3. Council Recognition - Service Awardg y .... .
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City
_ - Post Office Box 1997 - Kalispell, Montana 59903 -1997 -Telephone 406758-7756
Fax -� (406) 758-7754
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To:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Mayor and City Council
City Manager and City Airport Manager
Recommendation for Service Award
MEETING DATE: November 19, 2007
BACKGROUND: Jeff Rudolph, a Life Scout and candidate for Eagle Scout, approached the
Kalispell City Airport Manager, Mr. Fred Leistiko, with an idea for a project at the City Airport.
The project involved burying portions of the electrical lines that provide power to the runway
lights that were not buried underground in conduit. The reason this situation existed was because
years ago the original lines were buried underground without conduit and the rodents ate away at
the lines which would make the runway lights inoperable. The quick fix through the years had
been to run wire above ground between the sections of lights to keep the airport operational for
night flying. The patches to the system would eventually have to be upgraded by burying over
1600' of conduit and running new electrical lines. Mr. Rudolph told the airport manager that he
would like to do the project for the airport to correct the situation, make improvements at the
airport, and also complete a requirement for his Eagle Scout Project.
Mr. Rudolph volunteered to provide a trencher, labor, and some wire donated by a local
contractor to do the project if the Airport would provide the underground conduit. The Airport
Manager approved the project with the stipulation that the technical portion be supervised by Mr.
Gene Thomas of E. Thomas Electric. The letter of commitment was sent to the Eagle Scout
Board for approval as an Eagle Scout Project. It was approved by the Board and Mr. Rudolph
completed the project over a time span of two weekends and did an exceptional job. For a young
high school student to take on a project of this magnitude brings great credit upon himself and
the Eagle Scout program. Mr. Rudolph has earned the respect of the Airport Manager and the
City of Kalispell for his efforts and we are proud to recommend him for this service award.
Respectfully submitted,
es .Patrick
City Manager
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Fred A. Leistiko
City Airport Manager