Smaller cities like Satellite Beach often have to save up for years to make costly repairs to city buildings, while more energy-efficient systems like new air conditioners – and their savings – wait for funding.
The City Council last week changed that equation by signing agreements with ABM Building Services LLC that are expected to save city taxpayers $200,000.
Earlier this year the council had approved a detailed audit of potential energy savings opportunities. At a follow-up meeting May 15, the council asked ABM for the contract to include thermostat and air conditioner replacements, city-wide LED lighting, solar lighting around the retention pond at DeSoto Park, the building of “envelope” modifications to reduce air leaks into the buildings, roof replacements and telephone system upgrades.
Advantages of signing on with the company for the work include faster implementation (within the next 12 months) and a guarantee of the energy savings of up to $16,000 the first year.
If there is a savings shortfall, which only happens about 1 percent of the time, the company would cut a check for the difference, said Assistant City Manager Liz Alward.
Similar-sized cities contracting with ABM include Cocoa Beach, Temple Terrace and the town of Lake Clarke Shores, she said.
Lighting, roofing, air conditioning and HVAC controls are typically the easiest areas for initial energy savings, but, considering the immediate benefits of repairs completed quickly, all aspects of the ABM contract should be welcome to city staff and community, Alward said.
“Air conditioners that don’t break down, roofs that don’t leak, safety lighting around the DeSoto pond, I would say … will make the citizens, the council and staff very happy,’’ she said.
The day after the council vote, Alward met with ABM officials and signed off on roofing permits.
