09/29/26 Dwight School Building Committee

The September 29, 2026 Dwight School Building Committee meeting in Fairfield focused on HVAC system options and project planning. The committee considered Tecton invoice No. 49336; a motion and second were made, but the transcript does not capture the vote outcome. Consultants compared a baseline all-electric VRF system with a geothermal/chilled-beam option, estimating an additional capital cost of about $8.27 million for the latter, including 85 geothermal wells and added building area. Members requested a clearer estimate of the town’s net cost after anticipated state, federal IRA, and utility incentives; figures discussed included roughly $3.7 million in potential rebates and a previously cited net cost near $1.7 million, which still needs reconciliation. No HVAC option was selected.

The committee also discussed a potential new gas connection, estimated at $150,000–$200,000, if geothermal is not approved; the gas line is not included in the current estimate. Further cost and operational analysis is needed, including domestic hot water and generator options. Solar ownership assumptions are also to be revisited, with a possible PPA or lease to be explored. The project team reported that notice to proceed for design development may be needed around October 27–November 1 to maintain the schedule, with substantial completion projected for June 15, 2029. The committee planned further information gathering and an October 7 update to the Board of Selectpersons; no final spending or system-selection decision was recorded.