Honeywell executives are eager to get going on projects they say could generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy savings for Monroe's school and municipal buildings. The millions of dollars worth of upgrades would all be paid with the savings, according to the firm.
The Board of Education voted to support the scope of work being proposed, but a contract would need approval from the Board of Finance and the Town Council. Town Attorney Jack Fracassini is working with Honeywell to finalize a contract proposal for their review, but he recently cautioned Town Council members to do their due diligence before making a decision.
"I want to make it clear that the boards and the commissions in this town should not rush to judgment on this," Fracassini told the Town Council at its meeting Monday. "It's a lot of information. This is $5 million to $7 million in terms and obligations for the town."
The scope of the work being proposed is outlined in this article: http://patch.com/A-y1TX.
Fracassini has been working on the contract since August and called the negotiations meaningful, saying Honeywell has made a lot of concessions to the town.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Interested in Monroe's news, events, community bulletins, blogs and businesses? Sign up for the free Monroe Patch daily newsletter, "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Before completing the contract, Fracassini wants to see full reports on all town and Board of Education owned buildings.
"I'm not comfortable with the financial information," he said.
If the Town Council and Board of Finance approves a contract, Fracassini said it would come before voters at a Town Meeting.
The contract is currently 282 pages long and Fracassini said he would have copies made for town officials to review this week.
"There are a lot of things that have to be considered," he said. "I advise you to do your homework before voting on this. I'm not giving a legal opinion until that due diligence report is in."
Council Questions
Councilwoman Dee Dee Martin asked if the scope of work were to be reduced — taking out work on Monroe Elementary School for example — if the entire contract would have to be redone. Fracassini said it would.
Councilman Tony Unger said, "I want to see cost savings by building."
"That's why I want the due diligence to be done," Fracassini said. "I have no problem with that at all."
"I'm told a lot of towns in the state used Honeywell for this purpose," Fracassini said, before offering to produce a list of those towns, so their officials can be asked how their agreements with Honeywell are working out.
Councilwoman Debra Dutches said, "I'm a little concerned with the 'all or nothing.' I understand there is a state rebate. Do we need Honeywell to do it to receive this?"
"From the top of my head, I'll say you do, but I haven't reviewed the state legislation," Fracassini replied. "If you haven't done your complete review — If we lose it, we lose it."
