Sauk
Prairie Airport Minutes
Board of Director's Meeting
Prairie du Sac Town Hall
7:00 PM
PRESENT: Jim Kazmierczak, Ron Lins, Doyle Curtis, George Kaupas, Ed Miller and Dennis Kirch. Ron came at 7:15.
Doyle Curtis called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM, Nov. 19, 2003 at Town Hall, Jim/Ed moved and seconded to except agenda. Passed.
Minutes from 9-24-03 were reviewed, Jim noted that he believed that the insurance coverage was still at $2,000,000.00 instead of the $1,000,000.00 he reported after reviewing the policy he had received, but was going to check with Wings to confirm. George/Ed. Passed. (No Meeting in October)
Jim gave treasurer's report, - Ed/George. Passed.
Jim received $6.00 for tie down fees.
Jim handed out the 2004 budget. Jim pointed out attorney fees not yet paid in 2003 and other charges such as electric not known at this time and estimated attorney fees for 2004. This would put the airport in the red. The mowing for 2004 was discussed in length and members will be seeking alternatives this winter. With adjustments (Sauk Co. gave no Money for 2004) and Jim announcing Mueller's contribution of $10,000.00 Ed/George, Passed (see 2004 budget dated 11-19-03).
Jim handed out rewrite of the Bylaws. No Action.
OLD BUSINESS:A. Jim reported that he had called the runway repair company to talk about the crack filling job and they said the $6,000.00 charge was paid. Jim asked her to double check and get back to him, to date Jim has not heard anything. No Action.
B. Jim reported that the airport board had talked about user fees and/or ordinances as a fund raiser for the airport. After discussion no action will be taken at this time because Jim said the SPAA was looking into this issue.
C. Jim reported that the Port-a-Pot would resume service in spring. No Action.
D. Ron reported the Sauk Prairie Comprehensive Planning Committee was putting a focus group together and Ron was looking for a resident rep. from the airport. Jim suggested Murlee Bahr, Bill Henning or Dave Lukens.
E. As Jim reported in the budget the County denied the airport’s request for funds in 2004. Jim noted that the vote was a tie, 15-15. Jim also noted that Halsey had said that he believed that Rose White (Sauk) and Henry Netzinger (Prairie du Sac) voted against the airport receiving funds. No
Action.No other old business.
NEW BUSINESS:
Kirk Olson addressed the board on two issues; 1. The State's Economic Study and 2. Mrs. Malay’s Property to the north of the runway. 1. Kirk reported that he was at the Village of Prairie du Sac’s Board Meeting Nov. 11th when Jim was explaining the SPAA’s recent ad to the board. Kirk noted that Paul Dettmann called the WI DOT, Bureau of Aeronautics Economic Impact Study trash and indicated that it was not worth anything. Kirk pointed out that Jim told the board he disagreed with Paul that the study does show that the airport contributes to the local economy and ask Paul just how much he thinks the airport contributes to the local economy. Jim asked if not 1.5 million, is it 900,000.00, 6,000.000.00 or just what. Paul agreed that possibly the airport contributed $50,000.00 to the community. Kirk seemed to be concerned that Bart’s input into the study was being seen as swayed and untrue and pointed out that Bart’s information came from a survey(s) Bart had sent out to the hangar owners and flying public who are know to use the airport. Kirk asked the SPA, Inc. to endorse or make official comment on this report and send this to the Village. No Action at this time, but Jim said the SPAA basically agreed with Kirk and that something would be done. 2. Kirk suggested the SPA, Inc. or SPAA approach Mrs. Malay to seek buying land from her to lengthen the runway. Paul had stated that he would “never allow that land to be taken.” But if the SPA, Inc. or the SPAA or someone would approach her, maybe an agreement could be reached and help the airport. Kirk also noted that time is running out for this airport to receive federal funds. After lengthy discussion and Jim stating that things were in the works. No Action.
Communications:
A 1. Jim received a letter form the Lead Pilot of Med Flight supporting the airport. No Action
2. Jim Reported that he had sent discovery documentation copies to Bart Olson’s attorney as he had requested.
3. Jim reported that Doyle and he had been deposed on 11-14-03 in Madison by Bart’s attorney, and that the SPA, Inc.’s attorney suggested our next step. After discussion, Jim/Ed moved and seconded to tell our attorneys to proceed with their suggestion concerning SPA, Inc.’s suit with Bart and his fence. Passed.
4. Jim informed the board that he had talked to Curt Mueller concerning the history and future of the airport. Jim reported that after telling Curt that he thought the biggest threat to the airport was funds or lack there of, Curt suggested Jim or “you guys” should have a fund raiser with the goal of $250,000.00 and gave Jim a check in the amount of $10,000.00 to the SPA, Inc. to get the ball rolling. Curt also stated that the hangar owners better get off their behinds also, which Jim and many others agree with. Jim/Ed moved and seconded to accept Curt’s $10,000.00 and Jim will write a letter of appreciation to Curt. Passed
Other New Business:
B. Jim brought up discussion about buying or leasing property needed for airport easements/buffer zones, after discussion. No Action.
C. Jim reported that he attended the Town Meeting 11-18-03 to confirm the agreement with the SPA, Inc. Jim reported that the SPA, Inc. is to take care of the airport and any funds in SPA, Inc. control belongs to the SPA, Inc. to use at their discretion. After a discussion about attorney fees, no action.
D. Jim presented a draft or discussion items concerning the airport fund raiser. After lengthy discussion, the board agreed to set up a sub checking account of SPA, Inc. at the Bank of Prairie du Sac under the name of “Airport Improvement Fund” (AIF). Either the President or Treasurer of SPA, Inc. are authorized to endorse AIF’s checks. The goal of the fund raiser is set at $250,000.00 and the SPA, Inc. will be in control of this fund in the form of special sessions of the board. Jim said he had contacted professionals as to the management of the funds and suggested that the board brainstorm until the next meeting of the board as to the particulars of the
fund raising process. (What can the funds be used for, how to raise the funds, etc.). Jim will write and present a letter of intent to the board at the next meeting for review and release as a news release statement of the Airport Improvement Fund.E. Jim explained the SPAA’s ad. No Action.
F. Doyle said after talking to Dean Gilding that Dean would be resigning from the board ASAP. Doyle will talk to Dean and if Dean agrees the board will seek a replacement for Dean. Jim suggested a rep. from the Village of Sauk and that he will pursue this, the board agreed.
NEXT MEETING: 7 PM, Dec. 17, 2003 at the Town of Prairie Du Sac, Town Hall
Adjourn: 9:45 PM Ed/Ron
Jim Kazmierczak, Sec. /Treas. 11-22-03