Commission approves temporary measures for schools, orders sound‑mitigation study follow‑up at Willard

Commissioners reviewed multiple school facilities items and approved short‑term measures to protect buildings and students during summer work, while ordering longer‑term sound‑mitigation analysis for a noisy chiller at Willard Elementary.

Patrick, the commission’s on-site construction representative, briefed the body on Hubard and Griswald HVAC work: chillers are set, piping and tie-ins are underway, and switchgear deliveries are scheduled in July. For Griswald and All State work, staff described plans to mitigate temporary-power outages; staff said they prefer a temporary Eversource panel to multiple generators to provide full-time power with less neighborhood disruption and lower cost.

For Willard, the commission reviewed a 24‑hour noise study by Morgan Acoustics that found chiller noise under daytime thresholds but slightly above at night and audible in nearby homes. The acoustician outlined four mitigation options: replace/modify the gate and enclosure, install acoustical blankets or interior treatments, raise the wall height (as used at other schools), or add manufacturer silencers on the chillers. Commissioners discussed durability, visual impact, life span of blanket solutions, and estimated a silencer could cost roughly $125,000 per unit based on prior quotations for similar equipment.

Because Willard will be shut down for about four to five weeks, commissioners authorized staff to use project contingency to purchase or rent temporary dehumidification/cooling equipment (two to three units), noting rental and purchase prices were similar (roughly $3,000–$4,000 per commercial unit) and suggesting a planning budget in the $15,000–$20,000 range to cover temporary provisions and wiring. Staff also said the temporary power panel will limit how many units can be run.

The commission approved an invoice for Morgan Acoustics for $5,400 for the Willard noise study and asked the architect Frier to prepare pricing and an alternatives evaluation for soundproofing measures; commissioners emphasized wanting a durable, effective solution rather than a low-cost, short-lived fix. Staff will return with cost estimates and recommended designs.

The commission approved the Morgan invoice and several temporary-power and invoice items on the agenda; the transcript shows motions carried by vocal assent and recorded abstentions on unrelated pay applications.