Hannibal Regional Airport (KHAE) snow removal issue heating up. Hannibal, Missouri

DANNY HENLEY/COURIER-POST FILE

While the exhaust problem of the truck provided by the city for snow removal at Hannibal Regional Airport has been fixed, concerns regarding how snow is dealt with continue to linger.

Hannibal, MO —  Although only a dusting of snow lay on the ground outside the new terminal building at Hannibal Regional Airport, snow removal was at the forefront of discussions during Wednesday morning’s meeting of the city’s Airport Advisory Board. 

It was reported that a new vehicle capable of moving snow would carry a price tag of around $150,000. Although the cost would include a new truck, plus a front brush and rear blower, board member John McCoy termed the cost “criminal.” While he noted that most of the expense would be covered by funds from the state designated for use at the airport, he added that it’s still taxpayer dollars.

Mike Barron, airport manager, pointed out that a used snowblower in very good condition was recently sold by an area airport for $15,000. However, it has been suggested that MoDOT Aviation, which oversees the entitlement funds, would not allow those dollars to be spent for used equipment. George Walley, a member of the board, suggested a call of inquiry be made directly to MoDOT Aviation to determine if the purchase of used equipment is permissible, rather than relying solely on what it is told by Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, which provides consulting services to the city regarding the airport.

John Grossmeier, board member, said it makes no sense to buy new equipment for snow removal, based on the amount of times it would be utilized during an average winter.

“It might be used only a half dozen days a year,” he said.

“This year it would have only been started one time,” added McCoy.

The airport has been relying on a Street Department hand-me-down truck for snow removal. In January it was reported the rusting truck was no longer suitable for use since its cab quickly filled with exhaust fumes when the engine is running. Barron reports the exhaust problem has since been repaired.

According to Walley, the new three-year service contract with Barron that was finalized last August states the city is responsible for providing “adequate equipment” for snow removal.

Brian Chaplin, assistant to the city engineer, told the board that if the Street Department is allowed to purchase new trucks next fiscal year, one of the vehicles being replaced could wind up at the airport.

“That would buy us time,” he said.

Cooperation

But rather than overspend for new equipment or settle for well worn used equipment, McCoy suggested the airport’s snow removal issues are the result of a “Street Department that’s not cooperative” in regard to allowing its personnel and equipment clear snow from the runway, taxiway and tarmac.

Barron defended the Street Department.

“When Leon (Wallace, street superintendent) shows up out here on a mission, it gets done,” he said.

“This probably has nothing to do with his (Wallace’s) attitude toward the airport, but an internal rift,” said Walley, suggesting that issues between the Street Department and Engineer’s Department is the “crux of the problem.”

In a lighter moment, Grossmeier suggested that if the Street Department solely wants to focus on plowing city thoroughfares following a snow, it might be time to designate the runway as Lear Avenue. The airport’s formal designation is William P. Lear Field.

John Ortwerth, chairman of the airport advisory board, proposed the board recommend to the city council that the Street Department be responsible for taking care of snow on all concrete surfaces that the city owns at the airport.

“The airport manager should be behind the wheel” of the snow removal vehicle, added Ortwerth.

The city paid Bross Construction $5,250 to clear the runway, taxiway and tarmac at the airport following last February’s blizzard.

Source:  http://www.hannibal.net