By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer 

NAPLES — Residents at annual town meeting in April supported the purchase of heat pumps for the Naples Museum.

April’s prices are practically relics now.

In fact, inflation has caused the cost of the heat pumps to rise higher than the $25,000 the voters approved. 

On Monday, the Naples Board of Selectmen voted, 4-1, to pay $28,164 for the purchase and installation of three heat pumps from Dave’s World. Those ductless heat pumps will be placed in the Naples Museum and Visitors’ Center. 

Chairman Jim Grattelo voted in opposition of the heat pump purchase.

“The reason I am against this is: This started out as a humidity problem and took on a life of its own,” he said.

Of the four companies that were sent invitations to bid, Dave’s World was the only one that replied before the deadline. 

Upon inquiring why other Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) companies did not participate in the bid process, Naples Town Manager John Hawley was told they were straight out.

Selectman Ted Shane pushed for the purchase, going for the less expensive offer from Dave’s World.  

“It was approved by people at town meeting. If we don’t accept the bid, we will be kicking the can. And, the next time we might not get another bid,” Shane said. 

He made the motion, which requires using $3,164 from the Undesignated Fund Balance to make up the difference between what was allocated and the actual bid price. 

There was some discussion about the price of oil used by the primary heating source, which is radiant floor heating. It might be possible that the heat pumps would offset the use of high priced oil.

Also discussed was whether or not it would be cheaper to rent dehumidifierunits to solve that issue. 

Having the heat pumps will allow staff to heat one area of the museum, such as the office, instead of turning up the thermostat and trying to heat up the entire building to spend short periods of time there during the winter.