Belle Plaine, Iowa

October 23, 2024

The Belle Plaine City Council met with the Belle Plaine Airport Commission on October 23, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Belle Plaine City Hall with Mayor Lyle Morrow presiding. Present were Councilpersons Judy Schlesselman, Charmaine Wickwire, and Dillion McGrane. Councilpersons Mitch Malcolm and Garrett Landuyt were absent. City Administrator Stephen Beck and City Clerk Sandy Walton were present. Airport Commission members Lee Weeda, Tracy Parizek, Bruce Gapstur, and Brandon Kienitz were in attendance as well as Ron Lowry who utilizes the Belle Plaine Airport. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Discussion was held regarding what direction the City Council wishes to take regarding the Airport’s future as well as what vision the various Airport Commission members have for the Airport. The general consensus is that all parties want the Belle Plaine airport to remain a viable and operational airport. City Council members expressed their support in helping to find the funding needed for updates, additions, and repairs.

Each Airport Commission member shared their vision of what Capital Improvement (CIP) projects they would like to see completed and what they feel the airport needs. This included such items as more airplane hangars, a new fueling system, building repairs, runway rehabilitation, and future runway replacement.

The group also discussed various funding sources such as Federal Entitlement Funds, Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funds, State DOT Funds, Local Grants, etc.

The topic of airport maintenance was brought up. For this winter, the Public Works Department is planning to handle the snow removal. Jay has already started some truck maintenance to prepare for this.

The City Council asked the Airport Commission to bring their suggested plan to a future city council meeting for approval. The CIP report has a deadline of November 28.

More discussion regarding an Airport Manager will be held in the future. Initially the Airport Commission needs to select a chairperson & bring selection to the council for approval.

Resident Comments: None

Mayor Morrow adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
Lyle Morrow, Mayor

Attest: Sandra Walton, City Clerk

Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.