3-18-26 Airport Commission Packet

AIRPORT COMMISSION Menomonie City Hall 800 Wilson Avenue 1st Floor, City Council Chambers 6:00pm Wednesday – March 18, 2026 Regular Meeting 1. Roll Call 2. Public Comments (agenda items only). 3. Minutes from January 21, 2026 Airport Commission Meeting – discussion and possible action. 4. Introduction of Brock Meriwether as new Community Services Superintendent – discussion only (no action). 5. Proposed Vertical Bridge Cell Tower at E5850 730 th Avenue – discussion and possible action. 6. Proposed Hangar Area Lease with R&R Memorial, LLC for Parcel N contingent upon Termination of Ross Nelson Hangar Area Lease – discussion and possible action. 7. Termination of Ross Nelson Hangar Area Lease for Parcel N dated January 17, 2020 – discussion and possible action. 8. Discuss Airport Manager’s Report – discussion only (no action). 9. Set Next Meeting Date. 10. Closed Session: a) Motion to convene in closed session under Wisconsin Statues 19.85(1)(e) for the purpose of deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified business, whenever competitive or barga ining reasons require a closed session. i) Gibson Aviation Services, LLC Performance Review. 11. Return to Open Session. a) Motion to reconvene in open session under Wisconsin Statues 19.85(2). b) Airport Commission may take action on items under discussion in closed session and/or report action taken in closed session, if any. i) Gibson Aviation Services, LLC Performance Review. 12. Adjourn. Page 2 of 2 “PUBLIC ACCESS” NOTE: Members of the public may participate over the internet by going to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87824711705?pwd=WbBQGKiP3BEFIoLbLiNKCua5oAa F3O.1 (URL for Zoom meeting) and entering Meeting ID: 878 2471 1705 and Passcode: 400714. Notice is hereby given that members of the Common Council may be present at the foregoing meeting to gather information about a subject over which they have decision-making responsibility. This constitutes a meeting of the Common Council pursuant to State ex rel. Badke v. Greendale Village Board, 173 Wis.2d 553, 494 N.W.2d 408 (1993) and must be noticed as such, although the Common Council will not take any formal action at this meeting. NOTE: Upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities. For additional information or to request the service, contact the City Clerk or the City Administrator at 232-2221. PLEASE CONTACT PAM at (232-2221 x1000) or pwildner@menomonie-wi.gov IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING. Menomonie Airport Commission Meeting Minutes January 21, 2026 The Menomonie Airport Commission was called to order by Chairman Dr. Dan Johnson at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Commission Members present included: Dr. Dan Johnson, Earl Wildenberg, Steven Lee, Randy Sommerfeld and Kerry McCauley. Others in attendance included: Mayor Knaack, Eric Atkinson, David Schofield, Darrel Gibson, Corbin Gibson, Melissa Underwood, Dan Minarcik, Brenda Hanson, Ron Riek, Reuben Riek, Brady Fasbender, Eric Gates, Jim Tennessen, and Erik Guenard. Johnson asked for public comments. Knaack indicated that he appreciated the economic development provided by the Airport. Reuben Riek gave an update regarding the progress on their new hangar north of the terminal building. Wildenberg moved to approve the December 17, 2025 Minutes. Seconded by Sommerfeld. Motion carried. Underwood conducted the Airport Master Plan Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting #6 (Final). Underwood noted that WisBOA approved the aviation demand forecasts on January 16, 2026. Schofield asked Minarcik about the status of the Phase 2 contract that was submitted to WisBOA on January 14, 2025. Minarcik indicated that the contract was on hold due to funding issues but those issues have been resolved and that action is anticipated in the near future. Johnson noted that the Master Plan is a guidance document and that the improvements shown therein can be refined if/when they enter the design phase. Ron Riek observed that the apron modifications would reduce capacity during fly-in events. Underwood noted that the southern portion of the apron is located within the Runway Visual Zone (RVZ). Underwood observed that if flight plans are closed in the