Morehead – Rowan County Airport Board
Minutes
January 28, 2010
Members present were Jim Fluty, Tom Fossett, Don Laferty, Ron Jones, Porter Dailey, Mike Gray, Ron Oliver and Harry Clark. Members absent were Charles Derrickson and Jim LeMaster. Guests present were Jerry Alderman with Rowan County Judge Executive’s Office, Tony Hardin with Brandstetter Carroll, Bill Stout with Entran, Mike Hall with TPM, Attorney Earl Rogers, and Rodney Hitch, Industrial Development Authority.
Minutes of the December 17, 2009 were corrected to read ‘AWOS’ and ‘NOAA’ on third page, spelling correction ‘ensued’ and ‘to the Board’ on the second page, also change to ‘roof panels’ and ‘wall panels’ on first page. A motion was made by Mr. Gray, seconded by Mr. Laferty to accept the minutes as corrected. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
The financial report for the period ending January 15, 2010 was presented by Mr. Dailey. It was noted that the Board paid the Fiscal Court the interest on the land acquisition loan which will be reimbursed to the Board by the State. The final payment for the T-hanger loan was also made to The Citizens Bank. A motion was made by Mr. Dailey to accept the Financial Report. Mr. Clark seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
OLD BUSINESS
Tony Hardin reported on the progress of the administration building. The building is completely under roof. Presently dry wall installation and HVAC work is being performed. The electrical rough-in has been inspected with plumbing to follow. Permanent electrical service should be complete in another three weeks. The large hanger door has been installed. Portable heating is being used to keep the temperature inside above 40 degrees in order to work on the dry wall. Work is continuing on schedule. The committee met to select the colors and materials for the interior. The Board was shown the selections made. A change order for the sanitary and holding tanks is being anticipated. Approval has been obtained for the sanitary tanks and verbal approval from DOW for the cistern. Additional upgrades to the flooring and trim was recommended by Mr. Hardin. The total cost will be $8,700 to come from the project contingency. No major change orders are anticipated for this project. Completion date is scheduled for mid-March. Mr. Jones made the motion to accept the recommendation by Mr. Hardin to proceed with the selections made by the committee and the change orders. Mr. Dailey seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mr. Fluty reported that Mike Thompson (FAA) recommended that the Board carry over the $100,000 +/- from this year’s Airport Improvement Program grants along with the $200,000 from next year. Mr. Fluty talked with a representative of NOAA, who would like for the Board to install an AWOS. Weather information from the local site would be sent to the FAA who would in turn send to NOAA weather stations. Unless cost prohibitive, Mr. Fluty believes this to be a worthwhile project and advised that he would continue to gather information regarding the project and keep the Board informed.
Bill Stout, Entran, reported that the FAA needs an updated Airport layout plan. The aerial mapping that was done previously needs to show buildings and the fuel system, and well as obstructions. Mr. Stout will continue to work with Mike Thompson on this update. Mr. Stout advised that the cost would be at least $60,000 and potentially greater than that depending upon the acceptability of previous land surveys.
Mr. Gray reported that the FBO Committee had received a lot of interest concerning the FBO position. Proposals have already been received. The submission deadline is February 19, 2010. Mr. Gray advised that the business plan had been noted to be a big help by potential proposers.
Mr. Fluty reported that some lights remain out at the Airport. Mr. Fluty continues to work keeping all bulbs working.
Mr. Rogers reported that he has received a letter from the claims adjuster with a list of information they need in regard to the reseeding. He will continue to work on this matter.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Fluty advised that David Lykins is in the hospital in Lexington.
Mr. Fluty contacted Megwi concerning Internet access at the Airport. Cost estimate is $60-$70 monthly. He will continue investigating cost by contacting other Internet service providers in the area.
Rodney Hitch, Industrial Development Authority, reported on the status of the road. There are some issues. Due to the grade of the land in the worst area, there is a need to purchase an additional 59 foot of right of way. This land is owned by Jack Ellis. The IDA will acquire this land. The ad for clearing this land will be out next week. A 75 foot right-of-way has to be cleared by the end of March due to the Indiana Bats that live in this area. There is also a small triangle of land (one-third acre) near the entrance to the Airport owned by Philip Conn. Mr. Hitch requested that the Airport Board acquire this property from Mr. Conn. A potential land swap was also discussed as a possible solution. Mr. Clark volunteered to contact Mr. Conn to discuss the situation. It was the consensus of the Board to proceed with the acquisition of this additional tract in order that it may be transferred to the county for the new road.
Mr. Hitch also asked that the Airport Board consider joining the Industrial Development Authority, Economic Development, MMRC, MSU, KCTCS and St. Claire Regional Medical Center in purchasing a high profile advertisement in a prominent state Economic Development Guide. The ad would be highly visible and placed in the front of the publication. Mr. Hitch is attempting to gather as many community participants as possible to keep the cost per agency as low as possible. Mr. Jones made the motion that the Board participate along with other community partners in the publication. Estimated cost could be as much as $1,700. The motion was seconded by Mr. Oliver and unanimously approved.
Mr. fluty advised that the fuel tanks have been delivered. Mid-South Steel Productions, Inc. sent a letter that stated that the tanks carry the UL label. It stated that the tanks were tested and by whom. Mr. Oliver presented Board members with photographs of the fuel tanks. There are holes and other visual imperfections in the welds. A discussion ensued with Mr. Stout and Mr. Hall regarding the tanks and the Board expressed concern regarding their reliability and acceptability. Answers were sought from Mr. Stout and Mr. Hall regarding the UL standards and their professional opinions regarding the welds. Both stated they were satisfied the product was of sound quality and had no concerns regarding the appearance of the welds as relates to their functionality. The Board concluded the discussion by asking that Mr. Fluty send the photos to Sonny at Mid-South Steel for his opinion regarding the acceptability of the tanks. The Executive Committee will meet as necessary after receiving communication from Sonny. The tanks are almost ready for the soak test.
The follow-up discussion on construction of a metal storage building was tabled due to the absence of Dr. Derrickson.
There has been no further action on the water permit from KDA.
Mr. Clark reported that the audit had not been completed at this time. John T. Lane & Associates had requested additional information for the audit. Mr. Clark had gathered the needed information and will arrange to get it to Mr. Lane.
Mr. Fluty thanked Rowan County Government for removing snow from the runway and taxiway.
Mr. Clark reported that there has been no progress with the radio station license. He suggested that this be a project for the new FBO once secured.
The Chamber of Commerce meeting will be February 4, 2010.
There is one outstanding hanger rental due. Mr. Fluty has called that renter.
The next meeting of the Board will be February 25, 2010. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.