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Airport manager reports fuel levels, seaplane dock plan and near‑completion of tree removals
Summary
Airport staff reported current fuel inventory, plans to bring a floating dock for seaplane visitors, progress on tree removals tied to MDOT GPS locations and the pending end of an on‑site tree nursery in 2027; a small budget transfer was also noted for winter operations.
Airport manager Brian and staff briefed the Bay City Airport Board on operations, fuel inventory and site projects, including tree removal work tied to MDOT, a planned floating dock for seaplane visitors and the scheduled end of a city tree nursery in 2027.
Curtis, a member of airport staff, said, "Currently in the tank is just over 5,500 gallons," describing the airport's fuel inventory. Staff described an arrangement to bring a floater dock from Liberty Harbor Marina to improve seaplane visitor access after Customs and Border Protection asked for a dock to reduce slips on the ramp. The board discussed building a gangway and said the dock would be a work in progress.
Tree removal: Board members said nearly all identified trees have been cut except for about a dozen south of the airport across the river. The board asked MDOT for GPS locations of required removals; MDOT provided coordinates, and staff used the city GIS to verify each tree. The airport manager said there was one location in MDOT right‑of‑way that staff did not want to cut and that it will be formally raised at an upcoming Michigan Aeronautics/MDOT map meeting. The DNR representative gave oral clearance to leave felled trees on the ground where feasible to avoid hauling.
Other facility items: The board reviewed winter operations and budget status. According to board remarks, a $5,000 intra‑budget transfer increased the airport account balance to "just over $80,000," and the manager reported that about 47% of that budget had been expended (the same speaker also said "around 4,233" when discussing expenditures). The transcript does not break down the $80,000 figure into line‑item categories.
Tree nursery and site changes: Board members noted the on‑site tree nursery on the taxiway is slated to end in 2027; staff rejected a December request from the nursery operator to plant an additional 500 trees on that site. Staff said the nursery will be moved to an alternate planting location (the former compost site) and that tree planting there will continue.
Why it matters: Fuel supply, seaplane access and vegetation management affect safety, operations and the airport’s ability to host visitors. The tree removals are connected to federal obstruction standards and MDOT coordination, and the forecasted site changes affect longer‑term airport layout planning.
