Director reports: property appraisals, tank installation timeline, FAA staffing change and planning retreat date set

The Regional Airport Board received several operational and planning updates during the director's report at its May 13 meeting, including property appraisals, fuel-tank installation timing, an auto-aid agreement for aircraft incidents, a statewide rates-and-charges survey and the scheduling of a strategic-planning workshop.

An airport staff member said the appraisal for the Market property has been completed and sent to a review appraiser, and that the appraisal for the Cogburn property is ongoing; staff said details will be shared with the board when available. The director also described a request from a recently licensed private pilot seeking an airport-related Eagle Scout project; staff recommended the scout consider fundraising to design and construct a new airport entrance sign.

On fuel-tank work, staff and tenants provided a timeline: concrete footings for the incoming tank were scheduled to be poured, then a seven-day wait before the tank could be set, and then a 28-day cure period before fuel could be loaded. One tenant provided details that the new tank installation and associated generator work were progressing and that jet fuel sales have increased since the tanks arrived on the ramp.

The director reported that the Federal Aviation Administration program manager who oversees Arkansas and Oklahoma left the FAA on May 5 and that an interim program manager has been assigned; staff said they are working with the interim to keep federal grant work on schedule.

Following a recent aircraft fire, the Guthrie Fire Chief and the Edmond Fire Department established an auto-aid agreement to provide automatic response to the airport in case of incident; staff thanked both departments for the arrangement.

Staff also said the Oklahoma Department of Aviation and Aeronautics (ODAA) is partnering with consulting firm KSA to run a voluntary, statewide rates-and-charges survey for public-use airports; staff said the board will defer any local rate changes until that professional survey is complete.

At the meeting the board set a date for a strategic-planning workshop and asked that Toby Baker of Park Hill Engineering present a phasing overview for the upcoming taxiway project during the retreat. Staff proposed two dates, Tuesday, July 8, and Wednesday, July 16; the board moved, seconded and approved holding the retreat on July 8 and said staff would provide lunch and a detailed agenda.

Board members also raised environmental and liability questions about tanks parked on the ramp by NOAA Aviation used for aerial applicator services; members asked whether applicators are properly certified and whether airport agreements should require evidence of licensure and liability assumptions. An airport staff member said Derek Blackshare of Blackshare Environmental Solutions is the airport's environmental consultant and that staff would follow up and report back to the board.

A board member asked about the status of Hangar 21; staff said the matter is pending litigation and will not be discussed in open session, but that an update would be provided when appropriate.

Staff noted ongoing fence-design work with Park Hill Engineering; because of geographic constraints the new fence may be set inside the true property line and signage will be placed at the actual property line to preserve a clear property boundary. Staff also said NOAA aviation tanks on the ramp have led to increased jet fuel sales and that tenants have noticed a bump in operations.

The director concluded by reiterating staff will report back on the appraisal, any follow-up regarding applicator licensure and any material outcomes from the SPCC update and lighting repairs.