BOARD MEETING – March 14, 2012
The Yellowstone Regional Airport Regular Board Meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m.
Present: Chairman Craig Wilbur, John Newton, Bill Holder, Bob Whisonant, Bryan Edwards and Ché Eissinger
Absent: Doug Johnston
Also Present: Bob Hooper, Lisa Hannon, Nancy Werner, Larry White, Gene Wasia, Walt Castle, John Brouillette, Matt O’Dell, Jeff Higgs, Bucky Hall, Jack Martin, Todd Simmons, Mark Heinz, James Klessens, Carol Roberts, Steve Stanley, Harold Musser and John Cordes.
Pledge of Allegiance
Verification of Quorum: Chairman Craig Wilbur, presiding, verified there was a quorum. Bob Whisonant agreed.
Acceptance of Agenda: Bob Whisonant made a motion to approve the agenda as written. Bill Holder seconded the motion. All those present voted AYE, NAY none. Motion passed.
Reading / Approval of the February 8, 2012 Board Minutes: Bob Whisonant made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Bill Holder seconded the motion. All those present voted AYE, NAY none. Motion passed.
Review / Approval of Bills and Bank Reconciliations: Bryan Edwards made a motion to approve the bills and bank reconciliations. Bob Whisonant seconded the motion. All those present voted AYE, NAY none. Motion passed.
Committee / Tenant Reports: Walt Castle, representing EAA, said there were complaints the AWOS was giving incorrect readings. Bob Hooper stated the AWOS is FAA equipment, they maintain and service it. Walt felt Bob should handle the complaints to the FAA regarding those issues. Bob said when the complaints are directed to him he does call about the issues. He also offered Walt the phone number to the FAA so he could call as well. Walt said he had the number. Walt also said at the February 8th meeting he demanded an answer to the snow removal issue and he felt it was not being addressed properly. There had been another snow fall since then and he felt the snow removal crew had left the berm in front of the hangers again. Bob Whisonant said after the last snow he noticed the crew had removed the berm and he felt it looked good. John Brouillette said that the snow removal in front of the Prince hanger was handle nicely as well.
Todd Simmons mentioned the changes taking place at Choice. He also commented on the problems with the AWOS. The Airport Manager had called the FAA to have it looked at a couple weeks ago when there was a problem reported by a pilot and they found no issues. Bob offered to call the FAA to see if a representative could be here for the next meeting so everyone could direct their concerns to them to perhaps come up with a solution.
Harold Musser wanted to let the Board know the gate on Duggleby Drive is rubbing against the posts on its way down. He also stated “I am very disappointed how the Board and the Airport Manager addressed my request to develop a new hangar at this facility, I feel I was sabotaged and am not happy about it at all. One of the things I read from CY Air in the Powell Tribune July 5th 2011said “on the groups agenda is educating the public of the economic merits of retaining commercial air service at the Yellowstone Regional Airport”. I would submit to you that maybe the Board needs educated as to the benefit of general aviation to this airport and how they need to work with the public and not sabotage the public with everything they try to do. That being said, on your web site you brag about how the Yellowstone Regional Airport is proud to offer hanger development opportunities to tenant based and transient corporate aircraft, aviation service providers and recreational pilots. I can just tell you, you have a public relations problem on your hands and you might be able to run over everybody here at this meeting because you are on the board or you’re the manager but that isn’t going to happen out there in real life. So, thank you very much.”
Matt O’Dell with Hertz car rental commented that his season has started early this year and things are looking good.
Airport Manager’s Report:
WAOA Fall Conference Update- The Wyoming Airport Operators Association Fall Conference will be held here in Cody on September 19-21. The main conference will be held at the Holiday Inn. The conference will start on Wednesday the 19th with options for some recreational activities including golf, fishing and a shooting event. An opening reception is also planned for Wednesday evening. The WAOA Board would like to hold the opening reception here in the New Terminal Building to showcase the project depending on our commercial flight schedule in September. Board consensus was given to hold the reception here at the terminal building.
Airport Highway Signage Update- The face of the small sign at the entrance to the old terminal building has been changed to reflect the names of Delta and United Airlines with an arrow indicating ¼ mile. Bob Hooper met with representatives of WYDOT regarding their signage in the area of the Airport. They are going to add an additional airport indicator sign next to the entrance to the old terminal as well as on the Meeteetse highway. WYDOT is also going to increase the size of all signs for better visibility. Bob Whisonant asked if they could do an overhead sign. Bob Hooper said he had asked them to do that and they said it could not be done.
Unfinished Business:
ALP Update, Boundary Survey and ARFF Vehicle Acquisition Update - There was a workshop following the board meeting to discuss the proposed Airport Layout Plan. Gene Wasia of Morrison-Maierle discussed the ALP Update and Boundary Survey. The new ARFF Vehicle should be delivered the first part of April.
Harold Musser requested a copy of the narrative, Bryan Edwards gave him his copy. Harold stated the public needs a copy of this so they can vote on it. Gene said the public would have an opportunity to vote on it after the FAA reviews everything. Bob Hooper stated this information was provided for the public at the last public ALP meeting.
ARFF / Snow Removal Equipment Building- The ARFF / Snow Removal Equipment Building is in the preliminary design phase.
General Aviation Ramp Rehab & Expansion- The ramp is deteriorating on both ends and there is a congestion and parking problem on the ramp. The Airport was able to obtain 1.75 million dollars over the next two years from the Wyoming State Aeronautics. A letter was sent to Wyoming State Aeronautics requesting a reduction in the Airport matching funds from 10 percent to 5. This request is still pending while Aeronautics evaluates the full effects of the reduction in FAA participation in AIP projects from 95% to 90%.
