Deer and tree problems

Fry suggested the commissioners have trees cut from the approaches and takeoff areas so the authority isn't overwhelmed. Finn replied, "The authority needs to take the bull by the horns and look at the insurance, get a contract with Joe, raise more revenues and kill the deer threatening aircraft and cut the trees."

Kimball engineer Rick Holes is supposed to be working with Dennehy on a property easement to handle the tree situation, according to Fry. Deer are another problem.

"There's deer all over the place," Finn said. "The pilots are scared they will cross the runway."

The commission was hoping to obtain a special permit with the game commission to kill the deer.

Other airports utilize the permit to regulate the deer population.

Finn considers the deer in Riverside a "menace and a hazard. But the local game warden won't do it."

Commissioners assured the group they would help them.

Airport debt

Tom Greavy of Riverside asked about the debt of the airport, which is $15,000 for a hangar and $10,000 for a roof. Dennehy said the hangar debt was in the names of the two counties.

Fox said the commission has been paying on the interest and not on the principal of the loans. "It's ridiculous that they are paying interest and not on the principal," Finn said.

Greavy asked if the authority would inherit commission director and treasurer Eris Bunnell. Finn suggested that if her position of $250 a month is eliminated, the debt could be paid off more quickly.

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