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City of Menomonie · Dunn County · meeting of Jan 21, 2026 · Minutes
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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.
Source: City of Menomonie website. First collected Oct 19, 2026.