NEW KNOXVILLE –The Auglaize County Airport Authority (ACAA) at Neil Armstrong Airport agreed to recommend a new airport consulting agency during its Tuesday night, Feb. 9. In addition, fuel prices will go up in the near future.
The ACAA will forward their recommendation of a five-year contract with BF&S to the Auglaize County Board of Commissioners for their approval. In addition, the FAA must give approval for the new engineering firm, which will be in consultant for future airport projects. The airport had been with Delta Airport Consultants for the last several years.
Airport manager Ted Bergstrom said in interviews with BF&S he was impressed with their professionalism and rapid response to questions.
Also, the ACAA agreed to allow the airport to raise both 100LL and Jet A retail pricing by 20 cents per gallon. It was anticipated that fuel purchase costs were likely to go up in the future so that raising prices would allow the airport to stay ahead of the increased costs.
Bergstrom reported the new terminal mural committee had met Monday to begin planning for a mural on the 51 foot wide by 13 foot tall wall inside the building. He said the first meeting covered initial ideas and the beginning of development of a public request process for design ideas. Members of the committee are Erica Preston, Auglaize County administrator, Rachel Barber, Auglaize County Historical Society, Brad Smith, Airport Authority Board member and Bergstrom.
In other business, Bergstrom said the new terminal generator project has been moving forward. Vectren has installed gas main to the meter location and now they are expecting that NK Supply
will be in this week to install supply line from meter location to the generator. He added that once the supply line is installed, the meter can be placed and Buscher can finalize setup. Total cost to not exceed $13,000.
He reported work on Hangar F was completed. The main office floor concrete was removed and Baumer Construction replaced it with a new pour.
Also, he said the Jet A clock gauge at the airport fuel farm has freed itself. Pyatt Petroleum advised replacement so he is obtaining replacement estimates.
In other matters, the airport manager:
• Is continuing to monitor hanger water usage, and calculate a monthly average.
• Has put on hold a proposed Neil Armstrong statue while they develop of work contracts and agreements with the potential project manager Steven Barber.
• Is reviewing expenses that qualify for additional FAA CARES Act funds. Approximately $29,000 is remaining within the FAA account.
Under airport operations Bergstrom said winter operations have picked up beginning the last week of January. A sustained period of cold air has kept temperatures below freezing and the airport has been covered in ice for much of this time. With the return to wet snow storms followed periods of below average temps, the airport has had been prevented from consistent snow and ice removal.
Finally, the ACAA discussed the replacement of the 1994 The Ford Versitle Tractor for a newer model.
