Laserfiche WebLink
Airport Commission members had not been of one mind with regards to the future of the <br />airport. Tonight the options and opinions could be explored. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley stated that Merland Otto has been working on the airport issue and would <br />report on the technical side of where we're at and what's been accomplished. <br /> <br />Merland Otto gave a background on the airport's improvement program and also <br />background on the funding that would be available to the airport if it were to become a <br />municipally owned. Mr. Otto had prepared and attached a report (see Exhibit "A") <br />regarding the City's expense thus far and also questions and answers regarding the airport <br />status. He also explained that most activity by the Airport Commission had ceased since <br />February. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson scanned the highlights from an article in the June, 1990 Metro <br />Monitor. It talked about a squeeze for airspace and they recommended two choices. One <br />choice was to upgrade the Anoka Blaine County Airport with regards to the runway and <br />tower and if that wasn't feasible, the other choice was to enhance Gateway North Airport. <br />Councilmember Peterson asked who's cost it would be if Gateway North Airport was <br />"enhanced". <br /> <br />Commissioner Barnes answered if the airport is municipally owned, the City would bear <br />10% of the cost, however, if MAC purchased the airport, they may possibly share the <br />City's 10% cost. <br /> <br />Mr. Otto explained that MAC isn't looking for additional airports at this time. Met Council <br />is reluctant as they don't want the added expense of taking on smaller airports. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley commented that vocational training at the airport is being affected by decisions <br />being made. <br /> <br />Commissioner Barnes stated that the student training program is moving to the Anoka <br />County Airport on a temporary basis, however if Gateway North gets it's improvements, <br />there is a good chance of getting the training program back here. <br /> <br />A brief discussion ensued regarding Site P, the landfill and the airport, however, it was <br />remarked that these issues should be separate at this time. The meeting tonight was <br />regarding the status of the airport. <br /> <br />Mayor Reimann asked for opinions from the floor at this time. <br /> <br />A1 Shallbetter, 17060 Bison Street N.W., Ramsey communicated that he had been a <br />Ramsey resident for 10 years, and a pilot since 1967. He feels that the City would develop <br />economically, because businesses would be attracted to the area. Airport improvements <br />would bring in good businesses and create jobs. He mentioned he rents two hangars at the <br />Crystal airport and explained some of the tax advantages to having hangars to rent at <br />Gateway. He also remarked about Park Rapids and Fergus Falls building up their airports <br />and putting in a county center bringing peace and harmony to the area. <br /> <br />Norwood Nelson, 5410 - 173rd Avenue N.W., Ramsey, responded it would be an <br />economical opportunity to improve the airport. He's been flying for 15 years, mostly out <br />of Gateway North. He stated that the operation currently brings in revenue and traffic to <br />the area, if improvements are made, it will attract more business,and therefore, more <br />revenue. <br /> <br />City <br /> <br />Council/Airport Commission Meeting <br /> June 6, 1990 <br /> Page 2 of 7 <br /> <br /> <br />