With $274,000 to spend and another $274,000 coming this summer, the Borough of Newtown is looking at a proposed HVAC project at Edmond Town Hall (ETH) as a possible use for its American Rescue Plan windfall.

Edmond Town Hall is the only town-owned building without full air conditioning, according to documents submitted to the Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses by the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers. The proposed $451,711 project would increase outside and inside air circulation utilizing ductless mini split units in tenant offices, the lobby, hallways, and staff offices — and install air conditioning in the gymnasium area.

The documentation further notes that the only spaces within the building that currently have air conditioning are the Alexandria Room and the theater.

The offices are currently using window units that ETH staffers are installing and uninstalling for tenants each season. Those window units have “inefficient air flow,” according to the documents. Additionally, the ETH manager’s office has only one window, which when an AC unit is installed, limits natural light and gives no option for an open window for fresh air.

The ETH manager’s office door is “customer facing and always ... open,” and the same window unit is also cooling the finance manager’s office. The lobby and hallways have “zero air filtration,” according to the documents.

The ETH Board of Managers also submitted a “wish list” of additional projects for the Board of Burgesses to consider, including $2,000 to replace gym closet doors and hardware; $10,000 to replace or repair ceiling and paint, $2,000 to use sound proofing paint additive on gym ceiling; $5,000 to add a high-power router and equipment to improve phone reception; $8,000 to install a “safe marquee” — one that does not require a ladder; $28,000 for new door hardware, main doors, outer lobby theater, and inner lobby, to provide fire safety and quieter access.

Also, $24,000 for commercial doors to the gymnasium, handicap entry, and gym fire exit doors — one with electronic and keyed access; $10,000 for electrical assessment for building systems; $34,400 reliable internet capabilities through CEN installation (a grant is being applied for to assist with the cost); and $13,450 for security cameras.

The Board of Managers was still awaiting cost estimates on the following requests: Replace rusted and inefficient electric heaters in new addition; replace rusted stack in back of building; and AC thermostat in theater, upgrade to digital to save energy.

The wish list items add up to $92,000.

“We’re well aware the Edmond Town Hall is underfunded and isn’t bringing in enough revenue,” said Borough Warden Joseph Maher.

Maher said the Borough has already allocated $15,000 of the ARP funding to Newtown Hook and Ladder, and another $5,600 to the C.H. Booth Library. Additionally, there is a proposal from the school district to tap Borough ARP funds for a total of $100,000 in projects. The burgesses are currently waiting to see if funding those projects through the Board of Education’s requested 2022-23 budget will be recommended.

As the school request was for a new position, Maher said his preference would be for computers or other equipment, “and not for a position that wouldn’t be funded next year.”

“Capital expenses are better uses for the ARP money,” Maher said.

Concerning the ETH request, Burgess Chris Gardner said that “given the size of the request, I’d like them [The ETH Board of Managers] to come in and discuss it.”

Maher said the request would be put on the Board of Burgesses agenda for next month. Their next meeting is 7:30 pm Tuesday, April 12.

Associate Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.