The first Thursday in March fell not only fell on the 1st but also marked the day The Santa Ynez Valley Airport held its monthly meeting in the pilots lounge at the airport administration building.
Authority members, Chamberlin, Margolis, Foxwell, Kunkle, Carrier, Condit, Petersen, and Romero all attended the meeting.
The Santa Ynez Valley Airport Authority (SYVAA) is a private, non-profit, public benefit corporation that was founded for the sole purpose of leasing, managing and operating the Santa Ynez Airport for the benefit of Santa Barbara County, the community in which the airport and its users are located.
Chairman Chamberlin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and after the “Pledge of Allegiance” and approval of the previous month’s minutes. The Chairman reported on a previous executive session item regarding accounts receivable that should have been on the agenda but was not.
“We had an executive session and no action was taken,” reported Chairman Chamberlin.
The treasurer’s report was to be given by authority member Ron Cline but he was not in attendance as Secretary Margolis reported his impending retirement and resignation from the Airport Authority.
Other matters within the treasurer’s report show that the airport is reporting a net income of about $10,000 per month. With that news the treasurer’s report was approved and Chairman Chamberlin reported that the audit by the county was complete.
The members had a discussion regarding the handling of accounts receivable, billing procedures, and account aging policies. Members decided to reform policy for aging accounts and confirm who would be responsible for pursuing delinquent accounts. Additional information on these accounts will be provided during the next meeting.
Airport Operations Manager Keegan Bailey reported that the air conditioning unit has been installed in the airport maintenance hanger and cost $1,500.
During public comments a proposal from Oceano resident and Parachute Instructor David Major was discussed. He proposed to bring a parachute jumping operation to Santa Ynez Airport. Mr. Major emphasized his 20 years experience as a jumpmaster and instructor. Authority members expressed concerns regarding operations with jumpers, powered aircraft, gliders and county aircraft all operating within the small confines of the airport property. Members will discuss this item again next month as an agenda item and after a review by the Operations Committee. Local Web site developer Eric Cobb presented a report last month regarding improvements to the airport’s Web site. The Authority will continue to have discussions about hiring Mr. Cobb to complete Web site development for the authority.
Members have reviewed draft copies of letters. They will be sent to individuals who have expressed interest in obtaining hanger space. The list for hangers in Santa Ynez has been a year in the making and the Authority is looking for those who are most desirous of hanger space to be aware of the process and then to eventually provide letters of intent with deposits for proposed hangers on the northeast side of the open ramp area.
The Authority is anticipating that two letters will eventually be sent, one to determine who wants to be on the list and then the second letter to secure the letter of intent. It is also anticipated that those who provide letters of intent for the new hangers will concurrently be forming a tenants or leaseholders association.
The authority also heard reports regarding the U.S. Forest Service Administration’s building plan. The application to the Santa Ynez Water District was looking well, and operation committee members Romero and Kunkle will be talking to the county council about information on flight operations for helicopters.
Authority ex-officio member Kim Joos reported that County Council would review the engineer selection service agreement with Bethel Engineering.
Chairman Chamberlin reported on continuing progress on the conditional use permit process for future airport improvements.
The meeting concluded with information on the Piper Comanche fly-in held on March 23-24 as well as the Wings & Wheels that will get together in July. The next Airport Authority meeting will be held Thursday, April 5th at 7:00 p.m.