Public Safety Building Committee Meeting: February 19, 2025

Plant system Option 1 is a heat pump system with VAV and electric reheat;

Plant system Option 2 is a DOAS system, heat pump chiller system serving fan coil units, an upgrade over system 1 which is more costly but provides better air handling; pros and cons of each presented on slides;

Plant system Option 3 is a geothermal option, highest cost but highest efficiency and longest lifespan, highest maintenance; would need 15-20 bores to cover area needed; water to water chilling process, space on the site may be an issue given all the other site needs; test well needs to be done and allowed to be tested for a full season to determine the efficiency and potential number of wells needed.  There was concern expressed about these wells resulting in PFAS contamination into deeper soil/bedrock layers.

Ian asked about the potential of solar heating the water for the radiant floor heating in the apparatus bays with supplemental heating provided by fossil fuel; there was some discussion about the generator setup and fuel storage options.  Chief Bennett suggested Princeton could get a grant for a generator but not if it is diesel fueled.

Large bay doors currently are an issue with meeting Stretch code but not going to be an obstruction

Consensus in the room is that the cost and site constraints preclude Option 3

Option 2 is about a 25% cost increase over option 1.

Outdoor slab heating was discussed to keep snow/ice from aprons; advice was that it can be very costly to run and could drive the sizing of the heat pumps

Jim asked that the PSB could review the options and provide an answer for CBA to move forward

Architectural design plans were brought up for review.  Entryway will be moved back to area next to bays

Jim expects many more meetings to review all the plumbing, electrical, and interior design options.  It was agreed that CBA can begin discussing options directly with chiefs and report back to the full committee for approval.

7:30 Ian dropped off for another meeting

Question from Karen about possible use of abutting property; Jim seems confident that the parcel has enough capacity for the needs of the building

7:36 minutes from past three meetings were approved by unanimous vote

Public Comment: Helga asked about whether a cost benefit was done for the heating options; she cautioned that town will not approve a total cost over 12.5 million; she asked about the number of parking spaces given the number of buried tanks; asked also about a cistern

Karen will schedule a meeting when we have more information regarding the heating options and after C&B have met with the chiefs.

Adjourned at 7:48 p.m.