Council considers $3.6 million bond for upgrades

Date: 4/27/2010

April 28, 2010.

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Town officials will have to spend money in order to save money.

Town Councilors are considering a $3.6 million bond to finance upgrades to school and municipal buildings, which will yield long-term energy savings. Wasted energy due to sub-par lighting, insulation and heating and cooling systems and other deficiencies is unnecessarily increasing fuel consumption, costing the town an extra $143,000 each year, according to an energy audit completed by Trane Commercial Systems.

"In West Springfield, existing systems are in various stages of disrepair and in many cases, are well beyond their useful lives," Leo McNeil Jr., regional director of comprehensive solutions, Trane Commercial Systems, explained. "This results in indoor environments that are uncomfortable and inefficient."

Trane recommended multiple upgrades to Cowing School, Memorial, Mittineague, and Tatham elementary schools, the high school and public library, as well as window replacement at Town Hall. The bond would also pay for the removal of asbestos and other hazardous materials.

Annual energy savings would total 257,868 kilowatt hours and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.12 million pounds, equivalent to taking 111 passenger cars off the road or powering 65 homes.

McNeil noted energy savings would total $3.85 million throughout the next 20 years. He added Trane would reimburse the town in the event it fails to save the projected amount over 20 years.

Mayor Edward Gibson called the improvements a win-win because the money would've been spent regardless in the form of electricity and fuel bills.

"This type of performance contracting is a great method of facilitating infrastructure improvements," Coucilor Brian Griffin said. "The project cost is determined to the commencement of the work, funded outside the capital budget so as not to delay such repairs until they fall within the capital project cycle, with guaranteed operational and financial outcomes."

Council Vice President John Sweeney said approving the bond is a "no-brainer," adding the benefits far outweigh the initial cost.

Councilor George Kelly echoed Sweeney's sentiments.

McNeil said upgrades would begin next month and continue through June 2011, provided the Town Council approves the bond order at its next meeting on May 3.