Select Board keeps recreation director full time, appoints new alternate and approves furnace replacement funding

The Brentwood Select Board on Oct. 28 appointed Laura Hajar as an alternate member of the Recreation Commission through June 30, 2026, to fill a vacancy. The board discussed alignment of commission term expirations and agreed to the June date so terms will better match the town’s appointment cycle.

The board then debated whether the recreation department needs a full-time director or whether a part-time director plus program coordinator and interns could suffice. Recreation commission members and several residents urged keeping the position full-time, noting the breadth of programs, facility maintenance responsibilities and the recreation program’s revolving-account revenue. After public comments — including program attendance and revenue figures presented by commissioners — the board voted to retain the full-time recreation director position and approved the recreation budget as presented.

The recreation commission also presented three proposals to replace the building furnace. The board approved up to $40,000 from the town’s Public Buildings capital reserve fund to replace the unit with two systems (upper and lower-level coverage) and to add networked thermostats for monitoring. The board noted that if costs exceed that amount the commission could use its revolving account to cover additional expenses.

Finally, the board discussed hiring and recruitment steps for the director position; the commission said it will run interviews with volunteer support and coordinate with the Select Board on final interviews.