Council approves airport plan

Superior’s City Council approved a plan to make improvements at the Richard I. Bong Memorial Airport over the next several years. The council also petitioned the Secretary of Transportation for airport improvement aid to pay for the projects.

“There’s a petition process we’re going through here to get those projects considered for federal funding,” said Public Works Director Jeff Goetzman.

It’s a process required to get federal funding for the projects, said Amy Kelcy of Cooper Engineering, which has been working with the city to identify projects at the airport.

“The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics requests that all airports submit future needs for projects … They compile the list of projects so they can budget for projects statewide,” she said.

The projects identified for consideration could be needed in the next three years; however, inclusion on the list does not guarantee funding, Kelcy said. She said it is a planning document to help the state prioritize projects.

Among the projects airport and city officials would like to achieve are refurbishing the Automated Weather Observations System; seeking reimbursement for a portion of city costs for construction of the new terminal; crack repair and seal coating of airport pavement; possible future land acquisition for approach protection and improvement; and maintain runway approaches. Other projects could include construction of parallel taxiways, connector taxiways and Kestrel access taxiways; constructing a public use hangar; installing an approach lighting system; rehabilitation of both runways; and procuring snow removal and moving equipment.

While some of the projects are driven by the city’s success in attracting Kestrel Aircraft Co. to Superior, Brad Volker of Cooper Engineering said many projects are improvements that would be sought by general aviation airports anywhere and could improve safety for pilots using the Bong Memorial Airport.

During a public hearing Wednesday, no one spoke in favor of or against the proposed projects.

However, the public still has an opportunity to weigh in on the plan through April 14, by directing comments to Public Works Director Jeff Goetzman, 1316 N. 14th St., Superior WI 54880.

In other business:

The council decided to remove the 1989 Monarch fire engine — worth an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 — from the surplus equipment being sent to auction. Instead, the council will sell the fire truck by sealed bid after receiving a request for consideration from the Amnicon Volunteer Fire Department.

Amnicon Fire Chief Wade Hill said the department’s older rigs are 1977 and 1979 models, and the department was hoping for a chance to get the Superior’s surplus fire engine.

While city code only allows the sale of excess equipment through sealed bid and auction, Hill said the council’s decision was acceptable.

Even if a higher bid were received, the mayor does have discretion in which bid the city accepts when a governmental agency or nonprofit comes in with a lower bid.

The city of Superior this year purchased a nearly new fire engine for about $380,000.

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