The Powell City Council voted Monday to hire Kansas-based Coffman Associates to help develop an FAA-required master plan, following the recommendation of the airport board. 

The  Federal Aviation Administration requires municipalities to update their master plan every 10 years. 

The council had tabled the item last month after Councilor Geoff Hovivian raised objections to the airport board’s recommendation. At the June 21 meeting, Hovivian said that while Coffman’s experience was valuable, he preferred to go with another firm that had more experience in Wyoming. He argued it was best to keep money local. 

The airport board’s recommendation came as a result of a 3-2 vote. 

Because of Hovivian’s input and the fact the board’s recommendation hadn’t been unanimous, the council voted to table the selection so councilors would have time to review the recommendation before making a final decision on the contractor.  

The airport board received responses from four firms to its request for qualifications. 

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) provides a list of criteria it recommends  the board consider in selecting a firm for the project. The board interviewed the responding firms and scored each one based on those criteria.

Based on relevant work experience, past product delivery and future aviation economic opportunities, Coffman scored well. The board gave extra weight to the last two criteria over relevant work experience. 

At Monday’s meeting, Mayor John Wetzel said he had received a couple calls concerning the issue, and after reviewing the board’s documentation from the interviews, he concluded it would be best to go with the board’s recommendation. 

The mayor expressed his gratitude for the work of the board members, as well as all who serve on community boards. 

“I’d really be hesitant to second guess what they had done,” Wetzel said. 

Councilor Steve Lensegrav said he’d also reviewed the documentation and thought the recommendation was sound. 

The council voted to select Coffman, with Hovivian voting against the motion. 

The FAA will pay 90% of the estimated $333,000 cost, and WYDOT pays another 6%. The city must cover the remaining 4%.