ADAMS TWP — Mars School Board warmed up to the idea of a new chiller Tuesday night after a presentation by district maintenance staff.

John Hays, general manager of construction for Thomas & Williamson Program Management of Pittsburgh, discussed a new chiller — which generates chilled water to provide air conditioning — on behalf of Frank Randza, director of buildings and grounds.

“The chiller at the high school is like running on its very last legs,” Hays said. “If at all.”

Hays told members of the school board that district maintenance officials didn't know how well the HVAC unit will run when it's turned on in the spring.

“Any attempt to use it is going to require ... temporary measures,” Hays said.

The district has planned to replace the chiller for a few years, Hays said.

Hays advised the district to make a chiller purchase through COSTARS, Pennsylvania's cooperative purchasing program for municipalities. COSTARS lets municipalities and school districts use contracts established by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to do cost-effective business with suppliers.

Hays said COSTARS applies to both purchasing equipment and installation labor.

“And we get some options,” Hays said. “We can go to some of the better HVAC contractors.”

Hays said he plans to work with Randza to get a good price through COSTARS.

He expects labor associated with installing the chiller will be about $50,000. The equipment via COSTARS is between $120,000 and $127,000.

Board member Christine Valenta asked if buying the chiller through COSTARS would make it more difficult for the district to keep it maintained.

“Is there a concern over finger-pointing?” Valenta asked. “Where someone says, 'Well, you bought it from me, but I didn't install it. Someone else did.'”

“This is no different than us bidding it,” Hays said. “We'll get the same warranties, the same maintenance agreements.”

Hays reminded the board one chiller covers most of the school. The gymnasium has two other units, which would need to be addressed separately.

“We would like to move as quick as possible,” Hays said. “It's going to take 10 to 12 weeks just to get the unit.”

Hays said the chiller would “definitely be ready” when school starts in the fall. He said more information will be provided to the board over the next few weeks.

Randza also asked the board Tuesday night to consider making three maintenance purchases out of this year's budget.

Although he originally planned to put the equipment in next year's budget, Randza said he decided to present them now.

“Through promotions and district needs, I'm asking that we approve them now,” Randza said.

On Randza's list was a Ridgid K-1500 drain cleaner, utility locator and turf sweeper.

The drain cleaner, according to Randza, would be able to clean bigger lines than what the maintenance department is using now. Randza said Ridgid is also running a promotion that would add extra cable to the purchase.

The drain cleaner, utility locator and sweeper are $3,100, $4,165 and $11,824, respectively.

Hays and Randza expect to have more details about possible purchases in time for next week's meeting.