11-15-95 Airport MinutesMinutes from November 15, 1995 Meeting
The meeting began at 4:10 p.m. Present were: Larry Gallagher,
Brian Wood, and Kathy Kuhlin (staff); Gib Bissell, Reed Lamb, Jim
Lynch, Tom Reynolds, Keith Robinson, and Art Thompson. Mike Baker
and Walt Nolte were unable to attend. Also present was Mike
Ferguson from the Montana Aeronautics Board (M.A.B.) in Helena.
Our airport needs to be a part of the National Plan for Integrated
Airport Systems (NPIAS). This is determined in part by the
distance between airports (20 to 1 zone) and the number of based
operators. Mike Ferguson feels there is a possibility of our
airport becoming part of NPIAS and suggests we visit with Lowell
Johnson with the F.A.A. in Seattle. His office covers the
Northwest Mountain Region. They could fund 90% of the money from
the general aviation fund. We need to obtain documents from Helena
supporting the M.A.B.'s recommendation that our airport be in
NPIAS. There is money available in an airport loan trust and an
airport grant trust. The interest percentage is 1/2 of the prime
rate adjusted annually in January. Airlines get a $.02 per gallon
rebate. Regarding grants, the Aeronautics Board is the final
approving board for loans and grants. Applications are to be
filled out by the middle of December of each year for grants. The
middle of April is when the grants are approved. Some items to
apply for might be a new lighting system, visual approach slope
indicator (VASI), runway extension, fencing, or buying land. No
money will be issued until something is in progress. There is no
minimum or maximum grant amount. Mike thinks municipalities can
get a $150,000 loan debt without going to the general public for
approval, but we would need to check with our city attorney on
this. The application goes to Helena before Seattle. Last year
was the first year grants were actually given out. Often the grant
amount given is only half of what the community asks for. Some
communities will ask for loans along with their grants. Loans are
for ten (10) years.
When our board becomes an authority board, we may be able to
preempt Initiative 1-105 for a 3% loan amount. (Check with city
attorney.) Airport Authorities can add a two mill Permissive Levy
in Kalispell without authority from citizens. If our county does
less than the 2 mills already, we could obtain funds from the
difference by adding extra the extra mill to complete the two
mills.
Airport Advisory Board Meeting
November 8, 1995
Page 2
Monty said (per Art) at Rotary that the county hopes to lower their
mills in this regard over the next few years.
Loans can be issued any time, if loan money is available, at
quarterly loan meetings. The FAA would not move the radio towers.
or strobe them. Extending the runway to 4,700 feet will make a
topographic change where it will come to the edge of a bluff, per
Brian. Mike said it won't be a problem. Mike will check with his
office with Reggie Myerhenry about it. Mike is given a copy of our
Master Plan. Technical assistants at Mike's office are available
to help with design, and could come for a site meeting at our
airport. Reggie could come and advise. Don't sell any land - only
lease it. Could lease for 40 years Mike thinks.
Contact Senator Baucus or Senator Burns if no success with F.A.A.
Jay Billmayer is still working on his project for the board. Larry
asks for any revenue ideas to be given to him as soon as possible.
State - $.05 per square foot per year for paved land. Better to
charge FBO's for ramp fee rather than tiedown fees. City should do
asphalt and snow removal.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Kathy Kuhlin
Recording Secretary
OA