BOARD MEETING – January 8, 2014
The Yellowstone Regional Airport Regular Board Meeting was called to order at
8:00 a.m.
Board Present: Chairman Bob Whisonant, Craig Wilbur, Che’ Eissinger, Bryan
Edwards, Doug Johnston, Jim Vanaman, and Jack Way.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Bob Hooper, Nancy Werner, Lori Rhodes, Bruce Ransom, Tim
Wick, Bucky Hall, Todd Simmons, Bill Holder, Scott Bell, Betsy Simon, Jeremy
Gilb, and Mike Witiw.
Pledge of Allegiance
Verification of Quorum: Doug Johnston verified there was a quorum.
Acceptance of Agenda: Chairman Whisonant amended the agenda to be
accepted prior to Election of Board Members, and asked for a motion to accept.
Craig Wilbur made the motion to accept the amended agenda. Bryan Edwards
seconded the motion. All those present voted AYE. Motion carried.
Election of Board Members: Chairman Whisonant presented Bill Holder with
plaque for his service to the Board. Craig Wilbur thanked Chairman Whisonant
for his service as Chair, and nominated Doug Johnston as Chairman. All those
present voted AYE. Nomination approved. Chairman Johnston called for
nominations for Vice-Chairman. Bob Whisonant nominated Bryan Edwards for
Vice-Chairman, Jim Vanaman seconded the nomination. All those present voted
AYE. Nomination approved. Chairman Johnston opened up nominations for
Secretary. Jim Vanaman nominated Craig Wilbur, Ché Eissinger seconded. All
those present voted AYE. Nomination approved. Chairman Johnston called for
nominations for Treasurer. Craig Wilbur nominated Jim Vanaman for Treasurer.
Bob Whisonant seconded, all those present voted AYE. Nomination approved.
Reading / Approval of the December 11th 2013 Board Minutes: Chairman
Johnston said he had reviewed the minutes and asked for motion to accept the
minutes, as written. Bryan Edwards made the motion, Ché Eissinger seconded.
All those present voted AYE. Minutes approved.
Review / Approval of Bills and Bank Reconciliations: Ché Eissinger reviewed
and agreed with the bank reconcilliations and monthly bills, and expressed
concern over increase in audit costs. Ché Eissinger made motion to approve and
pay bills. Bob Whisonant seconded the motion. All those present voted AYE.
Motion carried.
Committee / Tenant Reports: Chairman Johnston asked the attendees if they
had anything to report or had any comments. Todd Simmons reported that
Choice Aviation is no longer in Glasgow, Montana, as of December 22 nd, 2013.
Jeremy Gilb, with GDA Engineers, introduced new Project Manager, Mike Witiw.
County Commissioner Bucky Hall welcomed new Board members. Bruce
Ransom reported that no flights have been cancelled due to Cody weather.
Bruce Ransom gave very positive updates on the new building, and new
generator.
Airport Manager’s Report:
Bob Hooper then gave updates on the following:
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Yellowstone Regional Airport enplanements for 2013 were at 31,009. This
is the first time, on record, that the airport has exceeded 30,000. A press
release to the fact has been prepared and will be released today.
Car Rental Report shows total rental days for December at 1019, down
from last year. Rental companies attribute this to shorter vacation stays
and the government shutdown. Acquisition of Trifty/Dollar Car Rental, by
Hertz Corporation is complete. The Airport has received all outstanding
concession fees, and a lease assignment to the new operator is in place.
The operation is due to open March 1st, and Hertz is required to submit the
guaranteed monthly concession fee, in the interim.
Unfinished Business:
Non-Aviation Commercial Development Property - Bob Hooper spoke with
Larry Schmidt, who stated that he is on track with the project.
Snow Removal Equipment Storage Building – Bob Hooper reported that there
were no payables on the project, and asked Tim Wick for an update. Tim Wick
reported that the back-up generator has been installed, and technicians were onsite last Friday for start-up. Outstanding item is that half of the concrete floor has
crazing cracking. Morrison-Maierle, Inc. is requesting that the contractor put
diamond hardener on the floor in the spring. Morrison-Maierle, Inc. will get a
Letter of Understanding and Agreement between the contractor and the airport
before closing out the contract.
