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Board discusses snow-plowing procedures and NOTAM practice; approves overtime for county plow operator
Summary
After an unusually heavy winter, the board reviewed proposed snow-plowing procedures, discussed safety and liability concerns about closing the airport, and approved overtime pay for a county employee who performed much of the plowing. The board asked staff to seek legal and FAA guidance on NOTAM language and operational thresholds.
The City of Livingston Park County Joint Airport Board reviewed a proposed set of snow-plowing procedures and wrestled with how and when the airport should be closed or issued a NOTAM (notice to airmen) during severe weather.
Board members, county public-works staff and pilots emphasized keeping the field available for life flights and transient traffic. Ryan Rhodes, who spoke during public comment, said keeping the field open during storms can be the difference for emergency flights: "...including it was 2 life flights. So, you know, life flight is a major portal at our airport. We can't just close down when there's a little bit of snow," he said. County public-works representatives described staff support this winter and asked for clearer communication when county crews assist with plowing.
Board discussion focused on a draft operating guide that recommends: no routine plow for accumulations under 1 inch; plowing after storms if accumulation exceeds 1 inch; more aggressive plowing to prevent accumulations over 4 inches during major storms; and reopening "as soon as it's safe to do so." Several board members urged replacing an absolute phrase such as "close airport" with softer language (e.g., "caution: runway snow removal in progress") and to use NOTAMs rather than automatic closures except in extreme situations.
The board asked staff to seek legal advice and FAA input on liability and NOTAM phrasing, and to coordinate with Lance at Montana Aeronautics for best practice. The board also approved payment of overtime for county employee Theresa for hours she logged performing snow removal during the storms; finance will provide a summary of overtime costs to the board.
Why it matters: snow removal affects pilots— ability to land and depart (including emergency medical flights), county liability and maintenance budgets; board members said clarity on procedures and careful NOTAM language can reduce liability while preserving access.
Next steps: staff will ask the county attorney and FAA/Montana Aeronautics for guidance on NOTAM wording and liability; proceed with the draft procedures for the remainder of the season and report back; finance will process overtime and report costs.
