Comments Received After 11/30/09rage i of i
Theresa White
From: Chuck Flynn [caaflynn@bresnan.net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 11:28 AM
To: Theresa White
Subject: Kalispell City Airport
To: Kalispell City Council members
It has been brought to my attention that the Kalispell City Council is reviewing the need for continued flight operations
at your Kalispell City Airport. Those opposing this airport wrongly assert that this airport only exists for your local
pilots. I am a private pilot based in Helena and flew into your Kalispell City airport twice in 2009. On both occasions,
my passengers and I walked to and ate in nearby restaurants. I also purchased fuel from Red Eagle Aviation on this
airport. I made it a point to obey the local noise abatement take off and landing instructions as most pilots do in and
around this airport.
In 2010, we will be flying to the Kalispell City Airport 2 to 3 times during which time we will spend money with your
local restaurants and purchase aviation fuel at the airport. I have not nor will I ever fly into Glacier County due to it's
location. I have many choices in Montana as to where I fly and spend my money. I will continue to support your local
businesses as long as I am able to fly into Kalispell City. This airport brings visitors and revenue to your city by
providing nearby hotel accommodations, good restaurants, and a variety of shops. Your city is a great tourist
destination! The Kalispell City Airport enables pilots from around the state to fly in and enjoy your city and at the same
time bring much needed revenue to your local businesses.
As safety and noise are always a concern, I encourage the city council to publish requested landing and
departure instructions that will insure safe operations and address local concerns with noise levels. Publications can be
distributed to Montana aviation groups such as the Montana Pilots Assn., Montana Recreational Pilots Assn., and to the
various flying clubs throughout Montana. Private pilots understand the need for safety and quiet in and around the local
airports they fly into and will support your needs for your airport's operations.
I hope you will continue to support and maintain this airport in the years to come. Thank you for your
consideration!
Chuck Flynn
Helena, MT.
406-457-9479
Aircraft: N4689J
1/27/2010
Theresa White
From: skyhawk@windermere.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 3:08 PM
To: Theresa White
Subject: Kalispell City Airpot
Hello Council, I have been associated with the supporters of Kalispell City Airport since the late eighties, and have spoken
at council meetings and written letters to the editor.
My main point is that Kalispell City Airport has always been a wonderful neighbor:
1. Nuturing soccer and softball teams and their eventual movement to other sites. 2. Mostly not noticing, or, at least,
forgiving the odors which, daily, emanate from the Waste Treatment Plant. 3. Trying its best to alter aircraft patterns for
noise abatement, when receiving complaints from others, who later moved into the airport neighborhood. 4. Dealing with
and improving, sometimes soggy ground. 5. Maintaining an enviable safety record. 6. Supporting local businesses,
already on, or near, the site and drawing in more business enterprises to Kalispell (Hilton Garden Inn, flying vacationers,
helicopter support and flight instruction, etc.)
We can only wish that all of our neighbors were able to support themselves (Enterprise Fund), and even give something
back. If someone offers employment opportunities for others, supports themselves, does public service (Young Eagles,
Emergency Medical support, etc.) they are a valuable assets and good neighbors.
I hope the council recognizes my main point and will act on all of the other reasons for maintaining and improving Kalispell
Airport, rather than "run it out of town."
Thank you for thinking about this, Lorraine
Lorraine Yde
Realtor
Windermere Lakeside -Kalispell
866-844-0104 Office
406-212-5880 Cell
www.Windermere.com
Page 1 of 1
Theresa White
From: bert lenon [bertlenon@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, January 25, 2010 3:52 PM
To: Theresa White
Subject: FW: city airport
From: bertlenon@hotmail.com
To: manager@kalispell.com
Subject: city airport
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:35:47 -0700
Dear Ms Hovington, These are but a few of my concerns about city airport; 1. first and formost it should be VOTED
on by the city residents, 2. what I could gather off the city documents there's 74 airplanes and 74 ownners, that
seams like a lot of benefits for a very few citizen's, 3. the airport has $90,000 income of which $58,000 is wages,
plus medical etc.(for airport manager)just over breaking evan I would guess, 4. the city could do a lot more with 90
to150 acres that would benifit more of the people in Kalispell, reasonable building sites for low income familys, you
coud give 300 familys building lots, that could serve 1200 plus citizens of Kalispell, anyway I could go on and on
but I hope the city will reflect on how to serve it's constituants interest's first and best. thanks for hearing me
out. Bert Lenon 56 year resident and want to be proud of it.
Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection. Sign up now.
Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get_t__now_._
1/26/2010
Blue And White Motel, Inc.
640 East Idaho Street
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 249
Kalispell, Montana U.S.A.
59903-0249
January 25, 2010
Dear Madame Mayor and Council,
Switchboard/Office: 406-755-4311
24 Hour Reservations 1-800-382-3577
Fax Number: 406-755-4330
I have two questions to pose concerning the airport renovation:
Email: blue@digisys.net
www.blu-white.com
1. How many local laborers will be hired for reconstruction and upgrading?
Remember that Kalispell has over 10% unemployment.
2. In the long term, what specific economic benefit will there be for Flathead
Valley?
I realize that this money is from the FAA and not a stimulus package and would
benefit us greatly. I also realize that moving the airport is very ludicrous.
I am a local long term resident of this valley and I live and work in Kalispell.
Sincerely,
_;`:� ��.1,'vf. �e�` ifs ✓.�'�c �' � �,
rage 1 of 1
Theresa White
From: Scott Scott [maxwellsnortsnort@hotmail.com]
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2010 7:26 PM
To: bidcaller65@hotmail.com; f.thomas@centurytel.net; zatmike@centurytel.net; m.paulson@bresnan.net;
maryiverson@bresnan.net; hammerquistl2@yahoo.com; fredh@bresnan.net; robertt@montana.com;
fschroeter@centurytel.net; kyv59903@centurytel.net; wisebunch@bresnan.net; joanskare@centurytel.net;
peg gylee@marketyourart.com; mjdardis@yahoo.com; crystal lynn seiler; paulinem@cyberport.net;
mojocat@aboutmontana.net; admason@centurytel.net; jpress@centurytel.net; douise@gmail.com;
susanneoconnor@centurytel.net; roxiebrothers@centurytel.net; Scott Davis; phi l.cjpllc@yahoo.com; jo-
blake@bresnan.net; tomsmithlin@hotmail.com; linda397@centurytel.net; siblerud@bresnan.net; Marye Flowers;
joblake@bresnan.net; ec_kels@guitarmusicman.com; theprofessor52@yahoo.com; joann_vitovec2003gyahoo.com;
marilynmm@bresnan.net; djeep@bresnan.net; wmcmichael@semitool.com; rgmikelson@gmail.com;
phil_jerrig@yahoo.com; nkimball@dailyinterlake.com; kuhlpan@cyberport.net; Theresa White; Theresa White; Jane
Howington
Subject: FW: City Airport
Members and Non-members, here's a few good questions, can anyone answer them? I'm sending them on to the
city.
