Lakeville Parks Commission authorizes $11,000 tractor, approves Refab employee event and names backup payroll signers

The Town of Lakeville Parks Commission on Aug. 28 authorized up to $11,000 for a new tractor for Ted Williams Camp, approved a permit for Refab’s employee appreciation event on Sept. 26, and named two alternate payroll signers for the parks department.

The commission’s authorization of $11,000 covers the purchase of a tractor recommended by parks staff to support leaf-vac and grounds operations. Commissioners discussed a lower-priced $7,500 model but voted to authorize the larger amount so staff can confirm the model that best fits department needs before finalizing the purchase. The commission noted that the tractor would be used primarily to pull a leaf vacuum the department already owns and to avoid recurring hand labor for leaf removal.

The commission approved Refab’s request to hold an employee-appreciation event on Sept. 26 at Ted Williams Camp. Refab told the commission the event is for staff and vendors, would be under 100 people, and include portable activities and a single food truck approved by the board of health. The applicant proposed a rain date of Oct. 3; commissioners flagged a wedding reservation on that date and required that the rain-date plan ensure the site is vacated before the wedding (the commission asked that a rain-date schedule end by about 3 p.m.). Staff confirmed there is electricity available at the recommended site and that no separate power fee applies; Refab offered a $500 donation to the parks commission, and the applicant was told where to mail a check.

Commissioners also moved to name Scott as a second payroll signer and Andrew as a third signer when the chair is unavailable so payroll documents can be processed on the required municipal schedule. The commission postponed consideration of a maintenance proposal from the Freetown Lakeville Soccer Club until the club can present a full plan on Sept. 11.

Votes at a glance - Authorize up to $11,000 for tractor purchase for Ted Williams Camp — outcome: approved; details: staff to confirm recommended model (alternative $7,500 model discussed); purpose: haul leaf vac and grounds work; funding source: not specified. - Approve Refab employee…