Airport Commission

AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING Monday, May 16, 2022, 4:30 pm Murfreesboro Municipal Airport Business Center 1930 Memorial Blvd. Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Attendees: Steve Waldron, Airport Commission Chair George Huddleston, Vice Chair Cannon Loughry Shelby Hunton Butch Jones Bill Shacklett, City Council Representative Dr. Chaminda Prelis, MTSU Aerospace Department Chair Absent: Craig Tindall, City Manager Lynn Lien Also in attendance: David Ives, Deputy City Attorney Katie Drive, City Staff Attorney Chad Gehrke, Airport Director Ryan Hulsey, Airport Manager Kim Fann, Airport Account Clerk Angela Jackson, Executive Director Joe Brown Mike Jones, Mike Jones Aircraft Sales Sheri Jones, Mike Jones Aircraft Sales Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance: Shelby Hunton 1. Call to order – Attendance 2. Approval of March 2022 Airport Commission Meeting minutes George Huddleston moved to approve the minutes with a clarification in the discussion regarding fuel prices that he had requested what the “percentage used for credit card fees?” Butch Jones seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 3. Consider approval of artwork provided by The Experience Church and artist Joe Brown Angela Jackson, Executive Director, introduced Joe Brown, artist and blacksmith, from The Experience Church. Mr. Joe Brown presented the Airport Commission with a model of his proposed art work proposed to be located on the center of the circle drive located in the front of the Terminal. Mr. Brown explained the inspiration of the piece which came from the center circle being built in the shape of a compass. His piece which is being called “Direction” has a compass on the very top which is very intricate with wing like shapes pointing in the four directions of north, east, south, and west. The trunk of the piece holding up the compass has words cut out of the steel with the words: direction, purpose, prepare, and destination. Mr. Brown stated that the actual piece will be 10 feet tall, six feet wide at the top, and four feet wide of the base. He stated that the material used will be stainless steel He stated that all edges will be smooth to ensure no one can cut themselves.  Angela Jackson described the City polices and procedures for accepting artwork and the approval process. Angela Jackson, Joe Brown, and Chad Gehrke described how the artwork would be mounted on piers in the center circle, a curb installed around that base, and stones placed within the curb. Plants such as roses will be placed around the piece to add beauty and keep people from climbing on the artwork. The Airport Commission discussed the piece and expressed their admiration for the work thanking Mr. Brown for sharing and providing the Airport such a beautiful piece of art. The Members of the Airport Commission asked if he would even design a logo for the Airport because what he created looked so wonderful. George Huddleston moved to approve the donation. Shelby Hunton seconded the motion and all voted in favor. The motion passed. 4. Consider approval of Mike Jones Lease Agreement Chad Gehrke described for the Airport Commission the status of Hangar One Project. Mr. Gehrke shared some photos of the exterior skin looking similar now to the original drawings. Mr. Gehrke also described the bi-fold electric doors that have been installed. He described a louvered air system that has been installed in the hangar. He showed pictures of the hangar bay heater units and other various interesting aspects of the construction of the hangar, shop area, and offices. He described what percentage of work had been completed on the site. Mr. Gehrke described the location of a number of conduits that were being installed across the site to get three phase electricity and water to the future new fuel farm which is to be located north of T-hangar A. The Airport Commission discussed the color of the hangar, the louvers, and numbering system for the various hangar bays that can be subdivided. Mr. Gehrke described the Hangar Lease Agreement with Mike Jones Aircraft Sales and a bit of the history of the project and discussions with Mike Jones regarding the Lease Agreement. Mr. Gehrke reviewed the various aeronautical activities that will be included in the Lease Agreement. Mr. Gehrke stated that the only additional activity that is being added is storage allowing Mike to store aircraft for a client that needs storage or aircraft management services. Mr. Gehrke reviewed the rent schedule. He also reviewed the reports that will be sent to the State. The State will be using the reports to measure the effectiveness of the grant program. Mr. Gehrke reviewed the provisions in the Lease Agreement regarding the personal guarantee. Mr. Gehrke stated that in lieu of a personal guarantee Mike Jones is making substantial improvements to the hangar which include an epoxy floor in all four hangar bays and the shop space. Mike Jones has been a long-term tenant with no history of any issues regarding hangar rent being late. Mr. Gehrke reviewed the provisions of what items the City agreed to install in the building. Mr. Gehrke recommended approval of this Lease Agreement. The Airport Commission discussed the various specific items of the Lease Agreement. Mr. Huddleston stated his concern regarding the wording in the Lease Agreement regarding the term and the expiration of the term of the Lease Agreement being June 30th. Steve Waldron asked if the hangar was designed and built now so if multiple tenants were to be in this facility would there be any issues with fire codes? Mr. Gehrke stated that the building was designed and built with a single and multi-tenant situation in mind and the City Codes and Fire Department considered both situations when reviewing the plans for this building. Mr. Gehrke described some of the various items that were put in place to support proper metering for a multi-tenant situation when needed with very little modifications to the building. The Airport Commission discussed various aspects of the Lease Agreement. Mr. Huddleston moved to approve the Lease Agreements for a full 60 months term. Cannon Loughry seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 5. Airport Director’s report regarding: a) Hangar One Project Already covered. b) Approach Management Project (Chad Gehrke) Mr. Gehrke reviewed the 30% and 60% drawings. He pointed out the displacement still appears to