12-12-01 Airport MinutesCity of Kalispell
Minutes from December 12, 2001 Meeting
The meeting began at 3:15 p.m. Present were: Chris Kukulski, and Kathy Kuhlin (staff), Gib
Bissell, Fred Leistiko, Keith Robinson, Art Thompson, and Tom Weaver.
Concern was voiced regarding the sale of the field by the airport. Proceeds should be going to the
airport but the airport board is worried that it might go to another project. Fred said he would look
out for the airport if the Council is addressed regarding the proceeds.
Issues of the TIF money were discussed. There will be a 6% rate increase in all utility bills which
will cover the cost of the extension to Four Corners. TIF is on a spending freeze.
Fred presented an article from. the Missoulian regarding Transportation Appropriations put into a
Billings airport. This was a line item. This funding was obtained Without going through the State
Aeronautics office or the FAA. We need to make another contact With both our senators through
their designated staff person when the E.A. is completed, telling them we need government funding
in addition to FAA funding. Also, approach Glacier International Airport Authority Board to get
there to give us a strong recommendation as to how important our airport is to them as backup as a
G.A. reliever airport. Perhaps some of our board could begin attending their meetings between now
and this summer to see how they operate to let them know we will need their help later on in this
process.
Regarding "junk." at the airport, we will need to post the property and contact the people indicating
to them that Jt is not okay to leave that "junk" at the airport and it should be kept inside of their
hangar. We will need to look at their leases to see if this topic is covered. Scott informed Gib
previously that he would be willing to do an inventory of all the "junk" at the airport.
Phil Porrini had written to Charlie, our City Attorney, regarding the issue of annexation of
surrounding property at the airport, and land acquisition. For the City to acquire this land, the owner
would have to agree to sell or we could do a condemnation. We can go outside of the City property,
including the property where the towers are located. The condemnation process could be more
difficult - there are relocation issues, how much will we be willing to pay, time consuming, etc. Will
the City annex out to Four Corners? once the utilities are in, the City could require it. Chris
mentioned that the City anticipates those people will request it once the utilities are in. Charlie
mentioned the issue of the Airport Protection zone to Peccia.
Charlie informed the board that Justice Court will be handling the Diamond Aire past due issues.
This will probably take about 90 days to resolve.
The next regular meeting will be Wednesday, January 9, 2002 at 3:00 p.m,,
Kathy Kuhlin
Recording Secretary