Minutes for the Montana Airport Management Association

Fall MAMA/ADO Meeting

Helena, Montana

October 18, 2022

CALL TO ORDER – 4:12 p.m.

MAMA President Jeff Kadlec called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.

INTRODUCTIONS

1. President – Jeff Kadlec

2. Vice President – Shane Ketterling

3. Secretary/Treasurer – Ian McKay

4. GA Officer – Lucas Locke

5. Corporate Officer – Heather Mosser

6. Small Hub Officer – Tim Damrow

 

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES -4:13 p.m.

 

Brian Sprenger moved to approve the minutes; Rick Ryan seconded. The minutes were approved as presented

 

FINANCIAL UPDATE – 4:14 p.m.

 

Ian McKay presented current year to date financials to the membership.

 

Checking:  $2,326.70

Savings:  $0.00

Money Market:  $42,111.68

Total Assets:  $44,438.38

 

Brief discussion ensued regarding the discontinuance of funding for the internship program. Ian McKay advised that the program was originally developed as a mechanism for MAMA to relinquish excess funds for a healthy cause and based on current financials the program could not continue much longer.

 

Shane Ketterling moved to approve the financials; Brian Sprenger seconded. The financials were approved as presented

 

UPDATE OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND INTERNS – 4:23 p.m.

 

Shane Ketterling updated the membership on the internship program.

 

ARFF/FIREFIGHTERS’ UNIFIED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FURS) – 4:35 p.m.

 

Shane Ketterling briefed the membership on an ongoing issue related to airport firefighters’ eligibility under FURS. Some firefighters employed by airports in Montana have expressed interest in deviating from PERS to FURS based on their status as firefighters; however, the courts have upheld that by definition, airport firefighters are not ‘qualified’ based on certain medical requirements. Rob Ratkowski added that by definition firefighters are employed by a city or a county and therefore FURS could not apply to airport firefighters who are employed by a political subdivision. Brian Sprenger commented that similar issues were brought up in relation to airport police who continue to be members of PERS.

 

2023 LEGISLATIVE DISCUSSION – 4:46 p.m.

 

Tom Ebzery reports the following:

• An important election is coming up for the speaker position who appoints committee members.

• Caucuses will be held on the 15th and 90 days of sessions are slated to begin on January 2nd.

• Hot topics are related to hospital employee issues and the Deer Lodge correctional facility.

 

Rob Ratkowski spoke about liquor licensing laws related to airports in Montana and the need for change at the next legislative session. Airport All-Beverage Licenses are currently restricted to a single operator and the footprint of the terminal facility.

 

 

 

2023 AIRLINE RENDEZVOUS – 4:48 p.m.

 

Rob Ratkowski advised that Glacier Park International Airport is unable to host the Rendezvous until 2025 when the airport terminal facility expansion is complete. Tim Damrow advised that Missoula Airport could host for next year if there is no other interest.

 

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION – 4:43 p.m.

 

• Jeff Wadekamper – HLN, repaved an entrance road

 

• Rob Ratkowski – GPI, update on terminal project, new space opening in May, lots of interest in aeronautical and non-aeronautical development, seasonality is shifting indicating community growth

 

• Three Forks Airport – 9S5, buying property and building hangars

 

• Rick Ryan – BTM, taxiway rehabilitation project, sold surplus property, EAS contract was in jeopardy but is now back up to required minimums

 

• Shane Ketterling – BIL, opened the great room, demoing ‘B’ concourse and working on the restaurant, extending the west taxilane, and painted the water tower

 

• John Faulkner – GTF, Ticketing and bag makeup, de-ice pad phase 1, taxilanes to open up new hangar development

 

• Brian Sprenger – BZN, lots of hangar development, out of space until 2025, opening up 1600 parking stalls in an overflow lot, ramp expansion for x3 737-9 RON spots, upgrading baggage system

 

• Lucas Locke – GGW, seven hangars currently in the pipeline

 

• Brian Ellestad – MSO, the new terminal opened in June, Summer season was slower, phase II of the terminal is starting, land use is an issue, shoulder season is expanding

 

• Jeff Kadlec – WYS, the terminal project is going to bid which will be a complete replacement of the building, flooding in the Spring hurt park infrastructure and attendance even though it was back open quickly.

 

2023 OFFICER ELECTION – 5:02 p.m.

 

Jeff Kadlec advised that the current term for executive committee was up and that they recommended the following updates to the board:

• Ian McKay as President

• Shane Ketterling to remain as Vice President

• Ross Marty as Secretary/Treasurer

Jeff Wadekamper moved to approve the proposed officer positions; Kevin Ploehn seconded. The motions passed unanimously.

 

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS – 5:09 p.m.

 

Brian Sprenger announced that Paul Schneider had finally retired who was replaced by Jake Simpson.

 

ADJOURNED – 5:10 p.m.

 

MAMA President Jeff Kadlec adjourned the meeting at 5:10 p.m.