be a 200 foot displacement. Mr. Gehrke stated that a second survey will be flown soon and confirming survey information will be received. Mr. Gehrke talked about the next interesting item will be looking at the new proposed placement of the PAPI lights. Mr. Gehrke stated that at the same time the contractor will be working on the runway the Taxiway A Pavement Rehabilitation will occur. He stated that the final design Grant has been executed. Mr. Gehrke stated his concern about the timing of the coordination efforts with the FAA regarding the approach. He stated his concern of how long that process takes to coordinate with the FAA and for the agency to design the new approaches and that process may push the actual construction to the summer of 2024. Mr. Gehrke stated that the extra effort is to hopefully minimize any loss of the approach on Runway 36. George Huddleston stated his concern regarding the number of years this project has been discussed and the number of years it may take to get the trees cleared before the then displaced threshold back to its proper location. He asked if the tree work could begin now before the threshold work is started? Mr. Gehrke shared with the Airport Commission that the tree replacement policies and program is being developed. He stated that he will be sitting down with the State to review and set the CIP for the next five years and the threshold displacement and tree replacement program will be discussed including the estimated funding. Once the next survey information is received we will have more information that will help access the number of trees that needs to be addressed which will help in developing the budget for this project. The Airport Commission discussed the cost and timing. Mr. Gehrke stated that another important step with this project is communicating this all with our neighbors. Mr. David Ives stated that he could have some information before the Airport Commission at the next meeting. The Airport Commission discussed the overall runway length. In looking at the north end of the airport, Mr. Waldron asked about the status of the development of the Swanson Property. Mr. Ives stated that nothing has been approved recently. Mr. Gehrke stated that the Airport had discussions years ago regarding the development of that property and as it relates to any possible extension of the runway. 6. Airport Manager’s report regarding STEAM Airport Day (Ryan Hulsey) Ryan Hulsey introduced the history of the STEAM festival at is conducted over the last several years. He stated that as a community outreach program and education the Airport wanted to be a part of this year’s festival offering an airport open house day. Mr. Hulsey described the various GA and military aircraft to do static displays. He stated that he has a commitment from MTSU to open their engine lab to help describe for children how jet engines and piston engines work. He stated that the EAA has offered to grill hot dogs. Mr. Hulsey stated that he will be going out seeking sponsorships to cover the cost of the program. He stated that the Police and Fire Department will also be displaying some of their vehicles. Mr. Hulsey stated that he is hoping for the Airport Commission’s support with ideas and reaching out to the community for sponsorships. 7. Airport Dashboard (Ryan Hulsey) Mr. Hulsey reported the amount of activity and revenue brought in with the use of the Business Center and Conference room. He also shared the amount of fuel sold and revenue and expenses associated with the month’s fuel sales. He also reviewed the number of people on the T-hangar and tie-down waiting lists and any activities or movements of people into hangars or tie-downs.  Mr. Gehrke reviewed the airport operations activities for the last few months. Mr. Gehrke sited the University and Murfreesboro Aviation making changes in their policies and procedures to make a significant decrease in the number of operations at MBT. The data shows a decrease up to 33% in the number of operations that have occurred this spring as compared to the same time last year. The number of complaints from pilots and neighbors have also decreased significantly. Mr. Gehrke stated that one of the key personnel with MTSU that was key to making these changes has announced his departure from the University for a corporate flying job. Brian Fields will certainly be missed and the Airport greatly appreciates his cooperation and tireless efforts to improve the aircraft operations not only for the University and their program but the airport overall. Mr. Gehrke stated that there are several other people that have been working along side Brian to make these changes so he does not fear that there will be any loss of momentum or change in direction with Brian’s departure. Brian did play a significant role though in making these changes. The Airport Commission commented on the data. Mr. Gehrke stated that both the Mayor and Dr. McPhee has been using this data in their speeches and communications when talking about the airport. Mr. Gehrke described in depth the data comparing the two year’s operations and the significant changes. Mr. Waldron asked some questions regarding fuel sales. Mr. Waldron asked some questions about the fuel capacity of the new fuel farm. Mr. Gehrke described the issues with having to do split loads with other airports costs the airport several hundred dollars each time fuel is delivered. Mr. Gehrke stated that the proposed new Avgas tank will be a 20,000 gallon tank and the Jet A tank will be 12,000 gallon capacity. Mr. Huddleston asked how many gallons are delivered for a full truck load of Avgas and Jet A. Mr. Gehrke stated a full load of Avgas is 8,500 gallons and 8,000 gallons Jet A. Mr. Huddleston recommended a 15,000 gallon tank for our Jet A fuel tank. 8. Any other business to come before the Airport Commission Mr. Steve Waldron asked about the status of the property management standards compliance. Mr. Gehrke reported that the focus on cleaning up the areas around the hangars in preparation for the pavement crack and seal coat project. He stated once that is completed and Mike Jones is in his hangar there will be a number of aircraft that will need to be addressed, removal, repair, etc. Mr. Gehrke reported that one MTSU Conex box has been removed with the second scheduled to be removed whenever the tow company comes on site again. 9. Consider date and time for next Airport Commission meeting June 20, 2022 10. Adjournment 6