Commission discusses lower parking expansion, drainage, aeration and irrigation plans

The Brentwood Recreation Commission discussed a planned expansion of the lower parking lot and linked field‑care work, including drainage, aeration and possible future irrigation.
Andy, the recreation director, presented four contractor quotes for a project that could include lot grading, shrub and tree clearing on the hill above the lot, and stump removal. One quote for the primary parking expansion work showed a much lower price — about $14,005.50 — while others were roughly in the mid‑$50,000 range; commissioners noted stump‑grinding and tree removal language varied between bids and that missing line items could explain price differences.
Commissioners also reviewed field‑care options timed around an upcoming drainage project. Lawn Doctor provided an estimate of about $4,800 to aerate and overseed the upper field; commissioners discussed whether to aerate the lower field this fall to improve turf before winter while waiting to see how drainage repairs perform. Several commissioners said they preferred aeration this fall for the lower field and to delay overseeding until after drainage is tested, because overseeding now could be lost if the drainage work floods seeded areas.
Funding and timing were recurring concerns. The recreation revolving account balance was discussed: the staff printed a balance that reflected deposits but noted the final account balance will depend on an outstanding town bill. Andy said he expects to be in a safe range even after an expenditure of up to $15,000 for the lower lot, but urged waiting for the town bill before breaking ground. Commissioners asked staff to obtain updated, itemized quotes that explicitly state whether stump removal is included and to show project comparisons in a grid format to clarify differences.
Commissioners also agreed to give the conservation committee a heads‑up about planned shrub trimming along the hill to ensure boundaries are respected; staff said they had already sought conservation input for the connected drainage project.
No formal appropriation was made; staff will return with clarified, itemized quotes and a recommendation after the town billing information is confirmed.