Schools to buy specified lights after bid dispute; contractor to be rebid for labor

Administrator updated the committee on a procurement dispute in which a contractor proposed lighting that did not match the schools' safety and performance specifications. After back-and-forth and a town-council involvement, staff said the schools will "buy the correct lights themselves and then just pay this contractor for the labor," and the contractor will be rebid for labor-only work.

Members emphasized safety standards for sports lighting and noted sealed bids could still result in the same contractor being selected for labor; staff confirmed sealed bidding is used and the town will rebid the labor contract with the fixtures purchased separately to match required specifications.