The Warsaw Aviation Board began its first meeting of 2011 with election of officers and was presented with a brief overview of the proposed capital improvement projects.
Ken Ross, of NGC Corp., Indianapolis, presented the engineer's report and the capital improvement projects proposal.
Runway 18 tree removal work started Jan. 4, and is expected to be completed in the next two or three weeks. Invoices for the work and payment to the land owner will be handled at next month's meeting.
As part of the capital improvement projects, the first item of concern is the power line project.
The proposal is to lower power lines near the airport east of CR 175E.
"We have been in discussions with the FAA about the next steps," Ross said. "We need to go ahead and start doing some of the environmental work necessary, with the wetland research as a part of the scope and already approved. They think we need to do what we can with the power lines and starting the environmental process and seeing what kind of runway length that would support." This process will also include an archaeological assessment.
Ross then gave a proposed timeline for all the capital improvement projects the airport would like to have completed.
The power line project, along with the need to remove the displaced runway threshold, which involves CR 100E, can be regarded as one project. If approved, the actual power line lowering would not take place until 2012.
The next proposed phase is the displaced threshold relocation, in 2013. With the power lines lowered, the proposed relocation/rerouting of CR 100E, if approved, could then be done.
Also in 2013, an approach light system, known as a MALSF, would be installed. This would be paid for with local funds, since it is not eligible for FAA money.
2014 will bring an updated airport layout proposal, known as an ALP. The current plan has not been updated since 1999. This would also allow the airport to comply with several FAA standards that have evolved over the years.
In 2015, the installation of a medium intensity taxiway lighting system, along with a new aircraft parking apron, would be completed.
The extension of north/south runway 27 is proposed for 2016.
This project is considered a separate program. Also in 2016, the board is interested in replacing the aging administration building and locating a new structure in a more central part of the airport. This would likely be constructed using local money. The project also would provide for the construction of a new 13,200 square foot parking area for the terminal.
Ross stressed that these are proposals, and relocating CR 100E, if approved, "... is something way off in the future."
A question was raised by Tony Miller who was in attendance, concerning why does the city have an airport board when they could have an airport authority?
Currently, the airport is city owned. By changing the board to an authority, it would include county input, which would also include the county in the airport's tax base.
It was mentioned that years ago, the authority idea had been discussed but no interest was shown by county officials at that time. The issue of creating an airport authority has again been considered, but for now, no further action has been taken.
Jay Rigdon will continue as board president, with Gene Zale as vice president. Dr. Paul Grossnickle will serve as secretary. Originally, Mayor Wiggins was scheduled to administer the oath of office to board members John Yingling and Grossnickle, but was called away to Indianapolis.
Rigdon assured everyone that it was legal to continue.
In other business:
n Total FAA funds in fiscal year 2011 are $469,078.
n Two local farmers signed land lease agreements with the board. Max Deatsman will lease 52 acres for 3 years, at $110 per acre; and Kip Tom will lease 40 acres for 2 years with a one-year option at $110 per acre.
n Hangar leases were extended for 10 years to Blaske/Goshert (hangar 22), Hunter Carlile (hangar 21A), and Marshall Heckaman (hangar 24). Heckaman also has a 10-year option.
n William Dean will lease hangar 18F for $150 monthly.
n The board approved $205,531.27 in payment for claims from the previous month.
Aviation board members are Rigdon, Zale, Yingling, Grossnickle and Joe Thallermer, who is a non-voting Warsaw City Council liason.