Scott, Do you know if the city is still taking questions on the airport? I've been so involved with the issues at work and the retirement
thing that I haven't thought of much else. Last night, or this morning about 2 a.m. actually, a couple of thoughts came to mind with
regard to the airport deal. They're always talking about the airport as being an "enterprise fund" and how it pays for itself. Well, my
first question is what exactly is an enterprise fund in the city's definition. I have a good idea of what it is --a separate bookkeeping
entity from the rest of Kalispell's finances --but I would like to see the numbers of how the airport pays for itself. The city should
have monthly/quarterly/annual financial statements --balance sheets and profit and loss statements --that show how the airport is
actually paying it's own way. Have you seen anything like this? If they are still taking questions to address at their next meeting, I
would like to add the following to the questions: (1) How does the city define "enterprise fund", (2) Show us the last 2-3 years
financial statements that indicate that the airport actually pays for itself, (3) How does the revenue generated by the airport compare
to the tax revenue that would be generated if this property were used for residential purposes?
The information presented at the meeting last night left me thinking the only reasonable solution to the city airport debacle
is to remove this contentious issue from the city agenda and move Red Eagle and the other private airplanes out to GPI. Let these
pilots deal with GPI who are informed and knowledgeable on these issues. (I don't think they want that.) I get the feeling that the
pilots have been calling all the shots and walking all over these city government people for a long time and just can't come to grips
with the fact that somebody has the audacity to challenge them now. They feel a bit threatened --hence, Scott Richardson's tirade
last night.
Oops, didn't mean to get quite so wordy! Anyway, if the city is still taking questions and comments, is there a particular place to post
it? Thanks again for all your work.
Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now.
1/20/2010
Jeff Walla, Civil Engineer of STELLING ENGINEERS, INC. of the Kalispell office called
Mr. Jenson the Polson Airport Manager, who was going to speak at Quiet Skies
Public Meeting this Thursday the 14th. At the Outlaw Inn. And told him I don't
want you to speak at that meeting I don't want you to contradict what Stelling
Engineers has told the city of Kalispell.
I called Mr. Walla and asked him why he called Mr. Jenson and advised him not to
speak at the Public Meeting. He said Mr. Jensen is a client of theirs and he didn't
tell him not to speak at the meeting. He said he inform Mr. Jenson that he wasn't
speaking to the City Council and suggested that Mr. Eckels lied to Mr. Jensen. I
said Mr. Jensen knew he wasn't speaking to the City Counsel for over a week and
it was even in the news paper, and what business is that of yours anyway? Again
he said Mr. Jenson and the Polson Airport is there client. I then told Mr. Walla
that Mr. Eckels talked to Mr. Jenson at great lengths about Quiet Skies and what
the meeting was about. And Mr. Jensen was excited about coming up to speak.
And today he told Mr. Eckels that you said Stelling didn't want him to talk and
contradict what Stelling Engineers has told the city. Mr. Walla then hung up on
me.
Question:
1. What does (Walla) Stelling Engineers don't want the City to know?
2. What's Mr. Walla or (Stelling Engineers) motive to silence Mr. Jensen from
telling the public/City about airport management and how they determined to
locate there airport?
3. Why would Stelling engineers (Walla) not want to re -locate the City Airport?
Because of this action, the city Council should not allow Stelling Engineers to have
anything more to do with the Engineering Issues or drafting of any future E.A.'s of
the City Airport issue.
&If
City Council Comments January 9,2009
Contact Information
Vince Jennison 406-883-2482 - Poison Airport Manager
David Cole - 406-841-2770 - Community Development; State of MT
Gary Gates - 406-449-5271 x 32 - Airports division FAA
Brief introduction
Originally came to the council regarding regulation of training flights by
Red Eagle Aviation- U4 000-
Was asked by three city officials to step W my participation.
1. Council man - concerned about quality of life on the south side
2. City plannner - concerned about housing grants that may be in jepardy if
airport is expanded.
3. Policeman - concerned about public saftey, drug smuggling, homeland
security.
So, here I am here as a face representing the "silent majority".
I have made errors: last summer in an effort to create good will I left a note
for the owner of Red Eagle saying, "Great job". What I should have said
was, thank you for moving our operations to GPI for two days a week, by
doing so you have made a 28% improvement. He has used the note against
me ever since.
Would like to invite council members to a special meeting, Thursday 7:00-
9:00 at the Winchester room at the Outlaw Inn.
Special guests incude Vince Jennison - the manager of Poison Airport
and Dave Heine a real estate broker. Jeff Walla of Stelling Engineers called
Vince and told him that, "we don't want you saying anything the contradicts
what we have been telling the city." As an excuse for not coming, they
concocted the story that Vince thought is was a city council meeting. This is
a lie.
Items of discussion and Possible Ratification
---Clarify questions such as
how many legal Kalispell residents keep their airplanes at city airport
is a historic district compatible with an airport affected zone?
and many, many more unanswered questions
---Legal voting residents should be given primary consideration in city
policy. If so, speakers must give their legal residential address?
---The advantages of having the airport operated by the city vs. a separate
entity such as red eagle. How to manage its' airport: Vince Jennison
---The next EA - should be "an original work" (David Cole: Head of
Community development at Dept of Commerce 406-841-2770)
should include - (Gary Gates, consulting)
---firm must be independent - not able to bid on job
---cost of moving Red Eagle to GPI?
---cost of moving all tennants to new location
---time needed to clear court challenges and then build
4 years from time of land acquisition
---At what point to we determine expansion is a "dead
horse"/not going to happen?
---What else could the land be used for?
---Survey of legal residents
---Appraisal of the Land
Ask for evidence from aviators regarding GPI safety. Has anyone seen
written evidence that GPI is unsafe or inconvenient for general aviation?
Red Eagle Aviation; appears "ungovernable". They pay the
"manager's salary". Development should be the job of the planning dept.
and the manager should run the operations.
01-04-2010
KALISPELL CITY RESIDENTS AIRPORT SCOPING QUESTIONS FOR THE KALISPELL CITY COUNSEL, MAYOR,
AND CITYMANAGER.
1. SHOULD KALISPELL CITY AIRPORT BE EXPANDED AND RELOCATED FURTHER OUT OF TOWN?
2. SHOULD KALISPELL CITY AIRPORT BE EXPANDED AT ITS PRESENT LOCATION?
3. STUDIES HAVE DOCUMENTED SEVERAL ALTERNATIVE AIRPORT LOCATIONS, ALL OF WHICH WOULD
BE LESS COSTLY TO CONSTRUCT, WERE YOU AWARE OF SUCH STUDIES?
4. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE CITY PROPERTY AT THE AIRPORT LOCATION IS BEING USED AT IT'S:
HIGHEST AND BEST USE AS AN AIRPORT?
