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AIRPORT COMMISSION MINUTES 2005 Airport Commission Minutes February 22, 2005 2:30 PM CALL TO ORDER Roll Call Chairperson Jerry Beuning called the regular meeting of the Sauk Centre Airport Commission to order at 2:30 PM, with Commissioners Dennis Rykken, Joe Uphus and Butch Wessel present. Also present was City Administrator Steve Bloom. Beuning introduced new member Mayor Dennis Rykken, explaining that he replaced the former Mayor Paul Theisen as the Council representative on the Airport Commission. MINUTES December 13, 2004 With no objections or corrections, the minutes of the December 13, 2004 Airport Commission meeting were approved as submitted by staff. OLD BUSINESS NPIAS Consideration Beuning explained that if the airport is National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) approved, it would financially benefit the City in that it would provide for federal funding of 90-95% of airport construction and improvements. Bloom suggested that it may be a politically based decision and the Airport Commission should do whatever necessary to get the approval. Beuning suggested that the Administrator draft a letter of support for the NPIAS inclusion to Collin Peterson. Rykken suggested that the same letter of support be sent to Dayton and Coleman as well. No formal action was required as Wessel noted that the application for NPIAS inclusion is still under review. Lease Agreements Uphus noted that Jerry Schurman has an annual land lease agreement with the City for airport property which is currently up for renewal. Discussion followed concerning Muellner’s lease of adjacent property for SCPUC’s sludge disposal needs. Beuning asked if the PUC has a need for more land and Rykken contacted the PUC via phone. He reported that the PUC is not currently in need of more land for sludge disposal and noted that the land Schurman has been leasing is not currently certified for sludge disposal. Rykken suggested leaving the Schurman lease amount the same until 2008 when Muellner’s lease is up. Discussion followed concerning the length of the lease. Uphus made a motion, with a second by Rykken, to Recommend Approval to Enter Into a Land Lease Agreement with Jerry Schurman at the Current Rate of $18.00 Per Acre for 43.6 Acres Adjacent to the Sauk Centre Airport. The motion was approved 4-0, with all voting in favor thereof. Recruit New Member for the Airport Commission Beuning asked the Commission to consider changing the City Code to include one member that may or may not be a resident of the city. Rykken suggested that the non-resident be required to have a vested interest in airport operations. Discussion followed concerning the language of the proposed ordinance. Joe Uphus made a motion, with a second by Jerry Beuning, to Recommend Adoption of Ordinance No. 642, Amending Ordinance No. 641, Which Amends Ordinance No. 605, to Read in Part as Follows: Section 2. Composition. The City Airport Commission shall consist of five members all of which shall be appointed by the City Council. One member of the Commission shall be a member of the Sauk Centre City Council, two members shall be residents of the City of Sauk Centre, eligible to vote in its General and Special Elections, one member may be a non-resident who routinely participates in Sauk Centre Airport activities, and one member shall be a staff person of the Sauk Centre Public Works Department. The motion was approved 4-0, with all voting in favor thereof. Review Hangar Rental Fees The 2002 Airport hangar survey results were reviewed. Beuning asked for discussion on the potential for allowing privately owned hangars to be built on airport property. Rykken reminded the Commission that the Council experienced problems in the past by allowing such practice and has historically rejected any further proposals in that regard. Discussion followed concerning the financial situation of the current revenue bond for the newest hangar. Wessel suggested that the City intends to construct an additional hangar, but is waiting for NPIAS approval. Beuning requested that the letter to the Federal representatives include the City’s plans to improve and grow the airport, pointing out that such plans hinge on the NPIAS approval. Bloom agreed to add such language. Wessel introduced the payment schedule for the revenue bond and noted that the loan extends to the year 2016. Uphus noted that the current interest rate is 7% and requested that the City look into reducing the interest rate. Discussion followed concerning refinancing issues. By general consent, the Airport Commission directed the City Administrator to investigate the financing options available for refinancing the 2000 Airport Revenue Bond. Marthaler Land/Tree Update – Adjacent Land Appraisal Results The Commission reviewed the appraisal submitted by Granite City Appraisal. Beuning provided background on the purpose for the appraisal. Beuning reported that Aviation Monthly reported several incidences of accidents involving trees in the clear zone space. The need to clear the trees on Marthaler’s property is imminent. It was suggested that the City must address the trees on Marthaler’s land. The commission reviewed the clear zone easement with Marthalers and Uphus suggested that the City needs to know its available options. Uphus questioned whether the City needs to purchase additional land if the trees are cleared. By general consensus, the Airport Commission requested staff to investigate the legal options available and present to the Commission at its next regular meeting. NEW BUSINESS Furnace Repair or Replacement The Commission received two furnace replacement and code violation remedy bids as follows: Uphus Plumbing – 1 LP Gas Unit Heaters Standing Pilot 1 LP Gas Unit Heater Electronic Ignition Labor, Material for Install Change gas line to outside so regulators are brought up to code Total - $4,265.00 Central Heating and Air Conditioning - 2 Armstrong UHPA 175 gas unit heaters 2 LP Kits Labor Electrical is included in estimate 2 – High to low gas pressure regulators Bid is based on using existing chimney Total with Tax - $3,035.06 After some discussion, Rykken made a motion, with a second by Uphus to Recommend Acceptance of the Low Bid For the Replacement of Two Furnaces and Installation of Two Gas Regulators in the 1985 Airport Hangar From Central Heating and Air Conditioning at a Cost of $3,035.06, Using Funds From the Airport Building Equipment Fund and Other Funds as Necessary. The motion was approved 4-0, with all voting in favor thereof. Consider Changing Fuel Price at Airport The Commissioners discussed the need for additional fuel at this