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Pekin council approves airport south tree removal and authorizes trench burner purchase capped at $74,000
Summary
Council awarded a contract to remove the south airport tree line to meet FAA safety standards and approved buying an air-curtain trench burner (not to exceed $74,000) to process removed trees and reduce hauling costs; staff discussed operation, liability, and rental opportunities for nearby communities.
The Pekin City Council on Oct. 28 approved awarding a contract to Beb Excavating Inc. to remove the south tree line at the Pekin Municipal Airport after an FAA inspection found several trees exceeding safe slope/height requirements. Staff estimated roughly 100 trees would be removed, including stump removal and site restoration, and recommended awarding the contract contingent on the previously approved purchase of an air-curtain trench burner.
City staff described the air-curtain burner (trench burner) purchase as a cost-saving measure to reduce hauling of tree and brush material to landfills and to support storm cleanup work. Vendor quotes rose in recent weeks due to hurricane-driven demand; staff reported a negotiated total near $73,378 including shipping. Council adopted an amendment capping the purchase at $74,000 and voted to approve the purchase and the contract award.
Council discussed operational details: the burner would be staged at the North plant for secure operations and could be used at the airport for the tree-line project. Staff said contractors operating the burner must carry insurance and follow manufacturer guidelines; the city intends to draft a rental/usage agreement for other municipalities and will require liability protections. Council also discussed timing (preferably frozen ground), potential environmental cleanup of ash/debris (staff said minimal residuals would be hauled off), and procurement/insurance documentation for contractors.
The contract award for tree removal and approval of the burner are linked; staff said the burner’s delivery could occur within two weeks if ordered and that burning operations would not begin without required liability documentation and operational plans in place.
