Despite an attempt to patch fences that have been cut, mule deer are still getting into Shively field, airport board member Arlen Hughes reported March 11 at the Saratoga Airport Board Meeting. Seven deer were on the runaway when he attempted to land two weeks ago.
Airport manager Kim Lorenzen said he has spotted a few deer now and then, but he has been unable to determine how they are getting in.
It was reported that the board suspects students have been cutting the fence for a short cut to the school and the deer have found those holes to get in.
Not only does this cause a security problem with the deer, it is a federal offense, board secretary Jennifer Johnson said.
Johnson said that if the deer cause an accident on the runway and they are getting in through a cut fence, the perpetrator could be held liable.
“The warning needs to be a little more severe,” board member Richard Raymer said.
Board member Bobby Chitwood added that if there were more signs stating that it is a federal offense to cut the fence, or trespass on the property, it might make people think twice.
Lorenzen said he had checked the fences recently and has not found any fence cut, but believes the deer may have found a place where erosion had washed out a spot beneath the fence.
David Worthington, a member of the public, said he is willing to volunteer to help out any way he can. Johnson suggested he walk the fence line to check for washouts.
In other business, Dave Schulz with Sage Engineering reported that he had met with the airport tarmac contractor.
The contractor was able to secure a crushing contractor and will begin work on June 1 and should take 20 working days to complete.
The board has not received word on the airport hangar leases. Raymer, who is the town representative, said he would talk to the mayor about the status of the leases. The leases, at last report, were still being reviewed by the town’s new attorney.
The next airport meeting is at 1 p.m., April 8, 2015 at Saratoga Town Hall.
Reader Comments(0)