Airport Commission

Airport Commission Meeting Minutes October 10, 2019 – Owatonna Degner Regional Airport “DRAFT” 1. Call to Order Chairman Keltgen called the meeting of the Airport Commission to order at 5:00 PM at the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport. 2. Roll Call Attendance Todd Hale Commissioner Tom Harrison Commissioner James Keltgen Chairman Justin Lindee Commissioner Paula Snitker Commissioner Dave Beaver Airport Manager 3. Approval of Agenda Commissioner Snitker made a motion to approve the agenda and Commissioner Harrison seconded the motion. The motion was approved. 4. Minutes Commissioner Harrison made a motion to approve the minutes from the September 12, 2019 Airport Commission meeting and Commissioner Lindee seconded the motion. The motion was approved. 5. Action Items Chairman Reports Chairman Keltgen welcomed all in attendance to the meeting. There were no further Chairman reports. Staff Reports Airport Manager Beaver reported on airport activities and presented the fuel volumes dispensed report to date. Combined fuel volumes are up from the same time period from the previous year. Mr. Beaver provided a brief report on aircraft activity including recent business arrivals and impact of the recent presidential temporary flight restriction due to a visit to the twin cities. Mr. Beaver reported that there was a flight training student to recently complete his initial solo flight. Regarding other flight instruction activities, Mr. Beaver explained that the flight instructor would like to occupy an office in the service area of the arrival departure building. Mr. Beaver added that another based tenant has also expressed interest in acquiring a flight simulator to provide pilot training and has interest in occupying an office. There was a discussion regarding working with the instructors to promote and expand flight instruction at the airport. There was support for allowing the use of the offices for this purpose and also increasing the instruction service visibility through various means including signage. There was further discussion that given the anticipated national pilot shortage that there may be opportunities to work with the instructors and Langer Aviation to develop high school and college level flight instruction programs for local students. Airport Projects Report Airport Manager Beaver explained that the main hangar doors replacement project is substantially complete and ready for final electrical inspection. Mr. Beaver will be working with the consultant to determine final payment to the contractor and close out the state office of aeronautics grant agreement for 70% funding participation. Mr. Beaver invited the group to take a look at the new doors at the end of the meeting. Regarding the purchase of the new loader and blower snow removal equipment, Mr. Beaver reported that the Owatonna City Council has approved both the FAA 90% funding grant as well as the MnDOT Aeronautics grant for an additional 5% for all project costs. The equipment is now in the process of being ordered with an approximate six month lead time. For the T-38 jet aircraft display, Mr. Beaver explained that the contractor has provided an anticipated schedule to complete the inspection of the structure and also paint the three support derricks yet this fall weather permitting. Regarding the painting of the hangar buildings, Mr. Beaver explained that a grant has been requested for this work from MnDOT Aeronautics. It is likely that the work can be scheduled weather permitting in early 2020. Business Development Working Group Update There was a brief discussion regarding ongoing discussion with an area company that is interested in working with the airport to review alternatives for expanding their existing use of turbine air transportation. The working group is also facilitating discussions with a second area company with a similar need. There was no further old or new business. 6. Adjournment The Airport Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:36 PM with a motion made by Commissioner Lindee and seconded by Commissioner Snitker.