Morehead-Rowan County Airport Board
Minutes
August 29, 2013
Chairman Michael Gray called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM in the Terminal Building Conference Room at the Morehead-Rowan County Regional Airport. Other members present were Don Laferty, Charles Derrickson, Tim James, James LeMaster, Stanley Click, Porter Dailey, Ron Oliver, and Eric Stinson. Tom Fossett was absent. Guests present were Tracey and Mike Potter – Fixed Base Operator; Ben Brandstetter and Jim Elliott, Brandstetter Carroll Inc.; Aaron Roberts and Danny Boyd, Gravity Falls Motor Sports; and Barbara Marsh – Assistant Secretary-Treasurer.
Mr. Stinson presented the Minutes of the July 25, 2013 meeting. Mr. Laferty corrected the minutes regarding the radio frequency. The sentence now reads, (page 2) “Mr. Laferty, Communication and Security Chair, reported the radio frequency for the AWOS has not been obtained yet.” The motion to approve the amended July Minutes was made by Mr. Oliver, seconded by Mr. Dr. Derrickson, and unanimously approved.
Mr. Stinson presented the Financial Report for the period ending July 31, 2013. The report included six pages including cash flows, balance sheet, profit & loss, and profit & loss detail. The all-funds balance was $96,764.66. Expenses included a purchase of JETA fuel ($25,091.86) and an insurance payment of $5,825.16. Future reports will include profit and loss budget performance. The motion to accept the July 2013 Financial Report was made by Mr. Dailey, seconded by Mr. LeMaster, and unanimously approved.
REPORTS
Tracey Potter gave a report on the status of the FBO and Airport activities. She advised the status of fuel sales, grounds maintenance, and hangar activities.
Ms. Potter reported that fuel sales for the month of July were 851 gallons of 100LL and 3627 gallons of JETA. The balance of remaining fuel is approximately 3542 gallons of 100LL and 5000 gallons of JETA fuel.
Ms. Potter reported that the monthly Community Hangar report include Kevin Mays $150.00, Jamie Samuels $150.00 and PHI Helicopter $300.00. July Community Hangar total is $600.00.
Ms. Potter reported that weed spray was used on grass growing up in runway.
Ms. Potter reported that the fence rows were sprayed again and the back side of the fence was bush-hogged. The fence rows will need to be sprayed three or four times a year to keep from having to weed eat.
Ms. Potter reported there will be another Pancake and Sausage breakfast on Saturday, September 7.
Ms. Potter reported that the new landing certificate was received and was put in the frame.
Ms. Potter reported that the beacon bulb and lights on some of the hangars were replaced.
Ms. Potter reported that a rim was replaced on the John Deere ZTrac.
Ms. Potter reported that new tires were put on the courtesy car.
Ms. Potter reported a quote was obtained from PostNet for the Air Show programs. For a 5.5×8.5”-8 page, gloss full color booklet, the cost would be $400.00 for 500 programs or $780 for 1000 programs. For a 12 page program, the booklet would be $600.00 and $1110.00. A quote will be obtained from another printing company.
Ms. Potter reported that Aaron’s Best One Tire is donating $250 for a sponsorship of the Air Show.
Ms. Potter reported that the beacon on top of the AWOS is on constantly.
Ms. Potter reported that two pieces of equipment may be offered as trade-ins. One is a blade (which goes on the back of a tractor) and the other is a 3 point hitch (boom arm).
Mr. James and Dr. Derrickson, Buildings & Grounds Co-Chairs, reported on the 2013 Airport plan status report. Mr. James went over plans.
1. Request for Proposal. A Request for Proposal (RFP) is recommended to seek a contractor to mow and bale hay for next year. Morehead Airport has approximately 100 acres to be mowed and baled. The Economic Development Council (EDC) has an additional 100 acres to be mowed and baled. The recommendation is to combine the two acreages in the RFP. It is recommended that the RFP be advertised in three counties: Rowan, Fleming and Bath.
