Brownwood City Council approved the use of volunteers from the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum and Dyess Air Force Base to paint the two military static aircraft displayed at the Brownwood Regional Airport and authorized the expenditure of $2,800 for paint supplies at their regular meeting on Tuesday.

According to Brownwood Regional Airport Manager Bobby Burks, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) had contacted the City of Brownwood and advised that restoration work was needed on the static aircraft display at the airport.  City officials had previously gone out for bids for this work to be completed; however, bids came in but were very costly.

Aircraft restoration vendors recommended by the USAF included many which were located out of state, two bids were received and the lowest bid was received from Day Aircraft Refinishing of Brady for $45,000.  This was a budgeted project; however, council members voiced concern over the ongoing maintenance cost as compared to how many people visit the aircraft displayed and the item was tabled at the May 10, 2016 meeting.

City manager Emily Crawford stated that previous news stories regarding the restoration and expense brought attention to the city’s dilemma and a group of volunteers from Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene came forward and presented the council with a proposal to paint the aircraft, General Dynamics F-4 and F-11.  The work will be volunteer labor from the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum and Dyess Air Force Base.  City officials visited Dyess to see the work of the volunteers on aircraft at Dyess and were pleased.

The work of the volunteers will ultimately save the City of Brownwood approximately $42,000.  The U.S. Air Force was acceptable of the work of the volunteers who are experienced and trained to paint aircraft.  Work is planned to begin the first two weeks of September when the weather is cooler.

Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes voiced his appreciation of the volunteers and stated, “This really is a substantial savings to the city and makes it worthwhile for us to keep these displayed.”

In other matters on Tuesday’s agenda:

*Council approved an ordinance on second and third/final readings dis-annexing 2.917 acres out of the James Aldrich Survey, Abstrac 1194, owned by Alfredo and Barbara Barrerra, from the territory of the City of Brownwood.

*Council approved an ordinance on second, third/final readings establishing a stop sign on Calvert Road at Milam Drive.

*Council accepted a bid and authorized the City Manger’s signature on a Coliseum Concession Agreement with Patricia Nickerson of Poppy’s Sweets.  Only one bid was received which was for 26% of the gross receipts.  Nickerson has operated the Coliseum concessions for the past 6 years and has paid the City of Brownwood 20% the first three years and 26% the past three years.  The existing contract will end on August 12, 2016 and will be renewed for one year with an option of two additional one-year terms.