ANOTHER CONTENTIOUS MEETING FOR AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD

  

The Airport Advisory Board approved a paved taxiway extension during another contentious meeting Tuesday evening. The 65 foot by 175 foot extension was proposed by Brent Nedbalek and would be to the west of the Aviators Plus FBO building.

Nedbalek explained that aircraft would utilize the area to access Aviators Plus and also to park their planes.  City Development Services Director Stephanie Doland then explained that the paved area would be more of a ramp area than a taxiway extension as Nedbalek had proposed.  Board member Josiah Jameson asked Nedbalek if any fees would be charged planes that utilize the area.  Nedbalek responded by saying if he built and paid for the extension, then he considered it like a hanger, and yes fees would be charged.  Doland then reminded Nedbalek that the Revised FBO agreement that would allow him to charge service fees to larger aircraft was never approved by City Council.  Jameson then moved that the item be tabled until various questions could be answered.  The motion died for lack of a second.  Board member Dr. Michele Bright moved that the item be approved with an amendment that city staff clarify what fees would be charged to users of the extension and to finalize the details.  That motion passed 4 to 1 with Jameson voting against.

The board then entered their second workshop to develop a Mission Statement and define goals and objectives for the airport.  J. Shane Howard with Burditt Consulting led the board though a number of discussions about customers, resources, partners, and activities.  He stated that the board will not always have all of the answers it wants for a decision, but they have to make their approval on what is best for the airport and if a proposal has any merit.  The Airport Advisory Board is next scheduled to meet July 19th at 4:00 PM at City Hall.