Council delays netting decision at Littleton Park, directs policy workshop on park’s future

The Ontario City Council on a unanimous vote agreed to continue consideration of a $77,000 change order to replace damaged outfield netting at Littleton Park and directed the city manager to agendize a broader policy discussion on the site.

Councilmember Wapner argued the city should not commit to lights and netting before a policy decision on whether the ballpark will be retained. “I mean, that to just put up some lights and netting without having anything else there without us deciding we're moving forward with the park, It's nonsensical to me,” he said. City staff described the request as a timely repair while a vendor is already mobilized. “What we're asking for here is that $77,000 to replace netting, on the polls, some of which are damaged, some, are no longer exist and I guess they got blown down,” a staff speaker said.

Councilmembers pressed two questions for further information: whether the field will be opened for interim use and how insurance proceeds might affect replacement or reconstruction. City staff said the field itself is still usable and that the council is awaiting the insurance company’s evaluation of insured value versus replacement cost. Councilmember Wapner moved to continue the item and direct staff to schedule a full policy discussion; the motion was seconded and the council recorded a unanimous electronic vote to continue the item and return it for a workshop by February.

The continuation means the council will examine policy options (restore the historic ballpark, replace it with alternative amenities, or other choices) before deciding whether to authorize the netting and related amenities. If the council later authorizes work, staff said the $77,000 item could be incorporated into the already-awarded contract.