MINUTES OF THE BARSTOW AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING

 

March 13, 2007

 

 

PRESENT:      Bergstein, Janson, Pollack, Siemer, Woodruff

 

EXCUSED:    None 

 

OTHERS:       J.T. Rairigh, John Palen, Tony Lascari, Dot Hornsby, Howard MaGee and guest

 

REPORTED BY:  Bradd Maki                                            

  

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

 

The minutes of the regular January 9, 2007 meeting were received and reviewed.  It was moved by Janson and supported by Siemer “to approve and file the minutes as amended of the January 9, 2007 meeting.”   Approved (4/0, Woodruff not present at time of vote).   

 

The Monthly Manager’s Report Summaries for December 2006 through February 2007 were presented and reviewed.  Comparisons were made with the same time period the previous year.  Pertinent information was provided at the meeting time.  There were 55 good flying days and 35 poor flying days for this period.  Movements were down from a year ago during the same time period primarily due to training declines since the airport currently has no flight school operations.  Business and pleasure flights increased some.  Fuel sales were lower than a year ago, but sales per flight were only slightly lower. It was moved by Janson and supported by Siemer “to accept the Monthly Manager’s Report Summary.”   Approved (4/0, Woodruff not present at time of vote).

 

The Airport Maintenance Status Report was provided by J.T. Rairigh.  Jet fuel truck runs and pumps well, and is calibrated.  It was pointed out that a nice looking fuel truck is good for Jet business.  Fuel inventory was performed. A flight school will be going soon with approval from the City.  Plane is a 1959 model with relatively new cylinders.  This is an ideal plane for flight training due primarily to the easy handling.  Janson indicated that Harry Brown airport lost their flight instructor and they are willing to provide a hangar for a new one.  Janson asked what the current gas prices were.  Rairigh indicated $3.39 LL and $3.69 Jet A.  Mosquito season will likely provide and increase in jet fuel sales.  Rairigh also indicated that a larger tank, which is in the 5-year plan, will help keep prices down. It was pointed out that suppliers will generally not allow alternate fuels in the same trunk tank.  Rairigh provided an update of the hangar locations and praised Jim Cordes for the computer renderings.  McManus added that we were 2 years out on the plan for building a new 10 unit T-hangar and there is room left for two T-hangars.  Bergstein wondered whether it would be more cost effective for the City to install.  Rairigh indicated yes, since federal grants can cover the majority of the costs.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

1.      Promotion Committee Report – Janson indicated meetings are on the 1st Wednesdays of each month.  The primary focus is on an observation area plan and placing airport events on a calendar of events that the Chamber of Commerce has currently.  Jim Cordes provided computer renderings of the observation area.  Looking to lock down funding.  Fence costs similar to the new fence by the terminal building are estimated at $71/foot. 

2.      Michigan Airborne Days – McManus provided a short introduction.  Howard MaGee, event organizer, indicated there will be many activities during this event.  There will be 50-100 re-enactors. 4 media tents, period music, small tents, a headquarters, and a medicine tent.  Drop zones are located on the north side of the airport (between the runways), west of Runway 06/24 and south of Runway 18/36.  Plans will include an appearance of a C-47 and other vintage planes of the era.  There will be a $5 single and $8 family charge, primarily to cover gas costs for the C-47.  9 vintage vehicles will be on hand with 3 additional pending.  There will be a USO show and donut dollies.  They are getting event insurance and will coordinate activities with local Fire and Law Enforcement.  There will be contests for children and other events involving active participation.    

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

a.       Report on Capital Spending. McManus references material in the commission packet regarding the MAAE conference recently held in Lansing.  The block grant program is currently on hold.  Legislature currently has this.  McManus indicated that airports are unique because allocations are spent for airport purposes only.  A campaign is started to get this bill through as a separate item from the spending package.  Anticipate leaning more in April.  Allocations will directly affect the 5-year plan.  AWOSS is a state program.  The State is cutting this funding regardless of the federal funding outcome.  AWOSS can be funded using Federal shares.  The EAA could have a listening session with a State Aeronautics representative to discuss AWOSS, funding and related impact issues.  Related benefits were discussed.  Woodruff motioned to “move forward with inviting a State Aeronautics representative to have an EAA sponsored listening session followed by a formal aviation advisory meeting to discuss related issues and take necessary action”.  Siemer seconded. Approved (5/0)

 

Bergstein added that the User Survey scheduled in the 5-year plan should be done this year and wondered if the City should pay for it now.  Woodruff added that the plans for AWOSS and the Runway 06/24 Extension project were most important.  McManus indicated that we could do both with the entitlement funds and acknowledged that the survey needs to be completed before the runway extension which is scheduled for 2008.  It is anticipated that the FAA would release their funding by April and the State may release their capital spending package at a later date.  Commission agreed that the State would not pass-up any federal funding.

b.      Aerial Zoning Changes:  McManus indicated that now is good time to begin updating the airport aerial zoning. McManus suggested a series of meetings with a sub-committee comprised of members of the Aviation Advisory Commission, Planning Commission, MBS, and City Staff.  Adoption of airport zoning changes would involve an amendment to the City Ordinance requiring a minimum of 2 Planning Commission meetings and 2 City Council Meetings.  It is estimated this process would take approximately 4 months to complete.

 

McManus added that the State would protect any good local ordinance in place.  Also, the technology of flight operations is getting more sophisticated with increasing opportunities, so the need have a good zoning plan is becoming increasingly important.  The initial kick-off for this process should involve a meeting with MBS and the State.  Woodruff moved to “Initiate action to begin the process of updating the airport aerial zoning plan”.  Siemer seconded. Approved (5/0).  Woodruff and Siemer volunteered to be on this sub-committee.  

 

  

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  

 

None.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 6:02 p.m.