Commission reviews windscreens quotes, HVAC and field maintenance; many decisions deferred until staffing stabilizes

The Recreation Commission reviewed several facilities and field matters, including windscreens for courts, replacement of a furnace/HVAC system, and aeration/field maintenance quotes.

Windscreens and court equipment: Staff presented three windscreens quotes from a supplier identified as BSN, using a "good, better, best" pricing structure; staff noted BSN typically offers a 10–25% discount to parks-and-rec customers. Commissioners were shown per-side and total project estimates and asked for additional quotes before any purchase decision. "BSN will give anywhere between a 10 and 25 percent discount for us because we are a parks and rec department," a staff member said.

HVAC/furnace replacement: Staff said they are collecting four quotes for a full HVAC replacement; two quotes had arrived and two remained outstanding. Staff recommended waiting to finalize the purchase until the new staff member is in place so the incoming director can weigh system recommendations. Mark Kennedy (staff/volunteer consultant on HVAC) has been consulted for technical input.

Aeration and lawn maintenance: For lower-field aeration and reseeding, staff compared local quotes: a larger contractor’s price near $4,500 and a lower figure near $1,000 (after discount). Staff said one contractor (Lawn Doctor) is on an existing yearly contract and that the town typically runs April–March service agreements; commissioners discussed issuing bids for a multi-field maintenance contract to compare market prices going into the next budget cycle. Commissioners generally favored postponing nonurgent field seeding until spring and advised using the coming months to solicit multiple bids and line up annual contracts.

Ending: Commissioners emphasized collecting at least two to three competitive quotes for goods and services, documenting vendor recommendations, and holding major purchases until staffing and budget context are settled. Staff agreed to continue collecting quotes and to provide ranked recommendations.