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Council approves taller netting at Falcon Ridge driving range after weeks of review
Summary
Mesquite council approved modified safety measures for the proposed Falcon Ridge driving range — including higher engineered netting (20–40 ft in most areas, localized peaks up to the mid-60s plus berm height) — and removed a proposed waiver of liability on the city’s side; councilmembers stressed the net system can be extended if problems arise.
The Mesquite City Council on Jan. 13 approved revised safety measures for the proposed Falcon Ridge driving range after staff and course representatives proposed a taller engineered netting system and additional cameras.
City planner Simon Kim reviewed the earlier conditions set in September (a 12-foot protective fence, a waiver of liability in favor of the city, separation of golf carts and pedestrians, and lighting standards). Falcon Ridge returned with an engineered netting plan that staff said will range from roughly 20 to 40 feet for most of the course and could reach about 66 feet at the tallest points; council members noted that when combined with the berm the effective height at some locations could be roughly 80 feet.
Council members pressed on insurance and legal protections for the city. Councilman Wanless urged the course to sign an indemnification agreement with the city similar to the waivers players sign; the city attorney explained that liability questions are contested issues that would be litigated and that an indemnification clause places responsibility for defense on the course if litigation arises.
Falcon Ridge representatives said the netting system is engineered to be extended if the first installation proves insufficient and that the course will require waivers from players on the range. “We are doing more than anybody else to protect the city,” said Rob Wursten of Falcon Ridge. Councilwoman Fielding moved to approve the increased netting and to remove the city-side waiver of liability; Councilwoman Gallo seconded and the motion passed.
The council’s action clears the applicant to proceed with the higher netting and additional monitoring measures; staff and the applicant said the netting can be raised further if balls reach public roads. The record shows the council accepted the engineered net plan and removed the earlier requirement that the city receive a waiver in the applicant’s favor.
