The most significant topic of the meeting was the proposal to replace the Town Hall’s Chiller unit with a heat pump Chiller to reduce fossil fuel usage. The conversation underscored the importance of aligning with climate action goals, despite the project’s substantial cost. The potential of implementing heat pump technology in a larger building prompted a comprehensive assessment of the system’s suitability. The cost and availability of the new chiller system for the Amherst Police Department (APD) were also debated, with emphasis placed on the urgency due to the 24/7 operation of the building. The discussion extended to the consideration of a temporary solution while addressing the timeline and funding for the new system.

Another focal point of the meeting was the proposal to replace various types of flooring across town buildings. The VCT flooring tile at Town Hall is proposed to be replaced with luxury vinyl tile (LVT), which would reduce chemical usage and labor needs. The need for this replacement was linked to the current flooring’s wear and tear. Similarly, the carpet at the AFD North building is to be replaced with LVT to improve durability and ease of cleaning.

The roof replacement for the AFD building was also a key subject, prompted by insulation issues and leaking roofs which impact the building’s energy efficiency. The speaker highlighted the need to systematically replace aging roof systems, emphasizing the potential repercussions of delaying or reducing the budget for these projects.

Board members engaged in a conversation about the financial implications and potential solutions for addressing increased costs, specifically concerning the APD chiller replacement project and roof repairs. The initial estimated cost for the chiller replacement exceeded the previously allocated budget, with the engineering firm’s estimate coming in higher than expected. The impact of external factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on expenses for large equipment like chillers was noted.

The urgency of the proposed projects was a constant theme, particularly concerning the extensive roof replacement plan. Members raised questions about the timing and necessity of the roof replacements and the feasibility of a heat pump chiller for Town Hall. There was also a debate about the allocation of funds for these proposed projects, with concern over whether the proposed budgets were sufficient.

The meeting also covered discussions on the proposed budget for road repair and resurfacing. Board members inquired about the total funding for road repair and how it compares to previous years, as well as the possibility of using remaining funds towards roads. Challenges of obtaining adequate state funding for road repairs were acknowledged, alongside concerns about the limited funding for sidewalks. The proposal to allocate funds for building improvements, including interior and exterior repairs and roof and chiller replacements at town buildings, was also discussed.

In terms of financial planning, the board members expressed concerns about the draft budget, highlighting a discrepancy between requests for funding and the money available over the next five years. The need for updated debt information was mentioned, along with the impact of the Jones Library project on future debt. There was also a debate about borrowing for large projects, such as roof repairs, and whether such borrowing was consistent with previous capital plans. The potential use of ARP funds and the necessity of an updated vehicle inventory and mileage information, particularly for the Department of Public Works, were topics of inquiry.