Brookfield Approves Nearly $342K For High School Project

BROOKFIELD, CT — Brookfield residents attending a Special Town Meeting Thursday approved a special appropriation of up to $341,979 for temporary heating improvements at Brookfield High School.

The appropriation, which will be paid from the town's Capital Non-recurring Fund, is intended to keep the school's heating system operational while officials work toward a full HVAC replacement expected within the next three to five years.

Subscribe

During the meeting, Superintendent Steve Parisi told attendees the high school's three boilers are decades old, with one already out of service and being used for replacement parts after multiple leaks and other issues. He said the approved proposal, known as Option A, will restore one existing boiler to full operation while adding a temporary containerized boiler to provide backup heat before the heating season begins.

The proposal prompted nearly an hour of public discussion. Some residents questioned whether the project should be considered an emergency, criticized the limited warranty on the repaired boiler and asked why the deteriorating heating system had not been addressed sooner through the town's capital planning process.

Town officials defended the recommendation, saying Option A was endorsed by the Board of Education, Board of Selectmen, Capital Committee and Board of Finance as the best interim solution. Officials also said the temporary containerized boiler could potentially be reused at another school or sold after a permanent HVAC system is installed.

Following the ballot count, the appropriation was approved by a vote of 29-5.