03-10-99 Airport MinutesCity of Kalispell
Minutes from March 10, 1999 Meeting
The meeting began at 4: oo p.m. Present were: Mike Baker, P. J. Sorensen, Al Thelen, and Kathy
Kuhlin (staff), Crib Bissell, N%e Larkin, Fred Leistiko, N%e Manion, and Keith Robinson. Also
present were Tip Clark from Lakeside, Terry Richmond from Morrison -merle, and Bill Hewson and
his sister, both from. Diamond Aire.
Introductions were made for our new members. Gib informed new members of the history of airport
projects; baseball and soccer, tax increment, and FAA funding, Airport Layout Plan, bluster Plan,
Phase 1 completed, development north of town for baseball and soccer fields, Haven and Daley Tax
Increment District. Conditions from FAA: (1) Airport has to be developed to B-2 standards; (2)
4,700 foot runway; (3) Non -precision instrument approach in the future; (4) KGEZ towers removed
or eliminated from runway protection zone; and (5) City participating in acquiring land around
airport.
Burns and Baucus are both involved in requesting appropriations with Airport Improvernent -flan or
line item funding.
Discussion was held regarding an Advisory Board versus an Authority Board and problems relating
to tax increment bond issues. The State says "authorities" are the best way to go.
Regarding Phase 11, Terry advises that completion should take approximately nine months. It was
explained that Phan I pertained to feasibility, and Phase II will focus on planning, financing, and how
to accomplish it. The Council will decide if the City wants to do the project. A one million dollar
commitment from the authority to do what they can do with the airport.
Terry Richmond explained Morrison-Maierle guidelines for spending. Goal is to become B-2 if funds
come through. Five or ten year financing plan worked on by AI and Terry. Terry explained that 41/2
million dollars per year for the whole state is available from FAA A.I.P. funds, so the City will
probably only get 1-1.5 million dollars per year.
Mike Manion shared his past experience with the KGEZ towers. Terry is looking at rotating the
runway 2 1/2 degrees. Terry talked about lowering or rotating the antennas. Discussion was held.
KGEZ is responsive as long as it doesn't reduce coverage. FAA couldn't use their money to buy
antennas, but can use it to buy land. Rotate away from ffighway 93 for less cost for land. Al spoke
of history of airport and the Billings creation of an Aviation Commission. Al proposed quarterly
meetings with the Authority. Discussion was held regarding an effective way to communication
Airport Advisory Board Meeting
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between the Advisory Board and the Council. Upcoming projects will require timely decisions by the
Council or City Manager. The Airport Advisory Board agreed they would like the Council to meet
at least every other month with Airport Advisory Board members to assure effective communication.
Al stated the Council vision for the airport is for it to be self-supporting. Discussion was held
regarding property and revenue, Highway 93 extension, and increment district blighted area.
Discussion was held about selling the community on the benefits of the City Airport. Gib and Art
have talked with the Economics Department at the college concerning an economic study. Terry
Richmond stated that land could be leased for hangars within 60 days.
Terry Richmond update - rotate runway, get away from expensive land and toward land that is City
owned. FAA in concurrence with opportunity. Copies of Terry's letter were distributed.
Fees -- Baker disbursed his packet. No landing fees. Jet fuel was discussed. After considerable
discussion about the proposed airport fee schedule, action on the item was deferred until the April
meeting. Gib and Mike Larkin will research current fee and rent.
City Manager stated that he would remove the Airport Authority meeting from the March 15 meeting
since the Advisory Board was not ready to make a recommendation on the airport fees and the
Advisory Board wanted to make a recommendation on when and how often the Airport Authority
Meetings were held.
The meeting was adjourned at 6 : oo p.m.
The next regular meeting will be Wednesday, April 14, 1999 at 4; 0Q p.m,
Kathy Kuhlin
Recording Secretary