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Mr. Otto also explained how publicly owned airports are eligible for State cost sharing for <br />operations and maintenance and for building improvement projects such as hangars. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cich noted that the airport master plan study addresses costs associated <br />with municipal ownership of an airport as of 1987 and inquired as to the current figures. <br /> <br />Mr. Otto replied that there would be no city employees at the airport; it would be publicly <br />owned but not publicly operated. City expenses would involve mowing grass, <br />snowplowing, insurance, etc. Mr. Otto stated that typically in airports the size of Gateway, <br />the annual expenses including insurance, are approximately $16,000-$20,000. <br /> <br />A brief discussion ensued to again review the conflict between the airport and the landfill. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson stated that in his opinion, the benefit from an airport is minimal <br />and the public has made known their intention for no airport. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Peterson and seconded by Councilmember Cich to direct City <br />Staff to draft an ordinance to abolish the Airport Commission. <br /> <br />Further Discussion: Councilmember Cich stated that in his opinion, the requirement to <br />develop the airport with an east/west crosswind runway would jeopardize the Mississippi <br />River bridge crossing. Airport Commission Chairman Ippel stated that he attended the <br />meetings at Mn/DOT with Mefland Otto and the Mississippi River bridge crossing is being <br />taken into consideration; all Mn/DOT is asking is that the feasibility of a crosswind runway <br />be looked at. Mr. Ippel noted that an additional meeting to reach a consensus on what <br />Mn/DOT is expecting and what Ramsey is expecting is not an additional expenditure of <br />dollars; considering the time and money spent thus far, to not follow through with the <br />meeting would be a mistake. Councilmember Cich stated that the people have said no the <br />issue should not be prolonged. Mayor Reimann agreed that after all the work that has been <br />done, one more meeting with Mn/DOT will not hurt. Councilmember Pearson stated that <br />the results of the airport zoning referendum tell him that the people are saying no to the <br />airport. Councilmember DeLuca stated that airport zoning is necessary if there is an airport; <br />using the airport zoning ordinance to defeat the issue of whether the City should participate <br />in the airport improvements was wrong. Councilmember DeLuca explained that if there is <br />an airport, the City should provide for the safety of the people with a zoning ordinance; <br />whether or not the airport is improved is another issue. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson restated his motion to direct City Staff to draft an ordinance for <br />City Council introduction that would abolish the Airport Commission. Councilmember <br />Cich confirmed his second to the motion. <br /> <br />Further Discussion: Councilmember Pearson inquired if this motion would terminate <br />anything the City has to do with the airport. Mr. Goodrich replied that if adopted, the <br />ordinance would terminate the Airport Commission; if it is the Council's desire, it would <br />have to make additional motions regarding any further City participation in airport issues. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Peterson, Cich and Pearson. Voting No: <br />Mayor Reimann and Councilmember DeLuca. <br /> <br />Mayor Reimann stated that he would still like a meeting scheduled with Mn/DOT and that <br />he would like to attend that meeting. <br /> <br />City Council/January 23, 1990 <br /> Page 10 of 16 <br /> <br /> <br />