CITY OF TOWER MINNESOTA

Tower Airport Commission

November 20, 2008 Meeting Minutes

Mission Statement:  Identify issues at the Tower Municipal Airport (the “Airport”) needing resolution, and to do so in the best interests of the City of Tower and the long-term development of the Airport.

Recommend to the Tower City Council actions needed that will help resolve identified issues and help the Airport prosper.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman, Brian Johnson

Roll Call:       Present:  Brian Johnson, Rick Worringer, Ed Majerle, Bruce Carlson, 

                                      Mark Weir, Tom Heinowski

                      Absent: Dean Panian, Clerk Tim Kotzian, Tony Petcha, Ray Toutloff

Visitors:     Tom Foster, Mark Meester, Casey Gavic

AGENDA

Motion was made by Tom Heinowski and seconded by Mark Weir to approve the October 23, 2008 Agenda.  A vote was taken, and the Motion was carried.

MINUTES

Motion was made by Tom Heinowski and seconded by Mark Weir to approve the Minutes of the October 23, 2008 TAC meeting.  A vote was taken, and the Motion was carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

none

COMMITTEE REPORTS

none

STANDING COMMITTEES

Chairman Johnson requested brevity in the usual meeting routine, in order to allow maximum time for the representatives of SEH to make their presentations

Airport Budget:  no report

Fuel Committee:  no report

Maintenance Committee:   no report

To-Do-List: no change

OLD BUSINESS

Tom Heinowski reported that the City of Tower will begin legal proceedings against Mesabi Bituminous as the final solution in the dispute over the unreliability of the seaplane base fueling system

NEW BUSINESS

Commission members Tony Petcha and Ray Toutloff have been dropped from the Commission, as required by the attendance rules of the TAC.  New member Ed Majerle joined the Commission, pending acceptance by the Tower City Council.  Tom Heinowski brought a request from the City Council for the TAC to prepare an ad for employment that can be sent out to the public, regarding the Airport Manager job.  A brief discussion of the required information followed, and the task was assigned to the appropriate committee.  Tom Foster, Mark Meester, and Casey Gavic from SEH flew in from St Paul to make presentations on the Tower Airport User Survey, GPS Instrument Approach, and the Snow Removal Equipment Storage Building.  Casey Gavic discussed the user survey, which she was in charge of preparing.  It is a large and detailed document which ultimately indicates that the Tower airport at this time does not support enough traffic volume and large enough aircraft to justify extending the runway to 4000 feet in length.  Additionally, the report indicates areas where the FAA would like to see improvements.  These are, in order of priority, more approach and taxi-way lights, a full length taxiway, resurfacing of the runway, and more storage hangars.  Tom Foster presented information regarding the progress of the GPS Approach.  The FAA has certified an approach for Runway 8, and it will be included in the March 2009 approach chart listing.  It was discover during certification, however, that part of the airport road extending from the campground entrance to the airport entrance penetrates the approach safety zone.  This will require relocation of that part of the road (County 697), which will be paid for by 95/5 funding from the FAA.  St Louis County will likely be responsible for the 5%, which amounts to about $2800.  The FAA would like this done as soon as feasible, and SEH recommends starting the process now.  Mr Foster and Mark Meester presented information on and answered questions about the size and features of a Snow Removal Equipment Storage Building, which the airport needs to store the new Snowplow Tractor and its’ attachments.  Discussion included  such items as building size, type, interior and exterior features, FAA requirements, location, and cost.  SEH will prepare a couple of proposals which will probably be ready for review in February.

MOTIONS – Recommendations to Tower City Council

A motion was made by Mark Weir and Seconded by Tom Heinowski to recommend to the City Council that SEH should be directed to begin the process of relocating that portion of County Road 697 which violates the safety zone for the Runway 8 GPS approach.

