Board of Mayor and Burgesses

MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF MAYOR AND BURGESSES MARCH 27, 2019 1. Mayor “Pete” Hess called the special meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. with the following in attendance: BURGESSES: PRESS: L. Taf Jackson D. Hoff L. Marshall M. Bronko, absent R. Neth R. Burns, absent R. Vitale RESIDENTS: J. DeOliveira D. Wisniewski , absent None C. Herb DEPARTMENT HEADS: OTHERS: A. Bruce, Controller D. Sheridan, Board of Finance Chairman 2. Burgess Hoff led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. 3. Discussion took place regarding the Emergency High School Roof Replacement and the Microgrid and High School Solar Roof Projects. When Mayor Hess called the special meeting, he thought we were under a deadline to vote on the high school solar roof issue. He since found out we have until the middle of April. The solar panels on the high school roof failed. It has become a safety issue. The high school roof needs to be replaced this summer. Normally the state reimburses 75% for a roof replacement project. This roof is nine years old. The state initially said we are not entitled to any type of reimbursement. They are now considering some type of reimbursement. We are also looking at a potential insurance claim. The company that manufactured the roof filed for bankruptcy. Bids may need to be waived. We may be able to bond without having to go to referendum. We are applying for a High School Solar Replacement Project/Microgrid Application with the State of Connecticut. A microgrid would create a Safety Zone with Naugatuck High School, Western Elementary School, gas stations and food stores. If the whole state is without power, we can have an island of protection. It would be less than a fuel cell but more than a solar project. It assumes no more than 385 kilowatts. We cannot do larger and retain the microgrid. The mayor said they are considering separating the two projects. Getting money back for solar would reduce the kilowatt cost. The roof payment could be larger if we do not take a lump sum reimbursement. The cost is approximately five million dollars with limited state reimbursement and we may or may not have an insurance claim. A multi-million dollar expense that would have to be funded in a short amount of time. The mayor said he would do whatever yields the best results for the borough. Burgess Neth said it is not a roof failure but a solar failure. The solar panels are adhered to the roof. Dismantling the panels means replacing the roof. It is a three hundred to four hundred thousand dollar expense to disconnect the panels from the roof. Burgess Vitale said as far as an insurance claim, they would have to look at the cause of the loss, which is the solar panels. If the building went on fire, there would be coverage.  -2- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Special Meeting – March 27, 2019 Mayor Hess said they could not have an electrician simply disconnect the panels. The panels cannot be removed without replacing the roof. Burgess Vitale asked if we are going to have problems again if we replace with other solar panels. Mayor Hess said the new panels would not be built into the roof. Burgess Hoff asked if other municipalities in the state have the same solar roof. Mayor Hess said New Britain has the same solar roof and the same problem. Burgess Hoff asked if we would have an advantage going before the state if we combined with other municipalities. Burgess Herb asked if we have commercial property owners on board for the microgrid project. Mayor Hess said we have a convenience store, not Stop & Shop. The microgrid is not large enough for a fuel cell. It is a combined heat and fuel project. He feels very strongly that we do not have to pay anything to the green bank for the system failure. 4. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Taf Jackson and seconded by Burgess Neth that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Hess to execute a contract with Pustola & Associates, 185 Meadow Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770 to perform a structural analysis of the high school roof in an amount not to exceed $21,000. 5. Motion by Burgess that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses approve the appointment of Carl J. Herb, 161 Park Avenue, Naugatuck, CT 06770 as a burgess member on the Non Union Salary Review Board, filling the term of R. Burns. Motion tabled. 6. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Taf Jackson and seconded by Burgess DeOliveira to adjourn the special meeting at 6:43 p.m. A digital recording of this meeting is available in the office of the Borough Clerk for further review. Attest: Nancy K. DiMeo Borough Clerk