South Central Regional Airport Agency Approves Task Orders
John Bandstra addressed the SCRAA Board on Thursday evening. (Photo by Monte Goodyk/Oskaloosa News)
Pella, Iowa – The South Central Regional Airport Agency met on June 6th, 2019 to discuss amendments to task orders with HDR Engineer, Inc.
Chairman Dave Barnes called the meeting to order. After approval of the minutes from the April 2nd, 2019 minutes, a call to the public was made.
Daniel Nugteren of Pella, Iowa, expressed concern about the payment to the SCRAA’s engineering firm in regards to a public information meeting. “No one board member went to listen to the public,” Nugteren said. “Except for one staffer, Mr. Nardini.”
Nugteren questioned if the board is listening to the public. “You are public members, on a public board, representing a public project, not your civilian, your daily civilian daytime employer. You are responsible to the public. Are you listening to them?”
John Bandstra, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, questioned why there was tax dollars being spent by the city of Oskaloosa. “Time and time again, this board has stated that there will be no tax dollars be spent for this. This would all be funded by the federal government.”
One of the board members shook his head in disagreement to Bandstra’s comment.
Reported in other meetings over the regional airport, city officials of both Pella and Oskaloosa have publically stated the FAA would be responsible for up to 90% of the cost for the new airport. Oskaloosa Mayor David Krutzfeldt, in August of 2013 stated, “The FAA is expected to fund up to 90 percent of the project. The remaining cost will be paid by the cities of Oskaloosa and Pella.”
Bandstra also questioned the purchasing of land for the airport, while there is a court case in regards to the regional airport and the 28E agreement. “Sounds like maybe the cart’s in front of the horse.”
The board then considered Resolution 32 entitled “Approving Amendment #2 for Task Order #1 with HDR Engineering, Inc.”
The amendment for Resolution 32 was to allow for additional planning and engineering tasks.
They also approved Resolution 33 entitled “Approving Amendment #1 for Task Order #2 with HDR Engineering, Inc.”
The amendment was to satisfy the additional appraisal as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Oskaloosa Municipal Airport.
The Board then went into closed session to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate.
Coming out of closed session, the Board took the following action, where they considered Resolution 34 that established a fair market value for the South Central Regional Airport in obtaining from the VanHeukelom Trust and the Hiemstra Family Trust.
The board approved Resolution 34 unanimously.
No date or time was set for the next meeting of the SCRAA Board.
