HomeMy WebLinkAboutLaurel Airport Authority Minutes 08.26.2025
LAA Board Meeting Notes
August 26, 2025 - 6 pm to 8 pm
Roll Call: Doug Myers (present), Jim Wise (On vacation), Gary Blain (present), Joe Mutchler
(present), Randy Hand (present).
Public present: Justin Zindell and Charle Vance (KLJ), Bridger and Travis (LVFD), Reef
Hogan, Frederick Lee, Murl Williams, Bret McKenney, Jim Roberts, Jim Schaak
Approval of Minutes from previous meeting: 7/30/2025
• (Motion … Gary and Second … Randy) Approved by vote without exception
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items: Please limit it to 3 minutes if not on agenda:
Public Comment on Agenda Items: Please limit it to 3 minutes if not on agenda
• Frederick Lee: MT state authorities are claiming that all hangars at airport are
“commercial”. He has submitted, and had approved via permit, a plan to install a garage
type door in the south wall of his hangar. He wants permission from the LAA Board to
install a drainage culvert and crushed gravel “driveway” to run from his hangar to the taxi
lane of East Stormont. It will be identical to 3 other existing driveways already on same
street. Board voted to approve (Gary / Doug).
• Jim Roberts: MAP organization will hold fly in on 9/13. Food trucks are being signed
up and to locate along fence, car show is advertising on Facebook and will use the grass
area, PortaPotties are ordered and will be @ $450 (airport will pay). MAP will control
traffic / pkg and a golf cart will be in service to hand out free water to attendees. Randy
Hand will be the liaison between the LAA Board and MAP for event planning.
• Chris Kennedy: Has purchased a hangar on East Stormont from the John Ostlund estate
and would like hangar lease info. Doug Myers to provide.
Reports:
KLJ Engineering-Master Plan and Construction Report
Airport Maintenance Report:
• Murl Williams will replace engine battery in Red Tractor and starter if
needed.
• Mark Webb sprayed for weeds in common, grassed areas near
Quonset hut and Doug Myers has been mowing there. Doug and
Murl have replaced 4 sprinkler system heads and set system to water
day as well as night.
• Randy Hand has climbed beacon tower and replaced two bulbs in the
beacon light.
New Business:
a. Non-Commercial lease approval for Jim Schaak on hangar 2325 West Stormont
Discussed and voted to approve without exception (Joe / Doug)
b. Mark Webb would like to discuss the prairie dog issue/control
Mark was out of town but we will discuss further at next meeting (9/23).
c. LVFD would like to use train at the Laurel Municipal Airport
They have purchased a new fire truck and are in need of space to facilitate practice maneuvers
and staging / setup with the truck. Doug Myers will meet with them on 8/27 and help them with
orientation to and use of airport for their training use. Joe will issue a memo re permission to use
the airport facility and communicate basic requirements and guidelines. Doug Myers will issue a
Leidos System NOTAM.
d. Solid Rock Service (Post, Idaho) would like to set up a regularly scheduled maintenance
visit for the gate. They can service next week for $800.
We discussed and agreed to have them service our gate 2x per year. Doug Myers to
communicate / coordinate with them. Ultimately, we should try to get a more local company to
provide same service. Best to have them service before winter and then during summer.
Old Business:
a. FAA Compliance Update
Joe Mutchler has been in communication with Mandi of the FAA in Seattle and she is further
reviewing our Minimum Standards. Joe will respond to any questions or change requests that
she may have, and we are anticipating that she will then approve the close-out of the issues
associated with non-compliance.
b. Courtesy Car Update
Both cars have had LAA logo decals applied to them and the newest vehicle (2012 GMC) has
had title received and placed in file in locked cabinet at Quonset hut. It also has “exempt”
license plates installed and registration info filed in cabinet. Both vehicles have “courtesy car”
lettering applied to the rear hatches.
Laurel Airport Authority
P.O. Box 242 Laurel, MT 59044
406-628-0172