Motion was made by Tom Heinowski and seconded by Bruce Carlson that the meeting be adjourned.  A vote was taken, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Tower Airport Commission

September 25, 2008 Meeting Minutes

Mission Statement:  Identify issues at the Tower Municipal Airport (the “Airport”) needing resolution, and to do so in the best interests of the City of Tower and the long-term development of the Airport.

Recommend to the Tower City Council actions needed that will help resolve identified issues and help the Airport prosper.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman, Brian Johnson

Roll Call:       Present:  Brian Johnson, Rick Worringer, Dean Panian

                                     Tom Heinowski, Bruce Carlson, Mark Weir, Clerk Tim Kotzian

                        Absent:   Tony Petcha, Ray Toutloff

Visitors:   Neil Amos, Ed Majerle   

AGENDA

Motion was made by Rick Worringer and seconded by Bruce Carlson to approve the         Sept 25 2008 Agenda.  A vote was taken, and the Motion was carried.

MINUTES

Motion was made by Tom Heinowski and seconded by Dean Panian to approve the Minutes of the July TAC meeting.  A vote was taken, and the Motion was carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

none

MOTIONS – Recommendations to Tower City Council

none

COMMITTEE REPORTS

COMMITTEE   REPORTS

Fuel Committee:  Clerk Kotzian reported on the special meeting of the Tower City Council regarding the Seaplane Base Fueling problems.  The meeting was attended by representatives from Mesabi Bituminous (General Contractor), SEH (Engineering), Mcmillan Electric, and ODay (Fuel system).  It was decided by the Council, as a result of discussions with these representatives, that a letter should be sent to the General Contractor which gives all parties two weeks to resolve issues and make the proper repairs.  It was noted that the warranty is still effective.  Clerk Kotzian also mentioned that $14000 in O&M money has been received, and brushing for the GPS Approach should be completed this fall, with some touch-up next spring, and the new Tractor arrived in time to be used for one mowing.  The snow plow attachment has not yet arrived. 

NEW BUSINESS

Seaplane Base:  Some users have made suggestions to improve the Seaplane Base.  Trash cans were suggested, and also a boarding ladder for the dock.  Both ideas were discussed and rejected.  It was felt that the trash cans would become a burden due to trash accumulations from boaters, and the boarding ladder would present a strike hazard to aircraft components.  A complaint was in regard to aircraft float spray rails hanging up on the bottom edge of the dock. Neil Amos has donated 200 feet of rubber belting which the City Maintenance Crew will attach to the sides of the dock, providing an extended bump surface when the water level drops. 

Airport Manager:  Mark Weir reported on the Airport Manager Job Description prepared by his committee.  Discussion followed regarding what insurance is required and what the cost would be, and also if a contractor would be able to operate under the City’s insurance.  Various forms of compensation for the Manager were discussed.  Clerk Kotzian reported that it costs about $10,000 per year for City Hall to administer to airport management requirements.

Equipment Storage Building:  Discussion on this item included what size building will be required, what the cost would be, what items can be stored within, and if an existing hangar could be used.  It appears that obtaining funding for an existing structure is very difficult, and the only items that can be stored are snow removal related.  The size of the structure is dictated by the number of Snow Removal Units that the Tower Airport is allocated, which at this moment in time appears to be four.  Ed Marjerle mentioned that the Eveleth Airport built a 60x60 building which was adequate in size.

Motion was made by Tom Heinowski and seconded by Dean Panian that the meeting be adjourned.  A vote was taken, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

The next regularly-scheduled meeting will be held on Thursday, October 23  2008, 6:00 p.m., at the A&D Building.

Tower Airport Commission

July 24  2008 Meeting Minutes

Mission Statement:  Identify issues at the Tower Municipal Airport (the “Airport”) needing resolution, and to do so in the best interests of the City of Tower and the long-term development of the Airport.