5. DO WE NEED TWO AIRPORTS??
6. ARE YOU AWARE THAT GLACIER PARK INTERNATIONAL SAID THEY WOULD ACCEPT OUR AVIATION
NEEDS OUT AT THEIR AIRPORT?
7. DO YOU USE THE KALISPELL CITY AIRPORT, COUNSEL MEMBERS, MAYOR?
8. IF THE KALISPELL CITY AIRPORT WAS RELOCATED OUT SIDE OF THE CITY WOULD YOU STILL WANT IT
TO BE CITY OWNED AND OPERATED OR COLLABORATE WITH THE COUNTY?
9. OR: OWNED BY THE CITY, BUT OPERATED BY (GPI) GLACIER PARK INTERNATIONAL?
10. OR: IF RELOCATED AND OWNED BY THE CITY, SHOULD THE AIRPORT BE SELF-SUPPORTING WITH NO
CITY SUBSIDY?
11. SHOULD THE CITY RELOCATE THE CITY AIRPORT, SHOULD THE OLD AIRPORT PROPERTY BE SOLD?
12. ARE THERE INVESTORS TO INVEST AND RELOCATE THE AIRPORT?
13. DOES THE RESIDENTS WANT TRAINING FLIGHTS OUT OF THE CITY AIRPORT?
14. HOW MANY BUSINESSES ARE IN BUSINESS AT THE CITY AIRPORT?
15. SHOULD THE CITY AIRPORT BE LEFT JUST AS IT IS?
16. SHOULD THE CITY AIRPORT BE LEFT AS IT IS WITH SAFETY MODIFICATIONS W/O F.A.A.
INVOLVEMENT?
17. SHOULD THERE BE A ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY DONE COMPARING THE EXPENSES OF VARIOUS
OPTIONS OF THE KALISPELL CITY AIRPORT PROPERTY?
18. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE LENGTHEN OF THE RUNWAY TO 4500FT. OR MORE AND MAKING
IT WIDER TO ALLOW B-2 AIRCRAFT TO LAND THERE?
19. SHOULD THE F.A.A. (TAXPAYER DOLLARS, YOURS AND MINE ) SHOULD BE SPENT TO COVER THE
PROJECTED EXPANSION AT THE CURRENT AIRPORT LOCATION?
20. HOW MANY FULL TIME JOBS WILL BE CREATED WITH EXPANSION OF THE CITY AIRPORT AT ITS
PRESENT LOCATION, VS RELOCATING TT
21. IS THE CITY OF KALISPELL RESPONSIBLE FINANCIALLY TO TO SPONSOR THE AIRPORT?
22. CAN THE CITY AIRPORT LAND BE OFFERED FOR SALE TO A DEVELOPER?
23. HAVE YOU HAD TO SUSPEND CONVERSATION ON YOUR PROPERTY UNTIL A HELICOPTER OR ANY
AIRCRAFT HAVE COME OVER?
24. WILL LARGER AND FASTER AIRCRAFT FLY OVER IF THERE IS AN EXPANSION?
25. DO YOU THINK IT'S SAFE TO HAVE HELICOPTER STUDENTS AND AIRCRAFT STUDENTS SHOULD BE
FLYING AND PRACTICING OVER OUR HOMES AND SCHOOLS?
26. DID YOU BUY YOUR HOME KNOWING THE LOCATION OF THE CITY AIRPORT WILL BE EXPANDED?
27 DID YOU BUY YOUR HOME KNOWING THAT THEY WANTED TO EXPAND AND BRING IN LARGER AND
FASTER AIRCRAFT AT THE CITY AIRPORT?
28 DO YOU KNOW THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO'VE USED THE CITY AIRPORT IN THE PAST YEAR, AND HAVE A TRUE AND
ACCURATE ACCOUNTING OF THE INCOME TO THE CITY IT HAS DERIVED? DO YOU FEEL WE SHOULD SPEND THE F.A.A. DOLLARS
BECAUSE IF WE DON'T SOMEONE ELSE WILL?
29. IS RED EAGLE INSURED TO WITHSTAND A CRASH OF ONE OF ITS PLANES, OR IS IT THE CITY'S
RESPONSIBILITY TO COVER ALL LEGAL FEE'S AND COSTS?
30. WHAT ARE THE LIABILITY EXPENSE ISSUES OF THE CITY AIRPORT?
31. HOW MUCH ARE THE LEASE AGREEMENTS WITH RED EAGLE AND OTHER BUSINESSES ON THE AIRPORT
PROPERTY?
32. HOW MUCH REVENUE IS MADE OR HOW MUCH FUEL IS SOLD AT THE AIRPORT -VS- THE REVENUE IF THE
AIRPORT PROPERTY WAS SOLD?
33. WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE FUEL OPERATIONS AT THE CITY AIRPORT?
34. WHERE CAN ONE GET A COPY OF THE LEASE AGREEMENTS OF BUSINESS AT THE CITY AIRPORT?
35. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME THERE WAS A FULL INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING OF THE KALISPELL CITY
AIRPORT MANAGEMENT BOOKS?
36. WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE AIRPORT PROPERTY?
37. SHOULD WHO EVER GETS THE BID TO DO THE NEW E.A., ALSO BE ABLE TO BID ON ANY CONSTRUCTION
OF THE AIRPORT?
38. WHAT ARE THE GROSS RECEIPTS FOR FUEL SALES FOR 2009 AT THE CITY AIRPORT?
39. WHAT IS THE SALES PROFIT FROM FUEL SALES FOR THE YEAR 2009?
40. HOW MANY CITY RESIDENTS KEEP PLANES AT THE CITY AIRPORT?
41. SHOULD NON-RESIDENTS HAVE A VOICE IN CITY AIRPORT POLICY?
42. HOW MANY YEARS WILL IT TAKE TO ACQUIRE THE NECESSARY LAND FOR EXPANSION? ( CONSIDERING
COURT BATTLES ETC. )
43. WHICH IS PREFERABLE TO HAVE A NEW AIRPORT IN FIVE YEARS IN THE COUNTY (WITH A HALF MILE
CRASH ZONE SURROUNDING IT, OR TO TRY AND EXPAND IT AT THE CURRENT LOCATION WITCH WILL TAKE
FOUR YEARS FROM THE DATE THE LAND IS ACQUIRED IF IT IS EVER ACQUIRED AND THE AIRPORT
EXPANSION PLAN PASSES A NEW E.A.?
44. WHAT ARE THE ODDS OF " PASSING" AN E.A. CONSIDERING THE DEVELOPMENT THAT HAS TAKEN PLACE
AROUND THE AIRPORT?
45. ARE A " HISTORIC DISTRICT' AND AIRPORT AFFECTED ZONE COMPATIBLE?
46. DOES THE COUNSEL KNOW THAT THE GLACIER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COMPLETELY SAFE AND
CONVENIENT FOR GENERAL AVIATION AND AVIATION TRAINING?
