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MENTONE - What began as discussion by the Tippecanoe Valley School Board some time ago about providing air conditioning for Akron Elementary has become discussion about a $2 million project.
Thursday, American Energy Conservation Inc. representatives met with the school board again to discuss the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program.
The program is a guaranteed facility improvement through the Indiana legislature, according to Steve Nutt, account executive with AECI. It improves the facility and infrastructure of a school, is financed by a third party and is guaranteed to pay for itself with energy and operation savings over a period of 10 years.
The infrastructure improvements the school board discussed include a new HVAC system (steam to hot water boilers, chiller, unit vents, shelving a kitchen); new lighting and lighting retrofit; new ceiling tiles; electrical upgrade for technology; new windows with stucco face lift; new restroom fixtures that meet Americans with Disability Act standards; coaxial cable for video; fire alarm system upgrade that meets ADA standards; new kitchen hood with fire suppression; new exterior speakers connected to the public address system; and exterior lighting retrofit.
The base project, which includes the new HVAC system, lighting, drop system and electrical upgrade, would cost $1,712,646. However, according to AECI, there would be annual energy savings at Akron for $5,765, annual parts and maintenance savings of $2,064 and annual cost-avoidance savings of $239,718. Any asbestos removal is not included in the cost and there will be an approximate $6,512 per year of increased utility cost due to the increased cooling load and increased outside air to be tempered.
All of the proposed alternates would cost $395,815.
If the school board approves only the base project, the school corporation would have an annual payment of $234,962 and the first payment would be due Dec. 30. The project would be completed by year's end.
At the school board's regular meeting, May 8 at 7:30 p.m., the board will vote on the scope and financing of the project.
TVSC board members are Mark Wise, Bruce Andrews, Fred McSherry, Tom Weaver and Rod Eaton.
