The Jamestown Regional Airport Authority discussed a report critical of some of the snow removal efforts from last winter during its regular meeting Wednesday.
The report was prepared by board members Jim Dodd and David Nelson at the request of Johnny Klingenberg, chairman of the board, after questions about the efficiency of snow removal were raised at an earlier meeting.
The report said the airports crosswind runway was closed due to ice for about one month in February and March. The report also said the departure of a plane for a scheduled airline flight in May was delayed while slush that had fallen the previous night was cleared.
"I feel it wasn't reasonable but negligent," Nelson said. "Snow removal is the most vital task at the airport and the most important airport manager responsibility."
Andrew Schneider, airport manager, said the crosswind runway closure occurred when ice ridges formed across the crosswind runway when the main runway was plowed. Weather conditions prohibited removing the ice for four weeks.
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Schneider accepted responsibility for the May delay, saying scheduling of personnel at the airport had changed in April because it was felt the snow season was past.
Additional discussions took place concerning when overtime was warranted for snow removal operations and what costs could be expected.
"Andy knows the sensitivity of this and we'll put together a budget that works and move on," said Jim Boyd, board member.
The board agreed to consider the overtime line item during the upcoming budget discussion and to hold a meeting in the fall to review snow removal priorities.
In other business, the board learned six construction companies had expressed an interest in bidding on the new terminal construction project. Advertising for bids began in early June with the bid opening scheduled for July 9.
Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at
(701) 952-8452 or by e-mail at knorman@jamestownsun.com
