Town Manager Jim Manny told the council that bids for phase 1A and 1B of the Old Mountain Field improvement project were higher than the amount allocated from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and that the town is conducting competitive negotiations with the low bidders.

Manny said the town had authorized $2.5 million in ARPA funds to accelerate the project but that the three lowest bidders returned prices near $3.9 million for an expanded phase 1A with a broader scope than initially estimated by the town's consultant. "The bids came in over budget for what we have budgeted through ARPA," Manny said, and staff are negotiating to narrow scope and price.

Why it matters: Old Mountain Field is a high-profile recreation project that had ARPA acceleration; finishing phase 1 as designed would add stadium-style ADA-compliant seating, a concession/restroom building and adjacent parking and promenade work. Manny said the consultant's estimate for the full 1A scope was about $4.3 million, but bids that shifted more work into 1A (earth moving, parking grading and drainage) increased the apparent cost.

Funding and next steps: Manny said the town will seek additional funding sources if needed, including recreation impact fees, and plans to complete the competitive-negotiation process soon. He indicated staff hope to return with a recommendation to the council in February and said that timing affects whether any phase 1 elements can be completed before spring events. "The longer we push out, the less optimistic I am," Manny said about finishing in time for summer use, but added staff are aiming for spring construction if negotiations allow.

Council members asked whether the school department might contribute because school teams use the field. Manny replied that schools already pay an annual maintenance contribution and that capital partnerships could be explored but are not presently committed.