47. SOMEONE SPOKE AT A COUNSEL MEETING THAT GPI IS UNSAFE AND INCONVENIENT FOR AVIATION, DID
THEY PRODUCE ANY WRITTEN DOCUMENTS TO BACK THERE STATEMENT UP?
48. WHO WROTE THE AIRPORT ,MANAGER'S JOB DESCRIPTION AND DOES THE COUNSEL THINK IT NEEDS
CHANGED?
49. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE CITY BEING THE FBO ) RUNNING THE AIRPORT AND SALES OF
FUEL) VERSES HAVE RED EAGLE AND ASSOCIATES RUNNING M.
50. IF THE CITY DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS TURNED IN BEFORE THIS JAN. 25
SCOPING MEETING WILL THE CITY HAVE ANOTHER SCOPING SESSION? IF NOT WHY?
51. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT DECISION NOT LEFT IN THE HANDS OF THE VOTERS TO VOTE ON CLOSING IT
AND MOVE IT TO GPI OR RELOCATING IT WITH F.A.A FUNDING 3 TO 5 MILES FROM TOWN?
52. WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN STUDIES DONE ON OTHER USES OF THIS CITY OWNED PROPERTY?
53. HAS THE CITY CONSIDERED JUST ASKING PROPERTY OWNERS IN THE LOWER VALLEY AREA IF THEY
WOULD COMBINE THERE PROPERTIES TO SELL FOR A RELOCATED AIRPORT?
54. ARE THERE ANY PLANS FOR TAX REBATES OR COMPENSATION FOR LAND OWNERS WHO HAVE BEEN
RESTRICTED FROM SELLING AND IMPROVING THERE PROPERTIES AROUND THE CITY AIRPORT DUE TO THIS
BUNGLED IDEA OF EXPANSION?
QUESTIONS E-MAILED AND PHONED INTO ME FROM RESIDENTS, PLEASE RECORD AND ANSWER THE
RESIDENTS QUESTIONS AT THE SCOPING MEETINGS.
SCOTT DAVIS
448 STH. AVE. WEST
KALISPELL, MONTANA 59901
406-752-1523
Yage 1 of 1
Theresa White
From: maryiverson [maryiverson@bresnan.net]
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 4:12 PM
To: Theresa White
Subject: Scoping Session 11/30/09
Attachments: Scoping Session Response.doc
1/20/2010
January 3, 2010
Members of the City Council and
Jane Howington, City Manager:
I very much appreciated the November 30 Airport Scoping
Session and the opportunity to hear the myriad of questions asked by
people of varied backgrounds and opinions with regard to our Kalispell
Airport. I applaud Jane Howington for suggesting it, and thank her for
giving this issue the time frame we need to have all our questions
answered.
An issue that concerns me is the same one Steve Eckels
continues to address. That is, we, the Citizens of Kalispell, want to
know the addresses of the speakers at the microphone. It is a very
simple and reasonable request. Giving personal addresses or, if not
that, voting districts speaks to the question of whose interests are
being served by our elected officials. Steve's concern is based on the
fact that many aviators and aviation officials at the council meetings
and scoping sessions give their business addresses, but we do not
know if they are voting residents of Kalispell or not. The citizens of
Kalispell have elected our council members to ensure that OUR voice
is heard. If people in the outlying areas of the County want to offer an
opinion on the airport, that's fine because it offers us helpful
information by which we can make decisions. However, our Council
members need to remember who they are serving. We want the
transparency our Council has promised us.
I would also like to thank Council members Kluesner, Hafferman,
our Mayor Kennedy, and any others who voted to postpone the offer of
the Engineering Contract to Stelling Engineers. The Council needs to
address citizen concerns in good faith before we offer the contract. The
argument of the others was that they cannot answer all the questions
adequately without the consultants. However, offering it `seals the
deal" so to speak, and, you never know, the deal may change. The
fact that some Council Members wanted to offer it at this time
concerns me because it seems that they are not serious about Citizens'
need for adequate information. Do they think the Scoping Sessions are
just a mere formality and they intend to get what they want no matter
what? This is an example of how those in power lose the trust of the
citizens.
I would like to thank our Council, the members going out and
the members coming in for their hard work and commitment to our
City.
Sincerely,
Mary Iverson
1203 4t" Avenue Eask
Kalispell
Page 1 of 2
Theresa White
From: Steve Eckels [eckels@guitarmusicman.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2010 8:07 PM
To: Theresa White
Subject: Eckels copy of letter to Jane
Hi Jane
Congratulations on a brand new year. Tomorrow should be an exciting night with the installation of the new mayor. I'm
not planning to attend. I have studied the questions that have been compiled from the scoping meeting and have added
some important questions to the list. There is only one question that I would have you answer ASAP and that is the first
one. As you recall from the first scoping meeting, the city airport advocates would like to silence this question.
How many legal Kalispell residents (voting residents) keep planes at city airport?
If you could find this information for me I would appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Steve
Here are the rest of the questions:
Should non residents have an equal voice in city airport policy?
The Montana Constitution begins, " We the people of Montana grateful to God for the quiet beauty of our state...". Can we
really "give thanks to God for the quiet beauty of our state" and at the same time make public policy that creates more noise?
Who wrote the Airport Manager's job description and how can it be improved?
How can we best use the skills of Colonel Leistiko?
What are the advantages of the city becoming the FBO (running the airport), verses having Red Eagle and Associates running it?
Would people be apt to move away from the historic district if there is more noise on the south side?
What are the gross receipts for sales of gasoline for a year?
What is the profit from gasoline to the FBO for a year?
How many years will it take to acquire the necessary land at the current site for an expansion? (considering court battles etc.)
If the airport flunks the EA (which I believe it will), will the city be interested in building a new airport in cooperation
with the county somewhere away from town, or is it better to move the activity to GPI?
What is the cost of moving the current tenants to GPI (I understand the city is responsible for this.... but I could be wrong)
Did you know that Glacier International Airport is completely safe and convenient for general aviation and aviation training? (there are only 9.5
commercial flights per day average.)
Who is spreading rumors that GPI is unsafe and inconvenient, and could they produce a written document to support these claims?
What are the odds of "passing" an EA considering the development that has taken place around the airport?
1/20/2010
rage L oz L
Are a "historic district" and airport affected zone compatible?
1/20/2010
Airport- to grow or not to grow...
Theresa White
rage i or i
From: Wayne McMichael [wmcmichael@semitool.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 11:36 AM
To: news@flatheadbeacon.com; Jane Howington; Theresa White; Michelle Anderson; edit@dailyinterlake.com
Subject: Airport- to grow or not to grow...
Having watched this valley grow for 50 years, I can honestly say that the growth here will not end. Kalispell,
Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Lakeside, Bigfork, Somers will all come together someday. Inevitably the airport will
need to grow with the valley. I do not see the airport being able to expand to the level it will need to at it's
present location. It should proceed with relocation, then expansion as needed to fit the needs of the Citizenry
of the Flathead Valley. No matter where it ends up there will be businesses around it like hotels, restaurants.
