City of Centralia Municipal Airport Advisory Committee met Aug. 19.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Members Present: John Denton, Tom Walsh, Andrea Williams, Bill Crain and David Agee Members Absent: Jack Graham, Tom Simpson, Tom Kasten and Jim Shoemaker
Also Present: Kala Lambert- Assistant City Manager
Kala Lambert called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm.
Public Comment: Approval of Minutes:
Kala presented minutes for the meeting on July 15, 2019. A motion was made by John Denton and Seconded by Tom Walsh to approve the meeting minutes for July, all in favor, motion carried.
Old Business:
Kala stated that she had no update from CMT in regard to the Obstruction Study Project and would provide a timeline next month.
Kala reported that the preconstruction meeting to Construct Access Taxiway to Runway 9 was held July 18, and listed those in attendance. She stated that during the meeting Shores was planning for an August 5th start date but has been delayed due to required permits, signatures, waivers etc. They are hoping to get started in the next couple of weeks.
New Business:
Kala reported that the new M4000 self-serve fuel unit has been shipped to the Airport and the City electrician was planning to install this week or next. He is planning to coordinate with the Airgo so they are aware of the time frame they will be without fuel and plan accordingly.
Airport Managers Report- Kala reported that over the last month the City has been receiving many complaints regarding low flying aircraft and number of aircraft traveling over the City in certain concentrated areas. She stated that she did send a memo to the crop dusters in June and to both the crop dusters and flight school earlier this month making them aware of the number of complaints we are having. Board member Andrea Williams asked if there were certain hours where aircraft could not operate. Kala responded their were no restrictions on the time aircraft can operate. Board member John Denton asked how many complaints the City gets about trains and Kala responded very few but if we do get a complaint it is forward to the RR. She stated that we do give out the FSDO number with in FAA for complaints and let people know what is expected when individuals which to file a claim which includes a photo or video and a visible tail number.
Board Member Bill Crain asked what benefit the Airport and City receive from the crop dusters and Kala responded, if they buy fuel here the City would get the 1% tax from the gas. Other than that there are no other direct benefits at this time, however, she hopes to propose a lease agreement to get a daily fee to use the apron to store their chemicals and fuel at while they are in the area in the future. She noted that some indirect benefits include the net profit for local farmers who in turn spend money in our community or region. Bill Crain commented on the benefit to the community Airgo provides and noted that he doesn’t want to see anything that would negatively impact their operation. Kala agreed that the City does not want anything to negatively impact Airgo’s operations either and feels putting a lease agreement in place with Aerial Applicators will further document the City’s expectations and if they do not comply, give reason to not allow their trucks and chemicals to stay on the City’s property.
Kala reported that she spoke with Norman Wolfe of Airgo earlier in the day for a report on their students and he reported the following information. Airgo currently has 66 students, they graduated approximately 20 over the last two months and have 20 more coming in the next 30 days. After that 20 more should follow in the next few months. The goal is to have 120 students as they are approved for up to that number. Board Member Andrea Williams asked how long the program is and Kala responded that it is designed to be about 12 months but can take longer. Bill Crain noted that it is all dependent on the number of hours they get completed for the credentials they are obtaining.
Kala reported that she met with Mr. Yu a few weeks ago and asked about their search for a mechanic. He stated that they have been advertising on Indeed but have not found a successful candidate. Currently they have agreements with various maintenance crews at Airports and companies such as Mt. Vernon, Ozark, Ideal Aviation and Carbondale. She noted that Ideal Aviation is coming twice this week on contract to provide maintenance services for Airgo at Centralia Airport.
Discussion:
Tom Walsh asked if there has been any hangars rented in the last month and Kala let him know that we still have 4 available.
Tom Walsh reported that he and Dr. Panke traveled to an Airshow in Oshkosh this last month that was very enjoyable.
A motion was made by Tom Walsh and Seconded by John Denton to adjourn the meeting.
https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/8-Aug_19__2019_minutes.pdf
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