Morehead-Rowan County Airport Board Minutes
July 31, 2014
Chairman Tim James called the 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, Jim LeMaster, Mike Gray, Eric Stinson, and Ron Oliver, Bruce Mattingly, Porter Dailey, and Tom Fossett. Guests present were Jack Holly – Representing the FBO; Ian Beattie – Brandstetter Carroll Inc.; Harry Clark – Rowan County Fiscal Court liaison; Earl Rogers – Attorney; Keith Kappes – Chairman, Morehead Tourism Commission; Aaron Roberts – Tie Down Lessee; Danny Mabry and Jim Fluty – Hangar Tenants; and Barbara Marsh – Assistant Secretary-Treasurer.
Mr. James presented the Minutes of the June 2014 meeting. The motion to accept the June 2014 Minutes was made by Mr. Laferty, seconded by Mr. Dailey, and approved unanimously.
Mr. Mattingly presented the Financial Report for the period ending June 30, 2014. The report consisted of a four pages including June Statement of Activity and for the fiscal year (July 2013- June 2014). The motion to accept the June 2014 Financial Report was made by Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mr. Gray, and unanimously approved.
REPORTS
FBO. On behalf of Mike and Tracey Potter, Mr. Holly reported on the status of the FBO and Airport activities. He advised the status of June grounds maintenance and hangar activities. All areas inside and outside of the fence have been mowed, but areas in the north and south have not been mowed. During the July 4th Fireworks show, Pops BBQ Catering served over 900 people and sold out. Engine crates have been dropped for the grounded Merlin on the tarmac. The John Deere ZTrac mower had the hydraulic pump replaced. Cova Cornett soloed. Mr. James reported that a comprehensive list of needed light replacements has been made and prioritized. There will be a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast on August 2.
Grounds. Dr. Derrickson, Chairman, reported on activity.
Runway Storm Improvement Drainage Project. There are 3-4 drain washes that need repair. It has been on the list of items for repair with the KDA since March; however, the repairs may be less costly and repaired as a maintenance item. Pending notice from Mr. Craig Farmer, Mr. Clark will investigate Rowan County equipment usage while the Grounds committee will determine manpower needs. The request for KDA funds will not be withdrawn.
Communications and Security. Mr. Laferty, Chairman, relayed information about the ID change. Ms. Chastity Clark said that due to lack of sectional charts and other information being made in time, the date for the ID change to SYM has been moved to September 18.
Brandstetter Carroll Inc. Mr. Beattie reviewed project updates. T-Hangar Project
- Monthly Progress Meetings are now being held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 1:30 pm. The next meetings will be August 11 and August 25.
- Building materials have been delivered to site and erection is underway.
- Gravel base and asphalt base have been installed.
- The contractor can do sectional doors (hangs out over) at no cost which comes with operator. The motion for door selection to be made by the Executive Committee and FBO was made by Mr. Oliver, seconded by Dr. Derrickson, and approved unanimously.
- American Steel certification will be forwarded by next Board meeting.
- Grates for storm water and drainage from the existing building are issues of concern. Mr. Tony Hardin, previous BCI supervisor, was well aware of the one section which didn’t drain well. In order to get the designed 1.5% grade slope, the catch basins may need to be raised. One solution would be to mill a 20’x20’ section in a diamond fashion which would involve cost plus patching. The cost will be determined and may be a design issue. Mr. Bruce Brandstetter will review the issue. The Executive Committee with Mr. LeMaster and Mr. Oliver will determine the best solution to the issue after Mr. Brandstetter’s recommendation.
- Mr. Oliver requested an update on the credit for static ground which was not needed. The Contractor believes their credit of $2000 is valid for the static ground. The credit will be determined at the end of the project.
- Contractor anticipates being complete at the end of August.
Runway & Taxiway Striping Project
- Construction is complete.
- BCI is awaiting a pay request. Runway Storm Improvement
- KDA Grant Application submitted in March for $121,155.
- BCI has not received any correspondence from KDA regarding the request.
- Mr. James’ suggested a less expensive option may be available (Grounds Committee report).
Ramp Tie Down
- KDA reported on March 24, 2014 that they had planned on funding a tie down project in 2013.
- If funds are still available, will try to fund in 2014. If so, BCI suggested requesting a Change Order for the T-Hangar Contractor to include in their scope of work.
