10-09-02 Airport MinutesCity of Kalispell
AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes from October 9, 2002 Meeting
The meeting began at 3:10 p.m. Present were: P. J. Sorenson, and Lisa Simmer (staff), Gib
Bissell, Scott Richardson, Keith Robinson, Art Thompson, Tom weaver and Mike Manion.
Agendas and City Airport Manager job descriptions were distributed.
City Airport Mara er
Scott explained that he and Gibb had just met with Marti Hensley, City of Kalispell Personnel
Specialist and reviewed the City Airport Manager job description. This is the old description
from 1995. Marti had a few recommendations. She suggested that paragraph 5 (which deals with
safety issues) be moved to the top of the list. Marti explained that the duties and responsibilities
are listed in order of priority. In addition, under Supervision Received "and the Airport
Authority" should be deleted, so that the Airport Manager would be working under the guidance
and direction of the City Manager only.
A workshop was held on September 25, 2002 and the board received the support and positive
feedback from the City Council and the Mayor needed to move forward with the hiring ,of a City
Airport Manager.
The board discussed the City Airport Manager position in further detail and in regards to wages,
employee needs such as an office, phone, vehicle, other possible expenses and revenue
projections. The board is confident that the City Airport Manager will have an adequate work
load, will increase revenue and is necessary. It was determined that any changes to users fees or
tie -down fees, future Fly-In's, etc., would be delegated to the new City Airport Manager.
Tom weaver made a motion to hire a permanent part-time City Airport Manager, Keith seconded
the motion and all members voted in favor.
C a ital Im rovernent Plan
Scott received the form from Morrison Maierle, requesting a list of Capital Improvement Plan
items the airports needs over the next five years. This completed list will be reviewed and an
estimate of the cost of these items will be included in the final report. The board requested that a
truck, mower and plowing equipment be listed. Gibb suggested the board follow Phil Porrini's
advice on this matter. Art suggested that the board might use this opportunity to once again
attempt to get the Kalispell airport listed on the State list of approved airports and that it might be
possible to get this accomplished through to Jinn Greil, as he is new and he might be open to this
suggestion.
Beacon
Scott briefed the board on the moving of the beacon. Scott has climbed both beacons and has met
with Jerry Diegel. He informed the board the old tower is in need of work in the areas of conduit
and electrical repairs and improvements. The Glacier Airport beacon is beautiful and the bases
and bolt holes on both beacons appear to be the exact same. The City does not have the
equipment to remove the beacon, so Harmon Crane has been contacted and will lift the beacons as
necessary. The City would transport the beacon and tower. Scott feels it is a job that can be done
in a day and would run approximately $500 - $600 to complete the job. The board approved Scott
coordinating and scheduling the work.. It was noted that extra care is required when dealing with
the lenses. Various board members assured Scott they would be available to help.
Growth Policy
The growth policy is currently being updated and will go before the council for review. Charles
Harball has suggested that new language be added to the growth policy to address zoning at a
later date. After the growth policy is adopted zoning could be put in place to protect the 77
airspace. Scott asked P.J. if he would work with Narda Wilson of the Tri-City Planning office on
this. P.J. has on record model ordinances which match FAA standards. P.J. will touch base with
Narda on this issue.
The board has the following concerns and. comments:
Diamond Air was not served papers.
Fly-In's are great fun, bring some economic benefits to the valley, but are a lot of work.
Possibly one might be considered for the runway inauguration and when there is an
Airport Manager in place.
It is time to get the fencing on the south end of airport installed. There is TIFF money
available to complete this project.
® Art read a letter (copy enclosed) Mike Strand had written to Phil Porrini. Art would like
each member of council to have a copy of this letter.
* The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be Wednesday, November 13, 2002, 3:00 p.m. City Hall
conference room.
Lisa Simmer
Recording Secretary