Commission considers Bartlett quote to clear brush, expand parking; recommends additional bids for boulder/tree removal

The Recreation Commission reviewed a Bartlett proposal to clear brush on the upper and lower fields and to expand parking in the lower dirt lot. Commissioners said that completing phases 2 and 3 of the Bartlett estimate would likely add about one full additional row of parking — roughly 20 to 30 more vehicle spaces — improving spectator space and field access.

Commissioners discussed skipping phase 1 for now and focusing on the hill cleanup and parking expansion (phases 2 and 3). They noted Bartlett is a reputable local contractor and that the company has previously donated wood chips for playgrounds, but members said the town should solicit additional bids for any work that involves tree removal, rock/boulder removal, or lot grading because Bartlett is primarily a tree company and would not handle heavy rock work. Commissioners recommended obtaining two or three additional quotes from firms that can both remove trees and move boulders or handle grading.

The commission discussed cost impacts on the department’s revolving account and said, depending on the town bill and pending charges, the account could be roughly $50,000 after the next town bill is received. One estimate given in the meeting suggested that proceeding with Bartlett’s proposed phase 2 and 3 work would reduce the revolving account balance to approximately $33,000–$35,000; commissioners said they would weigh parking benefits against the need to maintain a healthy fund balance.

No formal vote to award work was taken; commissioners asked staff to pursue additional quotes for firms that can handle tree, boulder and parking work and to return with comparative estimates and revised funding options.