Politics & Government

City Looking to Replace HVAC System in City Hall, Green Solution Might Be Too Expensive

A compressor in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system malfunctioned over the summer and the city is looking to replace the 47-year-old system. Council expressed interest in going green but solution might be out of price range.

After a malfunction of a compressor of Ferndale City Halls' 47-year-old heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system over the summer, the city is looking to replace it.

The system in question, which serves both city hall and the police station, has lasted for 47 years and has cost the city, since 2008, $22,598 in repair, Department of Public Works Director Byron Photiades reported to council.

With the busted compressor, and because of its age – making parts nearly impossible to replace -- the system needs serious work

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However, the question was posed last Monday night if the system should be retrofitted or if a green solution was available.

To retrofit the city hall system, it would be about $79,000, according to the proposal presented to council by Department of Public Works Director Byron Photiades and Siemens – Siemens is the current service provide for all HVAC related matters for Ferndale. The proposal also suggested retrofitting the courthouse across that street, which would cost an additional $60,000.

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A green solution to the HVAC system – a geothermal system – Siemens representative Chad House said that it could cost as much at $405,000 for City Hall and an additional $320,000 for the courthouse. House said this was just an estimate.

Councilman Scott Galloway said he thought the difference between the two proposals – to retro fit and the geothermal system – seemed excessively different, yet was curious on the cost recovery of a geothermal system. "If the cost recover is short on a geothermal, than that's actually the better deal," he said. "If it pays for it self in the third year but the retrofit pays (for itself) in six years, though it's a lesser amount.

"The easy decision is to go with the $79,000 (retrofit system) because it's dramatically less, but I don't know if it's the right decision."

House told council that the current system is working on borrowed time. "One of the compressor here has failed and parts are not available for these units anymore," he said.

Council had several questions about the benefits of a geothermal system but House said a study would need to take place to get those answers – including actual cost and long term cost savings. He said that the fee for such a study could cost up to $5,000.

"I'm not ready to vote on a $5,000 consultant fee," Councilwoman Melanie Piana said.

Lennon mirrored her statement. "I'm not ready to make this decision."

Piana, however, added that there might be alternative ways to pay for such a study and such a system. "I bet there is a grant out there, I know there are partnerships," she said. "I also know that this route extend the timeline … and we need it up by spring time before it gets hot in here."

According to Photiades' report, there is $147,000 appropriated in the public improvement fund for HVAC improvement. 


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