This valley is of a size that a 20 minute drive can take you just about anywhere here. This is still better than
some locations I have been to. I can remember this being a 3 stop light town and LaSalle was gravel. Look at
the valley now. Prudent foresight is required here. Think on a larger scale than "Kalispell city airport but rather
Flathead Valley airport. The "City's" airport business could be better served thinking on a larger scale to
accommodate the valley. With this in mind then I would look at the lands currently available and at least see if
they may be a better proposal than just shrugging it off as not doable.... Growing pains are to be expected but
can be worked through. Moving it to a county location may change the "restrictions" . They could probably be
grandfathered to prevent this scenario from happening in the future when the valley envelopes the airport in
it's new location. If we lay out the ground rules now instead of waiting 15 years .... we will all be further ahead. I
spent many an afternoon watching the parachutes over the city airport. The soar planes fill me with awe as
they quietly sail overhead. I am neither for or against the airport expansion just voicing that we need to think
larger and further...
Wayne McMichael
Flathead Valley Citizen
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1/20/2010
4q* Men N
12/21�/09 — -r
Eckels Council Input
mown
Fact check - FAA Enforcement
It was stated at last week's city council work session that the FAA enforces regulations nationwide.
The FAA would like you to think they enforce regulations - but they do not have equipment, or
personnel to do so. City Airport is classified as an uncontrolled airportHaving an uncontrolled
airport in the middle of a crowded city is "unwise" at best and "troublesome."
Citizen's Task Force
The city manager mentioned the idea of a citizens' task force to help regulate flight activities. To
brainstorm on this idea we would need the following:
1. A city staffperson should be located at the airport during operating hours.
2. A telephone. The city staff person would answer phone calls from citizens regarding flight noise and
altitude.
3. A training box. Training flights and touch and go practice would be limited to a "training box" as
suggested by Cindy Martin, general manager of GPI. When John Doe flies outside of the training box
at 3:05 PM, the concerned citizen picks up the phone, calls the airport, and reports to the staff person.
The staff member immediately talks with the pilot educating them on city procedures or issuing a fine for
repeated infractions.
4. Responsibility - I strongly believe it the city wants an airport they must staff it. Currently, it is being
"managed" by the FBO otherwise known as Red Eagle. (See the answer book address and phone
number) -)Meanwhile our manager's energies and talents are focused on "development" (which is not
in the job description).
Regarding the Environmental Assessment
<In the EA document there will be thousands of words on paper — the text will be mostly boilerplate
with a few facts plugged in here and there The most telling and important facts are the addresses of
our local aviation officials What is the unspoken message of these residences?
---The airport manager, Fred Leistiko north Kalispell 61 &%e� tie
---The airport board chairman, Scott Richardson - north Kalispell G�,t
-The owner of the FBO/flight school, Jim Pierce - Big Fork
4
Actions speak louder than words.
D pite all the data that will be provided to the council, I feel that the addresses or these aviation
officials provide the following message. "LIVING IN THE AIRPORT AFFECTED ZONE IS OK FOR
OTHER PEOPLE, BUT THE QUALITY OF LIFE THERE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR US." All of
these airport advocates go through the trouble to commute to work near the airport and commute
away from the airport to live. Actions speak louder than words.
Put first things first
How can we move forward when we do not have the land needed for the project? It appears the land
may be impossible to acquire without condemning peoples property. I believe Kalispell residents
would not tolerate such action.
---Appraise the property.
The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Aviators want the council to think that their rights are being infringed upon because of developing
neighborhoods around the airport. Unfortunately, they think they own the airport (see the Interlake
Answer Book). Remember the "pig farm" analogy. The airport is not owned by a poor pig -farmer who
is being forced to quit farming because of developmen These 77 acres worth, let's estimate
30,000,000 million dollars are owned by 22,000 residents and 11,000 voters. Therefore, community
decisions must be made based on the greatest good for the greatest number. Each and everyone
listening to this broadcast has a share of approximately .n the 77 acres at 1880 Highway 93
South.
Barb Eckels: Shouldn't we wait until after the answers from the scoping session are provided to the
public before moving forward with an EA?
Date
Contractor/Owner
Street Address
Type
61dg
Trans
Permit
Impact
-
No."- .
Fee
19
B
May
Lister Construction
160 Herrita e Way
CAA
060
2,654.82
26-
B09-
$
May
Lan (as Associates
535 W. Idaho St.
CAA
064
2,051.10
15-
;::.
$
Jun
NW Construction M mt
117 C clone Or
SFR
352.00
17-
$
Jun
Bighorn Development
515 Triple Creek
SFR
352.00
24-
B09-.
$
`>Jun
Ron Ter Construction,
2131 Mer anser Dr
SFR
080 ' '`
352.00
24-
,;
$
Jun
Ron Ter Construction '
35 Carnegie
SFR
c
352.00
24-..
$
Jun
Ron Terry Construction
2110 Merganser
SFR
352.00
24-
$
Jun
Ron Terry Construction `
2119 Eider
SFR
352.00
1-Jul
Habitat for Humanity
125 Looking Glass
TH
215.00
$
1-Jul
Habitat for Humanity
123 Looking Glass
TH
215.00
809-
$
8-Jul
Bighorn Development
445 Triple Creek Dr.
SFR
086-).`
352.00
8-Jul I
BID Inc.
215 Jackson Peak Dr.
SFR
088
352.00
13-
$
Jul
BID Inc.
111 Looking Glass
SFR
352.00
16-
$
Jul
Jeff bay Construction
112`Sandhill Ct.
SFR
352.00
20-
B09-
$
Jul
Ron Terry Construction
194 Jackson Peak
TH
'094
215.00
20-
809-1,
$
Jul
Ron Terry Construction
192 Jackson Peak
TH
093
215.00
20-
B09-
$
Jul
Ron 'Terry Construction
196 Jackson Peak
TH
095'
215.00
20-
609-
$
Jul
Ron Terry Construction
198 Jackson Peak
TH
096)
215.00
23-
135 Hutton Ranch Rd. Suite
809- ,
$
Jul
Meredith Construction
101
CAA
099
2,315.76
27-
$
Jul
Bob Ta for Construction
131 Looking Glass
TH
215.00
27-
$
Jul
Bob Taylor Construction
133 Looking Glass
TH
215.00
7.
609= "
$
Au
Kinnibur h Construction
24010th St. W.
SFR
105
352.00
11-
809-",
$
AugB.I.D.
Inc.
448 Mountain Vista Way
SFR
109
352.00
2-
809;-
$
Sep
I Grace Contracting Inc.
160 Lupine Dr.
SFR
121 "
215.00
2-
B09-:
$
Sep
Grace Contracting Inc.
