Sauk
Prairie Airport Minutes
July 17, 2002
Prairie du Sac Town Hall
7:00 PM
Present: Board Members: Kirk Olson, Bart Olson, Roger Thistle, Joan Weiss, Ed Miller, Doyle Curtis. Not Present: Bob Cushing and Dean Gilding.
President Kirk Olson called the meeting to order at 7:05
Motion to approve the June 19, 2002 minutes by Joan Weiss. Seconded by Ed Miller. Approved. Motion to adopt agenda by Roger Thistle. Seconded by Doyle Curtis. Approved. Motion to approve Treasurer's Report as printed by Ed Miller. Seconded by Roger Thistle. Approved.
Communications: Bart Olson read letters from Meyer Insurance of Sauk City and Mortenson, Matzelle & Meldrum from Madison expressing interest in becoming the registered agent for the airport insurance. It was agreed that there would be no savings in trying to obtain insurance from a different company but it may be beneficial to have a local registered agent.
Motion to change the airport insurance registered agent to Meyer Insurance was made by Ed Miller. Seconded by Doyle Curtis. Approved.
2003 Budget: Bart Olson presented a tentative 2003 Budget for the board to analyze as well as a fact sheet showing long-term budgeting for asphalt replacement and how the long term costs could be budgeted yearly if the municipalities would increase their funding. The board reviewed all of the asphalt replacement projects since 1987 and agreed that it would be better to budget annually for long term asphalt replacement than trying to find the money when the project is needed. Contribution requests from the local governments that support the airport will be increased according to current contribution percentages. The budget will increase from $9,775 to $21,695. Olson said, “Even if the governments do not increase their contributions at least they will be made aware of the impending long term asphalt replacement needs of the airport.”
Motion to change the 2003 budget request to reflect long-term asphalt replacement, was made by Ed Miller. Seconded by Bart Olson. Approved.
Height Zoning Ordinance & Dog Park: The board studied a map from the BOA showing the height limitations beginning at 50’ above the ground and higher for a three mile area around the Sauk Prairie Airport. This type of zoning is for radio towers and other high obstructions within 3 miles of the airport. The Height Zoning Ordinance does not cover the area close into the airport with height limitations under 50’, however, that area 475’ on either side of the centerline of the runway and 1,200’ from each end of the runway should either be owned or an easement should be purchased by the airport owner. The BOA is currently preparing a map of the airport showing the close-in height clearances, when completed Jim Jensen will appear at the next Town Board Meeting probably August 13 to discuss the Ordinance and what to do about the close-in area to the airport and hopefully what to do about the Kelly Dog Park if that issue hasn’t been resolved by that time.
At the present time the FAA is reviewing the Dog Park plan and will submit their comments to the BOA and the Sauk Prairie Airport, Inc. Board. If the Dog Park fence and light poles are found to be a hazard to aviation it is hoped that Mr. Kelly will voluntarily move them back far enough from the runway to eliminate the hazard. If he doesn’t the board may have to ask the Town and or the ET Committee to revoke his permits. If hazardous conditions are allowed to continue the airport's insurance could be cancelled or the premium increased.
President Olson had a commitment and therefore needed to leave the meeting at 8:00 PM. The remaining board resumed the meeting.
Olson Airport Proposal Report: The Village of PDS asked for an economic study of how the airport benefits PDS. Currently the BOA is conducting this study for the airport at no charge. The Board discussed the impact of the Airport on the community and ways that they could prove to the municipalities that it was indeed beneficial to have an airport. Any suggestions or comments from the hangar owners and pilots are welcomed.
Other Business: Doyle Curtis announced the local EAA Chapter is having a float in the Cow Chip parade. It will feature Al Checky’s Cassett Racer airplane on a trailer.
Motion to adjourn meeting by Ed Miller. Seconded by Doyle Curtis. Adjourned
Bart Olson, Sec.-Trea.
Next meeting August 21, 2002