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Board awards $119,460 landscaping contract; one member abstains
Summary
Belco Landscaping was awarded the district landscaping contract for $119,460; Vice Chair Bernard Campbell abstained from discussion and vote because of a legal relationship with one bidder.
The Salem School Board on June 17 awarded the district’s landscaping contract to Belco Landscaping of Salem, New Hampshire, for $119,460.
Facilities staff said Belco has been providing lawn care and school cleanup over the past year; two bidders submitted proposals (Belco and Northpointe Outdoors) with similar pricing. The district recommended keeping Belco for continuity at the offered price.
Board member Bernard Campbell went on the record as abstaining from the discussion and vote, citing a legal relationship with one of the bidders. The motion to award, moved by Kelly Moss and seconded by Erin Khalil, passed 4‑0 with one abstention.
Board discussion clarified scope: the landscaping contract excludes athletic field maintenance, which is performed in‑house by district grounds staff; Belco’s contract covers typical grounds maintenance tasks. A board member also asked whether rising maintenance needs (weed control, overseeding, irrigation) should be included in a longer‑range grounds plan; administration presented a draft multi‑year grounds and landscaping plan for later discussion.
Provenance: Administration recommended awarding Belco Landscaping at the June 17 meeting; the motion passed 4‑0‑1 (one abstention) and Belco will provide lawn and grounds services for the coming contract period.
