Airport Committee Meeting

Airport Commission Meeting Black River Falls Area Airport September 19, 2024 5:30 p.m. The Black River Falls Area Airport Commission met at the Black River Falls Area Airport on Thursday, September 19, 2024. Commission members present included the following: Desiree Gearing-Lancaster, Garth Rolbiecki; Dale Hoff, and Ed Chamberlain. Members excused: Kylee Wussow. Others Present: Dale Klevgard, Airport Manager, Frank Voge and Larry Lunda. 1. Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 5:33 p.m. by Airport Commission Chairperson, Desiree Gearing-Lancaster. 2. Approval of Airport Commission Minutes from 8-24-2024. Motion made by Garth Rolbiecki, seconded by Ed Chamberlain, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion Carried. 3. Approve Vouchers: Transactions by Category, from 8-24-2024 through 9-13-2024 presented. Vouchers reviewed. It was reported that the price for jet fuel is currently good. Motion made by Dale Hoff; seconded by Ed Chamberlain to approve the vouchers. Motion carried. 4. Approve New Airport Manager, Frank Voge: Motion made by Ed Chamberlain; seconded by Dale Hoff, to approve the hiring of Frank Voge, as the new Airport Manager for the Black River Falls Area Airport. Motion Approved. It was reported that Dale Klevgard has been working with the new Airport Manager, which included a “walkaround” at the airport, prior to his acceptance of the position, for the purpose of learning about the airport and the duties involved with the position. Dale Klevgard has also been assisting Frank Voge with Excel and reporting and tracking requirements (business end) of the position. Currently, Frank Voge is employed as an Aircraft Mechanic in Madison, WI. In addition, Frank Voge’s resume includes military experience as a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard since March 1998. He holds a professional license with FAA Airframe and Powerplant, and technical education in 15G Airframe Structural Repair, and 15T UH-60 A/L/M Repair. Frank Voge was welcomed to the position of Airport Manager. The Commission also expressed their appreciation for Dale Klevgard’s assistance with making the transition a smooth one for Frank Voge. Frank Voge provided updates as to the completion of some on-line training requirements for this position. 5. Airport Manager Report: Frank Voge and Dale Klevgard provided updates to Commission members. It was reported that Frank Voge and Dale Klevgard met with Evan Krueger, with the Bureau of Aeronautics on 10-18-2024. It was also reported that the AWOS System Wind Indicator was disconnected, and the importance of the wind information relative to the runway approach was noted. The importance of being proactive and persistent relative to the Bureau of Aeronautics, to meet the needs of the Airport was voiced. It was reported that Entitlement dollars are available for seal coating projects. Leases of hangers also addressed. Fees need to be collected, in addition to personal property taxes, and then disseminated, so it was recommended that due dates for leases be changed to the middle of October. Snow plowing of the airport was also discussed. Jeff Casper currently assists with snow plowing. Cody Campbell may be able to assist with snow plowing, due to his experience with heavy equipment operation. ARPA dollars in the amount of $32,000 also noted. Contact will be made with City Attorney Mark Radcliffe, as to issues that may need to be addressed re: legal ramifications. 6. Motion to Adjourn made by Garth Rolbiecki; seconded by Dale Hoff. Motion carried. Meeting Adjourned at 6:00 p.m. 7. Next Meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. It was recommended that the Airport Commission meet at least quarterly in order to stay in the loop as to evolving issues related to the Black River Falls Area Airport. It was also suggested that the Airport Manager provide a presentation to both the County Board and the City Council, which would include the power point put together by Manager Dale Klevgard. Purpose would be to provide wider knowledge to the local boards and the community as to the value of our area airport to the community, including economic impact to the City of Black River Falls and Jackson County. Respectfully Submitted: Desiree Gearing-Lancaster