HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes January 10, 2024
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Rexburg/Madison County
Joint Airport Board
Minutes
January 10, 2024
Those in Attendance:
Airport Board Members: Todd Smith – County Commissioner
Criag Cobia Colin Ericson - City Council Liaison
Rob Webster Matt Nielson – City of Rexburg CFO
Wade Bowman Keith Davidson – Staff Liaison/Public Works
Natalie Powell – Compliance/Minutes
Those that asked to be excused: David Taylor, Randy Sutton, Ray Pocock and Mark Jensen
Public Works Director Keith Davidson – Welcomed all those in attendance and excused Chairman
Taylor
Public Works Director Keith Davidson – He began his update to the board members with a review
of his meeting yesterday with the new engineering firm. He reminded those in attendance that the
original engineering firm was GDA they were bought out by TO who has recently been bought out
by Ardura. He stated it is a process of companies getting bought out by bigger companies. However,
all the contacts stayed the same, they are just operating under the new name Ardura. Keith said they
are moving forward with the grants for the environmental study and getting clearances out there. It
will take some time as they are working through that. We are probably going to be having monthly
meetings with them just to make sure everything is staying on track. Currently, everything is moving
forward and looks good.
Keith Davidson moved onto the current bids. He stated we did get bids for a cover to go over the
snowplow equipment. The low bid was $48,556. Keith talked to CFO Matt Nielson and was told we
have $10,000 saved up, which isn’t nearly enough. Keith opened the discussion about it and asked if
there would there be any chance there is any hangar space available that we could rent to put stuff
in?
Rob Webster said not a chance. He said no one has built any hangars in years because of the
relocation project.
Keith was thinking that Lewis Hart might have extra space he would rent out. Discussion took
place.
City Council member Colin Erickson informed the board members that he had tried to rent space
from Lewis to store the train in and Lewis had indicated he didn’t have any extra space available.
Rob said a number of pilots have a good size hangar for one plane, he said he had two in his. Keith
said if there is room in any hangar he would like to get the word out that we need to rent space to
store the snow equipment but if all are full then it isn’t an option.
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Rob said it sure would be nice to get that new equipment in out of the elements. He asked if the
county has space available.
Todd Smith stated they don’t have any extra room; they are completely full.
Keith Davidson mentioned he spoke with Greg McInns who does the plowing at the airport, and he
said the truck has been having some hydraulic issues lately, but they are working through it.
Todd Smith stated in the summer you could use the sand shed to store the equipment out of the sun
but it’s really the harsh winter months that you are trying to protect it from.
Keith Davidson stated the spot he was looking at putting in a shelter was right by the gate that is
always closed because we do have power there. We could tap off the power right there and run it in
to plug in tractors and operate the overhead door.
Rob Webster asked if the total price of $48,556 was the total installed price?
Keith stated it is a 32 by 42 with a 14x14 door and a total height of 24 feet. He said it is $18,900 is
the cost of the installation so it’s like a $30,000 structure. Both ends will be enclosed. We would
have to go buy a few extras because you’d use those Lego blocks for the base and fill in the ends,
anchor it, put the cams over the top of it. Keith said he will meet with Matt and see if there is any
way to make it work in the budget. It wouldn’t be available until springtime, so we’ll just have to
continue how we are currently operating.
Keith opened discussion for the board members to voice any concerns they have about the airport.
Rob Webster stated he has a concern about the lack of security. Discussion took place concerning
the codes being changed at the gates. Keith stated he hasn’t had an opportunity to look into if and
how we can change those codes easily. He wants to see how the best way would be to cycle the gate
code. Rob said it would be a good idea. He said he knows there are people going in there that have
no business going in there. It would be nice for all of us to be on a little bit better guard. Keith said if
people see someone or something suspicious, they report it similar to a neighborhood watch
program. Rob requested the Police Department put out a special watch.
Colin Erickson told Natalie a reminder to the PD for extra patrol would be appropriate. Cameras
were discussed. They are just too pricey right now with the three gates needing to be monitored.
Todd Smith asked if there has been any vandalism? Rob said no, not that he is aware of, however
there is always a concern.
Meeting was adjourned until February 7, 2024