Airport Opens Gates to New Members - Columbus Airport Authority

November 11, 2003

Airport Opens Gates to New Members
Columbus Telegram, NE


COLUMBUS - Several issues divided the former Columbus Airport Authority -
the contract for the fixed-base operator, attorney's fees and pending
legal actions against the board.

An October recall ousted two members, and one resigned due to a
relocation. Three new members took their seats for the first time at the
board's regular monthly meeting Monday night: Jamie Ferguson, Cecil Jones
and David Duren.

All of the contentious topics that led to bickering at prior meetings were
on the agenda:

- Discussion of a resolution to revoke Avcraft's license (Avcraft is the
fixed-base operator, whose license was revoked in May);

- Discussion of pending legal action;

- Discussion of retaining legal counsel/job performance of attorney Ray
Baker.


However, the new board members protested any attempts to force them to
decide, or even discuss the issues that previously divided the board,
saying they do not have all the information to make an informed decision.

A special meeting was set for 7 p.m. Nov. 24.

"That will give you guys time to get up to speed," Authority member Rod
Behlen said to the group.

New members requested a copy of Avcraft's license, as well as information
on pending lawsuits, in order to better understand what lies beneath the
issues.

The board went into executive session at the conclusion of the open
meeting at about 9:45 p.m. to discuss Baker. The session lasted almost an
hour.

"We did nothing, we reconvened and shut the meeting down," Behlen said.
Further discussion of Baker's performance will be held at the special
meeting.

Director Kent Penney and Attorney Andre Aman of the Nebraska Department of
Aeronautics addressed the board for the first part of the meeting to
explain the purpose of aviation and air travel in the state. Penney
correlated that to the economics of an area.

"Where are the economic centers in the state, and let's make sure aviation
is there to support those centers," Penney said.

The meeting opened with comments from pilots and concerned citizens asking
the board to keep Avcraft at the airport and remove Baker.

When the board voted to remove Avcraft, the resolution stated, among other
things, that Avcraft "engaged in conduct detrimental to the continuing
existence and economic viability of the Columbus Airport Authority."

The business, which provides maintenance, fuel and other services for
incoming and outgoing flights, has a lease that expires Dec. 16. However,
owners Keith and Janace Harbour contend they have an option for renewal at
that time.

In terms of Baker, opponents argue that the amount of money he receives
for services is exorbitant, and far exceeds what is spent at similar-sized
and some larger airports.


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