Lack of bids forces chief to return $150K

Funds were to be used for new police carport

CROMWELL >> It seemed like an ideal solution.

Construct a nine-bay carport to protect police cruisers from inclement weather and the blazing sun that could damage the increasingly sophisticated electronics that are now used in most of these vehicles.

Then, mount solar panels on the roof to provide auxiliary power for police headquarters.

Police liked the idea, and so did the Board of Finance, which allocated $150,000 for the project. But that was in 2015.

Thursday night, Police Chief Denise Lamontagne came before the Board of Finance to return the money.

The town had issued a request for proposals and got no responses, Lamontagne said.

In advance of issuing the RFP, Director of Public Works Louis J. Spina requested an estimate, Lamontagne said. The town engaged a company to examine the project and estimate the likely cost. Their estimate: $277,000. “Absent the solar panels, the price would be $175,000,” Lamontagne said. “I consulted with the town manager and we don’t necessarily believe that a carport is worth $200,000. I certainly will look at any grants that might be out there.”

But in the meantime, “I don’t want that $150,000 to just be out there.” “You mean you want us to take the money back?” finance board member Amanda Drew interrupted to ask Lamontagne. “Yes,” the chief replied. Saying he was not looking to blame anyone, finance board Chairman John “Jack” Henehan asked, “How could we be so far off?”

“There are less and less companies” that install solar panels than there were just two years ago, Lamontagne replied. “When we got no bids, I was very surprised.”

Henehan acknowledged he was disappointed by the turn of events. “A carport protects the cruisers, it protects the equipment from the sun, so it would be a great benefit,” he said.

“But I don’t believe it would be enough of a benefit for that cost,” Henehan said.

His disappointment was shared by board member Allan Spotts.

“I was the one who put the money (for the carport) back in the 15-16 budget,” Spotts said. “The police are the only one of our first responders who don’t have a garage for their vehicles. The sun does affect the electronics.”

Drew attempted to soften the blow, telling Lamontagne, “We do appreciate your honesty in coming here and telling us that” the cost outweighed the anticipated benefits.”