City Council to consider McConnell Center HVAC upgrades, infrastructure funding

posted on: 4/20/2026

The City Council will consider funding for major upgrades at the McConnell Center, along with several infrastructure and planning-related items, during its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

The Council is expected to take up two related items involving the McConnell Center’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, including a Capital Improvements Program (CIP) appropriation and an energy performance contract resolution.

The proposed HVAC project is part of a broader, phased effort to modernize systems at the McConnell Center. Under the energy savings performance contract, the City would partner with Energy Efficient Investments of Merrimack to complete Phase 2B of the project, which includes boiler replacement, heat pump upgrades, cooling tower replacement, gym dehumidification improvements, and controls upgrades. The work is designed to address aging infrastructure, improve energy efficiency, and reduce long-term operating costs.

The HVAC upgrades are expected to generate ongoing energy savings once completed.

The Council will also consider two additional funding-related resolutions:

• A proposal to reprogram unexpended bond proceeds from the Fifth and Grove Street water main projects to support the Horne Street reconstruction project.
• A proposal to reprogram unexpended bond proceeds from the Durham Road sewer rehabilitation project to the South End gravity sewer project.

Also on the agenda are two public hearings, both of which will be voted on at the May 13 City Council meeting:

• An additional appropriation and bonding authorization for FY2027 capital improvements at the French Cross Road water treatment facility.
• A proposal to reprogram unexpended bond proceeds from prior Community Services projects to the Henry Law Avenue reconstruction project.

Other items on the agenda include:

• Authorization to contribute up to $30,000 toward a Southeast Land Trust conservation easement on a 10.1-acre property along the Cochecho River.
• Award of a $35,250 contract to PDR Strategies to update the City’s Local Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan, which guide preparedness and response during emergencies.
• Approval of the 2026 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan update, a federally required document that identifies risks and strategies to reduce impacts from natural and other hazards.
  Authorization of a $199,050 contract with MacKinnon & Sons Excavating for sewer and water upgrades on Trakey Street.
• Acceptance of a donation of gym equipment from Planet Fitness.

The complete agenda can be viewed here.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers and will be televised on DoverTV and streamed live at dovernh.viebit.com, where it will also be available on demand.