Morrow County discusses airport fuel farm, AWOS testing and perimeter security; bids sought for fence and gate

An airport representative told the Morrow County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 6 that staff have recommended a tenant option for a county fuel farm and are seeking bids for perimeter and access improvements at the county airport.

The airport representative, identified in the meeting as Mr. Carroll, said crews expect to begin tree clearing in about "a week and 2 day" and that the AWOS (Automated Weather Observing System) will be inspected by federal personnel. Carroll said the airport's weather phone line remains intermittent and that the county is working with the phone company to fix it.

Carroll described security and safety concerns at the airport, saying panels and unsecured latches have allowed people to enter parts of the facility. "We're getting bids to put a fence," Carroll told the board, and staff are also seeking bids for a cantilever-style gate at the entrance so vehicles will stop before reaching the tarmac. The representative said a chain-link fence is the likely low-cost option but that bids have come back higher than expected.

Why it matters: The items discussed affect airport safety, compliance with federal inspections and the security of aviation infrastructure. Commissioners and staff said the measures are intended to reduce the risk of unauthorized vehicles accessing aircraft movement areas.

Discussion points and clarifications raised during the item: • AWOS and federal inspection: Carroll said the AWOS will be tested by federal inspectors and that, aside from the weather phone line, AWOS appears to be functioning when inspected. • Phone line issues: Carroll said the weather-phone line is intermittent; he assigned a board member to follow up with the phone company. • Fence and gate bids: Carroll said staff are requesting bids and noted the high cost of fencing and gate work; he suggested focusing on making the front entrance appear secured even if the entire property is not fenced. • Safety rationale: Carroll described a scenario where vehicles have driven onto areas near the tarmac and said a gate that lifts (cantilever) would be safer than a swinging gate in that location.

No formal vote was recorded on procurement at this meeting. Commissioners directed staff to continue collecting bids and to return with cost estimates and recommendations.

Ending: Staff said they will present formal bids and cost information at a future meeting; commissioners did not authorize construction at this session.