Trane shares tax benefit with Tri-County

Representatives of Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and transport refrigeration, presented a check in the sum of $27,327.74 to Superintendent, Karen Maguire for the benefit of Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School at their Franklin, MA facility.  

Through a proven and innovative procurement and contracting process known as Performance Contracting, Trane designed and installed a comprehensive range of facility improvements at Tri-County that will provide a safe, comfortable, and efficient learning environment while substantially reducing energy consumption.

The $7M project, financed by an independent third party, and completed in 2020, included a roof replacement, new HVAC equipment and controls, and a comprehensive lighting systems upgrade. As part of the Performance Contracting process, Trane will guarantee that Tri-County will realize a reduction in energy consumption equaling $178,000/year over the 20-year term. Trane will also provide ongoing maintenance services to ensure optimal operation of project improvements for the long term.

Photo (L-R): Harry Takesian, Karen Maguire, Leo McNeil, Morgan Perras, Chris Marshall

“As a local resident and taxpayer, I am pleased to help facilitate a mechanism whereby Tri-County is able demonstrate fiscal and environmental stewardship while optimizing the learning environment for students.” said Leo McNeil of Trane.

“As a civic minded organization, Trane is pleased to share a portion of the 179D tax benefit with our customers” said Morgan Perras, of Trane.

Internal Revenue Code Sec. 179D is a popular tax incentive that provides building owners and eligible designers/builders the opportunity to claim a tax deduction for installing qualifying energy efficient systems in buildings.  Accordingly, Trane Technologies can file for this incentive for projects implemented at tax-exempt entities, such as Tri County Vocational Technical High School.

“Trane is pleased to present this share of the 179d tax benefit for this project to Tri-County”, said Chris Marshall, of Trane. The check is presented as a gift to Tri-County for their use in fulfilling their mission to provide an excellent comprehensive technical and academic education to regional high school students.

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Feb 23, 2021

Franklin School Committee 

February 23, 2021

7:00 PM

Call to Order 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. John F. Kennedy Elementary School Highlights - Dr. Linda Ashley, Principal; Dr. Sarravy Connolly, Assistant Principal

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_meeting_2_23.pdf

B. Vaccine Update -- Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator; Cathleen Liberty, Franklin Board of Health Agent; Chief McLaughlin, Deputy Chief Barbieri, Captain Blanchard, Franklin Fire Department
C. HVAC Ventilation Upgrades Update - Mike D’Angelo, Facilities Director, Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Refund of Lunch Fees for Seniors
I recommend approval of the request of Miriam Goodman, School Business Administrator, to refund Senior’s lunch balances for the 2020-2021 school year as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_refund_fees.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Reopening Status Update (2/18/2021)

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your February 9, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Executive Session
A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.

XI. Adjournment

Agenda doc  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_2-23-21.docx.pdf

Meeting packet folder (with all docs for this meeting - note - some released after the meeting)  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-23-2021-school-committee-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Feb 23, 2021

Tri-County RVTHS Takes Extraordinary Steps for Fresh Air

 Tri-County will be the areas first school to complete installation of an upgraded HVAC System that includes UV lights in ducts

 

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School's facilities department and HVAC Contractors have recently finished upgrading and replacing the school's central HVAC Systems, classroom and building VAV boxes, and unit heaters throughout the facility. New control valves and thermostats have been installed and tied into the new building control/management system to ensure the facility's equipment's proper operation.

This upgrade/replacement will improve building comfort by balancing the system and will address the building's indoor air quality (IAQ) and will help maximize the system's cubic feet per minute (CFM) output. The new energy management system allows the equipment to precisely control the flow of fresh air being brought into the building. The new units can bring in 100% outside air, which will enable us to dilute the indoor air with fresh air and dramatically increase overall IAQ. 

 

The new control system allows fresh air to be brought in hours before the building will be occupied for the day. Classrooms will see a minimum of six air exchanges per hour. The air will now be scrubbed by two filtration racks equipped with high-efficiency air filters (rated at MERV 13 and higher) with a total filter thickness of 14" instead of the single rack 4" filter equipped in the old system. Tri-County's Facilities Department will be able to control the exhaust fans in the building and enable them to remove more air from the building and maintain a constant air exchange throughout the facility.

The next step in the process is to install UV Commercial lights in the HVAC ducts. UV lights kill toxins in the handler, which include: mold, bacteria, and other germs.

"We are excited to put this technology in place to help mitigate the threat of airborne germs." says Harry Takesian, Director of Facilities Management

 

 

Tri-County RVTHS Takes Extraordinary Steps for Fresh Air