time and the Uphus suggested purchasing less fuel at a time to keep the fuel fresher. The Commission requested that Wessel investigate the possibility of using alternative fuel haulers, other than Kranz Super Stop, who may deliver partial loads and inquire of other airports in regards to sharing the load. Wessel pointed out that the tank currently holds over 3,000 gallons of fuel, which should be sufficient until April. By general consensus, the item was tabled until the March Airport Commission meeting, providing Wessel with sufficient time to gather the necessary information for the Commission. COMMISSION COMMENTS/CONCERNS Chris Ellering Hangar Proposal Discussion again centered on the need for additional hangar space, with members voicing their concerns over uniformity and maintenance, appearance and control over privately owned structures. No action was taken on this matter. Next Meeting By general consensus, the next meeting of the Sauk Centre Airport Commission was set for Monday, March 21, 2005 at 2:30 PM at the Sauk Centre Municipal Airport A/D Building. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before the Sauk Centre Airport Commission, the Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 4:17 PM. Respectfully submitted, Recording Secretary Deb Zehrer +++++++++++++++++++++++ SAUK CENTRE AIRPORT COMMISSION MINUTES MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2005 2:30 PM CALL TO ORDER Roll Call Agenda Amendment Chairperson Jerry Beuning called regular meeting of the Sauk Centre Airport Commission to order at 2:30 PM, with members Joe Uphus and Butch Wessel present. Member Allan Coenen was absent. Also present was City Administrator Steve Bloom. MINUTES February 22, 2005 With no objections or corrections, the minutes of the February 22, 2005 meeting were approved as submitted. OLD BUSINESS Federal Aviation Administration Letter of Rejection of NPIAS Distribution Beuning noted that the NPIAS application was denied by the FAA. The Commissioners discussed the reason for denial, which stated that the airport serve a community at least thirty minutes average ground travel time from the nearest existing or proposed NPIAS airport. Beuning pointed out that the nearest NPIAS airport near Long Prairie is well under the thirty minute ground travel time. The Commission discussed the FAA exceptions allowing special justification. Conversation followed concerning the financial benefits of utilizing the Sauk Centre airport versus Long Prairie. Joe Uphus stated that it would benefit the City financially to hire a consultant to address the special justification. Uphus requested that the City contact a city that has hired a consultant to get the NPIAS special justification and to solicit a quote from the City’s Engineer, BWK, for the same services. Wessel agreed to contact the appropriate individuals to obtain more detailed information on the subject. Uphus suggested that the FAA should be made aware that the Sauk Centre Airport is the only airport in Stearns County and its location on the western edge of the County serves a large area. Council Decisions on Last Month’s Airport Commission Recommendations The Commission reviewed the information as presented. Staff noted that the Ordinance relating to board and commission residency requirements will be brought back to the Council on April 6, 2005 for action. No formal action was taken. Aviation Fuel Pricing Wessel reported that Kranz’s fuel price was quoted at $2.35 per gallon. He noted that Paynesville has agreed to share a load. Beuning stated that there are other fuel distributors who may offer better prices. The commission reviewed the current Avgas prices within a 50 mile radius. Uphus suggested increasing the price now and to adjust the price again later, depending upon the price of fuel at the time of purchase. Uphus made a motion, with a second by Wessel, to Increase the Per Gallon Fuel Price to $2.60 Immediately and to Review the Price After More Fuel is Purchased. The motion was approved 3-0, with all present voting in favor thereof. Bond Refinancing Decision Bloom explained the Council’s decision to move forward with bond refunding for the Airport Hangar bonds, noting the details of the proposal. Beuning questioned Harris Baker’s email comments concerning the 11-Unit T-Hangar loan of $220,000.00. He asked Wessel to confirm the status of the T-Hangar loan, including when it is ready, and what type of loan it is. Beuning suggested that staff invite Harris Baker to the next meeting to address the Commission on these matters. Wessel agreed to follow up and report back to the Commission. Clear Zone Tree Removal Discussion Bloom stated that the Department of Natural Resources will be sending a forester to determine the height of the trees in the clear zone easement on David and Tammy Marthaler’s property as of 1988 when the easement was signed. Bloom pointed out that city employees will complete the work to top or remove the trees as necessary. Uphus suggested that the City ensure that the 1988 height is in accordance with FAA regulations. Bloom stated that Attorney Mark Uphus will provide a 72 hour notice to the Marthalers, stating a completion date. Commissioner Uphus also requested that the airport inspectors provide written regulations to all trees in the clear zone. Wessel agreed to follow-up on both these issues and report back to the Commission. NEW BUSINESS Request to Erect Privately Owned Hangar on Municipal Airport Property Uphus suggested that the City Council must determine whether to allow privately owned structures on City property. After further discussion, Uphus made a motion, with a second by Wessel, to Request the City Council to Determine if Privately Owned Structures Would be Allowed Erection on Municipal Airport Property; and if Allowable, Then to Direct the Airport Commission to Perform a Feasibility Study. The motion was approved 3-0, with all present voting in favor thereof. SET NEXT MEETING DATE By general consensus, the Airport Commission agreed to set the next meeting for April 18, 2005. Clear Zone Tree Removal Discussion (continued) Discussion fell back to the tree trimming planned for the Marthaler property and adherence to FAA regulations, with Beuning and Uphus voicing concerns that the City extend every effort to ensure that the clearing is done according to FAA regulations. Wessel assured the Commission that he would consult as appropriate. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before the Sauk Centre Airport Commission, the meeting of March 21, 2005 was adjourned at 3:38 PM. Respectfully submitted, Recording Secretary Deb Zehrer
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