Stevensville council approves six-month maintenance deal for airport FuelMaster system after ownership questions addressed

The Stevensville Town Council on Jan. 12 approved a six-month maintenance agreement with Syntech Systems Incorporated to cover technical support and parts for the airport's FuelMaster point-of-sale pedestal.

The council approved the agreement 4-0 after staff recapped the history of the fuel farm’s ownership and said the FuelMaster account, temporarily frozen during an ownership dispute, has been released to the town’s current lessee. The six-month term is priced at $850 and was offered prorated because town staff expect a permanent tank to arrive later in the year.

Town airport staff said Hawthorne Ascension previously owned the tank and related equipment; City Services (referred to in the packet as City Services Belconn) purchased the fuel farm in April and then entered into a lease with the town. Brian, the airport manager, summarized the record in the council packet, saying that the agenda included an invoice and a receipt showing full payment and transfer of ownership to City Services. He told the council the FuelMaster account had been temporarily frozen, but FuelMaster’s internal review concluded City Services legally purchased the assets and control of the account was released to City Services and the town.

"This is a maintenance service agreement with Syntech Fuel Masters… it's $850 for a 6‑month term," Brian said, describing the contract as a cost‑effective way to manage recurring service liabilities on an aging system. He told the council the town had already incurred roughly $130 in service charges and that the agreement would reduce future per‑call charges.

Councilors asked whether the town attorney had reviewed the transaction. Council members were told the town attorney had been involved "in every bit of this system." Frank (staff) and other council members thanked Brian and staff for researching ownership and vendor account status before the vote.

The council recorded a 4-0 vote to approve the agreement. The council did not amend the contract at the meeting; staff will implement the maintenance agreement with Syntech and continue coordinating with City Services as the lessee/owner of the fuel farm.

Why it matters: the airport fuel infrastructure (tank, dispenser, pump and FuelMaster pedestal) provides aviation fuel services and the maintenance agreement covers a point of service that the town currently operates under a lease. The council’s approval resolves near‑term service coverage while staff continue work on permanent fuel infrastructure and lease matters.

Next steps: staff will finalize the six‑month agreement with Syntech, maintain records documenting the sale from Hawthorne Ascension to City Services, and continue to monitor the FuelMaster account and system performance. The council signaled confidence in the legal review and documentation provided at the meeting.