CHESHIRE, Mass. — The aging boilers in the Community House will be repaired until a new system can be completed. 

 

The town's Smith cast-iron boilers were installed in 2005. Only one of the two boilers is working and the functional one is failing. It was explained that the furnaces were supplementing each other.

 

"We need to do something sooner than later, because we're having problems with the boilers right now," Town Administrator Jennifer Morse said. 

 

Both furnaces have issues such as serious internal blockages, extensive calcium and rust buildup, and ongoing leaks.

 

During its meeting on Tuesday, the Select Board approved a quote from Jamrog HVAC for the repairs of the boiler that has been out of order.

 

Jamrog was the lowest bidder out of the three submissions at $47,905 and the repairs include installing the nine new sections, new rope and seals, new breach, and new low-water cut-off. 

 

Additionally, its services include a certified welder, torque to specification, the reinstallation of the existing jacket, burner, and smoke pipe, and firing up the boiler for test operation.

 

During a previous meeting, Department of Public Works Director Corey McGrath explained how at this point, any repair measures are temporary fixes and continued repairs are becoming more costly than it is worth. 

 

At the previous meeting, he presented to the board a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering and design-services proposal from Tighe & Bond Designer Services. More information here.