air, those operations do not count toward KLUM airport operations which hurts KLUMs ability to justify expansions. Underwood suggested that flight plans be kept open until after landing. Johnson asked Underwood to look into the process of installing a Ground Communication Outlet (GCO) to simplify closing flight plans on the ground. Underwood thanked the Airport Commission and Advisory Committee for their work on this project. No action taken. Schofield shared that Vertical Bridge has indicated a willingness to reduce the height of their proposed cell tower on the south side 730th Avenue to comply with the City’s height limitations but has not yet submitted plans confirming the same. Schofield indicated that he anticipated this matter to be considered at the February Airport Commission Meeting. No action taken. Gibson gave the Airport Managers Report. Gibson noted that fuel sales are up. Johnson asked if the wait list is current. Gibson indicated that it was. Gibson indicated that one of them is looking at going into the multi-hangar. No action taken. Johnson noted that Airport Commission Officers are due to be reviewed. Johnson indicated that he has enjoyed the Chairmanship but would step aside if anyone else wanted it. Johnson asked if Wildenberg and Lee wished to continue in their roles. Both indicated that they would. Sommerfeld moved to reappoint Johnson as Chairman, Wildenberg as Vice Chairman and Lee as Secretary. Seconded by Lee. Motion carried. Johnson noted that he would be out of the area from February 15 through March 10. Schofield suggested Wednesday February 11, 2026 at 6:00pm at City Hall for the next Airport Commission Meeting. Schofield noted that Gibson Aviation’s review is due. McCauley was not sure if he was available but will try to attend. No action taken. Johnson moved to adjourn. Seconded by Lee. Motion carried. Submitted by: David Schofield, Recording Secretary. MEMORANDUM David Schofield, Director of Public Works dschofield@menomonie-wi.gov 715-232-2221 Ext.1020 TO: Chairman Johnson & Airport Commission FROM: David Schofield, Director of Public Works SUBJECT: Introduction of Brock Meriwether DATE: March 18, 2026 Airport Commission Meeting Brock Meriwether has replaced the retired Dave Frank as Community Services Superintendent. Although Brock has done a significant amount of work at the airport, particularly on the electrical systems, I wanted to formally introduce him to the Airport Commission. The Community Services Superintendent oversees maintenance of the airport, including snow removal, mowing, electrical repairs, etc. Brock will be on-hand to answer any questions the Commission might have. For discussion only. No action needed. MEMORANDUM David Schofield, Director of Public Works dschofield@menomonie-wi.gov 715-232-2221 Ext.1020 TO: Chairman Johnson & Airport Commission FROM: David Schofield, Director of Public Works SUBJECT: Buell Vertical Bridge Cell Tower DATE: March 18, 2026 Airport Commission Meeting At the December 17, 2025 Airport Commission Meeting, the Commission recommended rejection of a 199-foot tall cell tower on the south side of 730th Avenue due to its 66-foot encroachment into the airport overlay height limitation map. The applicant, has revised and resubmitted their application, a copy of which is attached hereto. The revised plans show a 133-foot tall cell tower which tops out at 1041-feet above mean sea level. The revised plans now comply with the airport overlay height limitation map. Accordingly, City Staff recommends providing a Letter of No Objection to the Dunn County Planning and Zoning Department. If the Airport Commission concurs, the following motion would be appropriate Direct City Staff to provide a Letter of No Objection to Dunn County Planning and Zoning Department for the 133-foot tall cell tower on the south side of 730th Avenue in the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 5, Township 28 North, Range 12 West (simple majority). BUELL CONSULTING, INC. 9973 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 www.buellconsulting.com March 4, 2026 David Schofield, P.E. City of Menomonie - Director of Public Works 800 Wilson Ave Menomonie WI 54751 RE: Vertical Bridge Cell Tower / Menomonie Airport Commission Memorandum / Letter of No Objection Request