162 Lu ine Dr.
SFR
122
215.00
11-
$09-<
$
Sep
Matt Regier
108 Jackson Peak Dr.
TH
127 •'
215.00
11-
609-"
$
Sep
Matt Regier
110 Jackson Peak Dr.
TH
128
215.00
11-
809-,:,
$
Sep
J & F Construction
11 Wheat Grass Lane
SFR
129 " ''
352.00
15-
809-
$
Oct
NW MT Human Res "
375 Battle Ride Dr.
SFR
157
352.00
15-
B09-
$
Oct
NW MT Human Res
355 Battle Ride Dr.
SFR
058
352.00
15-
809-
$
Oct
NW MT Human Res
305 Battle Ridge Dr.
SFR
159
352.00
15-
809- '.
$
Oct
NW MT Human Res
365 Battle Ridge Dr.
SFR
160
352.00
15-
809- ..
$
Oct
NW MT Human Res
315 Battle Ridge Dr.
SFR
161
352.00
15-
$
Oct
NW MT Human Res
275 Battle Ridge Dr.
5FR
162
352.00
15-
609-
$
Oct
NW MT Human Res
381 Battle Ridge Dr.
SFR
163
352.00
15-
809--
$
Oct
NW MT Human Res
325 Battle Ridge Dr.
SFR
164""
352.00
21-
609-,
$
Oct
DEV Properties
525 8th St. E.
CAA
169 "1
2,366.00
22-
809-'",
$
Oct
J & F Construction
197 Ali Loop
SFR
170 ' '
352.00
22-
809-
$
Oct
Eric LeGassey
390 Church Rd. Storage Bldg
CAA .
172
340.70
22-
809-
$
Oct
Kramer Enterprises
165 School House Loop
CAA
173
13,815.10
4-
809-
$
Nov
Snyder Construction
2001 Airport Rd.
CAA
177
588.00
10-
Silverbrook Investmentws,
809-
$
Nov
LLC
119 Owl Creek Trail
SFR
188
352.00
10-
Silverbrook Investmentws,
809-
$
Nov
LLC
123 Owl Creek Trail
SFR
187
352.00
10-
Silverbrook Investmentws,
115 Owl Creek Trail
SFR
809-
$
Nov
LLC , : ` ``,..
�� 186 . °�'
352.00
10-
Nov
Silverbrook Investmentws,
LLC
118 Owl Creek Trail
SFR
809-,
185 `
$
352.00
10-
Nov
Silverbrook Investmentws,
LLC
114 Owl Creek Trail
SFR
809-
184
$
352.00
10-
Nov
Silverbrook Investmentws,
LLC
110 Owl Creek Trail
SFR
809-
179
$
352.00
10-
Nov
Silverbrook Investmentws,
LLC
198 Lazy Creek Way
SFR
809-
" 183
$
352.00
10-
Nov
Silverbrook Investmentws,
LLC
194 Lazy Creek Way
SFR
809-
1 182
$
352.00
10-
Nov
Silverbrook Investmentws,
LLC
190 La Creek WaySFR
809-
181`
$
352.00
10-
Nov
Silverbrooklnvestmentws,
LLC
202 Lazy Creek Way
SFR
809-
180
$
352.00
12-
Nov
Ron Terry Construction
2115 Eider Dr.
SFR
809-
189
$
352.00
17-
Nov
T do F Construction
1331 Hwy 2 W
CAA
809-
191 '
$
1,925.16
40,252.64
4
TOTAL, PERMITS '
42
SFR = SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
TH = TOWNHOUSE
CAA = COMMERCIAL
DX = DUPLEX
MF = MULTI FAMILY (APARTMENT)
rage 1 or L
Theresa White
From:
Steve Eckels [eckels@guitarmusicman.com]
Sent:
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 7:12 AM
To:
Jane Howington
Cc:
Theresa White
Subject: Eckels Reflections and Thanks
Hi Jane
I really liked your comment about the "spirit and intent of the law". I thought I would forward some ordinances that I
presented earlier this summer that reflect what you are referring to. Bozeman, Missoula and Dayton have ordinances that
are very very simple and address the end goal. (Perhaps there could be a preamble addressing the spirit, goal and intent
of the ordinance....)
Even the current Kalispell noise law 19.10 is in the ballpark in this regard. I especially like the concept of "any"
and "unnecessary noise". This protects construction etc. that is necessary and requires that "unnecessary noise" be
removed. That is why training laps fall into this category - they are completely unnecessary - Cindy Martin, general
manager at Glacier International Airport may be able to add perspective: 406-257-5994 (press 8).
Thanks for all you do!
Steve
"Spirit of the Law"
I like the simplicity of Dayton's code - In fact I would have to say I love it; perhaps we should just use Dayton's!:
Sec. 94.04. Unnecessary noise prohibited.
No person shall make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise or any noise which either
annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others, within the limits of the city.
(Ord. 16964, passed 8-2-50)
Cross references: Penalty, see § 94.99.
Or Missoula:
It is the public policy of the city that every person is entitled to live in an environment where ambient noise levels are not detrimental
of life, health and enjoyment of his property and community. It is declared that the making, creation and maintenance of excessive and
unnecessary noises within the city is illegal.
Or Bozeman
8.30.010 Purpose
The City Commission of the City of Bozeman hereby enacts this ordinance to protect,
1/20/2010
rdgC L, V1 Z.
preserve, and promote the health, safety, welfare, peace, and quiet of the citizens of the City of Bozeman through the reduction,
control, and prevention of raucous noise, or any noise which unreasonably disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose,
health, peace, or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary sensitivity. (Ord. 1539 § 1, 2001)
Cindy Martin may be a good resource person for thinking this issue through. Cindy is the general
manager of Glacier International Airport. Her phone number is 406-257-5994 (press 8).
---She took issue with, and was dismayed by the claim made by some pilots that training at Glacier
Airport was "inconvenient". She made it unequivocally clear that the Glacier has more than enough
capacity for training exercises. Further, she disputed the argument that Glacier was inconvenient in any
of the other ways we have heard from aviators at recent meetings. She says GPI would not enter our
city discussion uninvited, but that if we approached her, she would be happy to answer questions and
share ideas. She reminded me that people do not own the air over their houses - so that control of
aviation must be exerted on the ground level.
