The Bremen Board of Selectmen is considering hiring an independent engineer to evaluate the heating system at the town office and make recommendations for upgrading the system.
Bremen resident Kurt Magnusson with Mechanical Systems Engineers met with the selectmen at their meeting on March 3 to discuss the services he could provide.
Selectman Tom Kostenbader said he wants to see an expert take a look at the heating system to make sure the job is done right.
“We need someone impartial,” Kostenbader said.
If he’s hired, part of Magnusson’s work will be to produce detailed specifications when the town puts the project out to bid. “That’s the part I like: Everyone’s bidding on the same thing,” Kostenbader said.
Magnusson’s initial proposal to the town is for $3900, and would include detailed evaluation of the piping, boilers, pumping system and insulation, as well as an evaluation of the cost difference between oil and gas heat. Magnusson would then produce a detailed spec to be put out to bid.
Once a contractor was hired, Magnusson would make three site visits to ensure construction was following the plans and a final evaluation after construction – but before the contractor gets paid – to make sure everything was done right.
“It’s better to have a professional that knows what they’re doing than a contractor telling you what you need,” said resident Hank Nevins at the meeting. “This system should last for generations, so it should be done right.”
Wendy Pieh, Chairman of the Bremen Board of Selectmen, expressed concerns about the cost of Magnusson’s proposal.
“We need to look closely at the figures and make sure we’re only getting what we need,” Pieh said. “We want to go with Kurt, but want to look and see if we can bring the price down.”
Magnusson suggested that there are a variety of options regarding how much involvement he has in the process and how detailed an evaluation he does, all of which would change the price.
The selectmen did not make any final decision at the March 3 meeting.
