Brentwood commission authorizes staff to solicit bids for lower‑field irrigation project

Commissioners discussed a proposal to extend irrigation to the lower recreation field using the existing on‑site tank after a site visit and an estimate from a local contractor. The contractor described a phased installation that would minimize disruption and estimated the work could be completed in about a week to a week‑and‑a‑half.

Members noted the project must be put out to competitive bid. The commission agreed to begin the formal bid solicitation process promptly and asked staff to collect sealed proposals and return recommended bids to the commission; commissioners said an award vote in July would allow an August installation window appropriate for fall seeding.

Funding options discussed included available impact‑fee balances and pending reimbursements to the recreation capital account. Commissioners were advised to coordinate with town administration on procurement rules and to keep the select board informed before awarding a contract. The commission also discussed adding an itemized post‑installation field‑care contract to support turf establishment and maintenance once irrigation is installed.

The commission voted to authorize staff to solicit proposals and to aim for proposals within the next two weeks so the commission could act in July.