Dear Mr. Schofield Vertical Bridge, in partnership with Verizon Wireless, proposes the construction of a 130-foot self-supporting wireless telecommunications tower with a total height of 133 feet, including all appurtenances. The proposed tower would be located approximately 0.5-mile west of the intersection between 730 th Avenue and County Road B. The proposed tower height has been reduced and is now compliant with the 1,041-foot AMSL height limitation per the Menomonie airport zoning ordinance. Given the proposal complies with airport zoning ordinance, we kindly request a Letter of No Objection be issued to Dunn County. Site Address: E5850 730th Ave, Menomonie, WI 54751 Parcel ID: 1702422812052100001 Site Name/ID: WI05 Cedar Falls / US-WI-5901 Site Elevation: 908’ Coordinates: 44.943781° / -91.867433° Tower Height: 133’ AGL Overall Height: 1,041’ AMSL Supplementary Documentation:  Tower Location Map – Attachment I  Airport Overlay Map – Attachment II  Site Plan/Survey  Photo Simulations Thank you in advance and please do not hesitate to contact me via email or the number below. Sincerely, Blair Ransom Site Development Agent o/b/o Vertical Bridge Cell: 612-875-1808 Email: b.ransom@grahamredev.com BUELL CONSULTING, INC. 9973 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 www.buellconsulting.com ATTACHMENT I - TOWER LOCATION MAP BUELL CONSULTING, INC. 9973 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 www.buellconsulting.com ATTACHMENT II - AIRPORT OVERLAY MAP Exact location of tower not visible on available map. SHEET CONTENTS:PROJECT DRAWN BY:CHECKED BY:US-WI-5901CEDAR FALLSE5850 730TH AVENUEMENOMONIE, WI 54751US-WI-5901FUZE ID: 2591600PS-0MJSTABv.112-08-25v.203-04-26 9973 VALLEY VIEW RD.EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344(952) 903-9299DESIGNWWW.DESIGN1EP.COMNOT FORCONSTRUCTION PREPARED FOR:THE TOWERS, LLC22 WEST ATLANTIC AVENUE, SUITE 310DELRAY BEACH, FL 33444 PHOTO SIMULATION1AERIAL KEYNORTHAERIAL ©2026 GOOGLE SHEET CONTENTS:PROJECT DRAWN BY:CHECKED BY:US-WI-5901CEDAR FALLSE5850 730TH AVENUEMENOMONIE, WI 54751US-WI-5901FUZE ID: 2591600PS-1AMJSTABv.112-08-25v.203-04-26 9973 VALLEY VIEW RD.EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344(952) 903-9299DESIGNWWW.DESIGN1EP.COMNOT FORCONSTRUCTION PREPARED FOR:THE TOWERS, LLC22 WEST ATLANTIC AVENUE, SUITE 310DELRAY BEACH, FL 33444 PHOTO SIMULATION1EXISTING PHOTO SHEET CONTENTS:PROJECT DRAWN BY:CHECKED BY:US-WI-5901CEDAR FALLSE5850 730TH AVENUEMENOMONIE, WI 54751US-WI-5901FUZE ID: 2591600PS-1BMJSTABv.112-08-25v.203-04-26 9973 VALLEY VIEW RD.EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344(952) 903-9299DESIGNWWW.DESIGN1EP.COMNOT FORCONSTRUCTION PREPARED FOR:THE TOWERS, LLC22 WEST ATLANTIC AVENUE, SUITE 310DELRAY BEACH, FL 33444 PHOTO SIMULATION1PROPOSED IMAGE MEMORANDUM David Schofield, Director of Public Works dschofield@menomonie-wi.gov 715-232-2221 Ext.1020 TO: Chairman Johnson & Airport Commission FROM: David Schofield, Director of Public Works SUBJECT: Hangar Area Lease for Parcel N DATE: March 18, 2026 Airport Commission Meeting The Estate of Ross Nelson desires to sell the hangar constructed upon Parcel N to R&R Memorial, LLC which was formed by Casey DeLanghe and Zach Shaha. Hangar Area Leases are not transferrable. Therefore, in order for this transaction to occur, the old lease must be terminated and a new lease must be created with R&R Memorial, LLC. Letters from both the Estate of Ross Nelson and R&R Memorial, LLC requesting this are attached. City Staff have prepared and attached a proposed hangar area lease with R&R Memorial, LLC for Parcel N. Because of this mid-year transaction (287 days remaining as of March 19, 2026), and the updated lease amount ($320 per year), the Estate of Ross Nelson will receive a prorated lease refund in the amount of $240 x (287 / 365) = $188.72 and R&R Memorial, LLC will owe a prorated lease payment in the amount of $320 x (287 / 365) = $251.62. If the Airport Commission concurs, the following motions would be appropriate: • Approve the Hangar Area Lease with R&R Memorial, LLC for Parcel N, as presented, contingent upon termination of the Hangar Area Lease with Ross Nelson for Parcel N dated January 17, 2020 (simple majority). • Approve the termination of the Hangar Area Lease with Ross Nelson for Parcel N dated January 17, 2020 (simple majority). 