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Commission directs staff to address BOA safety findings on trees in navigation easement
Summary
Following a BOA inspection that identified seven trees inside a navigational easement, the Middleton Airport Commission voted to direct staff to work with consultants and the property owner on trimming or topping the trees; staff said trimming is expected in winter and that BOA did not set an immediate deadline.
The Middleton Airport Commission voted June 4 to direct staff to act on a Bureau of Aeronautics inspection finding that identified seven trees encroaching in a navigation easement.
Airport staff said the BOA inspection (conducted May 13) flagged the trees as potential obstructions to instrument approaches. Brian summarized the BOA letter and said staff will coordinate with the city’s consultant Meen Hunt and with the adjacent property owner to schedule trimming or topping work, likely in winter.
"It is very important that the city follow through on this and go ahead and take these trees downs," Rich said during the meeting, framing the work as part of grant assurances and necessary to preserve current instrument approach minima.
Commissioners moved and seconded a motion to direct staff to pursue the actions outlined in the BOA letter; the motion passed by voice vote with affirmative responses recorded. Brian said staff will check whether the BOA recommends a city‑hired contractor or a BOA‑recommended list of contractors for the work and will report back at a subsequent meeting.
At the meeting, commissioners asked whether trimming (rather than full removal) would be acceptable to property owners; staff said the BOA letter appears consistent with initial topping or trimming of the identified trees but that staff will verify requirements before any work commences.
The commission’s action will start the next steps with property coordination, consultant scheduling and any procurement needed to complete the trimming or removal work.
