ST. JOHN | Mechanical engineers have moved from the conceptual phase to a schematic design aimed at replacing old equipment at Lake Central High School with more energy-efficient mechanical equipment that would achieve the district's goals if next week's referendum is approved.

"Much of the equipment is reaching the end of its useful life," OWP Engineer Dan Fagan told the Lake Central School Corp. board recently.

"The school has grown organically over decades, so all the additions served independent mechanical systems that reflected the philosophy at the time. By doing an entire renovation, we can modernize the facility in the best way we can."

Voters will decide on Tuesday whether the high school campus will undergo a $95 million renovation. The mechanical plan of the proposed construction calls for a central equipment plant near the auditorium which would have centralized chilled water generation for the air conditioning.

The plant would include three new chillers, three new cooling towers, and nine high-efficiency boilers to generate hot water for heating.

Engineers currently have developed five options for generating energy for hot and cold air for the centralized distribution system including possible geothermal, air-cooled chillers and ice storage.

They might still consider some other components if more efficient. Air handlers, boilers and equipment would be brought in stages as needed.

Initial plans tentatively call for nine new air handlers and two additional air handlers. Most electrical upgrades would occur early on, Fagan added.

A new electrical service is proposed for the new auditorium because that facility and the central energy plant require a high load.

Four new transformers and four new switchboards would be added as well as a new emergency generator in the south portion of the school which feeds the fire alarm system. Plans also call for two new additional transformers, a closed-circuit TV system, a fire alarm system, telephone and paging system and new fire sprinklers throughout the building.