18 February 2026 Menomonie Municipal Airport Menomonie, WI, 54751 Subject: Obtain Ground Lease and Purchase Hangar on Plot N To Whom It May Concern, We, R&R Memorial, LLC, intend to purchase the aircraft hangar located on Plot N at the Menomonie Municipal Airport in Menomonie, Wisconsin, from Kris Nelson. We further intend to enter into a new ground lease with the City of Menomonie for the land associated with Plot N, subject to city and airport approval and any required lease terms and conditions. This letter is provided to support our request for approval of the lease transfer and hangar purchase. Sincerely, ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Name / Date Signature ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Name / Date Signature Zachary Shaha, 20 Feb 2026 Casey DeLanghe February 27, 2026 −1− HANGAR AREA LEASE THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into on the date indicated below by and between the City of Menomonie, State of Wisconsin, a municipal corporation, hereinafter called the Lessor, and R&R Memorial, LLC, 1705 14th Avenue East, Menomonie, WI 54751, hereinafter called the Lessee. WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, the Lessor owns and operates an airport known as the Menomonie Municipal Airport and said Lessee is desirous of leasing from the Lessor a certain parcel of land on the said airport, hereinafter more fully described, for the purpose of aircraft storage; and WHEREAS, the Lessee will use the below described property for the purpose of storing aircraft and shall conduct only such aircraft maintenance on its own aircraft as performed by the Lessee or by regular employees of the Lessee, and NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the rental charges, covenants, and agreements herein contained, the Lessee does hereby hire, take and lease from the Lessor and the Lessor does hereby grant, demise and lease unto the Lessee the following premises, rights and easements on and to the airport upon the following terms and conditions; 1. Property Description. - See Attachment A (Parcel N) Lot Site: Parcel N, Lot 23, CSM 511, Volume 2, Page 241 Size of Site: 86.5 feet by 76.0 feet 2. Term. The term of this lease shall be for a period of twenty (20) years commencing on the date of the signing of a document. 3. Rent. The Lessee agrees to pay to the Lessor for the use of the premises, rights, and easements herein described, a yearly rental charge of $ 320.00 per year, payable yearly with the first payment being made on the date of the signing of this lease. It is understood and agreed that the rental rate herein specified shall be subject to re-examination and readjustment every five (5) years beginning in 2031 on the Lessee’s anniversary date, and that any readjustment of said present rates, or as same may be amended hereinafter, shall be reasonable. 4. Hangar Construction. The Lessee shall have the right to erect, maintain and alter buildings or structures upon said premises providing such buildings or structures conform to the State Building Code Requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and pertinent provisions of any local ordinances in effect. All plans for such buildings or structures shall be reviewed and approved in writing by the Lessor prior to construction. The following restrictions shall also apply: a. The hangar shall be located with the “plane -entrance door” facing in common alignment with existing hangars. b. The hangar constructed shall be of a single unit design and conform in height to existing hangars, +8 feet. Hangars shall be built consecutively at the site with their roof ridge in an east-west direction. Hangars for more than one plane or multiple occupancy are allowed only after site size, lease rate and building are approved by the Lessor. c. Hangars shall be approximately centered in lot. Minimum side and rear yards shall be 10 −2− feet. An apron of asphalt or concrete shall be constructed in front of each hanger, a minimum of 20 feet in depth and 4 feet wider than the hangar door. d. Each hangar shall be white in color with trim color matching adjacent hangar trim, including walls and roof. e. Exterior materials for hangars shall be new prefinished rib -type metal, not corrugated. 