At a meeting on July 20, members of the Carroll County Airport Commission considered some future projects.
Consulting engineer Joey Wallace said he is taking bids on an extension to apron areas. He also discussed future grant possibilities. Removing an old hangar at the western end of the airport will allow space for more new hangars, although some extensive dirt work will be required to create the space needed.
On a smaller scale, the commissioners voted to spend $2,500 to repair a drop-off at the western end of the runway.
The commission also
- Commissioner Morris Pate had previously discussed replacing grassy areas between some hangars with asphalt, and he raised the topic again last week. He said asphalt in those areas would eliminate some tedious mowing and would alleviate muddy conditions. He suggested getting an estimate.
Commissioner Chase Tresler said the airport would need grant money for such a project. He also mentioned drainage problems and hangar elevations that would require complicated planning. Some hangars in that area will be demolished and replaced, and any asphalt additions should be postponed until that time.
- Pate asked if the commission had received an estimate on a generator. Airport Manager Mark Pepple said he had not heard an estimate yet but will follow up. A generator large enough to run the terminal and the runway lights would cost between six and seven thousand dollars. Some commissioners said propane would be a better fuel than diesel, which would deteriorate in the tank over time.
- Only one application was received to replace commissioner Mark Minton, who is stepping down. Walt Kenyon was unanimously approved to replace him, and Chair Dave Teigen said, “He’ll be an asset to the commission.” Kenyon was not in attendance and will be sworn in at a later date.
- Pepple reported an uptick in fuel sales during June, and predicted increased sales to pilots bound for the annual fly-in to Oshkosh, Wis. He also reported on various aspects of grounds maintenance.
- A Fly-in was scheduled for the following day.
- A courtesy car broke down while in use, and the engine may be beyond repair. The vehicle only had 80,000 miles on the odometer, and commissioners were disappointed at the loss. They discussed searching salvage yards for a replacement engine. Those using the courtesy cars are responsible in case of accident, but not mechanical failure, so the commission will have to pay to repair or replace the car.
- Insurance will cover the cost of replacing a section of fencing damaged when a tree fell during a storm. Approximately 70 feet of fencing will be replaced.
- A hangar lessee whose lease is about to expire asked about extending his lease with a block payment for several years at once. The airport currently has a variety of leases, and commissioners saw no problem in accommodating the request.
However, they argued over including annual increases. Some wanted to include an annual three-percent bump, but Tresler noted that the airport did not have a price increase last year, and assessing increases might penalize the tenant.
Pepple noted that the lease price is already low. Teigen said a three-percent annual increase would not be unusual at other airports. “We’re filling (new hangars) as quickly as we can build them,” he said. After a lengthy discussion, commissioners agreed to a single three-percent raise, provided the tenant pays the entire amount in advance.