance fixed glazing, exterior insulation and siding, replacement of a back‑court ADA‑compliant door, and full project management by the contractor. The RFP requires certified payroll in compliance with NYS Labor Law Article 8 and spelled out in NYS Labor Law § 220. Supervisor Rick Dattola stated, “the Town of Tupper Lake was awarded a $600,000.00 through NYSERDA Energy Efficiency and Conversation Block Grant.”

Board members discussed contingency planning; Councilman Adam Boudreau said unknown conditions in an older building justify a larger owner-held reserve and successfully moved to increase contingency from 10% to 20%. Eggsware said the RFP requires a 20% owner-held reserve for unforeseen structural issues discovered during demolition and asks for a fixed‑price bid with product specifications and a week‑by‑week schedule.

The RFP establishes procurement deadlines, mandatory site visits, and evaluation criteria emphasizing North Country climate experience, energy‑saving potential, schedule compliance and cost competitiveness. The board authorized Eggsware to submit the RFP to NYSERDA for approval.