HomeMy WebLinkAboutLaurel Airport Authority Minutes 05.27.2025Laurel Airport (6S8)
Authority
P.O. Box 242
Laurel, MT 59044-0242
Laurel Airport Rd.
LAA Meeting Minutes
May 27, 2025
06:00 PM
Roll Call - Board Members Present: Joe Mutchler, Doug Myers, Randy Hand, Gary Blain
Public Guests Present: Robert Spannagel, John Roberts, Bret McKenney, John Ostlund,
Gracie Johnson, Will Metz, Nicole Metz, Mark Webb
Previous Mtg Minutes Approval: Minutes approved without exception from previous meeting
on 4/15/2025 (Jim Wise making motion to approve, Gary Blane seconding).
Financial Update: Payment of Bills for April and May approved without exception (Joe
Mutchler making motion to approve, Doug Myers seconding). Codi Smith requests a list of
airport tenants to facilitate issuance of hangar lease bills.
Public Comments / Non-agenda items (3 minutes):
1. John Oslund: Encourages us to facilitate uniformity re lease / billing information.
2. Gracie Johnson: 6S8 website has been updated with current board names etc.
Needs Brock Williams contact info.
3. Joe Mutchler: Will contact company responsible for website and AWOS phone
issues.
Reports: KLJ Engineering – Master plan and Construction updates (via Joe Mutchler as
KLJ was not present):
1. Joe has signed for access road reimbursement
2. We’ve had an $8000 deposit returned
3. The access road project will be done in 2026 (@ 1mm and is grant assurance related).
4. Gary – Parking availability issues at airport need to be addressed.
5. Doug – We should consider designating vacant lot across from Murl Williams (personal
use hangar) as parking. Murl says he could “pave” it with materials and equipment
already on hand.
.
New Business:
1. Charlie Byerly (2356 DeFrance) approval of 50 yr non-commercial lease by
unanimous vote. Jim motion Joe seconding.
2. Charlie Byerly (2241 Nicholas) approval of 20+11 yr non-commercial lease by
unanimous vote. Jim motion Joe seconding.
3. Bob Burns (2263 W. Greening) approval of 20+11 yr non-commercial lease by
unanimous vote. Jim motion Doug seconding.
4. Joe to contact Workers Comp with request they update their info to accurately
reflect current sitting board member names. Our volunteers are keeping track (via
sheets at SRE bldg.) their work times for the airport (mowing / plowing etc.). Info
is used to determine W/C fees.
5. Joe to contact Laurel Mayor with request for digital copy of contract info for Laurel
Fire Dept.
6. Nicole Metz requests permission to post a sign (either 12X24” or 24X24”) to
advertise any available rentals at the open hail hangar building. Also requests that
a section be added to our website where available rentals could be listed. Board
voted unanimously to allow signage. (Gary making motion and Randy seconding.)
Old Business:
FAA Compliance Update: (re: original issues relative to initial economic discrimination
complaints) :
1. Need to draw up modified, non-commercial lease for Jim Schaak to store his Ag
spray plane within. Send to Mandi for approval and then LAA to discuss / vote.
2. Mandi of the FAA has commented that our minimum standards are very strict:
• First, we need to first address all current non-conformance issues
• Second, we need to draw up new airport operational bylaws and then
have them approved by atty.
• Third, be in a position to rewrite our minimum standards
3. Be mindful that security levels can impact grant $$$. Wants vs. needs to be
considered.
Courtesy Car discussion:
4. Historically, the FBO has covered costs associated with routine maintenance
(tires, batteries etc.). The airport has covered more major repair expenses.
5. Bret will resume search for courtesy car (so we can utilize $5,000 grant money).
First car chosen as likely candidate was unavailable.
6. It was consensus that having 3 cars total would be beneficial to the airport.
Board Training with MSU Representative (Dan Clark):
1. Will be held Tue 6/3/25 at the Fairfield Inn in Laurel.
2. Post meeting invitations at entrance signboard, FBO, and City Hall
3. General Meeting Advice: Roberts Rules of Order should be followed, but NOT adopted.
Far too restrictive.
Meeting Adjourned @ 8:30 PM.
Doug Myers
LAA Board Secretary