Sauk
Prairie Airport Minutes
August 21, 2002
Prairie du Sac Town Hall
7:00 PM
Present: Board Members: Kirk Olson, Bart Olson, Roger Thistle, Joan Weiss, Ed Miller, Doyle Curtis, and Dean Gilding. Hangar Owner: Lynn Erickson and Al Checky.
President Kirk Olson called the meeting to order at 7:05
Motion to approve the July 17, 2002 minutes by Joan Weiss. Seconded by Ed Miller. Approved. Motion to adopt agenda by Ed Miller. Seconded by Dean Gilding. Approved. Treasurer's Report was in error by $4,500 as an incorrect insurance payment was made. Payment will be refunded and a new treasurer's report will be created. Motion to approve "corrected" treasurer's report by Joan Weiss. Seconded by Doyle Curtis. Approved.
Gotta Go Portable Toilets: It was mutually agreed by several members in attendance that Gotta Go was not servicing the toilet as it should be and as has been done in the past. Payment has been made to Gotta Go through June and there has been no service since. Recommendation was made to find another service and cancel Gotta Go. Bart Olson will take care of this.
Report on 8/7/02 ET Meeting:
Bart Olson reported that the ET board listened to their recommendations and concerns about the Kelly Dog Park but were unable to make any comments. Kirk Olson presented the board with a petition from pilots opposing the Dog Park citing the 5 fence which is only 62 from the runway, light poles protruding into the FAA recommended safety air space, bright lights affecting pilots at night and the potential problems with Dog Park customers wondering onto the runway area. Bart Olson gave board members a map showing FAA recommended height limitations and pointed out that the Town leases only 16.5 acres, far less than the area needed to safely operate the airport. Current airport operation relies upon the use of neighboring properties. Olson also pointed out that by moving the fence 82 to the west it would be acceptable according to FAA rules. Olson also suggested that the ET committee violated the definition of the Rural Airport Related District by allowing the siting of a Dog Park, failed to hold a public hearing which is required when changing or adding a conditional use, failed to require FAA review which is required by Federal Law and failed to notify the Airport Board about the decision or meeting.
Olson suggested that we will have to see what the FAA review says before we can decide what steps to take next. Appealing the decision to the ET Zoning Appeals Board probably would be the first step unless the ET Committee reverses its original decision.
Town of Prairie du Sac Board Member: Joan Weiss currently represents the Town of Prairie du Sac on the Sauk Prairie Airport, Inc. Board. A motion was made by Joan Weiss that due to recent actions that could effect the future of the airport, the Sauk Prairie Airport, Inc. Board requests that a member of the Prairie du Sac Town Board occupy a seat on the airport board. Seconded by Bart Olson. Approved. At such time that a member of the Prairie du Sac Board is appointed, Joan Weiss would formally resign from her post.
Town of Prairie du Sac 8/13/02 Town Meeting: Bart Olson reported that airport zoning and height regulations were reviewed and Jim Jensen of the FAA was in attendance. Jensen stated that the Zoning Height Limitation Ordinance was only good for air space beginning at 50 above the ground within 3 miles of the airport. Air space close into the airport roughly 5,400 long by 1,000 wide should be maintained by ownership or easements according to the FAA. The Town board moved to recommend adoption of the Zoning Height Limitation Ordinance above 50 to the ET Committee. The Dog Park was also discussed in length and owner Joe Kelly was present.
Airport Economic Study: A preliminary copy of the economic study, which was sent to Olson by the BOA was reviewed. Not all airport related businesses had yet participated according to the BOA. It is hoped all businesses affected by the airport would participate to make the report as accurate as possible.
Communications: Al Checky reported that Curt Mueller offered to dismantle and haul away the old pilot shack, which is beyond repair. Motion by Ed Miller to take Mr. Mueller up on his offer. Seconded by Roger Thistle. Approved.
Other Business: Al Checky reported that the airport sign is leaning and needs to be repaired; board members will try to find someone to fix the sign or get an estimate before the next meeting.
Civil Air Patrol: Al Checky reported that the Civil Air Patrol seems to be confused as to where they may congregate at the airport, their vehicles should park at the parking lot on the southern part of the airport and airplanes can be boarded in that area, they should not be driving too or congregating at the northern part of the airport near Al Checkys maintenance area. Bart Olson offered to talk to them and let them know where they are permitted to be.
Other Business: Al Checky stated that there is an alarming increase in "unofficial traffic" at the airport and he and others are concerned that there may be damage to items at the airport or an injury from people wandering around near the runway or the airplanes. Al suggested a security gate would stop people from getting too close to the runway and hopefully divert traffic towards the parking lot. Bart Olson offered to look into prices before the next meeting.
Motion to adjourn meeting by Ed Miller. Seconded by Roger Thistle. Adjourned
Bart Olson, Sec.-Trea.
Next meeting September 18, 2002