Airport Commission

Menomonie Airport Commission Meeting Minutes June 19, 2024 The Menomonie Airport Commission was called to order by Dr. Dan Johnson at 6:00 pm on Wednesday June 19, 2024 at the Terminal Building. Other Commission members present included: Earl Wildenberg, Steven Lee, Randy Sommerfeld, and Kerry McCauley. Others in attendance included: David Schofield (City of Menomonie), Darrel Gibson (Gibson Aviation), Tim Tyre, Tim Olson, Ian Augustin, Nick Amundson and Gordon Smith. Johnson asked for public comments. No public comments were received. Minutes from the May 15, 2024 meeting were approved by acclimation. Johnson asked Augustin and Gibson to provide a summary of Link Aviation, LLC’s proposal to acquire the flight instruction an aircraft rental business from Gibson Aviation, LLC. Augustin gave a short presentation. Augustin noted that they intend to upgrade the aircraft fleet. Augustin noted that they will also be operating in Eau Claire. Gibson stated that he preferred to transfer the existing lease and that they intended to close on the purchase agreement by July 1. Lee moved to direct City Staff to prepare a document terminating the lease with Gibson Aviation Services, LLC for Parcel 1 (Hangar C16) and authorize Chairman Johnson to sign said document, contingent upon successful negotiation of a new lease with Link Aviation, LLC. Second by Sommerfeld. All Ayes. Motion carried. Lee moved to direct City Staff to prepare a new lease with Link Aviation, LLC for Parcel 1 (Hangar C16) and authorize Chairman Johnson to sign said document. Second by Sommerfeld. All Ayes. Motion carried. Johnson asked Augustin to provide a summary of Link Aviation’s interest in the Old Terminal Building. Augustin indicated that he would prefer to get a better handle on their space needs before committing to a lease for the Old Terminal Building. Schofield noted that City Staff would prefer to obtain Airport Commission input regarding whether or not this space could be made exclusive to Link Aviation. The commission heard from several attendees but did not render a formal motion. Johnson indicated that the matter has been tabled. Johnson asked Schofield to provide a summary of the license agreement agenda items. Schofield noted that Gibson’s 2012 license is not transferable and that a new license agreement with Link is needed. Gibson and Augustin noted that an early version of the proposed license agreement has increased insurance requirements. Schofield noted that the minimum standards can be increased but that, in any event, he and the city Attorney have been in contact with Augustin’s attorney and have come to a mutual agreement. Wildenberg moved to direct City Staff to prepare a document terminating the license with Gibson Aviation Services, LLC for flight instruction and aircraft rental and authorize Chairman Johnson to sign said document, contingent upon successful negotiation of a new license agreement with Link Aviation, LLC. Second by McCauley. All Ayes. Motion carried. Wildenberg moved to direct City Staff to prepare a new license agreement with Link Aviation, LLC for flight instruction and aircraft rental and authorize Chairman Johnson to sign said document. Second by McCauley. All Ayes. Motion carried. Gibson gave the Mangers Report. Gibson noted that a PAPI light at the south end of Runway 18/36 had been damaged during mowing operations. Schofield noted that the next meeting will be Tuesday, July 9 at 4:30 pm at City Hall. Johnson noted the meeting was adjourned at 6:40 pm. Submitted by: David Schofield, Recording Secretary