Delta County approves several airport measures: fee exemptions, winter training and RFQ; design contract tabled

Delta County commissioners on Nov. 18 approved multiple airport-related items and tabled one pending contract. The board voted to table a design/contract item for a spill removal equipment building because the contract was not yet ready for approval. Staff said the item will return when complete.

The board approved a landing-fee exemption for volunteer, nonprofit nonemergency medical transport flights (distinct from air-med emergency services). Administrator (Speaker 1) and commissioners characterized the flights as volunteer pilots providing transport for medical appointments; the exemption applies to nonprofit volunteer medical transport operations and was approved on a motion from Speaker 4.

Commissioners also approved authorizing up to $15,000 for a certified retiree to provide winter-operations training for two new airport operations specialists. The airport manager (Speaker 8) said three existing staff have the knowledge but not the time to train new hires; the advisory board recommended the $15,000 cap to allow negotiation of an hourly rate with the trainer.

Finally, staff presented an RFQ for professional engineering services for an airport master plan; the board authorized posting the RFQ on MDOT and county websites. Each of these items was approved by voice vote or support as recorded in the meeting; the lead design contract was specifically tabled.

Staff said outstanding safety-certification items (airfield markings) remain open with an FAA-granted extension and that further coordination with FAA requirements continues.