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Board approves not‑to‑exceed contract for multipurpose field netting; budget and schedule concerns remain
Summary
After extended discussion about bids, material lead times and an earlier contractor withdrawal, the Quakertown board approved a not‑to‑exceed agreement (pending legal review) to install high‑net fencing at the district multipurpose field. Facilities staff warned lead times and foundation work could push completion past the start of the baseball
The Quakertown Community School District board approved a not‑to‑exceed agreement for multipurpose field netting and poles after a lengthy facilities discussion that highlighted manufacturing lead times, complex foundation work and a prior contractor’s withdrawal.
Facilities staff told the board existing perimeter netting at the district’s multipurpose field is unsafe and requires replacement. The engineering and installation work includes 16‑foot holes and tall poles that require specialist drilling rigs and manufacturer lead time for the steel poles and the netting. Facilities Director Rob (transcript: “mister Christine”) told the board he had received one firm proposal and expected up to two additional bids; he warned some proposals already received were higher than the amount on the agenda.
Board members expressed concern about awarding a large contract with only one firm’s written proposal, and asked about performance guarantees, bonds and payment terms. Facilities staff said the recommended company — ProMax Fence, which completed a prior Strayer fencing project for the district — is a known contractor and that the manufacturer availability and engineering constraints limit the pool of qualified vendors. The facilities director said the proposal includes an allowance for unexpected remediation (including an $11,000 remediation allowance for drilled sonotubes and rebar) and that the work requires heavy equipment to drill deep, 16‑foot holes in compacted substrates.
After debate, the board approved an agreement not to exceed $285,000 for the multipurpose field fencing and netting, with legal review and typical contract protections; the motion carried despite several dissenting votes. Board members and staff warned that even with an approved contract, the manufacturing and site schedule could prevent completion before the start of the baseball season. “I don’t know if they will be able to get near to drill the holes because…we have dirt piles,” the facilities director said, noting drilling rigs may be unable to operate in wet conditions. The director also said some rework of earlier foundation work would be required so the poles meet strength and longevity standards.
Why it matters: The netting replaces failing perimeter protection and is required for safe use of the new multipurpose field for baseball. The board acted to secure an installer while asking administration to continue soliciting quotes and to keep the board advised of any lower offers or scope changes.
What the board approved: A not‑to‑exceed award to complete the netting and pole work at the multipurpose field, pending legal review. The facilities team said no deposits would be made until work is satisfactorily completed and that the district would seek contractor performance assurances where possible.
Ending: Facilities staff will continue to seek additional proposals and will provide updates to the board; they warned the schedule is subject to weather and steel/net manufacturing lead times and that completion before the season is not guaranteed.
