Wissahickon board approves CHA design services for middle school boiler amid chiller noise dispute

The Wissahickon School District Board on Dec. 23 approved a proposal from CHA Consulting for design services on a middle school boiler replacement and heard an extended facilities briefing about the middle school chiller and prior noise mitigation efforts.

Tim (facilities) summarized a multi-year history: the chiller was replaced in 2018 and later moved outside; neighborhood complaints led to a 2024 acoustical study by Harrison Acoustics that found sound levels above the township ordinance. The district installed sound blankets in September 2024, which reduced noise by about 3 decibels but did not bring levels into compliance. Administration considered a brick sound wall (estimated $367,500) and a lower-cost sound fence option (estimated $75,000). Testing coordinated with Lower Gwynedd Township and Metropolitan Acoustics LLC later found the chiller noise met the township threshold after mitigation, the administration said.

Public commenters urged caution and more transparency. Irene Lewis questioned whether the sound wall/fence installation complied with the chiller manufacturer's requirements, whether the building inspector and fire marshal had reviewed the work, and noted a pending right-to-know request and an outstanding Bureau Veritas facilities report. Eric Bridal asked why independent engineering firms were not considered before re-engaging CHA (which had a limited prior role) and asked for the Bureau Veritas report to be released to the board and public.

Tim also described the middle school boiler condition: the current boilers date to the school's original 1974 construction and have exceeded typical life-expectancy benchmarks (ASHRAE guidance cited). The district's last state inspection was on 03/28/2024 with certifications valid until 03/12/2026; the district was advised to plan for replacement. Administration recommended proceeding with design and public bidding on an aggressive schedule to complete work before the 2026–27 school year, and noted alternatives (replace with air-cooled units, water-cooled systems, rooftop installations) carry substantially higher cost estimates.

Board members asked whether the district had an energy strategy (administration said there is not a formal district-wide energy plan yet) and pressed for contingency plans if a boiler failed during the heating season. The motion approved was limited to the design/specification services (the "spec job") for CHA Consulting, capped at $60,000, which the board passed by voice vote.

The administration said it would provide the inspector’s report and additional documentation to the board when available. The vote clears the design procurement step; funding and construction schedules remain subject to future board actions and public bidding requirements or exemptions for professional services under Pennsylvania Department of Education practices.