Battle over airport maintenance equipment continues: Monroe Regional (KMLU), Louisiana

Monroe Regional Airport officials say they need equipment for ongoing maintenance and upkeep around the airfield, but the request is falling on deaf ears as the city council refuses to consider it again.

In May, the council denied a request by the airport to purchase off state contract a Chevrolet Tahoe for $28,676 and two tractors for $98,919.

At the May 14 meeting, Council chairman Eddie Clark questioned the need for the equipment when many areas within the city need mowing.

Airport manager Ron Phillips has tried to bring the measure back to the council three times, but Clark has not allowed it to be placed on the agenda.

“That is one issue I have with Chairman Eddie Clark,” Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo said. “After looking at the agenda and seeing that particular item was placed back on there, he took it upon himself to remove it from the agenda, which I think is prohibited for a city council member to do, even the chairman.”

For the council to reconsider any agenda item previously voted upon, only a member of the prevailing party can bring it back up, pursuant to Robert’s Rules of Order, Clark said.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, Clark said the council may consider the request again if the Tahoe was removed.

“I have reservations about the truck, not the tractors, but it has never made it to the agenda in that fashion,” Clark said.

The money for the equipment has already been budgeted, Mayo said.

“I really don’t know what the issue is,” he said.

The airport has 2,600 acres of property to maintain and Phillips said the airport’s tractors are more than 12 years old and frequently require maintenance.

The Federal Aviation Administration inspects the airport annually and Mayo believes the equipment is needed to ensure a good review.

“I do not want the council’s denying or not voting on this equipment to cause us to receive a poor review on our annual FAA inspection or to cause any risk for our airlines or passengers,” Mayo said.

The FAA mandates the airport keeps grass cut appropriately along the airfield, Phillips said. High grass can create safety concerns by providing a habitat for birds which can impact aircraft operations.

“It’s important we get this equipment to maintain the airfield,” Phillips said.

In 2010, the FAA cited Monroe Regional Airport for having heavy vegetation around runways and taxiways and making it difficult for pilots to see the lights, Phillips said.

Source:  http://www.thenewsstar.com