Tightening Security

The Sidney Airport Authority Board is looking to tighten security at the airport.

The focus follows a recent incident when a person was found on the premises without permission. Jon Leever, a partner in L & L Aviation, said while no vandalism or ill intent was found after the person left, “it is a wake-up call.”

L & L Aviation presented two options with the board during the Feb. 11 meeting. One option includes keypad entry and is programmable. One option is wireless and the second will hard-wired and will need conduit.

One option presented is from Nebraska Fire and Safety and the second from Pro-Tech Central. Pro-Tech's package includes a $15 per month service fee while Nebraska Fire's package did not include a service fee and has local representatives.

Prices start at about $5,800 as presented. The one option, George Lapaseotes, a partner in L & L Aviation, said included a computer that the airport may not need. He was asked to contact the companies and invite them to the next meeting.

L & L Aviation is also working seeking bids on concrete repairs at the facility. While researching the option of using Federal Aviation Administration funds for some maintenance projects, the board learned the projects' expense going through the federal authority. Some of the proposed projects have been delayed, and others may be completed by local contractors and existing funds.

The FAA funds do not help with repairing cement or asphalt in front of hangars. However, the authority is exploring the possibility of the State assisting with striping costs.

Lapaseotes said he received one local bid to repair all of the concrete issues at the airport for $90,000.

The board also elected board positions with Ron Meyer retaining the seat as chairman, Jesse Mueller as vice-chairman, Jason Petik as secretary/treasurer and Deanna Bond as bookkeeper.

The board also approved the minutes of the January meeting with board member Shannon Odiet abstaining and the financials for the month.

The Sidney Airport Authority Board meets the 7 a.m. the second Thursday of each month.