Commissioners approve two Mead & Hunt airport contracts and table interim manager proposal

Delta County commissioners on Jan. 21 approved two separate contracts recommended by the airport advisory board with Mead & Hunt — one for design of a snow-removal equipment (SRE) building and another for airfield markings — and tabled a separate proposal for an interim airport manager while the county attorney reviews the draft contract.

The airport advisory board had recommended both contracts. The board voted to “encourage signature” of the design contract for the SRE building and to approve the airfield markings/marketing contract; both motions carried by voice vote. The finance committee had recommended the interim manager arrangement at a maximum of $161,000, but commissioners voted to table the airport transition proposal to allow the county attorney to review the proposed contract terms.

Why it matters: the contracts move forward planned capital and operational work at the county airport: Mead & Hunt’s design work is intended to support construction of a building to house snow-removal equipment, and the markings/airfield services contract covers airfield pavement markings and related design. The interim-manager proposal generated discussion about timelines for recruiting a permanent manager and the need for continuity; airport advisory members and staff said finding a qualified manager in the current 90-day window is unlikely without transitional help.

What commissioners and advisors said: Will Carney of the Airport Advisory Board told the board the advisory committee had been discussing transition options and had an individual who proposed a multi-option transition plan, including a two-year development plan. Chair of the Airport Advisory Board, Bridal Gearon, told commissioners the board needs timely notice if the interim-manager negotiation falls through so the advisory board can pursue alternatives: “My ask of you guys is if that starts to fall through, please let us know so we can start working on another option for an interim,” Gearon said.

Board action and next steps: the two Mead & Hunt contracts were approved and the county clerk was directed to proceed with signatures. The interim airport-manager proposal was tabled so the county attorney can review the contract; the finance committee’s $161,000 maximum figure was noted in committee discussion but no manager contract was signed.