MINUTES OF THE BARSTOW AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING

November 6, 2007

PRESENT: Bergstein, Janson, Pollack, Siemer, Woodruff

EXCUSED: All Present

OTHERS: J.T. Rairigh, John Palen, Dot Hornsby, Cathy Nelson Price, Jim Cordes, Jim Reike, Linda Langrill

REPORTED BY: Bradd Maki

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

The minutes of the regular September 4, 2007 meeting were received and reviewed. It was moved by Janson and supported by Siemer “to approve and file the minutes of the September 4, 2007 meeting.” Approved (5/0).

The Monthly Manager’s Report Summaries for July 2007 through September 2007 were presented and reviewed by J.T. Rairigh. Comparisons were made with the same time period the previous year. There were 75 good flying days and 17 poor flying days for this period. Rairigh reported an increase of approximately 40% in 2007 flights when compared to the same three month period last year. Fuel sales were up by approximately 50% from the previous year. Current gas prices were provided at $3.98/gallon for Jet A. Rairigh provided a report on 2005 State air traffic figures for Barstow Airport in comparison with other airports in Michigan. According to the report, Midland Barstow Airport is in the upper 4% of activity for General Aviation airports and is busier than near 1/2 of all commercial airports in the State. The airport appears to be as busy as in 2005, gas prices have increased over 100%, and hangars are full. Woodruff asked whether the State ranks airports. Rairigh indicated that they post figures without rankings. Pollack asked the difference between large and small planes, which are twins, jets, and larger. Janson added that jets are a lot lighter and would affect use of the airport if the runways were lengthened. Siemer wondered whether additional hangars were scheduled for next year. Rairigh explained planned projects for next year which did not include additional hangars. Woodruff asked whether we were considering approach runway lighting systems and whether the commission should be considering it. Rairigh indicated he could look into it as room may be an issue. McManus indicated items like this is good planning and could be considered in the future, and also indicated there may be better funding opportunities for based aircraft. It was moved by Siemer and supported by Bergstein “to accept the Monthly Manager’s Report Summary.” Approved (5/0)

The Airport Maintenance Status Report was provided by J.T. Rairigh. Rairigh provided information indicating that all items were addressed from the annual State inspection report from this past April. Cracks were addressed. Old runway markers were removed and trees were removed for the Runway 06 approach. Janson provided comments on crack sealing that installation was appreciated, but could have been better.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Promotion Committee Report – Janson provided a complete report on the airport observation area west of the terminal building. Development size is about ½ acre, which was 6 months in the making to date. A raised berm is desired for viewing. Picnic benches and Kiosks are planned. A draft cost estimate was provided. Jim Cordes was thanked for putting the report together. Observation area will be fenced in. Outside funding will be sought. Siemer asked whether any foundations were approached. Janson indicated that establishing funding is the next step in the process. Siemer also wondered whether the area could be considered a park. McManus indicated that a non-dedicated park could be looked into for funding. McManus asked what the next steps were from a staff perspective. Janson indicated the next step was to look for support by the airport community and some help from the City regarding fill material. The timing of the work will be within the next year. Janson also indicated appreciation for those involved with the airport videos and committee minutes. Pollack asked whether lower fencing creates a safety issue. Rairigh indicated that the 4’ height is permissible depending on area and appropriateness. Janson requested “support of the installation of an observation area” by the commission which was moved by Siemer and seconded by Bergstein. Bergstein provided a couple of funding suggestions. All approved (5/0).

2. AWOS Update – Maki indicated the remaining steps that must be taken in order to implement and install the AWOS system. Several approvals by the State Ad-Board are required and contracts for the materials and the Sponsor contract completed. Also, the FAA must give final approval of the project. A timeline was provided indicating that anticipated construction will likely occur in Summer 2008. The project will be funded with 2007 Federal entitlement funds.

NEW BUSINESS

1. MoGas Report – Rairigh provided a report regarding the feasibility of using MoGas at the airport. He addressed for areas; whether it is safe, whether there is a demand, the expense, and whether it was a good idea. The FAA has tested this use for many years and has determined the use to be safe. The potential demand is there as over 80% of all planes can use this fuel and most are designed for using this fuel. Also, Raraigh reported this use as an opportunity to provide fuel that other airports in the area do not have. Expense would be less of an issue if the infrastructure exists. This may be the case if the new tank project scheduled for 2008 moves forward, which would leave an additional underground tank available. Pumps are old and can be reused, but could be considered for replacement. The implementation appears to be a good idea. McManus asked what the price for low-lead fuel was currently and what would the price comparison be related to gas purchased at a gas station. Rairigh indicated the current price is $4.29/gallon and the price would currently be about $0.40/gallon higher than what you see at gas stations. Janson indicated that gas could be provided at a cheap price. McManus suggested researching this concept further from a commission standpoint, but also that it made sense at this point to leave the tank as a consideration. McManus also pointed out several concerns received regarding mistakenly using the wrong fuel and suggested the commission first consider all the pros and cons and provide no recommendation at this point.

2. Fuel Revenue Report – Maki provided a fuel revenue report showing revenues and expenses from the 2005/06 season to present. The net gain for 2005/06 was $2,150. Since the new contract with QAS was in place, the 2006/07 and 2007/08 estimated net gains were $10,000. In 2007/08, the Airport is on track with meeting this estimate. Maki indicated that even though more fuel is being sold, it does not necessarily mean there are larger net gains.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

None.

Meeting was adjourned at 6:36 p.m.