Airport – September 5, 2023

Meeting Minutes

Airport Board Meeting Sept 5, 2023

Time: 5:30 PM PDT
Airport Terminal Building Pilot’s Lounge
Present: Pat Gardiner, Don Jordan, Jay Wages, Scott Hittle, Mark Weber
Trey Dail from Ardurra, Dave Parker, Airport Manager.

– August minutes approved with minor correction

– Environmental Assessment. Trey Dail reported that the Environmental Assessment final document should be submitted this week. This document must be finalized before Jan 15 to meet obligations for future projects.

– Slope Stabilization Project. Trey reported that the access/construction easement with the primary landowner for the project has been finalized, however, an adjacent landowner has rejected the request for a very small easement to improve construction access. Trey will do a work around so it does not hold up construction, S&L underground (Shem Johnson) has the construction contract, but is asking about postponing the work until spring. The project should take 40 days and will require 5 days of runway restriction or closure.

– North Bench Firehall lease. Tevis is working on the legal agreement. Will be for a 150’x150’ land lease at $.15 / sq ft annually. This will be a 5-year lease.

– Iron Mike fitness center has verbally agreed with Dave Parker on a 150’x55’ land lease for parking area. Lease rate is $.15 / sq ft annually, 5-year lease.

– Hangar construction and update. The Kramer hangar is progressing well, good construction. Hangar C3 has been sold to a Sandpoint Pilot, lease paperwork in process. The former Timberchopper Hangar “L” is being rebuilt and expanded, but it doesn’t appear work has been accomplished in the last couple months.

Bert Wolf’s ground lease for his 8 bay and 4 bay hangars is expiring soon, and the Airport Board has recommended the lease not be renewed. The Board feels that the buildings have deteriorated enough to have serious potential for structural failure. The existing trusses do not appear to have been built to current standards and connections have deteriorated over time. The hangars only house two aircraft that are known to occasionally fly. The structures are not in good enough shape to attract most aircraft owners. The Board feels that the 8 bay should be replaced with modern T hangars that would be used by aircraft regularly flown. The 4-bay could be replaced; or use that space for additional parking.
Bert Wolf disputes the Board’s opinion and will consult an attorney.

– Idaho Grant for Aviation Use. Trey reports that an aviation group that represents larger airports has expressed dissatisfaction with how Idaho grant match money is allocated. Currently, small public airports might receive 2%-3% grant match from Idaho. Large commercial airports typically do not get any. The limited money Idaho Dept of Aeronautics has for grant match can be spread to several small airports; if they try to fund the large commercial airport projects, little would be left for small public airports use.

– Airport Manager update. Jay and Dave met with the County Commissioners; discussed upcoming projects and grant match, farm lease, North Bench Fire and Iron Mike ground leases. Runway lights were maintained, normal mowing, maintenance and weed control. Bonners Ferry currently has 85 based aircraft.

– Hittle ministorage. Ministorage being built adjacent to the Airport on the East side. They will submit a form 7460-1 to the FAA to verify height clearance. This is a good activity for proximity to the Airport; little safety or noise concern.

adjourned at approx. 6:30 pm

Fuel Sales
100LL 3565
JETA 1474