2017-08-14-minutes-public-works-study-session

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KITTITAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS—BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT STUDY SESSION DATE: August 14, 2017 TOPIC: Bowers Field Runway Update ACTION REQUESTED: Validate a Third Party Review of Runway 7/25 LEAD STAFF: Mark R. Cook RECOMMENDATION: Support staff s decision seeking a third party review of the serviceability of runway 7/25 at Bowers Field. BREIFING SUMMARY: • The temporary closure of runway 7/25 is being met with community resistance • A third party review of the deteriorated runway pavement is expected to address the lack of confidence in staff decision making OR validate that the runway can be utilized in the absence of remedial action BACKGROUND: During the past two years, Public Works (PW) has responded numerous times applying asphaltic patches to runway 7/25 potholes. The potholes result from landing aircraft mobilizing existing runway pavement. The existing asphalt pavement is deteriorated to the point that temporary patches are not adhering to the larger pieces of asphalt. Cracks up to three inches in width are wide spread throughout runway length. Last year, attempting to manage complaints from the weed board (weeds growing through runway pavement), PW purchased a rotary cutter for our weed mowing tractor. Maintenance of the runway, coupled with maintenance costs associated with runway 11/29, make ongoing use of 7/25 infeasible in its current condition. Currently, PW is engaged in a Master Plan process for Bowers Field (Century West). That process has validated the preference for investing in the extension of runway 11 /29. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that it will not support investing in both runways. Planning for an eventual extension of runway 11/29 (three-four years out); PW has been communicating with Central Washington University (CWU) about the potential for CWU to rehabilitate 7/25. PW is anxious to begin conversation with FAA regarding the ability for CWU to create a private runway within the County's sponsorship of Bowers Field. This action might allow the flight school to stay in operation during construction of 11/29 runway improvements. Page 1 of 4 PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT