City Council - Proposal To Expand The Airport Property
 | Author:
Nancy Marks
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
City Council - Proposal To Expand The Airport Property Nancy Marks The City-County Airport Board has decided to pursue purchasing farmland next to the airport for future expansion, Angie Wintrow reported to the Townsend City Council at its meeting Tuesday evening, Feb. 7. Wintrow, a member of the Council, represents the city at meetings of the Airport Board.
The proposed purchase covers a 50-acre parcel and two irrigation-pivot corners between the airport and Highway 284 appraised at $783,400. Wintrow said a Federal Aviation Administration grant would cover 90 percent of the cost, leaving about $80,000 to be split by the city and Broadwater County.
Adam MacDonald, Airport Board chairman, told MT43 News the land would be used to build a full-length taxiway with more hanger space. If the land acquisition does not go through, the Airport Board would go ahead with its previous major construction project slated for 2024, which after possible federal funding would leave about $200,000 as the local share, Wintrow said.
Bob Hollister was accepted as the city’s representative on the airport board for another term.
Neal Levang of the Robert Peccia & Associates engineering firm reported on the updates with the North Cherry Street Proposed Annexation, which he detailed about water service to each of the proposed eight condominiums and the size and shape of the turnaround in front of the buildings. Discussion followed. No action was taken.
The council granted a permit to Fishtale Tavern owners Amber and Jim Burgess to close Broadway Street between Front Street and Spruce Street from 4 p.m. Saturday, July 1 to 3 a.m. Sunday, July 2. for a street celebration featuring performing bands and food vendors and possibly a motorcycle show.
The Burgesses are hoping to interest the Commercial Bar and the Distillery in the project. Burgesses fielded questions from the Council. Sheriff Nick Rauser commented his only concern is people drinking, driving, and causing accidents. He could provide extra deputies during the evening.
In other business, the Council received a letter of objection and remarks about a water rights exchange with Frank and Leisa McArthur. The Council took no action.
Notice was given that four seats on the Council are up for election this year. The seats are those currently held by Mayor Mike Evans and members Christina Hartmann, Kenny Urich and Nate Brown. Filing opens in April.
Both city Fire Chief Shawn Simon and Sheriff Nick Rauser gave reports. Simon submitted a budget for the fire department for the Council’s information. Rauser said his new captain is Mark Wood. He reported that the department made a successful methamphetamine arrest and deputies have given several parking tickets around the new school. The department has had increased exposure at the school with its “Lunch with a Cop” program which began in January.
In the Council Roundtable session, Rauser reported the Community Survey Results would be out in March. A town hall meeting is scheduled for March 8 and 9.
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Image 1 Caption: Townsend Airport
