# Public Facilities Committee - November 4, 2026

The Public Facilities Committee met on November 4, 2026. It unanimously approved two appropriations from FY2026 certified free cash: $1.25 million to reimburse Newton Public Schools’ charter-maintenance account for classroom window air-conditioning work at 10 schools, and $1.625 million to complete the FY2027 vehicle replacement program. The AC project’s electrical work was completed at eight schools; installation is planned after winter, and remaining units will be competitively bid, with potential savings anticipated. The vehicle funding brings the annual program total to $2.5 million and supports replacements including a van, two small packers, a street sweeper, a heavy-duty truck, and two asphalt patching boxes.

The committee held a discussion on developing guidance or a conservation management plan for City Hall and voted to hold the item for further work and a future report. It also held the review of water-meter and water/sewer/stormwater pricing policies so the administration can provide analysis and scenarios. The committee unanimously approved National Grid’s withdrawal, without prejudice, of its petition to replace gas mains on Solon Street. It also unanimously approved appointments to the Sustainable Materials Management Commission; discussion focused on waste reduction and school composting, with no related procurement action identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** November 04, 2026

### Sources
- [Public Facilities Committee - November 4, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW4NgGuyuis) - NewTV Government