Minutes of the regular meeting held April 18, 2006

Members Present: Chairman, Ken Thomas; Henry Smith, Paty Huddy, Jake Hutter, Gerry Higgs, Harold Miller.

City Staff: Parks Director, Darwin Baranski; Airport Manager, Doug Dodge.

Others: Charles Binder, Nick Staudacher, Jerry Clayton.

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:05p.m.

The minutes of the previous meeting were correct.

Airport Manager’s report: The Manager attended the last City Commission meeting and answered questions about the grant of $350,000.00 offered by Michigan Aeronautics Commission for runway lighting at James Clements Airport. The Commissioners voted to accept the grant.

Dodge said the Ground Communication Outlet has not been functioning for some time and recommended cancellation of this.  Some discussion followed and general agreement.  A Weather Systems International program is available for $67.00 a month.  The committee felt it should be adopted.

The Airport Manager said that the FAA is studying the needs of runway length for the new small jets now being produced.  Binder interjected that use of the airport by large aircraft had to be documented.  Dodge felt that requirements for this are in the change mode and we should wait until the agency decides.

Darwin Baranski’s report: He presented a review of the airport’s strategic plan, and the board members had discussions about topics in his printed outline. The near future may still bring the Sea Plane Base, and farther distant: possible Airport Authority, and runway extension.

Valley Aero Club report: Smith reported that May 13 the airport will host a Pilot Proficiency Day.  This is a safety seminar for pilots of the Michigan area.  The FAA will send two speakers for this event. He also said that the Father’s Day Breakfast will go on as usual.  The Air Show is well along with event planning

PUBLIC INPUT: FBO Jerry Clayton inquired when gas would be available on the field.  Baranski indicated he thought it would be ready to sell on May 1. Staudacher and Clayton both made inquiries concerning FBO agreements with the City.  After discussion, Baranski said he would look into the matter.

Binder inquired if John Meyer, the architect, had met with Baranski. “Not yet”. On another matter the hangar owners are paying a trash pickup fee of ten dollars a month and they wonder what service they are getting.  Some committee members offered to help build a trash corral to keep the trash from being unsightly.

Proposals for airport Manager were discussed.  Meeting adjourned at 9:00

Minutes recorded by G. Higgs