Recommend to the Tower City Council actions needed that will help resolve identified issues and help the Airport prosper.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Vice Chairman, Rick Worringer

Roll Call:       Present:  Rick Worringer, Tom Heinowski, Bruce Carlson, Mark Weir

                        Absent:   Tony Petcha, Ray Toutloff, Dean Panian, Brian Johnson,

                                     City Clerk Tim Kotzian                           

Visitors:     Neil Amos

AGENDA

Members decided unanimously to forgo a formal agenda due to absence of Chairman

Johnson and take up any issues members felt needed attention.

MINUTES

Minutes of previous meeting will be approved at next meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Neil Amos presented valuable information regarding Licensing and Insurance requirements of any individual or company that would operate the fuel concessions at both the Airport and Seaplane Base, and also act as Airport Manager.  It was decided by the Commission that the Insurance cost would be a major obstacle to a profitable operation.  More research and discussion will be required. Mr. Amos also researched what documents are required to be posted at the Seaplane Base, and will assist in preparing them, along with several other documents to help users of the facility.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

- Mark Weir reported that copies of the newly proposed Hangar Leases will be completed soon 

- Tom Heinowski reported that the new Airport Snowblower/mower is built and awaiting installation of the custom tires.  He also read a letter to City Hall from a Seaplane Base user, suggesting some improvements to the facility, such as dock ladders and refuse containers.

NEW BUSINESS

Discussion took place about the new legislation allowing communities to operate Airports as Regional Airports instead of the typical Municipal Airport.  More research and discussion is planned to determine if Tower would benefit from this type of change.  The Commission directed Tom Heinowski to recommend to the City Council to approve proceeding with the User Survey/Runway Justification Study as prepared by SEH.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:20.

The next regularly-scheduled meeting will be held on Thursday, August 28 2008, 6:00 p.m., at the A&D Building.

Tower Airport Commission

January 3  2008 Meeting Minutes

Mission Statement:  Identify issues at the Tower Municipal Airport (the “Airport”) needing resolution, and to do so in the best interests of the City of Tower and the long-term development of the Airport.

Recommend to the Tower City Council actions needed that will help resolve identified issues and help the Airport prosper.

The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Chairman, Brian Johnson

Roll Call:       Present:  Brian Johnson, Rick Worringer, Dean Panian

                                     Tom Heinowski, Clerk Tim Kotzian

                        Absent:   Bruce Carlson,Tony Petcha, Ray Toutloff

Visitors:     none

AGENDA

Motion was made by Tom Heinowski and seconded by Rick Worringer to approve the January 3 2008 Agenda.  A vote was taken, and the Motion was carried.

MINUTES

Motion was made by Tom Heinowski and seconded by Dean Panian to approve the Minutes of the December 2007 TAC meeting.  A vote was taken, and the Motion was carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

NONE.

MOTIONS – Recommendations to Tower City Council

Motion by Tom Heinowski, seconded by Dean Panian that ‘The CIP as presented be recommended to the City Council for approval’

COMMITTEE REPORTS

STANDING COMMITTEES

Airport Budget:  none

Fuel Committee: Tom Heinowski reported on some existing problems with the seaplane base fuel system.  SEH is overseeing trouble shooting, and if system is not operational by February, strong action should be taken.  Brian Johnson also reported on the parameters for long term storage of the unused fuel in the Seaplane base tank.  Decision to be made at the February meeting regarding possible transfer to the Airport storage system.

Maintenance Committee: Brian Johnson reported that the New Holland tractor is still not on the FAA/MNDOT approved list.  February 1 is the new target date.

OLD BUSINESS

To-Do-List: no change

NEW BUSINESS

Rick Worringer suggested that the TAC committees be reorganized, in view of the new members that have recently joined. This will be added to a future agenda.

Motion was made by Tom Heinowski and seconded by Dean Panian that the meeting be adjourned.  A vote was taken, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

The next regularly-scheduled meeting will be held on Thursday, March 6 2008, 6:00 p.m., at the A&D Building.

