Director reports FBO hours change, April fuel sales and maintenance priorities; board flags mower safety training

The Cleveland Airport director reported operational updates including April fuel sales, a change to limited FBO office hours and ongoing maintenance projects, and board members raised safety concerns about mower crews working near active runways.

The director reported Avgas and Jet A figures for April as read at the meeting (Avgas: read as “'5 thousand '3 hundred and '6 gallons for $21,863” and Jet A figures read during the report). He also said the FBO office will be closed on Sundays and that the new hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Staff said painting and striping of taxiways is underway in procurement; there was no firm ETA. The director said the airport is looking into finishing the perimeter fence within the next 3–6 months and soliciting pricing for contractors to complete the work.

Several tenants raised lawn and mowing concerns. Staff said the city’s mowing contract could be amended at the December renewal to include more airport mowing and that the airport could help offset costs. Board members asked whether city mowing crews or contractors receive safety training and radio procedures when working near runways; staff said she was not aware of formal training in place. One participant recounted a prior incident at Cleveland when “a mower decided to go do the other side of the runway and cut across the runway right in front of me,” underscoring the safety concern.

Board members recommended identifying whether runway lights or other visual cues are obscured by grass and ensuring a schedule or as‑needed mowing plan for safety‑critical areas. Staff said she would follow up with Public Works and report back on schedules and training.

No policy changes were adopted at the meeting; staff indicated follow up actions to verify mowing schedules, training for crews working near runways, and procurement timelines for painting and fence completion.