1/20/2010
r dgu t ul 1
Theresa White
From: Jim Pierce Dim@redeagleaviation.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 6:48 AM
To: Theresa White
Subject: FW: We love Kalispell City Airport
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2009 8:13 PM
To: jim@redeagleaviation.com
Subject: Web: We love Kalispell City Airport
Email: topgunjpd@comcast.net Name: John Dimtroff
Phone: 425-246-8321
I saw a segment about Kalispell Airport under fire from a group called "Quiet Skies" on an AOPA email. I just want to
offer some input for your defense of the airport. My wife and I love to fly into Kalispell for a relaxing change of pace
from the hustle & bustle of the Seattle rat race. Kalispell provides some of the most beautiful flying this side of the
Rockies and we especially love the fact that we can land at the airport, grab our bags, walk over to our motel, pick up the
rental car and stay as long as we want (weather permiting.) We patronize the local businesses while we're there and look
forward to our trips to that region of the country. Kalispell is also our favored stop over on the way to Cut Bank, MT and
Calgary (Springbank, CA.) When we fly into Kalispell, we make our approaches such that we accomodate the noise
sensitive issues (we have the same problems here in the Puget Sound area) and do our best to take into consideration the
concerns of the local residents. Our old Skyhawk is no Biz Jet, just a 43 year old bird we work to keep airworthy -- a bird
from which to see the beauty of the great Northwest. We hope you can keep this wonderful airport alive, and hope to visit
this coming Spring/Summer. J Dimtroff
1/20/2010
Steve Eckels, 619 Second Ave W
December 14, 2009
Council Input
As we think about our noise ordinance, I respectfully suggest we keep some of the following
thoughts in mind.
---As a music teacher and musician I think about the relationship between sound and emotion.
To the musician, organized sound is a tool used to convey emotion. Some sounds create
tranquility, such as the sounds of a gentle breeze and waves lapping at the shore, as exemplified
by the artwork on the wall of the council chamber. Other sounds create nervousness and
agitation. Sound is a very real phenomenon - picture a fisherman on a tranquil lake. A large
motor -boat passes by creating a wake that rocks the fisherman's boat and scares the fish. This is
a precise analogy of what happens with sound. Waves from "second hand sound" rock the
boats of all those in their path. Please keep this visualization in mind as you consider the
importance of this subject.
Regarding the future airport regulations, I would like to share some thoughts that were raised by
Cindy Martin the general manager of Glacier International Airport when I talked with at length
today. As you all know, my main concern with aviation noise has always been the "necessity"
of having touch-and-go training flights over the residential areas. You've heard it before, but I
will say it again that there are times in the summer when planes will fly over our house every
five minutes. We live near St. Matthew's church and are nowhere near the airport. Pilots like to
ask, why did you move near the airport? We are nowhere near the airport but Jim Pierce of Red
Eagle Aviation told us we are right on the path for approaches.
While Red Eagle has since made some improvements during a couple of weeks last summer,
without proper regulations there is nothing to stop them from circling every five minutes next
summer.
l . Cindy Martin may be a good resource person for thinking this issue through. Cindy is the
general manager of Glacier International Airport. Her phone number is 406-257-5994 (press 8).
---She took issue with, and was dismayed by the claim made by some pilots that training at
Glacier Airport was "inconvenient". She made it unequivocally clear that the Glacier has more
than enough capacity for training exercises. Further, she disputed the argument that Glacier
was inconvenient in any of the other ways we have heard from aviators at recent meetings. She
says GPI would not enter our city discussion uninvited, but that if we approached her, she
would be happy to answer questions and share ideas. She reminded me that people do not own
the air over their houses - so that control of aviation must be exerted on the ground level.
2. Keep in mind that many aviators compare themselves to pig -farmers who are being
surrounded by development. The thinking is that it is unfair for those who move in around a
farm to complain about noise and smell. There are two important differences between the "pig
farm" analogy and the City Airport. First - in the case of the city airport the "so called pig
farmer" is proposing an expansion and change of use. And secondly, and more important,
whereas the pig farmer is a private entity, the city airport is a public entity - a public
infrastructure like a road or building. As such, the "so called pig farm/airport is owned by
22,000 citizens and 11,000 voters. Please avoid any appearance of the "wag the dog" syndrome
in any new noise regulations. In other words the 22,000 owners of the airport need to be
making decisions - not simply the well -organized aviation association.
3. Finally, there is a lot of talk about the economic contribution of city airport. I will not
dispute this. I do wonder about economic value of the citizens on the ground. Please consider
the economic value of those on the ground.
rage 1 or Z
Theresa White
From:
Jane Howington
Sent:
Monday, December 07, 2009 8:12 AM
To:
Theresa White
Subject: FW: kalispell airport
FYi.
From: Nancy Kimball [mailto:nkimball@dailyinterlake.com]
Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 2:41 PM
To: Jane Howington
Subject: Fwd: kalispell airport
Hi Jane -- Here's another email regarding the airport, again just in case it has any bearing on your process. Being from a
bush pilot in Africa who was trained at Strand Aviation, this one brings an interesting twist.
Thanks,
Nancy
Begin forwarded message:
From: "rijks.agrometeo" <rijks.agrometeo@wanadoo.fr>
Date: December 5, 2009 4:17:00 AM MST
To: <nkimball@dailyinterlake.com>
Cc: <aopahg@aopa.org>
Subject: kalispell airport
Bonjour,
Just want to say how far the benefits of Kalispell City airport have reached.
I followed my pilot's training at Kalispell in 1981 with instructor Ken Byers of Strand Aviation, I have flown since then many many hours,
mostly in the Sahel, first for the development of the Senegal River Basin and later for the strengthening of the meteorological and hydrological
networks, and the training of techniciens and engineers to do meteorological data analysis for application for better food production in these
semi -arid areas.
At the moment I work the major part of my time as a volunteer on the Sudan-Tchad border to teach refugee women how to use solar cookers in
the desert area where there is no wood to cook the food brought in by the World Food Programme of FAO/UN. If refugee women did not have
this solar cooking technique, they would have to go out for many miles every day to search, often in vain, for just a little bit of wood and run a
50% risk of being beaten or raped or killed by errant scoundrels.
Just to say how much I am grateful to the City of Kalispell and Ken Byers to have given me a chance to become a long-term bush pilot. I do
hope that you will decide to continue to give such chances to many, even if they come from Europe and go to work in the worst security regions
of Africa. To me this is part of America's technical and human heritage shared with the whole world. And you just need a well functioning
airport to continue to play that role.
Best regards, Derk Rijks
Agrometeorological Applications Associates
B.P. 102
F-01213 Ferney-Voltaire Cedex
France
Tel +33 450 40 88 41
Fax +33 450 40 88 42
Mobil +33 6 85 70 6188
Email: rijks.agrometeo@wanadoo.fr
Nancy Kimball
1/20/2010
rage z of L
Kalispell City Reporter
Daily Inter Lake
727 East Idaho
P.O. Box 7610
Kalispell, MT 59904
Phone: 406.758.4483
Fax: 406.758.4481
1/20/2010
rage 1 01 1
Theresa White
From: Danlynne [hisway@montanasky.us]
Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 11:58 AM
To: Theresa White
Subject: airport comments
Attachments: City airport.doc
Dear City Council,
I have been unable to attend the meetings because of working evenings, but do appreciate the website information available about
the proposed expansion.
As part owner of Hammitt Corp. property, please allow me to comment on the proposed expansion
with the above attachment.
