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Board approves up to $217,800 contract for airport obstruction removal, authorizes $250,000 cap
Summary
The board approved a contract in substantial form to remove trees obstructing the approach to Runway 21 at the county airport for $217,800 (subject to attorney review) and authorized funding up to a $250,000 cap if additional trees are identified; staff will pursue navigation easements and asked expedited execution authority.
Airport Manager Mr. Anderson told the board Nov. 18 that the FAA and state Department of Transportation had identified trees near the approach end of Runway 21 that pose risks to instrument approaches. He said engineers and staff identified roughly 14 properties with vegetation encroaching on the flight‑path thresholds and that property owners had been contacted; most gave permission for removal, while one owner (an event center) requested topping instead of full removal for aesthetic reasons.
Staff presented a contract in substantial form with a base price of $217,800 to remove obstructions, including stump grinding and hauling, and requested the board approve the expenditure and allow a funding cap of up to $250,000 to cover additional trees that may be identified. The County Attorney and commissioners discussed authority to execute and whether the airport director or designee should be permitted to sign to expedite work before year‑end; the motion approved the contract in substantial form, subject to final County Attorney review, and authorized execution consistent with the motion.
Mr. Anderson said staff will then pursue navigation easements for affected parcels to secure long‑term authority to prevent future encroachments. The board recorded no roll‑call tallies; minutes show the motion carried.
