Sarpy Transportation Inc. wishes to donate 23 bus seats and frames to the Billings Airport.  The seats are being removed from a bus that Sarpy Transportation is stripping down.  The Airport will use the donated seats in the Boeing 727 aircraft that was donated to the Airport by FedEx Express in June 2013.  FedEx Express donates aircraft that are being retired from their fleet of cargo aircraft to airport fire departments and/or aviation schools to enhance Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) training programs.  The Sarpy Transportation seat donation will complete the retrofitting of the B-727 to more closely simulate a passenger aircraft and enhance the ARFF training experience.  The value of the seats and the framing is estimated to be $1,200.  City Council policy requires that any donation of more than $500 must be approved by the City Council.  A donation verification form has been completed by Sarpy Transportation Inc. and is on file with the City Clerk.

The City Council may:

• Accept the $1,200 seat donation from Sarpy Transportation Inc.; or
• Not accept the $1,200 seat donation, which would result in a delay to the retrofitting of the B-727 for ARFF training.    

There is no financial impact to the City, as the seats and frames are being donated at no cost to the Airport. 

Staff recommends that the City Council accept the seat donation from Sarpy Transportation Inc., valued at $1,200.