Fullmer said that during the 2012-13 winter, snowplows had damaged the runway causing the shut down of the airport until spring weather permitted the runway to be patched.

The following summer UDOT officials revealed during an inspection that non-functioning drain culverts had likely contributed to the damage.

In 2007, Cramer and Noble Engineers estimated $550,000 was needed to repair the runway with the city contributing $50,000.

In January 2014, Matt Swapp, UDOT pavement engineer, advised Fullmer the $500,000 would not be available this year, but said the funds would be there in 2015 if the city could still come up with the $50,000 contribution. Swapp also said another $90,000 would be available in 2020 if the city could fund another $10,000.

Using 2007 figures, Fullmer reported the cost of a total runway rehabilitation, including replacing the runway base, would cost $1.7 million. He indicated the $460,000 plus the $60,000 would help preserve the viability of the airport, if steps are taken to prevent further deterioration of the base below the oil surface.

Fullmer reported the lack of moisture and the city’s use of a smaller snowplow has prevented further damage.

Fullmer said that since the root of the problem seems to be centered around the non-functioning culverts, he estimated to replace the three culverts and patch the runway would cost about $12,000.

Fullmer said the other choice was to try and clean out the existing culverts, but said the age of the culverts and using high pressure water to clean them could damage the base further, resulting in the immediate cost of $12,000 to replace them.

Health department report

Jana K. Smith, Central Utah Health Department, reported to the council about e-cigarettes. She said the new devices are not regulated by the Federal Drug Administration and no one can predict their harm or benefit. She said she understood there had already been a business license issued in the city for the business. Smith also reported that a teacher at the high school had done a quick survey about e-cigs in her classes. The teacher said out of 40 students seven had admitted to using the devices regularly, which Smith found alarming.

Smith said because the devices are tauted as being “safe”, she fears young people will become addicted to them, without realizing the consequences.

Other business

Councilman Kevin Stallings had been approached to be made a department head over the public works department for $24,000 per year.

Stallings said the lack of communication between the public works and the city cuts down on efficiency and the council is forced to make decisions without enough information.

Councilwoman Ann Deuel stated she had a problem with a council member being on the payroll. It was decided the mayor would seek legal counsel on the issue.

Councilman Monte Bona said it should be taken under advisement and let Deuel and the mayor speak confidentially with supervisors and then be brought back to the council.

In order for Stallings to be paid, a public hearing has to be held and the salary set by a motion.