Morehead-Rowan County Airport Board Minutes

October 29, 2015

 

Chairman Tim James called the meeting to order at 6:06 PM in the Terminal Building Conference Room at the Morehead-Rowan County Regional Airport.  Other members present were Charles Derrickson, Harry Clark, Tom Fossett, Mike Gray, Bruce Mattingly, Harry Clark, Ron Oliver, Jim LeMaster, and Aaron Roberts. Guests present include Tracey and Mike Potter –  FBO; Wes Mittlesteadt – Garver; Carol Laferty – widow of Don Laferty, and Barbara Marsh – Assistant Secretary-Treasurer.

 

Proclamation. Mr. James recognized Ms. Laferty, whose husband, Don Laferty, served the board for over ten years. Mr. James recalled Mr. Laferty’s service during his Chairmanship of the Communications and Security Committee. He noted Mr. Laferty’s expertise and doggedness in spearheading documents through channels with agencies including the FAA while acquiring approval documents for our AWOS. Dr. Mattingly read the resolution (adopted August 27, 2015) honoring Mr. Laferty for his exceptional service during his tenure as board member. Ms. Laferty thanked the board for the framed resolution which she said would be placed on the wall near the flag bestowed by the American Legion Post 126. She was appreciative for board visits to their home during Mr. Laferty’s illness; the fly over during his funeral; for expressions of sympathy, flowers and gifts given during his illness; and our support for his membership on the board. Ms. Laferty offered Airport activity pictures to the board if a need arises.

 

Mr. James presented the Minutes of the September 2015 Meeting. The motion to accept the September 24, 2015 Minutes was made by Mr. Clark, seconded by Mr. LeMaster, and approved unanimously. Mr. James presented the Minutes of the October 2015 Special Meeting. Mr. LeMaster was absent during the meeting but was reported as present.  The motion to accept the October 6, 2015 Special Meeting Minutes as corrected was made by Mr. Clark, seconded by Mr. Gray, and approved unanimously.

 

Dr. Mattingly presented the September Financials. The report included statements of activity for September and for the fiscal year (July-September 2015). The motion to accept the September 2015 Financial Report was made by Mr. Dailey, seconded by Mr. Oliver, and unanimously approved.

 

REPORTS

#1. GARVER. Wes Mittlesteadt, Engineer, reported.

2014 T-Hangar Project. Mr. Mittlesteadt reported that all close out documents related to the 2014 T-Hangar Project are ready to be filed with the FAA, attention Chastity Clark. A DVD and signed final document (3 pages) was given to the board to be mailed. Mr. Dailey reported that Mr. Mittlesteadt is to be commended for his extraordinary efforts including scanning final plans into the DVD to gather all the many documents related to closure which the previous engineer failed to complete.

2015 Runway and Taxiway Project. The Airport is closed as of today as work begins to repair the dip in the runway. The contractor, ASL (working daylight to dark), is excavating the runway and an evaluation will be made on Friday, October 30, as to the geo-tech details. The sub grade was reported as looking good. Work will continue on

Saturday as weather permits.  The taxiway portion of the contract may be delayed until spring 2016 due to weather, but the contractor desires to complete during the fall while their equipment is onsite.

#2. FBO. Ms. Potter reported on the status of current fuel sales, grounds maintenance, and hangar activities.

– Fuel sales were 2246 gallons of 100LL and 1833 gallons of JETA fuel.

– The old JETA fuel truck sold on EBay for $4550.  It has been picked up by the buyer.

– The powered parachute fly-in went well with no issues. The attendance was down because of the poor weather with only about 20-25 attendees. The group will be requested to present the next request to the board before approval. The FBO was commended for their efforts in helping the group including a food stand.

– The parts for the gate have been backordered. It is a plastic piece which was described as being not very sturdy.

– Aaron’s Best One Tire provided parts for repair of the exhaust on the old JETA fuel truck. Josh Clark welded it on.

– A NOTAM was filed for runway closure for the 2015 Runway and Taxiway Project. The ramp remains open for helicopters. The lights have been shut down.

– The new JETA truck will require fuel filters per Eastern Aviation Shell. The cost is estimated to be $750.

– The monthly Pancake and Sausage Breakfast will be November 7.

 

 #3. Buildings & Grounds.  Dr. Derrickson and Mr. Oliver, Co-Chairmen, updated activities.

The committee is reviewing the entire area including outside the fence and have several projects which they will review with the board at the next meeting including the fuel tank plant and parking areas. The committee has committed to meeting at noon each Friday. They request input, recommendations, and suggestions from the board, FBO, and interested parties.

 

#4. Communications and Security. Mr. Roberts, Chairman, indicated a security issue involving the gate is being addressed.

 #5. Hangar Lease Update.  Dr. Mattingly reported that one hangar tenant was $1400 in arrears recently. After payment of $750, the tenant is approximately $650 behind today. After a thank you was issued to the tenant and invoiced again for the balance, no word has been received. Repeated emails and contact have gone unanswered. Dr. Mattingly proposes to begin legal proceedings for eviction for the tenant Kevin Mays. The motion to begin legal proceedings against hangar tenant A9 Kevin Mays was made by Dr. Mattingly, seconded by Mr. Oliver, and approved unanimously. After discussion and reviewing the tenant lease agreement, the motion to begin legal proceedings after two months of hangar lease arrears, unless extenuating circumstances, was made by Mr. Oliver, seconded by Dr. Derrickson, and approved unanimously.

 OLD BUSINESS

 

None.

 

NEW  BUSINESS 

 Brochure Promoting the Airport.  Mr. Roberts reported that the Airport is a valuable asset to the community and as such deserves defining in a brochure. In talking with the Economic Development Authority, the Mayor’s office, and other community officials, the need to package our airport to highlight the assets is needed. A one-page sheet would be a beginning format. It could be distributed with information packets from St. Claire Medical Center and Morehead State University as well as other businesses such as Family Dollar Distribution Center and Guardian Industries SRG Global. The Independent Stave Company cited the airport as a major factor in locating in Morehead (see website). Recognizing the value of the airport as well as describing the low minimums; transportation in and out; usage by ambulance and police authorities; a delivery port for cargo and supplies for the disastrous 2013 tornado in nearby counties; forest fires prevention; and marijuana eradication efforts. Pictures of airplane traffic are desired. The Morehead State University Innovative Launchpad on Main Street specializes in start up projects and businesses and may be a source for graphics, printing, design, etc. When the project is completed, the brochure/flyer could be used in a presentation to Morehead City Council and Rowan County Fiscal Court. Other ideas for spotlighting the airport included a flip chart and PowerPoint presentation. Mayor Jim Tom Trent has said he supports a presentation of 5-10 minutes which spotlights the airport.  Other information which could be included are our 5-year plan, and size of aircraft we support                 Mr. James appointed Mr. Clark, Dr. Mattingly, and requested that the FBO work with Mr. Roberts in developing the project. We are the newest of 53 airports in Kentucky and as such are positioned gain insight from area airports such as the Georgetown-Scott County Airport. Mr. Dailey suggested that Dr. Bob Albert, MSU Dean, be contacted for possible MBA spring candidate for an internship to assist the committee. Mr. Roberts requested that all board members contribute input for the project.  Finally, the Morehead Tourism Commission was suggested as a natural partner and collaboration would support both efforts.

 

November Board Meeting. Mr. James reported that the next regular board meeting falls on Thanksgiving, November 26. A motion to move the November board meeting to November 19 (one week earlier) was made by Dr. Mattingly, seconded by Mr. Roberts, and approved unanimously. The special meeting information will be placed on the website, in the Morehead News, and on the front door.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:19 pm.