MINUTES OF THE BARSTOW
AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
December 2, 2008
PRESENT: Janson, Siemer, Pollack, Woodruff,
Bergstein
EXCUSED: None
OTHERS:
REPORTED
BY: Bradd Maki
Commissioner Pollack called the meeting to order at 5:00
p.m.
The minutes of the regular November 4, 2008 meeting was
received and reviewed. It was moved by Janson
and supported by Siemer “to approve and
file the minutes of the November 4, 2008 meeting.” Approved
(5/0).
The
Monthly Manager’s Report Summary for October 2008 was presented and reviewed by
J.T. Rairigh. Comparisons were made with
the same time period the previous year. There
were 23 good flying days and 8 poor flying days for this period. Aircraft movements were down primarily to a
decrease in training flights. Rairigh
indicated there are more than 10 individuals on the training roster and about ˝
dozen are active. It was moved by Siemer
and
The
Airport Maintenance Status Report was provided by J.T. Rairigh. Rairigh indicated the Oshkosh and plow, having
front and belly blades, are received and in use. The AWOS is in the process of being installed
by MDOT. They are waiting to finalize a
contract for underground wiring installation.
Some work exists at the AWOS and in the terminal as well.
Fact-Finding
Committee Report – Siemer provided a summary report of findings from the committee
and EAA Board comments received during their November 20th board
meeting related to airfield maintenance at the airport. The premise provided in the report was that
organized, on-field maintenance is a key ingredient to long term Barstow
Airport vitality. To consider options
for airport maintenance, Siemer provided a summary chart showing the following
committee research:
·
Survey of similar size Michigan airports,
·
Midland City budget climate, and
·
Barstow pilot input.
Siemer
provided a brief history of committee research with key findings and
maintenance options as reported at the November 4 commission meeting. Financial support such as salary, minimizing
fuel flowage fees, or a building rental subsidy would be needed for organized
aircraft maintenance.
Opinions
from EAA Board during their meeting, including those in attendance, indicated
on field aircraft maintenance is important but not critical. They were not supportive of aircraft
maintenance as part of airport operations if the current level of service is
diminished. They recognized the need for an aircraft maintenance operator to
have liability insurance, and are not opposed to “through the fence” operations
on a temporary basis until a full-time FBO is stationed at the airport. Insurance to perform aircraft maintenance is
estimated to be between $6,000-10,000 annually.
Rates for aircraft maintenance are estimated to be about $60-$80 per
hour. A concern was mentioned regarding
the percentage of aircraft stationed at the airport and in the area that an FBO
would need to be self sustaining at the airport. Having an FBO would be a hard sell at this
time. Siemer indicated from discussion
with a local mechanic that a good mechanic would create a line-up of those who
would need maintenance. Discussion
continued.
It
was determined that the rules regarding through the fence operations need to be
reviewed. Concerns were raised to make
sure insurance is still required for liability protection and fees may be
higher. Janson mentioned an airport in
Arizona where aircraft can be maintained if they are based at the airport or
with a special approval. Discussion
ensued regarding where aircraft could be maintained and whether commercial
rates would need to be adjusted. City
revenues will need to be guarded. Janson
motioned to “review rules for aircraft
maintenance at the airport to determine whether they can be revised to permit
through-the-fence operations”. Siemer
seconded the motion. The motion carried
4-1 (Woodruff). McManus added the City
Attorney will need to be involved with this review. The commission indicated this review be
coordinated and reported by the Fact-Finding Committee.
NEW
BUSINESS
None.
Janson indicated Operation
Good Cheer will be happening this Saturday around 9:00 a.m. He briefly described the program purpose
which involves providing children’s gifts by plane to Child Family Services. One airplane came-in last year. There are approximately 475 airplanes flying
out for this event.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:43 p.m.