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GA Ramp Rehab & Expansion Project – Bob Hooper reported that the airport
is prepared to do final payment on the project. Tim Wick stated that MorrisonMaierle, Inc. will be releasing the final retainage and is in the process of
preparing the closeout report, and will submit it to the airport next week. Bob
Hooper requested that the board make a motion to pay AIP 31 Pay Request #6,
in the amount of $21,877.60 for Morrison-Maierle, Inc., and WYDOT Grant COD
32D Pay Request #5, in the amount $69,504.75 for T&T Contracting. Chairman
Johnston requested a motion to approve, Craig Wilbur made motion, Ché
Eissinger seconded. All those present voted AYE. Motion carried.
Runway 4-22 Rehab & Electrical Project – Tim Wick reported that he has
submitted Construction Pavement Operation Plan to the FAA. The plan is to
close the runway down, after the last flight arrives, and work overnight to
complete paving portion of the project prior to the next morning flight departure.
The project will have three phases, upgrading and relocating lighting to highintensity lighting, pavement marking removal, then repainting. There is concern
whether new design will need to be put in place to accommodate taxiway
changes, causing the cost and time of the project to increase very significantly.
New Business:
Personnel & Policy Manual Revisions - Bob Hooper requested Board
consideration and approval of updates and additions to Sections 3.1, 3.1.9, 8.2
and 35 of the Personnel & Policy Manual, as detailed in the Board packet.
Chairman Johnston requested a motion to approve, Jim Vanaman made motion,
Bob Whisonant seconded. All those present voted AYE. Motion carried.
Financial Auditor Selection - Bob Hooper requested Board direction on
whether to retain the current financial auditor, for the next three years, or to use
the City of Cody financial auditor as has been the practice, previously. Bob
Hooper is recommending retaining the current financial auditor, as they are
familiar with the Board financial structure of the organization and have performed
very well. Jim Vanaman inquired whether a bid has been requested recently.
Bryan Edwards and Jim Vanaman cautioned that new audit groups are labor
intensive on the part of the organization. Craig Wilbur, Bob Hooper, Bryan
Edwards, and Bob Whisonant agreed that the current financial auditor is very
competent and thorough. Ché Eissinger agrees that they do a good job but is
concerned with increased cost, and recommended looking into the fee structure
of other firms. Chairman Johnston requested a motion to either retain current firm
or go out to bid. Craig Wilbur made the motion to retain the current firm, Bryan
Edwards seconded. Jim Vanaman, Jack Way, Craig Wilbur, Bob Whisonant,
Bryan Edwards voted AYE. Ché Eissinger voted NAY. Motion carried.
United Airlines New Service Land Fee Waiver – Bob Hooper requested Board
consideration to waive the $60 per flight landing fee, to CYAir, for service
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provided on Sunday, non-stop flight to Chicago, for eight weeks this summer.
The purpose is to incentivize the new carrier, as it will reduce the Minimum
Revenue Guarantee needed to secure the flight. Bob Whisonant made the
motion to waive the fee, Jim Vanaman seconded. All those present voted AYE.
Motion carried.
Staff & Board Member Update:
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Looking Ahead:
 Park County Board Procedure Training will be Thursday, February 6 th,
2014, 5:30 to 9:00 pm
 Next Board Meeting Wednesday February 12th, 2014, 8:00 am
 WAOA will host a reception during the legislative session on February
16th, in Cheyenne. Bob Hooper invited Board members to attend.
Executive Session:
Craig Wilbur made the motion to move into Executive Session, to discuss
matters of National Security regarding TSA. Jim Vanaman seconded the motion.
All those present voted AYE. Motion carried. Bob Whisonant made the motion to
move out of Executive Session, Bryan Edwards seconded the motion. All those
present voted AYE. Motion carried
Adjournment:
Jim Vanaman made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Ché Eissinger seconded.
All those present voted AYE. Meeting was adjourned at 8:57 am.
Board Workshop/Retreat:
Bob Hooper presented on certification, safety, and training requirements.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Rhodes
Office Administration Assistant
Approved By,
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Craig Wilbur
Secretary, Joint Powers Board
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