Two property owners who wish to combine acreage on Kanell Boulevard for future commercial development got one step closer Monday.
The owners would need to maintain a 25-foot natural green barrier on the north side of the land as part of a C-2 general commercial designation, according to stipulations discussed by the Poplar Bluff City Council.
The council moved the item to the Oct. 16 voting session, along with the purchase of approximately $70,000 in new equipment for the airport.
Owners George and Harriet Milner and John and Jeanette Clark have requested the rezoning and zoning of the property, city planner James Sisk explained in city council documents.
The Clarks own 6.64 acres lying north of Kanell Boulevard and west of Iron Bridge Road, while adjoining property owners, the Milners, have 7.57 acres.
The Clarks property is currently zoned rural residential, while the Milners is being annexed into the city.
“We plan on marketing these properties together,” John Clark said Monday in response to questions from the council, sharing that they are also working on gaining additional access points for the property.
Council members also heard from Gary Pride, manager of the Poplar Bluff Regional Business Airport Advisory Board, about bids for a towbarless tug, which would be used to move aircraft around the airport.
“The airport is evolving,” Pride said, adding as that happens, “(it) needs certain specialized equipment... We have more modern and larger aircraft coming and going all the time.”
This equipment is expected to be used multiple times a day to move aircraft upward of 12,000-15,000 pounds, he said.
Three bids were received, but the lowest bidder left off several attachments that were specified in the bid documents, Pride said. This included an adapter that would cost $6,000 if purchased separately, he said, and other items.
Pride recommended accepting the middle bid, $70,400 from Lektro Tug. Other bids received were: $58,600 from Eagle Tug and $80,000 from Mototok Tug.
“The Lektro Tug included everything as requested including numerous aircraft adapters, GPU cables, a powered winch and has a towing capacity 10,000 pounds greater than the Eagle Tug,” Pride said.
In other business, the council:
• Approved an agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration related to navigational aids at the airport.
• Made appointments to various boards and commissions.