Recreation commission approves $8,325 drainage project, will ask select board to fund with impact fees

The Brentwood Town Recreation Commission voted to present an $8,325 quote from Hillside Landscaping to the Select Board for approval to fix drainage on the lower field and asked that the work be completed this summer using the town's impact fees.

Commissioners said the town conservation committee reviewed the plan and raised no objections. The project was described to the commission as necessary to avoid continued field flooding that reduces usable playing time and could affect revenue from rentals and events.

Commissioners said Hillside Landscaping is a vendor the town has used for more than 20 years and noted the company’s familiarity with the park's sprinkler and field systems, an experience the commission said was important for preserving field integrity. One commissioner warned that seeking an engineer or additional outside quotes could add substantial cost and delay. The commission moved and seconded a motion to forward the single Hillside quote to the Select Board for a May 20 agenda and to request the project be scheduled and completed in the summer; members also added language that no subsequent quotes would be sought before Select Board review. The motion passed on an affirmative vote.

The commission agreed to prepare a short joint statement emphasizing Hillside’s long-term relationship with the town and the timing benefits of carrying the work out during summer months when field usage is lowest. Commission members said they would supply that statement to the Select Board ahead of its meeting.

The project now awaits the Select Board’s decision. If approved, the commission expects installation this summer to minimize program disruption and to preserve field revenue.