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Regional Airport board rescinds prior tank-relocation approval, approves new contractor to remove 8,000-gallon tank
Summary
The Regional Airport Board voted to rescind an October approval to relocate two 8,000-gallon fuel tanks and instead approved a lower-cost removal contract with Uber Environmental LLC, while waiving a city purchasing rule because only two qualified vendors were located.
The Regional Airport Board voted to rescind its October approval to relocate two 8,000-gallon fuel tanks and approved a new, lower-cost contract to remove one of the tanks from airport property.
The action rescinded an earlier board authorization (Oct. 8) that had approved Innovating Dual Solutions to relocate two tanks for $24,009.25 and replaced it with a new contract award to Uber Environmental LLC to remove an 8,000-gallon tank. The board also voted to waive the City of Guthrie’s purchasing policy requiring three competitive bids, citing a limited local pool of specialized vendors.
Airport staff told the board the prior October vote had been intended to put pressure on a leaseholder to bring tanks into compliance; since then the lease had been terminated and the circumstances changed. Staff said they solicited additional quotes after October and found a substantially lower-priced local option. Because only two qualified vendors provided responsive quotes, staff asked the board to waive the city purchasing rule so they could proceed with the lower-cost option.
Board members discussed safety and logistics should the tanks remain on site while legal proceedings continue. Staff said the tank approved for temporary placement would sit near “Gate 3,” a service gate on the field chosen for easier contractor access and to keep the tank out of the main public view. Staff also said the tanks would be secured to reduce the risk of movement in high winds or tornadoes.
Legal and property questions remained. Staff said the airport’s actions stem from a lease termination and that removal or transfer of the tanks will follow the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings handled by outside counsel. If the court awards the tanks to the airport, the airport would follow its surplus property process to either reuse, sell, or otherwise dispose of the tanks.
Board action and procedural notes - The board voted to rescind the Oct. 8 authorization for relocation of the two tanks (previously listed at $24,009.25). - The board approved waiving the City of Guthrie purchasing policy (three-bid requirement for this cost bracket) because staff could not obtain three qualified local bids for specialized fuel-tank removal. - The board approved awarding removal work for the 8,000-gallon tank to Uber Environmental LLC.
Why it matters The board’s decisions allow airport staff to remove or relocate fuel infrastructure that staff contended was no longer covered by a valid lease and that presented potential safety and operational complications. Waiving the city purchasing policy and selecting a vendor before final court resolution drew questions from board members about fiscal risk and staff authority; staff and board members emphasized the decision was intended to address an immediate safety and operational need while the legal process proceeds.
What’s next Staff said they will coordinate with outside counsel on next steps in the lease-termination process and manage the vendor contract and site logistics. The board did not set a timetable for final disposal or surplus disposition should the airport become owner of the tanks.