Gene Wasia went over the CIP and the Airport has plenty of work that needs done but not enough money to do all the projected projects over the next five years. Estimated costs may exceed some of the anticipated monies. This will present the Airport with some decisions on the priority of the projects. The Airport has enough money to fill in some of the islands and rehab the ramp. They will then need to decide what projects will be start and what will roll into the following years. John Brouillette suggested placing new tie downs in to facilitate better usage of the ramp. Bob Whisonant and Gene Wasia suggested John Brouillette and Todd Simmons and those who use the GA Ramp stay for the work session so help with what they feel would be the best usage of the space.
Snow Removal Equipment Acquisition- Larry White and Wes Hanson of our operations staff visited the Helena Montana Airport to take a look at their recently acquired Oshkosh multi-task snow removal equipment. Tim Wick and Bob Hooper went to Denver and met with representatives of M-B Company and inspected two different models of multi-task snow removal equipment. We have determined a multi-task unit would suit our needs the best. A multi-task unit is one that preforms both plowing and brooming from the same vehicle. We need to further decide on a specific style model then Tim Wick will begin putting together the specs for that type of equipment. Bob Whisonant asked if Bob could please provide the board with a cost analysis of this type of vehicle versus a single function machine.
Ché Eissinger asked if there is a process to address the complaints from the citizens. He does not feel that these concerns are being addressed. Whether it’s true or not, perception is reality to those people. He hears words like sabotage and things not getting done. He has been on the board only two months and is getting calls with complaints about things not getting done and not doing our jobs. He would like to see something in our minutes about the complaints or suggestions brought up by our citizens and then a response or resolution from Mr. Hooper. Again he stated he has only been on the board only two months and is wondering why these people are calling him. Ché also feels the board leans more towards commercial aviation. Chairman Wilbur stated he feels this is a function of airport operations and this is micromanaging the airport manager’s position. He stated Bob Hooper is in charge of this airport and his staff, the issues here are his obligation to do his job, which he does, it is not the function of the Board to meddle in that business. We try to make all the parties happy sometimes we just can’t no matter what we do. Ché asked again why these people are calling him with these complaints, the community feels like we are leaving them behind and just looking at the commercial side. Bob Hooper stated there is 2.8 million dollars that is being directed to general aviation in the next two years and when there are issues or complaints the airport makes every effort it can to correct those issues. Ché asked who should be contacted in these cases. Bob Hooper stated they should call the manager’s office and if they do call the board, the board should then let him know what those issues or comments are so the airport staff can try to best handle the situation. Harold Musser remarked “People do have the right to call the Board members, they don’t have to call Bob. That way if someone feels they are not getting satisfaction or a job is not being done they can call the Board. It is the Boards job to direct Bob so the people do have the right to call them. That is the system and how it is supposed to work.”
New Business:
Carol Roberts / Daughters of the American Revolution Display- Carol Roberts representing the Daughters of the American Revolution, Big Horn Chapter addressed the Board regarding displaying a wall hanging in the terminal building that represents this region. There was board consensus to hang the wall hanging in the terminal.
Jack Martin / The Cody Patriots- Jack Martin of the Cody Patriots provided the Board with details of an event they have planned in July which would feature Grumpy, a vintage World War II B-25 aircraft. Jack is looking for sponsors for this event. Bob Hooper visited with Wyoming Aeronautics regarding this event and the Airport was able to obtain special funding from the Aeronautics Division to help sponsor this exciting event in the amount of $5000.00. Jack Martin stated his appreciation of Bob and the Airport’s support and help. There will be an opportunity for the public to walk around and see it.
John Newton Lease Renewal- Bob Hooper requested Board approval of a 20 year lease renewal with Mr. John Newton. John Newton recused himself from discussion and vote on this topic. Bob Whisonant made a motion to approve the lease request. Bill Holder seconded the motion. All those present voted AYE, NAY none. Motion passed.
Business Park Lease Rate & Realtor Incentive- Bob Hooper recommended the Board consider revising the lease rate in the Business Park from .08 to .05 cents per square foot per year. Bob also recommended the Board establish a monetary incentive for Realtors who bring a tenant to the Business Park. The Board could consider a onetime incentive amount or a percentage of the lease amount.
Ché Eissinger has spoken to several realtors and they would be willing to show the property if there was some sort of incentive. Also if the lease rate was listed as a progressive rate starting at perhaps .04 cents per square foot and ending at .05 cents or .06 cents. Harold Musser said when he does a real estate deal that has an incentive the incentive is usually paid on the entirety of the lease. After much discussion the Board opted to table any further discussion on this item until further review could be done.
Personnel & Policy Manual / Employee Pay Scale System- Bob Hooper requested the Board establish a sub-committee to review & implement a new Employee Personnel & Policy Manual. Bob also recommended this sub-committee look into the implementation of an employee pay scale system similar to the step & grade system used by the City of Cody and handle the budget review. Doug Johnston, Craig Wilbur and Bob Whisonant offered to serve on this committee. Bryan Edwards made a motion to appoint this committee. Ché Eissinger seconded the motion. All those present voted AYE, NAY none. Motion passed.
State Aeronautics Pavement Maintenance Program- Bob Hooper requested Boar approval to submit a grant application to Wyoming Division of Aeronautics for airfield paint markings in the amount of $60,000.00. He also requested Board approval of Morrison-Maierle Task Order NO. 7 in the amount of $7,297.00 for plans, specs and construction administration of the paint markings project. This is a project that will have to be done approximately every two years. Bob Whisonant made a motion to approve the grant application to Wyoming Division of Aeronautics for airfield paint markings in the amount of $60,000.00 and to pay Morrison-Maierle Task Order No. 7 in the amount of $7,297.00. Bill Holder seconded the motion. All those present voted AYE, NAY none. Motion passed.