5. Non-exclusive Use. The Lessee shall have the right to the non -exclusive use, in common with others, of the airport parking areas, appurtenances and improvements thereon; the right to install, operate, maintain and store, subject to the approval of the Lessor in the interests of safety and convenience of all concerned, all equipment necessary for the safe hangaring of the Lessee’s aircraft, the right of ingress to and egress from the demised premises, which right shall extend to Lessee’s employees, guests, and patrons; and the right, in common with others authorized to do so, to use common areas of the airport, including runways, taxiways, aprons, roadways, and other conveniences for the take-off, flying and landing of aircraft. 6. Laws and Regulations. The Lessee agrees to observe and obey during the term of this lease all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations promulgated and enforced by the Lessor, and by other proper authority having jurisdiction over the conduct of operations at the airport. 7. Hold Harmless. The Lessee agrees to hold the Lessor free and harmless from loss from each and every claim and demand of whatever nature made upon the behalf of or by any person or persons for any wrongful act or omission on the part of the Lessee, his agents or employees, and from all loss or damages by reason of such acts or omissions. 8. Insurance. The Lessee agrees that he will deposit with the Lessor a policy of comprehensive liability insurance and fire insurance. The City shall be named as an additional insured on the policy. Such liability policy shall be issued by a company licensed to do business in Wisconsin and shall insure the Lessee against loss from liability to the amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) for the injury or death of one or more persons in any one accident, and in the amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) for damage to property of others for any one accident. The failure to obtain the above specified insurance shall automatically terminate the lease; the cancellation or other termination of any insurance policy issued in compliance with this section shall automatically terminate the lease, unless another policy has been filed and approved pursuant to this section and shall be in effect at the time of such cancellation or termination. 9. Maintenance of Buildings. The Lessee will maintain the structures occupied by Lessee and the surrounding land premises in good order and make such repairs as are necessary. In the event of fire or any other casualty to structures owned by the Lessee, the Lessee shall either repair or replace the building or remove the damaged building and restore the leased area to its original condition; such action must be accomplished within one hundred twenty (120) days of the date the damage occurred. Upon petition by the Lessee, the Lessor may grant an extension of time if it appears such extension is warranted. 10. Right to Inspect. The Lessor reserves the right to enter upon the premises at any reasonable time for the purpose of making any inspection it may deem expedient to the proper enforcement of any of the covenants or conditions of this agreement. 11. Taxes. The Lessee shall pay all taxes or assessments that may be levied against the personal property of the Lessee or the buildings which he may erect on lands leased exclusively to Lessee. −3− 12. Signs. The Lessee agrees that no signs or advertising matter may be erected without the consent of the Lessor. 13. Default. The Lessee shall be deemed in default upon: a. Failure to pay rent or taxes or assessments referred to at paragraph 11 within thirty (30) days after due date; b. Failure to construct a hangar within eight (8) months from the date this contract is signed; c. The filing of a petition under the Federal Bankruptcy Act or any amendment thereto including a petition for reorganization or an arrangement; c. The commencement of a proceeding for dissolution or for the appointment of a receiver; d. The making of an assignment for the benefit of creditors; e. Violation of any restrictions in this lease, or failure to keep any of its covenants after written notice to cease such violation and failure to correct such violation within thirty (30) days. Default by the Lessee shall authorize the Lessor, at its option and without legal proceedings, to declare this lease void, cancel the same, and re -enter and take possession of the premises. 