Airport Commission

Airport Commission Meeting Minutes October 14, 2021 – Owatonna Degner Regional Airport 1. Call to Order Chairman Keltgen called the meeting of the Airport Commission to order at 5:00 PM and welcomed guests to the meeting. City Administrator Busse introduced Ms. Deanna Sheely the newly hired City of Owatonna Communications Manager. Ms. Sheely provided a brief personal work background and explained that she is excited to work with airport staff and other city departments. Chairman Keltgen welcomed Ms. Sheely and thanked her for attending the meeting. 2. Roll Call Attending James Keltgen Chairman Greg Krueger Commissioner Paula Snitker Commissioner Sharon West Commissioner Dave Beaver Airport Manager Kris Busse City Administrator Deanna Sheely Communications Manager Visitors Kevin Oyloe Apex Painting 3. Approval of Agenda Commissioner West made a motion to approve the agenda and Commissioner Snitker seconded the motion. The motion was approved. 4. Minutes Commissioner West made a motion to approve the minutes from the September 9, 2021 Airport Commission meeting and Commissioner Snitker the motion. The motion was approved. 5. Action Items Chairman Reports There were no Chairman reports. Staff Reports Airport Manager Beaver reported on airport activities and reported that the aviation fuel volumes dispensed are up year to date from last year and there was a brief discussion regarding fuel pricing trends. Regarding Accelerated Aviation flight school, Mr. Beaver reported that the business has increased training capacity with seven aircraft in use including two multi-engine aircraft. They have added another full time flight instructor and currently have registered students from multiple states. There was a brief discussion on based business activity. Airport Manager Beaver commented on a number of national general aviation trends including the increase in percentage of aircraft manufacturing and deliveries, increased use of aircraft for business and charter, and increased demand for pilot hiring. There was a discussion regarding these trends. For airport maintenance and operations, Mr. Beaver explained that the installation of the new MnDOT owned VOR navigational aid is nearing completion. A contractor was on site completing the install within the last week and final flight testing is anticipated soon. For other items, staff is completing T-Hangar bi-fold door seal repairs ahead of winter and completing other preventive maintenance scheduled items. Mr. Beaver reported that a new non-commercial private hangar land lease is being prepared for Lot #20. The hangar is in the process of being sold and will involve a mutual lease cancellation in order to enter into the new agreement with the buyer. There was a brief discussion. Phase 4 Proposal for T-38 Display Maintenance and Restoration Project Airport Manager Beaver introduced Kevin Oyloe with Apex painting to discuss the painting of the aircraft in the display (phase 4). Apex completed the prior phases in 2020 including structural review, sandblasting and painting of the aircraft support derricks, and other cleaning, miscellaneous repair and remedial services. Mr. Oyloe also reported that his team is familiar with the display as they were involved with the original painting and mounting. Mr. Oyloe presented the itemized proposal for the completion of the aircraft painting restoration phase including description and estimates for equipment and booms, materials, and labor. Mr. Oyloe explained that the work would need to be scheduled for 2022 and there was a discussion on lead times and material supplies. There was a discussion on funding and potential fund raising opportunities for other participation. T-Hangar Taxi-lane and Building Design Update Mr. Beaver provided an update on the T-hangar and taxi-lane project reporting that the contractor is in the process of submitting documents for the grading permit to begin site work yet this fall. The contractor is planning to complete part of the grading and site work before winter with paving of the taxi-lane and building construction scheduled for next year. Mr. Beaver reported that staff has received the MnDOT companion grant to the previously approved FAA grant providing funding for the project. Both grants must be approved to facilitate federal reimbursements for project costs. 6. Adjournment The Airport Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:20 PM with a motion made by Commissioner Snitker and seconded by Commissioner Krueger. The motion was approved.