Tower Airport Commission

May 3, 2007 Meeting Minutes

(Postponed April 26^th Meeting)

Mission Statement:  Identify issues at the Tower Municipal Airport (the “Airport”) needing resolution, and to do so in the best interests of the City of Tower and the long-term development of the Airport.

Recommend to the Tower City Council actions needed that will help resolve identified issues and help the Airport prosper.

The meeting was called to order at 6:06 p.m. by Chairman, Brian Johnson

Roll Call:       Present:  Brian Johnson, Rick Worringer, Bruce Carlson, Dean Panian,

                                         Mark Wear, Tim Kotzian

                        Absent:    Eric Heitala, Tom Heinwoski, Ron Erickson

Visitors:        Ed Marjele, Neil Amos, Tom Foster, Gary Lamppa, David Olsen

AGENDA

            A Motion was made by Rick Worringer and seconded by Bruce Carlson to approve the March 22, 2007 Agenda, as amended, with the following additions:

            Sheriff’s Department storing canine training equipment at the airport

                and also drill exercises with dogs;

            Investigating setting up an Airport Authority;

            Fuel on the Internet

   A vote was taken, and the Motion was carried.

MINUTES

            A Motion was made by Rick Worringer and seconded by Dean Panian to approve the Minutes of the March 22, 2007 TAC meeting.  A vote was taken, and the Motion was carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

            NONE

MOTIONS – Recommendations to Tower City Council

Motion was made by Rick Worringer and seconded by Dean Panian that the TAC recommend to the Tower City Council that it allow the Sheriff’s Office Canine Unit to store training equipment at the Tower Airport, as well as allow  the Unit to conduct training drills at the Tower Airport.  After discussion, a vote was taken, and the Motion was unanimously carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Standing Committees

Citizens’ Advisory Committee:  Rick Worringer reported on this discussion with this Committee.  It was agreed that issues will continue to go through the TAC, rather than City Hall.  The new protocol was reviewed. Rick will continue to be the liaison between this Committee and the TAC.  Rick Worringer suggested that signage on the taxiways regarding noise abatement be investigated, as well has having a map in the A/D building showing noise-sensitive areas.

Motion was made by Dean Panian and seconded by Mark Weir that the new Citizens’ Advisory Committee Protocol be adopted and noise-abatement signage on taxiways be looked into.   After discussion, a vote was taken and the Motion was unanimously carried.

Maintenance Committee:  Bruce Carlson reported on his and Neil Amos’ trip to Hibbing to look at, and test drive, a Holland 145 tractor.  It had two “gangs”, but no snow blower and has 105 to 110 horsepower.  Bruce called Werner Implement and advised that the suggested list price is $81,266, without tires, $83,376 without a loader bucket, and $92,981 with a loader.  Randy, of Werner, will fax to Bruce the price of a Holland 145 tractor with 3 “gangs”, loader bucket, a snow blower attachment and a blade attachment.  Bruce is going to go to the Hibbing Airport to speak with Norm, and get Norm’s advice on which accessories should be purchased.  A 20% discount is possible.  Bruce also suggested that the City of Tower maintenance crew look over and test drive the tractor.  Federal 95/5 funding can be obtained for anything to do with snow removal, and State 70/30 funding can be obtained regarding mower gangs.  Bruce will have additional information at the May 24^th meeting.

Fuel Committee:  Ron Erickson was not able to attend the meeting.  Consequently there was no Fuel Committee report.  Tim Kotzian advised that there are 1,200 gallons in the land-based fuel tank, and fuel will be ordered, regardless of price.  He is hoping that the fuel load can be shared with another airport, as has been done in the past.  Tim also advised that there are 1,500 gallons of fuel at the seaplane base.  Tim will contact Ron and the fuel will be ordered.

Select Committees:

NONE

OLD BUSINESS

To-Do-List:  See attached updated List.

Obstruction Removal:  SEH will proceed with engineering the obstruction removal so that the Tower City Council can bid out job of removing obstructions.

Airport Budget:  Due to Ron Erickson’s absence, this item has been tabled until the May 24^th meeting.

