Manager Michael Pfeifer’s report to the Carroll County Airport Commission at its July 20 meeting led to a most vigorous discussion centered on necessary investments on infrastructure and necessary improvements to hangars, and how to pay for it all.
Pfeifer said because grant funds have been announced for refurbishing the 60×60-ft. hangar at the south edge of the property, it is being gutted and prepared for rehabbing. He has identified a contractor for installing a door to the building, and a company can make the door within two months. Commissioners approved Pfeifer’s choice of the door installer. They also approved his choice of a company to install the heating.
He said he would determine the rent cost for hangar based on area demand, and has had several offers already for renting the building, including one that morning. He suggested a monthly rent of $450-500.
Commissioner Dave Teigen observed the building would have a new door, plus heat and air, so he moved to set monthly rent at $600 for one lessee with no sub-lessors. His motion carried.
Pfeifer continued that he will create a spreadsheet requested by the Quorum Court regarding leases and the fact there is no subleasing. He also pointed out that the airport has provided every financial document the Quorum Court has asked for since he arrived, yet support from the county has decreased each year.
Commissioner Sandy Martin pointed out the relationship with the Quorum Court is much better now with disharmony fading, which bodes well for the future.
Chase Tresler said he was not sure CCA would ever be totally self-sufficient and devoid of county support. Teigen right away respectfully disagreed, claiming CCA could support itself in time but needed the help of the Quorum Court. “If the county would help CCA could get as many as ten more hangars on the south part of the property, we might not need to bug them again,” Teigen said.
Tresler acknowledged Teigen’s point, but still wanted the county to help maintain the airport.
Teigen added that there is tremendous expansion in the I-49 corridor and some of the new money is transferring to Carroll County, plus there are more people arriving now from Colorado and beyond. The recent Fat Tire Festival drew 520 bikers to Eureka Springs for a weekend, and CCA should make sure it is poised to welcome a new wave of visitors.
Martin said the hang-ups every budget year are maintenance issues on county property. “If the Quorum Court would help with improvements on county property, CCA would move forward. It’s their investment,” she remarked.
Martin and Pfeifer will continue to follow up with the Quorum Court.
Send in the drones
Martin spoke up for getting drone video footage of the airport and developing a two-minute marketing video. She suggested sending it to flying clubs and posting it on the Berryville website. Tresler pointed out the video could also be shot from a plane, and Pfeifer added that he saw an impressive video of a drone following a plane as it took off and landed.
Commissioners liked the video idea and Pfeifer will follow up.
In the final bit of business, commissioners accepted the resignation of Jason Tennant, which opens up a seat on the commission.
Next meeting will be Friday, August 17, at noon at CCA.