Minutes - Council - 06/06/1990 - Joint with Airport Commission

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Terry Marsh, Rt. 2, Box 43, Buffalo, lightheartedly stated that the improvements for the Gateway North Airport should be forgotten as he is in competition with the airport and he could use more business. He stated they are also trying to get the same improvements at Buffalo Airport. He's been a pilot for NW Airlines and has seen what small airports have done for cities. In his opinion, money spent to develop airports is well spent. The money comes back eight-fold for every dollar invested. The business opportunities coming in would provide jobs in the area and he feels that the improvements should be looked at very seriously. Jim Klosterman, 16333 Jaspar Street N.W., Ramsey, stated that the improvements wouldn't mean attracting heavy air traffic, just more of the same kind of traffic. He feels it's important not to sit back and wait for Met Council to take action or the opportunity will be lost. John Sievert, Instructor, Anoka Technical College, referred to moving the training to Anoka County Airport stating that it wasn't by choice. The long range goals were to stay at Gateway, but the improvements are needed to expand the aviation program. It's tough to promote the training without the improvements. Students are going out of state to school. He declared it would be a sad day to move out of Gateway North. With improvements, Gateway and the City of Ramsey would get publicity and possibly the training program would be moved back to Gateway North Airport. The Airport Dispatcher Course is the only one in the state and the classes are filled up. There are only two other such classes in the United States (Florida and California). Ken Patz, MnDOT, gave background on aviation training in the State of Minnesota. Regarding Air Traffic Control Training, Minnesota had the highest rate of passing - in 1971, Anoka was first in Minnesota. He stated that the technical college system was designed to be a leader in aviation training. It was developed at Flying Cloud because they had the facilities and Gateway North didn't. At the end of three years, the training will be moved back to the Anoka Tech facility and they will be looking for additional sites. Right now they're looking at Anoka County Airport because they have the facility, however, this could be an opportunity for Ramsey. He elaborated on the future careers in the aviation field and the demand for more people. He feels the demand will double in the next ten years. The training demand is there and needed, Gateway North Airport fits, develop it, it has the potential to answer the training needs and the fact that it is connected to a metro area makes it even better. With airport improvements, growth is going to happen. It will serve the citizens tremendously and the job and business opportunities will flourish. It has some attractive options. Bob Brunkow, 3740 St. Francis Boulevard, Anoka stated he is a pilot and has used Gateway North for 10 years. Upgrading would be appreciated. He also feels that some of the pilots would build hangars at Gateway if the improvements are done. Gerry Jurva, 7710 - 164th Avenue N.W., Ramsey, stated he has owned his business in Anoka for 10 years and has been a pilot for 38 years. He uses his plane for both business and pleasure. He owns a hangar at Gateway but he's looking to build elsewhere due to the situation. He stated he'd be willing to invest more money in a hangar at Gateway ($100,000.00) if the improvements come through. He reported he commutes for his business and that most people are not even aware of all the businesses that use the Gateway North Airpo~X. It would be a great investment for the future. David King, 15410 Nowthen Boulevard N.W., Ramsey stated he supports the airport. He said the two unpopular issues are the airport issue and the landfill issue, however, the landfill is more "not" popular than the airport and that's good for the airport.. City Council/Airport Commission Meeting June 6, 1990 Page 3 of 7