MINUTES OF THE BARSTOW
AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
March 25, 2008
PRESENT: Janson, Siemer, Pollack, Woodruff,
Bergstein
EXCUSED: None
OTHERS:
REPORTED
BY: Bradd Maki
Commissioner Pollack called the meeting to order at 4:58
p.m.
The minutes of the regular January 8, 2008 meeting were
received and reviewed. It was moved by Janson
and
The
Airport Maintenance Status Report was provided by J.T. Rairigh before the Monthly
The
Monthly Manager’s Report Summary for December 2007 through February 2008 was
presented and reviewed by J.T. Rairigh. Comparisons were made with the same time
period the previous year. There were 55 good
flying days and 36 poor flying days for this period. Rairigh reported that total aircraft
movements were high even though high snow totals occurred. Also, fuel sales
decreased when compared to the same period last year. This combination of data may be due to higher
training. Rairigh indicated fuel prices
are still comparable to the surrounding area.
It was
moved by Janson and supported by Siemer “to
accept the Monthly Manager’s Report Summary.”
Approved (5/0)
Promotion
Committee Report – Janson indicated the observation area plan is under final
review with financing being the main item to resolve. Once established, the search for funding will
begin.
NEW
BUSINESS
1. Camp Trooper, 2nd
Annual Airborne Days – Maki introduced Howard MaGee
with the 82nd Airborne. MaGee indicated the event will be July 19th and
20th this year and anticipates twice the number of visitors as last
year. Last year’s event was the first
year, so much was learned and measures to improve the event will be taken. They plan to request a convoy of 30-40
military vehicles to make their way to the airport and there are plans for a
reenactment, many displays, and vendors.
Janson asked whether there would be a cost for admission. MaGee affirmed
there would be a cost and that it would be the same as last year. Costs mainly cover displays and fuel, but any
proceeds will go directly to veteran programs.
A motion by Bergstein to “approve
the Annual Airborne Days, Camp Trooper event on an annual basis” was
seconded by Seimer. (Approved 5/0).
2. Airport Zoning – Daryl
Poprave, Deputy Director of the City Planning Department provided a
presentation announcing a change in the City Zoning Ordinance as it pertains to
permitting wireless communication facilities, or cell towers. The ordinance revision will allow the
Tri-City Zoning ordinance to have precedence regarding cell tower height
issues. Poprave outlined the Planning
Commission and City Council meeting process for approval of this change in the
ordinance and requested that any additional comments would be considered. Janson wondered about having a City airport
protection plan. Maki indicated this was
possible and could be considered at a future meeting however, the item of
discussion ties a loose end in the current City Ordinance.
3. Project Updates - Maki
provided an update of the AWOS system installation and the Fuel Tank project,
both scheduled for 2008 installation.
Maki indicated the AWOS plan has not changed and is in the hands of the
State currently. The tentative schedule
for installation is early to mid-August.
A kick-off meeting was heald with MDOT and the
consulting engineer on March 21st.
General plan details and a tentative schedule was
provided indicating the installation would occur in September/October, 2008. Separately,
Woodruff requested information on the process of how our airport identifier was
given. Rairigh provided a general
description of the process.
4. Capital Planning – Maki provided
a copy of the existing 5-year capital plan for the airport and indicated the
commission would need to review it and provide comments and suggestions for the
June meeting as the City will need to submit a revised plan to the State by
July, 2008.
5. FBO Status – Maki provided a
general FBO status at the airport and indicated no-one is knocking at the door
of the City to become an FBO at the airport.
He opened up discussion for commission input for addressing the need
and/or attracting an FBO to the airport.
Siemer indicated questions need to be asked and answered such as whether
there is a need for an FBO, attracting an FBO, and how one could be
financed. Bergstein suggested relaxing
the FBO requirements as an option to allow more flexibility for freelance
maintenance. Janson indicated that the
airport will not have an FBO if the rules are relaxed. Bergstein suggested appointing a committee to
provide input to the commission in this regard.
Seimer was supportive, suggested a three
person committee and requested to be on the committee. Woodruff indicated he would be on the
committee and had concerns about financial viability and whether the FBO could
also supply fuel. Siemer indicated all
needs must be put together. Woodruff
indicated that the responsibilities of the FBO and operations must be
prioritized and as budget neutral as possible.
Tom Ryden volunteered to be a committee
member. Siemer motioned to “establish a fact-finding committee for
feasibility of establishing and FBO and perhaps lumping into an over-service
arrangement and to have the Airport Manager as the committee advisor.” which
was seconded by Woodruff. (Approved 5/0)
Siemer was selected as chairperson of the committee.
The committee would provide information and make suggestions to the commission
regarding the need and accommodation of an FBO at the airport. Pollack indicated some of the items to review
were to outline of kind of factors and variables to be addressed, what is
feasibility of an FBO, how to make an FBO work at this airport and whether we
should consolidate with other area airports for an FBO. Need support of the pilot community.
Dot Hornsby indicated the
Ford Tri-Motor, a classic passenger airliner of the 1930’s, which is going to
be here August 18th – 20th, and rides will be provided
for a fee. Also, continuing MCTV video series
relating to Barstow Airport. Videos were
completed on airport history, overview of the airport, an airport tour, and the
present video is related to home builders.
Future video will be on Young Eagles pancake breakfast. Showings are Monday at 9 p.m. and Wednesdays
at 1 p.m. Also, the next aviation camp for
young people going into 9th -12th grade is scheduled for
June 16th – 21st.
Pre-applications will be sent out in a couple weeks.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.