14. Title. Title to the buildings erected by the Lessee shall remain with the Lessee and shall be transferable. Upon termination of this lease, the Lessee may, at the option of the Lessor, remove the buildings, all equipment and property therein and restore the leased property to its original condition. 15. Snow Removal. The Lessor agrees to provide snow removal services to the Lessee’s paved apron except within five (5) feet of hangar door. Such snow removal shall be accomplished only after all public roadways and all runways, aprons, and primary taxiways have been first cleared. 16. Mowing. The Lessor agrees to provide mowing services to the Lessee’s leased premises in the hangar area except within ten (10) feet of the hangar. Mowing shall be accomplished only common areas of the airport have first been mowed. Lessee shall mow the area within ten (1 0) feet of the hangar in accordance with City Code 5-1-4-F. 17. Lease Transfer. The Lessee may not, at any time during the time of this lease, assign, hypothecate or transfer this agreement or any interest therein, without the consent of the Lessor. 18. Airport Development. The Lessor reserves the right to further develop or improve the landing area of the airport as it sees fit, regardless of the desires or view of the Lessee, and without interference or hindrance. If the development of the airport requires the relocation of the Lessee, the Lessor agrees to provide a compatible location and agrees to relocate all buildings or provide similar facilities for the Lessee at no cost of the Lessee. −4− 19. Subordination Clause. This lease shall be subordinate to the provisions of any existing or future agreement between the Lessor and the United States or the State of Wisconsin relative to the operation or maintenance of the airport, the execution of which has been or may be required as a condition precedent to the expenditure of federal or state funds for the development of the airport. Furthermore, this lease may be amended to include provisions required by those agreements with the United States or the State of Wisconsin. 20. Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this lease or any alleged breach thereof, which cannot be settled between the parties, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the dispute rendered by the arbitrator(s) shall be final and binding on the parties. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto set their hands and seals this ________ day of __________________, 2026. LESSOR: CITY OF MENOMONIE MENOMONIE AIRPORT COMMISSION Dr. Dan Johnson, Chairman ATTEST:__________________________________ Eric Atkinson, Secretary LESSEE: R&R MEMORIAL, LLC By: Its: Subscribed and sworn to before me this_____ day of ____________, _____. −5− Notary Public, State of Wisconsin My Commission Expires: MEMORANDUM David Schofield, Director of Public Works dschofield@menomonie-wi.gov 715-232-2221 Ext.1020 TO: Chairman Johnson & Airport Commission FROM: David Schofield, Director of Public Works SUBJECT: Gibson Aviation Services, LLC Performance Review DATE: March 18, 2026 Airport Commission Meeting The Fixed Base Operator Agreement between the Menomonie Airport Commission and Gibson Aviation Services, LLC, a copy of which is attached, requires regular performance reviews. If the Airport Commission concurs with entering closed session, the following motion would be appropriate Motion to convene in Closed Session under Wisconsin Statues 19.85(1)(e) for the purpose of deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session for Gibson Aviation Services, LLC Performance Review (Roll Call Vote). The Airport Commission and representative(s) from Gibson Aviation Services, LLC will discuss a performance review in closed session. No action will be taken during Closed Session. When the discussion is complete, the appropriate motion would be Motion to reconvene in Open Session under Wisconsin Statues 19.85(2) (Roll Call Vote). The Airport Commission may, but is not required to, take action on any topics discussed in Closed Session after returning to Open Session.