MINUTES OF THE BARSTOW AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING

 

January 5, 2010

 

 

PRESENT:      Hallett, Janson, Pollack, Siemer, Senesac

 

EXCUSED:    None 

 

OTHERS:       JT Rairigh, Dot Hornsby, Nancy Pollack, Mike Woodley, John Palen, Dan Foster

 

REPORTED BY:  Bradd Maki                                            

  

Commissioner Pollack called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m.

 

The minutes of the regular December 1, 2009 meeting was received and reviewed.  The minutes were moved by Janson and supported by Siemer “to approve and file the minutes of the December 1, 2009 meeting.”   Approved (5/0).   

 

The Monthly Manager’s Report Summary for November 2009 was presented and reviewed by J.T. Rairigh.  There were 21 good flying days and 9 poor flying days for this period, which is similar to the same period last year.  Aircraft movements were higher as compared to last year primarily due to an increase in business and pleasure flights.  Total gallons of fuel were up from the previous year, which is likely due to more business and pleasure fuel purchased.  Snowfall was the less that the previous year.  Fuel prices are currently $3.95/gal for 100LL and $3.99 for Jet A.  It was moved by Janson and supported by Hallett “to accept the Monthly Manager’s Report Summary.”   Approved (5/0)   

 

The Airport Maintenance Status Report was provided by J.T. Rairigh.  Discussion involved the new Snow Removal Equipment (SRE).  Rairigh described snow plowing scenarios and compared efficiency of the new SRE operations with previous equipment.  New equipment can move snow much more controlled and complete work in from 1/3rd to 1/5th the time.  It was noted that the city cost for this equipment will be offset in the first year as costs for previous equipment will no longer be billed to the airport.

 

Discussion ensued relating to housing the new SRE with suggestions to move the construction of a new building to occur sooner in the 10 year plan.  It was decided to look into life cycle costs of hangars, complete more research, and determine options for the next meeting, including the possibility of placing the SRE in Hangar 12B temporarily.

 

SRE Demonstration - Chairman Pollack moved the SRE Demonstration item located as a New Business item in the agenda to after the Maintenance Status Report.  Rairigh provided an SRE demonstration including blade functions and brushing operation.   

 

OLD BUSINESS

  

Project Updates – Maki indicated the SRE equipment and attachments are provided and in service.  Also, the new fuel tank is in service.  Minor surface work, including a hose reel assembly, will be completed in the next week.

 

Aircraft Maintenance Review – McManus indicated the commercial rules are under review.  Discussion ensued regarding whether insurance rates could be reduced.  It was decided to address this further at the next meeting.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

SRE Demonstration – This item was moved to follow the Maintenance Activity Report.

 

Other New Business Items (not on agenda):

 

Solar Panel Project – McManus indicated the Midland County Fairgrounds (MCF) would like to renegotiate their lease for a 17 acre piece of airport property located north of Airport Road and east of Barstow Drive.  MCF is requesting a reduced rate and reduced use of the property.  This property was assessed to a higher value than what is used for the current agreement, so a renegotiation for a lower rate less likely. McManus introduced Dan Foster, who has developed a proposal for leasing this property and using it for solar panels.  Future consideration would be for an additional 5 acre section of property located north of Airport Road and west of Barstow Drive. McManus indicated this project would help reduce airport subsidy.  Mr. Foster provided a packet of conceptual and preliminary information and provided general project details.  The related financial information is very preliminary and is not considered reliable at this point.

 

Some discussion ensued regarding the possibility of relocating this project to the north end of the airport.  McManus indicated this area was reviewed and timing is important.  There are deed and wetland issues that could impact the project moving forward.  Hallet moved and Siemer seconded a motion to “to accept the use of the proposed 17 acre area east of Barstow Drive and pursuing future use of the 5 acre area west of Barstow Drive and the north end of the airport for solar panel projects”. Approved (4/1-Janson).

 
Mosquito Control Fees – Annual County Mosquito Control operations stationed at the airport no longer purchases fuel from the airport for their operations.  Maki provided a proposal to recover lost revenue.  Janson moved, Siemer seconded a motion to “pursue fees as proposed”.  Approved (5/0)

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  

Chairman Pollack recognized and congratulated Linda Langrill on behalf of the commission for her induction into the Forest of Friendship, which includes the likes of Amelia Earheart and other noteables.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 6:26 p.m.