AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD 09-07-2023

- The board approved the June 1 meeting minutes and then heard a manager’s report focused on airport operations, staffing, and upcoming winter needs. - The airport received approval for an EV charging station grant, and staff said the award paperwork for the grant must be completed quickly due to the FAA’s year-end deadline. - Snow removal planning was a major topic: management said construction companies were unable to bid, Cache County Public Works submitted a five-year proposal, and the airport is leaning toward that option at roughly $170,000-$200,000 per year. The board asked for more detail on equipment ownership, maintenance, and what happens after the five-year term. - Staff said two non-CDL employees were hired for inspection/holiday work, but the airport still has not found qualified CDL drivers for snow removal. Management also noted a good working relationship with the airport mechanic who is keeping equipment operational. - The board discussed whether to review rental and tie-down rates more regularly instead of waiting many years between major increases. Management said more frequent, smaller adjustments could reduce the need for large future funding requests. - Cache County Assessor Brent introduced the hangar reappraisal process, explaining that hangars are reassessed every five years and were revalued for the 2023 tax year. He said hangar values rose about 57% on average, but taxes should remain roughly comparable to 2018-2019 levels because tax rates have generally declined. - The assessor said there have been few protests so far, with the appeal deadline set for September 15. He encouraged owners to bring data and participate in public hearings if they want to challenge valuations or rates. - Armstrong/Lochner updated the board on airport grants and capital planning, including the new state “Black Cat” project system and the EV grant, which is expected to total about $183,000 with a local/state match. They also outlined future funding targets for pavement preservation, snow removal equipment, and equipment storage. - The airport master plan remains in progress, with FAA comments finally returned on the operations forecast. Consultants said updated counts show the airport is far busier than FAA records indicated, which could help qualify the crosswind runway and Taxiway Charlie for federal funding. - The board reviewed a directional sign project and debated whether to pay extra to keep all signs from the same manufacturer; members leaned against the added cost because the alternative meets FAA specs and the difference is mainly a maintenance convenience. - Campbell Scientific’s CEO spoke in support of the airport, describing how useful the runway lights and signage were during a recent snowstorm landing. He also briefly highlighted the company’s aviation and weather-sensing technology and its long-term connection to the airport.