Cherry Valley council approves turnkey, year‑round backstop netting for city ballfields

Cherry Valley’s city council approved the purchase and installation of a polyethylene-coated backstop net for its two primary ballfields, moving to a turnkey option the city’s staff recommended over lower-cost, seasonal alternatives.

Staff presented three quotes: a no‑installation nylon panel option (~$4,150), a six‑panel install quote (~$7,426) and a turnkey polyethylene solution with installation (~$14,000). The turnkey package includes coated netting designed to stay in place year‑round and on‑site installation; council members also discussed an estimated added lift rental of about $2,000, bringing the all‑in cost to roughly $16,000.

Jamie, representing the city’s public-safety/parks liaison, said the polyethylene material is UV resistant, waterproof and does not absorb water, which reduces yearly removal and storage costs. A council member argued the higher initial expense is offset by lower long‑term maintenance and the reduced logistical burden of annual removal and storage.

Council members discussed scheduling and logistics. Staff recommended completing procurement in January so installation could occur in February and the fields would be ready for the season starting in March. Council members asked staff to finalize insurance adjustments and lawn‑care costs to be included in any future user agreement with school partners.

A motion to approve the turnkey netting and installation, with the city providing lift equipment as needed, was moved and seconded and carried by the council.

The city will finalize vendor selection and return with a firm contract price, insurance change estimates and a recommendation for how those additional costs will be reflected in any field‑use agreement with the school.