- At the end of July, a determination will be made for this project.
Drainage Project
- No Update.
NEW BUSINESS
Depository Approval for Fuel Account. Mr. Dailey reported that a line of credit was established with the First National Bank of Grayson at the last meeting. The line of credit will assist with fuel purchases if needed and matching shares on projects. In order to facilitate the easy transfer of funds to the fuel account, a fuel account at the bank would be helpful to the Secretary-Treasurer and bank officials. The motion to add a fuel depository account at the First National Bank of Grayson was made by Mr. Gray, seconded by Dr. Mattingly, and approved by the majority with Mr. Stinson abstaining.
KAA Conference. The KAA Conference will be held September 10-14. Two slots are available for attendance by the Airport Board. Contact Mr. James for further information. Early bird registration ends on August 1. Mr. James and Mr. Gray will attend but will pay their own way.
OLD BUSINESS
Firstair Plane. Mr. Rogers reported that there had been no contact with the owner of the plane. Mr. James reported that the owner had offered $1200 as storage fees. The estimate to repair the asphalt where the plane has been sitting is approximately $3200-$3700. Mr. Rogers has spoken with the FAA district representative concerning the issue. Storage fees at Lexington Airport are $75 per day and at Richmond Airport are $25 per day. The plane will not leave the Airport without storage charges being paid. If Mr. Rogers files a lien, an administrative hearing would be prompted.
Fuel Truck. Dr. Fossett reported that the new 100LL fuel truck will be here next week transported by JAVE LLC.
FBO Contract. The FBO contract renews in September. The motion to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the extension of the business contract with Midwest Aviation, Inc. was made by Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mr. Oliver, and approved unanimously. The motion to return to open session was made by Mr. Dailey, seconded by Dr. Derrickson, and approved unanimously. No action was taken in Executive Session. A motion was made by Mr. Dailey that the Board authorize its Executive Committee to negotiate an extension of the current FBO contract, have the contract reviewed by legal counsel and present the contract to the full Board for ratification or approval at its next meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Laferty, and approved unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
July 4th Fireworks. Mr. Kappes reported that approximately 1400 cars were parked during the event and @ 200 cars were on the road waiting to be parked. They estimated 3 per car for a total of 5000 attendees. License plates were reviewed and 5 different states and at least 24 Kentucky counties were represented. The pyrotechnics by R.L. Caudill Company were above average and lasted 23 minutes, while only 16 minutes were contracted. Farmers Fire Department and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Department assisted with the event. Some cars waited in line 90 minutes to exit the Airport. The band did a good job and the weather cooperated. A helicopter began operating a concession but was stopped due to safety concerns. An FAA complaint has been filed due to safety concerns. Several people who came in said they were invited to hangar parties. Planes were not roped off. The Tourism Commission was told they would get training for parking but none was given. More trash barrels, porta potties, food vendors, (MTC thought the Airport should have arranged) and children’s activities were needed. One of the fireworks shot straight across a fence but was not an issue. The Tourism Commission parental authority, The City of Morehead, complained that the event was ‘so far from town’. Mr. Mabry said he heard many good comments about the event.
Hangar Rate Increase. Mr. Mabry believes the rate increase of $10 per month (July 1 enacted) is too high. The notice of the increase was given two days before the raise. Area airports have the following monthly rates: Mt. Sterling $125, Fleming-Mason $185, Cynthiana $150, Ashland $135, and London $90. He does not think the tenants should have to bear all the costs for increases in Airport operation. Mr. Mabry is OK with the previous rate of $160 per month. He said he spoke with 8 of 11 current tenants and they agree with him that they do not like the increase. Mr. Dailey reported that the hangar income provides 50% of the income for the Airport. Others commented that the Airport provides good service and is a beautiful, useful facility and one of the nicest in the northeast area of the state. Mr. Fluty suggested that future revenue could include a county tax. A report which includes the economic impact of transient airplane activity was suggested for future use. Mr. Mabry asked that the Board reconsider the increase. No action was taken by the Board.
Airport Parking Light. Mr. Mabry reported the Rowan County Board of Education has purchased 20 acres on the left side of Hwy 801 for a future elementary school. When security lights were reviewed for the projects, three were designated for the school and one for the Airport parking lot.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. James adjourned the meeting at 8:39 pm.