Morehead-Rowan County Airport Board Special Meeting Minutes

December 18, 2014

Chairman Tim James called the Special Meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Terminal Building Conference Room at the Morehead-Rowan County Regional Airport. Other members present were Don Laferty, Charles Derrickson, Eric Stinson, Bruce Mattingly, Porter Dailey, and Tom Fossett. Absent were Mike Gray, Ron Oliver, and Jim LeMaster. Guests present were Tracey and Mike Potter – FBO; Ian Beattie – Brandstetter Carroll Inc.; Darrell Glover – Rowan County Fiscal Court liaison; Beth Ousley – Morehead City Council Member; Earl Rogers – Attorney; Walter Blevins – Rowan County Judge Executive Elect; and Barbara Marsh – Assistant Secretary-Treasurer.

Mr. James presented the Minutes of the November 2014 Special Meeting. The motion to accept the Minutes of November 2014 meeting was made by Mr. Laferty, seconded by Dr. Derrickson, and approved unanimously.

Dr. Mattingly presented the Financial Report for the period ending November 30, 2014. The report consisted of five pages including November Statement of Activity and for the fiscal year (July-December 15, 2014). The motion to accept the November 2014 Financial Report was made by Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mr. Dailey, and unanimously approved.

REPORTS

FBO Activity Report

  • Fuel sales were 854 gallons of 100LL and 2,281 gallons of JETA.
  • Fleming Mason RECC performed an energy audit and pointed out that the soda and candy machines cost about $45-50 per month to run. We do not receive any concession monies from this vendor. It is suggested to pull them out and put in a small refrigerator operated on the honor system; however, other vendors may be interested in the concession. The FBO may check with Morehead Concessions (MSU) as a possible vendor.
  • The Airport will be hosting another AOPA Safety seminar on April 7, 2015. A catered dinner is planned before the seminar. The seminar topic is “After the Crash”.
  • The Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program toured the Airport on December 9.
  • Gravity Falls Motor Sports has set the date of the autocross event for May 16-17.
  • The grounded Merlin’s motors have been running and repairs continue to be made by mechanics. There appears to airframe issues now.
  • The next pancake and sausage breakfast will be January 3, 2015.

Grounds.

Dr. Derrickson, Building and Grounds Co-Chairman, reported on activity.

  • Lighting/Electrical Options. The committee met following the Fleming Mason RECC energy audit to review their recommendations related to lighting and electricity usage. The report indicated an inadequate status. The current bulbs are meeting their life expectancy but need to be replaced every three years. To upgrade the estimate is $4,000. An energy savings of $100 per month could be realized if all repairs and replacements are made. If an upgrade to LED lighting is made, a $1,000 energy credit would be given. A motion was made by Dr. Mattingly, seconded by Mr. Dailey, to authorize the executive committee to make the final decision on the upgrade after the committee provides an exact cost estimate and the Treasurer determines whether sufficient funds are available. The motion passed unanimously. A full report will be given at the next meeting. (The estimate does not include any taxiway or runway improvements. AIP funds might be a fund source for the taxiway or runway lighting and may be discussed with the FAA during their January 27 visit.)
  • Hay Contract Updates. The hay contract has been sent to MSU for approval. The wording was changed to reflect that the farm will provide horse manure and spreading at any time, but we must provide hauling. A large truck is needed for the hauling.

Communications and Security.

Mr. Laferty indicated there were no security issues. TAF information and detailed weather reports are appearing as of December 16. Our METAR and TAF are now appearing on AIRNAV.

Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. Mr. Beattie reviewed project updates.

T-Hangar Project

  • The final pay application was presented with 5% being withheld until resolution of the grounding change order.
  • Funding for the hangar door motor change order remained pending with the FAA.

Runway Storm Improvement

  • Project fund request of $121,155 for runway storm improvement is no longer needed and may be requested for other projects. Grounds Committee sought help from the City of Morehead and Rowan County to complete most of the repairs. Additional grading may be needed.

Ramp Tie Down

  • Funding may be approved by the State in the 2015 funding cycle. Chairman James noted that the repairing the trench drains is now a higher priority.

Drainage Project

  • No Update.

NEW BUSINESS

Check Signing Authorization. The by-laws provide for one officer’s signature for disbursements under $500, but two officer’s signatures are required for disbursements over $500. In accordance with Article V of the Board Bylaws, the Board may grant signature authority to its Assistant Secretary-Treasurer. A motion to authorize signature authority for the Assistant Secretary-Treasurer on checks over $500 was made by Dr. Mattingly, seconded by Dr. Fossett, and approved unanimously.

Storm Water Best Management Practices Plan Compliance. A state contracted consultant visited the airport and provided a comprehensive report with recommendations regarding storm water practices. The consultant made recommendations to correct potential hazards relating to fuel handling. We were directed to inform all patrons to refrain from dumping fuel on the ramp. Compliance includes signage stating that any excess fuel be returned to the plane and that a safety metal double-wall tank and red funnel be purchased for the excess fuel return. To comply with State laws, a motion was made by Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mr. Dailey, for the FBO: 1) to purchase a type 1 metal safety can labeled ‘waste fuel’ for disposal of excess fuel; 2) to provide appropriate signage at fuel farm indicating this fuel disposal requirement; 3) to modify hangar tenant lease agreements to include fuel disposal requirements; 4) to declare the elevated diesel fuel tank as surplus and sale on Craig’s list; and 5) to purchase diesel tanks for truck. The motion passed unanimously.

Hangar Lease Legal Issues. A former hangar tenant at the Farmers Airport location has requested hangar space. Previously, the tenant was late in paying hangar rental fees resulting taking legal action for eviction and payment. The tenant removed the plane and paid the rental fees. The Board incurred $470 in legal fees and sought reimbursement of its legal fees by the former tenant without success. After a discussion it was concluded there was no probable legal recourse that would be successful to collect the past legal fees paid by the Board regarding its action against the former tenant. It was also the general consensus of the Board that entering into a new lease with this individual may be considered based on its current merits and in accordance with the Board’s current practices.

OLD BUSINESS

Land Lease. Mr. Dailey reported that he had met with Kevin Brown regarding Brown’s continued interest in constructing a private hangar at the Airport. Brown remains committed to the project. A land lease agreement will be drafted with the assistance of the Board’s consulting engineer and legal counsel at the appropriate time.

ABCO Estimates for Fire Extinguishers. An estimate of $580 (with vinyl covers +$78) for refillable fire extinguishers for the new hangar was given at the last meeting. The Farmers Fire Department will donate two fire extinguishers. They are “one use” extinguishers.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. James adjourned the meeting at 7:35 pm.