Airport requests skid steer, maintenance facility upgrades and more ARFF staffing as ramp use grows

The airport director told council the airport needs a skid steer to remove trees and vegetation that are encroaching on approach paths, a consolidated maintenance facility and added firefighting staffing to meet staffing and safety standards as operations grow.

The director said the airport manages more than 100 acres of vegetation and that tree growth near one runway’s approach path is creating a safety and wildlife‑hazard concern. ‘‘If we bought this machine, we could take care of it ourselves with our own people,’’ the director said, arguing that buying equipment would avoid using limited grant funds and would allow recurring proactive work.

Airport operations staff also asked to reclassify a part‑time Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) position to full time so the field is always staffed with two firefighters during open hours; the director said there are hours where a single firefighter is on duty under current staffing. Staff also flagged replacement of a 15‑year‑old low‑pressure airbag lifting system used for aircraft recovery operations, and continued funding for ramp-parking expansion and utility extensions to proposed hangar areas.

Why it matters: Staff said demand for hangar construction is increasing and that the airport needs to ensure fuel quality, ramp capacity and maintenance facilities keep pace with tenant demand. The airport also said more robust in‑house maintenance capacity would allow leasing of freed storage space and better long‑term asset management.

No formal vote was taken; staff will return with quotes and cost estimates for equipment purchases and facility upgrades if council prioritizes them.