03-16-2006 APM+HUTCHINSON AIRPORT COMMISSION
March 16, 2006
5:30 p.m.
Airport Arrival/Departure Building
Minutes
Members present: Dave Skaar, Doug McGraw, Dick Freeman, Joel Schwarze
Members absent: Chuck Brill
Others Present: John Olson, City of Hutchinson; Tom Parker, Hutchinson Aviation; Ray Wilson, Life
Link III; Julie Neuharth; Tim Miller; John Miller; Brent Reiner
Meeting called to order at 5:36 p.m. There was a quorum of members present.
1. Approve Minutes of January 19, 2006 & February 14, 2006 meetings
Motion made by Freeman, second by Schwarze to approve minutes. Unanimous approval.
2. Skydive Hutchinson Building
1) Appraisal of Skydive Hutchinson property. Sorenson Appraisal will be asked to perform the appraisal
on the building /site and, separately, the remaining bare land. Once the appraisal is received, the Eakins
will be contacted to see if they would be interested. The appraisal document serves as the basis for
FAA financing. TKDA will not proceed with Environmental Worksheets unless directed, once it is
determined whether there is interest expressed by the Eakins.
2) There would be a potential partnership opportunity between the airport and Trailblazer Transit if the
building were constructed. Trailblazer is planning to construct a bus garage and office space in
Hutchinson.
3) The CIP update is required. Once the interest of the Eakins has been determined, the actual use of CIP
money will be better planned. The airport has over $300,000 of available AIP funding from FAA for
eligible projects.
4) Construction of a hangar will be the highest priority if Skydive Hutchinson is not available.
3. Review private and /or commercial operations activitv
1) Life Link III — Life Link III has been on the field for approximately 1 year. The term of their lease is
18- months.
Commissioners relayed the community's appreciation of Life Link III's service to Mr. Ray
Wilson, a Life Link III pilot. Mr. Wilson reported that Life Link III had been well received in the
community and that there was positive correlation in the community between their presence here
and airport operations.
Mr. Wilson discussed, in general terms, Life Link III's plans to concentrate on the Hutchinson
operations once their building in New Richmond, WI was completed. Mr. Wilson reported that he
had been to the new hangar in New Richmond recently and the building is nearing completion so
in a short time, it would be expected that there would be proposals drafted for construction at
Hutchinson.
2) Olson reminded Commissioners of a potential request for establishment of a tandem jump skydiving
operation on the field. Originally, the interested party was directed to Skydive Hutchinson, to see
if there would be a possibility for an acquisition. The proposed operations, however, would be
much more limited in scope, making acquisition of Skydive Hutchinson unfeasible. Discussion of
necessary conditions will be held when the interested party submits a specific proposal.
Airport Commission
Minutes
March 16, 2006
Page 2
5. Operational Issues
1) The annual Minnesota Airport Symposium will be held in Willmar, MN on April 19 -21, 2006.
Typically only one person from the City can attend the Symposium because of the lodging costs.
Because commute to Willmar is reasonable, up to three people attend the Symposium. The amount
included in the existing budget would cover three $135 registration fees. The following personnel
are planning to attend the Symposium: Skaar, Freeman & Olson
2) Commissioners requested that a pedestal be purchased for a visitor log, to be placed in a prominent
place in the lobby. Also, Commissioners requested a sign be posted at the fuel pumps indicating
the desire for transient aircraft to sign in.
3) Tom Parker indicated that an economic impact study was facilitated by AOPA for the Crystal Airport
(MAC). A recent article indicated that the MAC had accepted the AOPA report, which highlighted
the significant economic impact of the airport. Olson reported that there is an economic impact
calculator, designed by the AirTAP program (U of M), which may be a helpful tool to consider
using as we could more easily communicate the airport's economic impact on Hutchinson.
6. Other Discussions
1) Olson reported that the Ken Butler print was hung at Airport Lobby.
2) City Director of Planning/Bldg /Zoning Dept., scheduled for this meeting, has resigned.
Commissioners expressed their desire schedule a meeting with the new Director soon after he /she
arrives. Zoning to protect the airport will be crucial as development continues to move closer. Also,
air traffic easements should be considered in new developments that may lie within traditional flight
paths.
3) Installing concrete pads for heavier jets had previously been discussed. Twice in the last few years, a
large jet aircraft has sunk into the bituminous apron on hot, sunny days. Parking at least the main
landing gear of these larger aircraft on concrete, approximately 4' x 150', would avoid this problem in
the future. Further discussions will be held at the next meeting.
New Business
1) Brent Reiner inquired whether the Airport Commission would consider a proposal to expand private
hangars on the field, considering required apron/taxi lane would also be privately constructed. Mr.
Reiner received a set of airport plans identifying the typical section of asphalt for his review.
Olson was directed to set up a meeting between Mr. Reiner, TKDA, and airport staff to review any
proposal. Olson will also send Mr. Reiner a copy of the Airport's Minimum Standards for his
review.
At 6:55, a motion to adjourn was made by Schwarze, second by Freeman. Unanimous approval.
NEXT MEETING: Thursday April 27, 2006 — 5:30 p.m. at the Airport Arrival/Departure Building