Alva Airport Commission rejects FOD sweeper purchase after split vote

At a meeting of the Alva Airport Commission, commissioners voted 2–2 and failed to authorize the airport manager to order a FOD (foreign object debris) removal system from Angel Enterprises after a divided discussion on cost and need.

The matter was introduced by a commissioner who urged the board to buy the device to reduce ramp debris and prevent damage to aircraft. The quote discussed during the meeting — including shipping — was roughly $62,975; the purchaser would have been the airport manager if approved. Supporters stressed recurring ramp damage to aircraft; one commissioner said, "I am getting damage on the nose of my airplane," citing that as a recurring maintenance cost.

Opponents questioned whether the equipment would solve the problem and whether existing city resources (the street sweeper and manual efforts) or contracts with other vendors would be a better first step. Commissioners debated whether damage to long‑wing aircraft is frequent enough to justify a roughly $60k capital outlay and discussed who would pay for shipping and potential return costs if the device did not meet expectations.

After discussion, the commission took a roll call vote: Weer and Parsons voted yes; Kenzie and Lawson voted no. With a 2–2 split, the motion failed and no purchase authorization was made.

The commission did not vote on an alternative procurement method at the meeting; staff said they would continue to research options (including local contractors and auction/resale channels) and report back. The failed motion leaves the airport relying on existing sweeping and manual maintenance until a future decision or different procurement proposal is presented.