Committee members reported receiving a payment from contractor Lance Lane and said Lane has not completed all required paperwork related to the town’s contract. Lane asked if future payments could be simplified to a single annual payment rather than staged disbursements; members said they would discuss options with town procurement staff.

The committee discussed two options to allow fertilizing this season: (1) exercise an existing contract option year (one or two years) so the contractor could apply fertilizer and retain benefit if the contract continues, or (2) issue a new request for proposals (RFP). Members noted that a new RFP would have to go out “by law” and that it would likely be too late for fertilizing to have benefit this season. The committee said an extension of one or two years could be easier and faster.

Committee members said Lance Lane has been selling hay cut from Malone Road fields and that the hay is suitable for cattle but “not for horses.” Members also discussed whether Lane would recoup fertilizer costs within a year; the group estimated roughly a year before seeing benefit but did not confirm a precise payback. The committee noted interest from another potential bidder, Rick Green, who might bid if the town issues an RFP.

Why it matters: decisions about exercising contract options or issuing a new RFP could affect field condition, timing of fertilization, and small local revenue streams from hay sales. Members agreed to consult Nate (town staff) about whether the committee can exercise an extension and to follow up with Lane and prospective bidders.