Williston awards FAA‑funded snow removal unit and approves airport pavement and security contracts

The Williston Board of City Commissioners on May 12 approved multiple airport procurement actions, including a federally funded snow‑removal unit and contracts for pavement maintenance and security upgrades.

Airport Director Ryan O’Rear said the lowest responsive bidder for the snow plow/spreader is I‑State Truck, Inc. at $743,377 and that “this equipment will be funded 95% by the FAA, 2.5% by the State, and 2.5% through local funds.” Commissioners approved the award contingent on FAA approval and grant award.

For pavement maintenance on the commercial apron and general‑aviation taxi lanes, American Pavement Solutions, Inc. was the lowest responsive bidder at $436,600. The project scope includes spall repairs, crack sealing, corner break repairs, joint sealant replacement and pavement markings; it is likewise expected to be 95% federally funded.

Separately, the board selected Innova Integrated Solutions, Inc. as the highest‑ranked proposer (273/300) for replacement of access control and video surveillance servers. Innova’s proposal totaled $395,000 including implementation costs and licensing; annual recurring costs were estimated at about $25,000 beginning in 2027. O’Rear noted the project is not eligible for federal funding and said airport staff have applied for a possible 50% state cost share. He also asked the board to authorize a budget amendment “to increase the capital expense allocation by approximately $145,000” to cover the difference from the 2026 budgeted $250,000 for the project.

Commissioners discussed options for absorbing the local cost, including delaying other locally funded capital projects into 2027. Commissioner Gjovig asked about the mechanics of a budget adjustment; O’Rear replied that some local projects could be deferred and that staff would negotiate final scope and fee before executing agreements.

The board approved motions to recommend award of the snow‑removal equipment, to award pavement maintenance contingent on grant funding, to select Innova and authorize the Airport Director to negotiate and execute project documents in consultation with the city attorney, and to approve a Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH) professional‑services task order for construction administration for the pavement work (SEH task order $58,400). The concessionaire extension for Tailwind Hospitality, Inc. (terminal concessions agreement) was also approved, allowing the operator’s two‑year optional extension through Oct. 31, 2028.

All airport‑related votes recorded at the meeting were unanimous (5–0).