2. Fertilizer. Approximately $5,000.00 will be used to purchase and apply fertilizer. The objective is to make the hay stand more desirable for potential contractors. We will get the property mowed for free and thereby save labor, fuel cost, and wear and tear on equipment. If the hay stand is improved, we may be able to charge a fee for each bale/roll of hay. Fertilizer is $300-500 per ton. Our budget will allow about 10 tons of fertilizer and prioritize the application.
3. Soil Conservation Report. A detailed report and recommendations were received regarding our drainage issues from the Soil Conservation Service in a 69 page report and an Executive Summary. The recommendation is to conduct research and develop an implementation plan for the needed project. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been requested to provide an estimate of what full implementation would cost and a possible request for State/Federal funds may be made. The NRCS supervisor and civil engineer have been invited to come and speak to our Board. Mr. Brandstetter
will put together a cost estimate for a Capital Improvement Project to include the recommendations and BCI’s estimate of the needed repairs. The money may be projected in a future funding cycle (2015-2016).
4. Two trucks for surplus property. One truck donated by the City (white Ford 250) and one truck owned by the EDC (red Chevrolet) used for snow plowing are no longer usable and will need to be offered for surplus property. The EDC will be notified of their vehicle’s condition. The motion to declare the white Ford truck surplus was made by Dr. Derrickson, seconded by Mr. Stinson, and approved unanimously.
5. Jackson Airport AIP Money. Airport Improvement Project (AIP) monies not used by an airport may be requested or solicited to see if a transfer of the monies may be used by another Airport. Mr. Brandstetter will inquire about the amount of money available from the FAA and how those funds should be requested.
Mr. Laferty, Communications and Security Chairman, indicated there was no update on the AWOS frequency application from Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. Two days ago Ms. Potter received a call from Atlanta FAA Flight Standards Office asking the status of the Morehead AWOS. She asked me by e-mail if I would call a Mr. Alan Young in that office to give him the status since I was involved in seeing that the project was getting done. I briefed him that the equipment was all installed, antenna tower, electronics, telephone line and associated antennas and we were waiting for the FCC to issue the radio license and frequency for the radio. He requested the name of our contractor engineer and I told him, Ben Brandstetter. He asked me to have him (Mr. Brandstetter) call his office for a first hand update.
Mr. Brandstetter reviewed project updates. He introduced Mr. Elliott, a BCI surveyor.
- AWOS Project. BCI received approval of the form 854 on August 16 and submitted Form 601 on August 28. BCI spoke with a representative at the FCC and confirmed the submission process. Mr. Dailey requested information about funding owed BCI and contractor.
- T-Hangar Project. The grant has not been released yet. Mr. Craig Farmer has indicated that a number of clients have not received grants also. Mr. Tony Hardin is in contact with Packs’ Inc. about the hold on the project. Mr. Dailey requested information about an invoice of six months ago regarding state money not given to BCI.
- Runway Storm Improvements. On hold.
- General summary of FAA meeting on June 26, 2013. A state grant application for drainage and other issues will be reviewed with our new project manager, Mr. James Williams.
Mr. Stinson, Community Day and Air Show Co-Chair, reported on the status of the September 21, 2013 event. Weekly meetings will occur until the event beginning September 7. A reminder email will be sent. Mr. LeMaster reported that more information needs to be given to volunteers so that they their assignments are more clearly understood. Board members will help on the line this year.
- The waiver has been obtained. Mr. Laferty will file the NOTAM.
- Rob Lacerda will be paid $500.00. Should excess event funds be received, it is recommended that he be given his normal fee of $1,000.00.
- WLEX-TV will begin airing commercials featuring the Arts ‘N Eats Festival and Community Day and Air Show.
- The Kentucky State Police roll over unit with seat belts has been requested.
- Mr. Laferty reported the Lexington CAP unit has funding to bring one of their planes for a static display. The C130 will not be available this year.
- Insurance needs will be reviewed.
- Cars will be provided for Air Show performers.
- Advertising. An article featuring the event will be in the Morehead News soon. It will mention “bring your own lawn chairs”.
- The PA system will be brought by one of the performers.
- Letters of Understanding will be sent to emergency and volunteer groups.
- Mr. Gray will inform the conference center personnel of signage needs.
- A tent is not available from MSU due to their Family Fun Weekend.
