MINUTES OF THE BARSTOW AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING

November 1, 2005

PRESENT: Siemer, Bergstein, Pollack, Woodruff

EXCUSED: Janson

OTHERS: John Palen, Tony Lascari, one other

REPORTED BY: Bradd Maki

Commissioner Pollack called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

The minutes of the regular September 6, 2004 meeting was received and reviewed. It was moved by Siemer and supported by Bergstein “to approve and file the minutes of the September 6, 2005.” Approved (4/0).

The Monthly Manager’s Report Summaries between September and October 2005 was presented and reviewed. This information was provided in the Commission packets and updated handouts prior to the meeting. There were 52 good flying days and 9 poor flying days between September and October 2005. Movements were down about 32% from a year ago during the same time period. Fuel sales were up about 9%. Pollack asked how this occurred. Maki indicated that may be due to more jet use and related fueling, especially in September. It was noted that Business use increased in the two month period from a year ago from 46 to 110 movements. It was moved by Siemer and supported by Woodruff “to accept the Manager’s Activity Report.” Approved (4/0).

OLD BUSINESS

1. Airport Rules: McManus noted that a special meeting to discuss Section 9 of the General Rules, or Commercial Rules, took place on October 11^th. Useful input was received at this meeting. McManus, the City Attorney and Maki are looking into minimum standards for other airports and making various contacts with Federal, State and Local governments. McManus added that consideration for the FBO and fairness are primary concerns. Seimer asked whether the AOPA was contacted. McManus indicated that he has contacted Tom Lind who is active with AOPA and will pursue this further. Once rules are set-up, they will be reviewed by the FAA. There is no specific timeframe for setting-up the draft Commercial Rules, but McManus provided a rough estimation of one month. Seimer asked what the next steps are regarding the Commercial Rules. McManus indicated that a draft will be prepared and presented at another special meeting, which the date has yet to be determined.

2. Annual Michigan Airport Programming (MAP) Meeting - Update: McManus and Pollack both indicated that the State attendees were pleased with Midland’s attendance and appreciated the opportunity to speak with local individuals or commissions that make the recommendations to City Councils or other governing officials regarding airport activities. Some assurances were provided by the State at this meeting regarding the rehabilitation of Runway 18/36.

McManus provided a breakdown of the 5-year plan with related estimated Federal, State, and Local cost shares for the commission to comment. Among the scheduled projects, it was noted that the rehabilitation of Runway 18/36 was assured by the State for 2006 and it was likely that grant funding would also be made available for the parallel taxiway. Pollack asked whether the estimates are usually on track. McManus and Maki both indicated that estimates have been usually higher than actual project costs. However, McManus added that material costs have increased this past year so there are no guarantees that actual costs will be less in the future. The AWOS system was scheduled for 2007 which provides weather information and places the airport on the national registry. Other notables include updating the ALP, replacement of Medium Intensity Runway Lights (MIRLs) and the extension of Runway 06/24. Some discussion ensued regarding the length of the extension of Runway 06/24. McManus indicated a planned future airport study will help determine whether an extension is necessary and related lengths.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Sky Taxi Report: McManus provided information regarding services provided by an air taxi business group. Individuals from the City met with the business group on October 12^th. Idea is to provide convenient services at smaller local airports without the need for going to large commercial airports. The business group feels utilizing smaller airports are an untapped market. McManus indicated there were up-front needs that would need to be met for the business group to consider Midland’s airport, such as an investment of $75,000 from the community and installation of an AWOS system.

Pollack indicated this is not a commercial airline service, but works more like a taxi service. Bergstein indicated he thought the service area is limited to 500 miles. Pollack indicated he thought this was the case as well. Some discussion ensued regarding the type of plane and the availability. Pollack added that planes could be made available as early as April, 2006, and the planes would occupy 6-8 passengers. One plane a month is being made by this business group. Bergstein indicated this would be a good venture to pursue, especially since Midland Tomorrow has verbally supported this venture. Bergstein moved a resolution “to support the Sky Taxi concept and assist others who wish to explore in detail and pursue this venture.” Woodruff supported. Approved (4/0).

2. Runway 18-36 Design Approval: Maki provided a brief review of projects of the past 5 years, showed some photos of the improvements needed for Runway 18-36, and provided a similar presentation to the presentation provided to City Council on October 24^th. Approval was granted and the design is currently underway.

Prior to public comment, Pollack asked how the Public Relations Initiative process was going, which was emphasized in the September meeting. McManus indicated that the process has been initiated, but Janson had not provided the list of activities. A meeting with the City public relations coordinator, Libby Richart, is also pending.

McManus indicated that City Council mentioned they may want to have a joint meeting with the Airport Commission. No timeframe has been established and this will be clarified after the new City Council convenes.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

None.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:52 p.m.