A Necessary Expense In Derby

How’s this for Derby trivia?

The only place that has genuinely hot water in City Hall — the toilets.

At least that’s what Phil Robertson told the Board of Apportionment and Taxation last Wednesday.

I haven’t done any extensive research on this, but this is what I’m told,” said Robertson, the city’s chief administrative officer.

His comments came as members of the tax board were asking questions about a request to spend up to $880 for a new hot water heater in City Hall.

Mayor Anthony Staffieri, who was in the audience, explained that the cold water pipes in City Hall are next to the boilers.

The hot water pipes run along the cold water pipes, which heats them up as they run into the toilets and other sinks,” Staffieri said.

The hot water heater now in City Hall is old and in rough shape, according to Henry Domurad, the city’s finance director.

Domurad is afraid the water heater is going to burst, which could cause extensive damage in the building.

I’m afraid if we’re not here on the weekend and the water lets go, we’re going to have problems. It is so corroded, it is ridiculous,” Domurad said.

Keith McLiverty, the city treasurer, said health department laws insist on hot water in public restrooms.

Tax board member James Butler asked whether the city considered purchasing a tankless water heater.

Tankless heaters need to be vented either out the roof or a sidewall, both of which are difficult because of where the tank is located, Domurad said.

The tax board approved the money by a 7 – 1 vote, with Anita Duggato voting no.

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