Steve Whitcomb, airport committee spokesperson, invited the council and Paynesville Township supervisors to attend an informational meeting on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the city hall to learn more about the status of the Paynesville Airport. Ron Lloyd, MnDOT Aeronautics Division, will be present to explain the extent of the restrictions placed on the airport and answer questions as to what needs to be done to resolve the problems.
ãWe have held discussions to date learning what position the airport is in, learning about zoning and airport needs,ä Whitcomb said. ãWe have found our files are not up-to-date concerning the specific restrictions placed on our airport. At one time it was classified as a public airport but now it is listed as restricted and considered a city owned private airport.
ãPhil Bailey has arranged for a guest book to be placed at the airport to keep track of where the pilots are from who use the airport. We have received letters from out of town pilots encouraging the improvements,ä Whitcomb added.
The airport committee also recommended the council remove themselves from the airport commission and appoint area residents to the commission, people who have an interest in the airport. At present, the council is the airport commission. The council agreed with the recommendation, saying the present council could change the ordinance and the new council (after the elections) could appoint the commission.
The airport committee members are: Phil Bailey, Steve Whitcomb, Dennis Wilde, Dennis Zimmerman, Jeff Thompson, John Atwood and Lou Storkamp.
In other business, the council approved certifying 23 delinquent utility accounts totaling $2,148 to the county auditor to be placed on the homeowners real estate taxes.
ðThe council approved recommendations from the Public Works Committee to establish stop signs on Minnesota Street making Maple Street a through street; placing one at the intersection on Garfield and Railroad Street near the Cenex Fertilizer plant; and on the service road on Main Street and Minnesota Street near the Dairy Queen.
ðThe council acknowledged the conflict of interest declarations from Joe Voss, Bert Stanley, Harlan Beek and Dennis Zimmerman. This is required because the city makes no-bid required purchases from the businesses they have a financial interest in.
ðThe council approved trading in the 1990 Ford squad car for a used four-wheel drive sports utility vehicle. The four-wheel feature would enhance the departmentâs ability to operate in winter conditions.
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