Minutes for the Montana Airport Management Association 

Fall MAMA/Helena ADO Meeting 

Helena, MT 

October 23, 2019 

CALL TO ORDER – 4:14 p.m. 

MAMA President Brian Ellestad called the meeting to order at 4:14 p.m. and introduced members of the board including himself, Jeff Kadlec– Vice President, Ian McKay –Secretary/Treasurer, Heather Mosser – Consultants Representative, and Lucas Locke – GA Airports Representative.   

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES -4:16 p.m. 

No action needed as no Spring meeting was held 

 

FINANCIAL UPDATE – 4:18 p.m. 

 

Jeff Kadlec presented current year to date financials to the membership. 

 

Checking:  $2,482.51 

Savings:  $2,170.18 

Money Market:  $46,747.09 

Total Assets:  $51,399.78 

 

UPDATE OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND INTERNS – 4:24 p.m. 

 

Shane Ketterling, Ian McKay, and Jeff Kadlec provided updates on their internship programs and current interns. Much appreciation was extended to MAMA for the grant assistance.  

 

2021 LEGISLATIVE DISCUSSION – 4:47 p.m. 

 

• Scott Humphry begins stating NPIAS airports in Montana have a greater need and use for State funding as opposed to small recreational airports (referring to funds generated through the recent aviation fuel tax increase). Several members echo similar concerns. 

• Brian Sprenger states that funding should go to FAA-eligible airports and that the membership should fervently oppose all future increases. 

• Jeff Wadekamper suggests that all primary airports should be actively applying for money to demonstrate a need and considers pooling such resources for equipment that could be shared and mutually beneficial to airports (i.e. strip removal water blast machine, continuous friction measuring equipment, etc.). 

• Brian Sprenger explains, and members agree, that MAMAs position on future increases should be formalized and brought to legislature early in the process. 

 

MEMBERSHIP DUES REVIEW – 5:00 p.m. 

 

• Brian Ellestad suggested an idea to adjust membership in such a way that participating organizations pay the same amount as they each are entitled to one vote. 

• Brian Sprenger comments on MAMAs uniqueness representing both large and small airports, and subsequently suggests that members pay for votes while agreeing that larger airports should pay more. 

• Mr. Bell from Morrison & Maierle concurs that big airports should pay more if legislative stances requiring MAMA support are needed. Several members voice support for keeping the current dues structure. 

 

AIRLINE RENDEZVOUS – 5:17 p.m. 

 

Brian Sprenger and Brian Ellestad provide lessons learned to the group regarding the airline rendezvous event. Both agreed that the event requires a major investment of staff time and monetary resources. Host airports should solicit their local chambers for financial support. The group also agreed that future events should alternate between the Eastern and Western halves of the State. The location for 2020 is TBD between Billings and Great Falls. 

 

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION 

 

A round table discussion was not held in the interest of time. 

Page Break 

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS 

 

Jeff Kadlec and Ian McKay have agreed to create a website and Facebook page for MAMA. 

 

ADJOURNED – 5:32 p.m. 

 

MAMA President Brian Ellestad adjourned the meeting at 5:32 p.m.