- Chairs needed: approximately 200 with tables.
- Mr. Oliver stated that volunteers (over age 18) are still needed.
- Mr. Dailey has obtained 80 traffic cones and 14 blue 55 gallon containers.
- Mr. LeMaster confirmed porta potties and trash receptacle deliveries.
- Mr. Click reported that Johnson Church of God will be one of the food vendors again. Rowan County Christmas, which will have a food booth at the Arts and Eats Festival, will set up at the Airport afterwards.
- An electrical materials list needs to be made. Ms. Potter reported that she has a contact who will install at no charge.
- The t-shirt list will be made at the next meeting and ordered from Holbrook Embroidery Plus.
- The rehearsal dinner caterer will set up the smoker on the Thursday evening before the event.
OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Gray reported that the sign at the entrance to the new Eagle Trace Spur and Rodney Hitch Boulevard which will feature Morehead State University Eagle Trace Golf Course and the Airport will not be a lighted sign.
Mr. Gray reported that four slots budgeted for the Kentucky Aviation Association annual conference will be filled by Mr. Gray, Mr. Laferty, Mr. LeMaster and Mr. Potter. The annual KAA Conference will be held in Bowling Green, Kentucky at the Holiday Inn – University Plaza September 4-6, 2013.
NEW BUSINESS
Sports Car Club of America. Mr. Danny Boyd and Mr. Aaron Roberts presented a request for an activity at the Airport for a Motor Sports Weekend. Gravity Falls Motorsports for Shriners Hospitals for Children, a professional and community minded-event, would feature a static car show and an autocross (a form of motorsports that emphasizes safe competition and active participation. An autocross is a timed competition in which drivers navigate one at a time through a defined course on either a sealed or an unsealed surface). As described, it appears to not pose a hazard for the Airport. The entire area between the terminal building and hangar building would be used and the Airport would not need to be closed. Any damage to the facility would be repaired by the group. Future plans suggested include a monthly Arm Drop Drag Race event. A prime interest of the group is to get young men and women interested in something other than pills/drugs, etc. Morehead Tourism would be an additional sponsor of the event and would provide insurance. In addition, a Wings and Wheels Car Show could be featured in a combined event. These events are held at many airports in the United States. It would bring many citizens who may have never visited the airport and provide positive advertising for our area. An additional charity donation to be would be Kosair Children’s Hospital, Louisville, KY. Mr. Boyd and Mr. Roberts volunteered to help and bring additional volunteers at the Community Day and Air Show. A motion to request a more formal proposal and develop ideas for the Gravity Falls Motorsports and/or Wings and Wheels Car Show/Arm Drop Drags was made by Mr. Oliver, seconded by Dr. Derrickson, and unanimously approved.
Letter from Robert Kreb/Covenant Flight Group – Plane. Mr. Gray reported on a large plane which was flown in to the Airport. A letter from the owner requested permission to take possession. A truck was chained to the aircraft to prevent being repossessed. The owner appears to be Air Flight International, New York, which claims it has not been paid rental for over a year. It is reported to be not air worthy and leaking jet fuel. A bucket has been placed under it. The Morehead Sheriff was involved and reportedly contacted the FAA. It is Mr. Gray will contact the owner, and then contact our attorney, Mr. Earl Rogers, and authorize him to investigate the possibility of charging a daily ground fee and taking appropriate steps to remove the aircraft from our facility.
Insurance and Board Liability. Mr. Stinson reported that insurance requirements for the Airport are greatly reduced due to sovereign immunity interpreted by Mr. Rogers. The liability insurance which is due August 29, 2013, is one of four policies which the Airport uses. The motion to discontinue the liability insurance (Roe Insurance Agency) was made by Mr. Oliver, seconded by Mr. Click, and unanimously approved. Mr. Rogers will be requested to review the remaining three policies to check for overlapping and redundant coverage. Any budget amendments may be made at a future meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
727. Mr. Gray updated a request regarding a Boeing 727 aircraft donation received by Mr. Brett Traver, Executive Director of the Morehead-Rowan County Economic Development Council Inc. from FedEx. No action was taken on the request.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Gray adjourned the meeting 8:12 PM.