Town House simmers as AC falters

Town House staff could be in for a sizzling summer as they await repairs on a broken air conditioning system. 

Public meetings and events will move out of the building through August. Town Manager Kerry Lafleur said Acton has alternative work locations for staff. But Lafleur said most expect to sweat it out in the 135-year-old structure.

In an email, Lafleur confirmed that officials don’t expect to close any offices, meaning residents can still do business with departments at the Town House.

The town announced HVAC problems on June 22. On June 30, Lafleur said it could cost up to $150,000 to install a new chiller. The town has money in its budget to cover the cost, but the new machinery won’t arrive until mid-August. 

The Town House had a few portable air conditioning units as of last week. In the Select Board meeting room, staff wedged a box fan into a window but turned it off, because it was drowning out the proceedings. 

After one muggy meeting, the Select Board decided to decamp to the Acton Municipal Light Plant.

“We should have had dress-down Select Board day,” board Chair Mark Howell joked as he entered the meeting room at the Town House. Board Clerk Wendy Rovelli fanned herself with a folder as outside temperatures hovered above 90 degrees. 

“I guess we all sweat together today,” newly elected member Paul Boehm said as he settled in for his first board meeting.