Ordinance #86:  A signed copy has been provided to the TAC by Clerk Kotzian and put in the file.

Hangar Leases:  Mark Weir will head a committee to look into updating these leases, which were modeled after the Eveleth Airport leases.  Tim Kotzian will get a copy of the current lease form to Mark.

NEW BUSINESS

Airport Layout Plan and New Hangars:  Tom Foster, of SEH, passed out information regarding updating the current Airport Layout Plan.  It is necessary to update the Plan because it is six-years old, and it does not meet FAA technical standards and existing updates (seaplane base).  In order to continue to receive Federal funding, an updated Plan is necessary.

The biggest change on the Plan is that there will not be expansion on the south-side of the runway.  Looking into several projects:  developing hangar space, development on the north side of runway, dropping the directional beacon.  Possibility of extending the access road behind the hangars.  Two possible hangar layouts: (1) single taxiway and hangars facing both north and south; (2) taxiways between hangars going north and south.

There are major wetlands on the south-side of the runway, making it difficult for access from airport property.  Would have to buy wetland credits, which is very expensive.  Can keep both plans.  If something is on the Plan, it does not have to be built; if something is not on the Plan, it cannot be built.

There is a proposed 600 foot runway extension to the east.

Money is earmarked for APL in 2008, and money is earmarked for runway extension in 2009.

It was decided to table making a recommendation to the Tower City Council until the May 24^th meeting.

Brian Johnson asked Mr. Foster about TSA rules.  There is funding available for security-related projects.  For control-access gates and lighting100%.  An outright grant could be available. Example:  $150,000 project and actual cost is $145,000, then funding is 100%.  If the project is $150,000 and the actual cost is over, only $150,000 will be given.  It is possible to get a 95/5 funding for fencing also.

A committee will be formed to look into fencing.  This item will be added to the Master Airport Plan.  It was suggested that Rick Worringer should call Mike Demulling of the New  Richmond Airport.  Dean Panian volunteered to help Rick.  Rick was asked to have information by the May 24^th meeting.

Master Plan Issues:  Mark Weir wants to look into the necessity of having a Master Airport Plan.  Tom Foster outlined the necessity.  It is about a one-year process.  In the 2007 CIP, $45,000 for Master Plan, and $15,000 for obstruction removal.

Mark stated that SEH needs guidance from the TAC as to what needs to be studied in this connection.

In response to concerns regarding the City’s hiring of SEH as its Engineer, Clerk Tim Kotzian explained that, at the City’s annual reorganization meeting held in January of each year, the Council chooses an Engineering firm for City projects, and that SEH was chosen in January 2007.

Establishing an Airport Authority:  Mr. Gary Lamppa  reported to the TAC about legislation in the works that will make it less complex to set up an Airport Authority.  This legislation would make it possible to set up a taxing district including surrounding areas: Breitung, Greenwood Township, Boise Fort, to help support the Tower Airport.  The City would still own the asset, but the Airport would be managed by the Authority.  Mr. Lamppa said he would keep the TAC in the loop on this.

Fuel on the Internet:  Brian will call Ron Erickson about this, and Neil Amos will provide Brian with the website.

Bird and Deer Problem:  Tom Rush of the DNR is going to make a presentation to the Tower City Council on deer control at the May 14^th meeting.  The problem at the airport will be addressed.  Rick Worringer will be the TAC representative at the May 14^th Tower City Council meeting.  Rick suggested that the deer and waterfowl problem should be indicated on the Tower Airport information contained in MNDOT publication containing information on all airports in the State of Minnesota.

The TAC wants to look into a 100% grant for security fencing.

Motion was made by Mark Weir and seconded by Rick Worringer that the meeting be adjourned.  A vote was taken and the Motion was unanimously carried.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:12p.m.

Next Regular Meeting:   Thursday, May 24, 2007, 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.

___________________________________

Mary C. Worringer