Thank you,
Danlynne K. Smith
1/20/2010
Hammitt Corporation
1125 First Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
December 3, 2009
City Council
C/O Theresa White
201 First Avenue East
Kalispell, Montana 59901
Dear Council Members:
Hammitt Corporation owns the property that Scarff Auto recently has occupied.
We understand that property is being considered in the expansion proposal of the city airport.
Please consider the following items:
• The airport is very useful to the business and private sector of our community.
• Until recent years, the airport was on the outskirts of town, and posed no problem to the majority of the
city, only advantages.
• Commercial properties along highway 93 have excellent access to the community and to those who buy
in the community, our residents and tourists.
• Our particular holdings at 1212 S. Main and 1300 Airport Road with access to 1" Ave. W. are excellent
commercial properties, in a central business location, with high traffic visibility. These lands need to
remain active commercial properties in the near and distant future. It is not wise to put land of this type,
already in use, under any possible restriction from that use in the future.
• The proposed airport expansion is moving north toward the heart of the city.
• The city has developed mostly north with commercial and residential, but is now due to go south.
• Our valley commerce involves much tourism. Tourists would enjoy an airport on the outskirts of the
city, not in the city where they would expect to see the city's historic buildings, good shopping, and
entertainment.
In the best concern of all involved, we would like to offer two ideas:
Or
1. Expand the airport south
2. Sell the airport property and buy open land at the edge of the city limits, building the new
facilities to meet future demand.
The airport is necessary for business concerns, but should not be expanded in a way that will hurt the businesses
that already exist. Nor should the airport expansion plans limit what other businesses plan for their future
development. If the airport is a thriving and necessary entity of our city, then it should be able to carry the
weight of building a new facility, but one that will not take away from already established business.
Thank you for your work and consideration.
Sincerely,
Danlynne K. Smith
Co -Director and stockholder of Hammitt Corporation
rage i or .5
Theresa White
From: Steve Eckels [eckels@guitarmusicman.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 3:57 PM
To: Theresa White
Subject: Eckels reflections on the Scoping Meeting
Airport Information Meeting Reflections
By Steve Eckels
619 Second Ave. W.
Kalispell, MT
I would like to compliment Mayor Pam Kennedy and City Manager Jane Howington for hosting an
information -gathering meeting regarding the Kalispell City Airport. There was one oddity. During the
afternoon preceding the event, I talked with the facilitator about my concern that speakers provide their
residential addresses. My concern was based on the fact that many aviators at council meetings give
their business address and we don't really know if they live in Kalispell or not. He assured me directly
that it was "proper" City Council procedure to present your residential address when speaking. In fact,
he gave me a case history of another city issue in which those speaking were required to do so.
I was unpleasantly surprised then at the beginning of the meeting when he stated that the rules were
changed and people would not be required to give their addresses. When I asked him what had changed
since our conversation he said, and I quote, "someone in power told me that this is the way it would be
done." To make the story even more interesting he said he was not permitted to tell me who. Frankly, I
felt as though I were taking part in a John Grisham novel. The truth can be stranger than fiction. Folks,
this is an example though of how those in power lose the trust of the citizens. In one breath, the
facilitator announced that they wanted as transparent process as possible and in the next breath, he
stated that speakers did not have to reveal their town of residence, and there was a mysterious invisible
power that controlled his actions. Wow. You may have noticed in the Daily Interlake report there
were no addresses.
The concern of course is that out of town folks are having an inappropriate influence on a local matter.
The public might like to know that pilots are worried that the airport might "go away". I am not sure
why they fear this. They probably know more than I do about various pressures the airport faces.
There was also lots of concern about the facts and information that is available to folks to help them
make a decision.
To help our city government make an informed decision I have drafted a survey and have asked for
answers. I feel that our local citizens might like to know this information too before spending millions
of dollars of government money. I hope these questions are relevant and useful to our community. I
depend on aviation and admire pilots, so please do not take this editorial as a complaint. It is based on
1/20/2010
rdge G Ul J
my concerns' that things are done carefully, responsibly, and with the best interest of the greatest
number of people in mind.
At the end of this editorial is a copy of the six citizen assurances that we have presented the city and
federal government. As I told the assembly at the meeting, I personally am all for airport expansion if
they can meet and guarantee these assurance in writing and with factual documentation. You should
know that the federal government has rejected these assurances. According to our city attorney, the city
is not able or willing to sign the assurances at this time. First, I will present the user survey and then
the "public assurances."
First the survey:
1. Number of year-round Kalispell residents who use the city airport:
A. Business
Names; Addresses
B. Other
Names; Addresses
2. Number of year-round city airport users who are not Kalispell residents:
A. Business
Names; Addresses
B. Other
Names; Addresses
3. Residential address of owner of our flight training school/fixed based operation FBO:
4. Estimated revenue that could be generated by charging reasonable take -off and landing fees to non-residents, tourists,
etc.:
1/20/2010
rage s or .s
5. Names of year round pilots who live in the "airport affected zone".
Proposed Council Resolution: Public Assurances
This document is a draft Government Resolution that states the city, county and federal officials are willing to assure the
following citizen protections. The assurances must be supported with factual written evidence.
The assurances will be signed by the appropriate government officials. Failure to sign the document means that the city,
county and federal governments are not able to assure these protections.
The City, County and Federal Aviation Administration assures the public:
1. Less noise: The expansion of the airport will result in noise that is equal to or less than the current amount of noise.
The city will re -draft the "airport affected zone" to reflect the anticipated noise reduction, before any further steps are
taken towards expansion/realignment.
2. Greater Safety: The expansion of the airport will result in greater safety to people on the ground.
3. Will not have a negative affect property values: The expansion of the airport will not have a negative affect on
Kalispell's "charm factor" or property values.
4. Humanitarian Fund for Accidents: In the event of a crash, the city and federal government will reimburse people
on the ground for damage or injury. The city will maintain a humanitarian emergency fund for this purpose. (Since
aviation is so safe, why should the city worry about signing this one? Why should people on the ground be responsible
for accidents caused by the select few that use the airport?)
5. Maintain airport with staff and office, and charge landing and take off fees to non-residents: The city will
generate money from the airport in the form of reasonable take off and landing fees. The money will be reinvested in the
airport -affected zone to upgrade neighborhoods and to help flight schools adjust to training operations a Glacier
international or elsewhere. (There is a fee to use the Buffalo Hill Golf Course. Why should we not charge a fee for the
specialized users of the airport?) There would be a city office and staff person at the airport to collect fees and answer
telephone complaints. The airport office will be staffed by a city official during airport operations.
6. Restrict or eliminate training flights over city limits: The city will restrict or eliminate flight training over the city
limits, including helicopters and any touch-and-go flights. Snowmobiles and cigarette smoking are illegal in public
spaces for a reason — the airspace belongs to the federal government (public). The flight school may be reimbursed for
the inconvenience with revenues generated through take off and landing fees.
Signatures:
Date:
1/20/2010