Commission reviews jet‑fuel hose, reel failures and scheduled underground-tank removal

Commissioners and staff recounted ongoing problems with the airport’s jet‑fuel hose reel and quick‑disconnect setup and said the vendor that services the equipment is scheduled to remove an underground tank later this month. A staff member told the commission, “Innovative Fueling … are planning to remove the underground tank on the 19th of this month.”

The discussion focused on mechanical failures and safety: staff described worn gears and sprockets on the reel and said prior site visits by the installer did not fully resolve the problem. Staff also said the current quick‑disconnect arrangement can allow fuel to drain out of the hose unless a proper check valve or an on‑hose ball valve is fitted.

Commissioners pressed whether the installed hose matched operational needs. Staff read a vendor note that a smaller‑diameter hose could be provided to better fit operations; the transcript includes a quoted price that is unclear in the record and was not confirmed in the meeting.

The planned tank removal and certain repair costs were discussed as reimbursable. Staff said reimbursement for earlier fuel‑related expenses had been received and that removal of the underground tank will incur costs the city expects to recoup from the vendor or program reimbursements.

The commission did not take a separate formal vote on repair contracts or purchase approvals during the public portion of the meeting; staff indicated follow‑up and vendor coordination would continue and that the tank‑removal date was set.