The main discussion during the Alva Airport Commission meeting Monday, July 8, concerned a security issue. Airport Manager Greg Robinson said he posted signs two weeks ahead of the July 4 holiday stating that the airport terminal would be closed that day. He said the airport has very little traffic on holidays, and contact information is posted if someone needs fuel or some other help.

Robinson said he closed and locked up on July 3, but he had some work he needed to complete so returned to the airport about 11:15 a.m. on July 4. He found the airport terminal door unlocked and no one around.

Robinson said he later learned that one of airport tenants had opened up the terminal and didn’t lock up when they left. He said he looks at this as a security issue. He explained that a door key is hidden on the property, and a lot of people, mainly airport tenants, know its location. Apparently tenants use the key to access restrooms in the building for themselves or landing aircraft.

The manager told the board, “I want to know if I have your support in making decisions.” He said he didn’t think tenants should be opening up the terminal when it is closed because of liability issues. He’s concerned that someone could walk in and take airport computers, flat screens or the credit card machine with associated information. The airport also contains display items on loan from the museum.

Airport Commission Chair Dale Logsdon said, “I would support whatever you want to do.” Mayor Kelly Parker, also a commission member, said, “I’m good with that.”

Logsdon asked Robinson if he had talked with the tenant who left the terminal unlocked. He said no, and Logsdon suggested he do so. Logsdon also said he was okay with Robinson hiding the key in a different location or completely removing it from access.

Another suggestion by Logsdon was that they consider adding a surveillance video camera to track people entering the terminal building.

Manager’s Report

Robinson said the Oklahoma Corporation Commission did a six month inspection on avgas on June 10 and found one out of calibration so he had it fixed. He said he has the part-time employees spraying the concrete expansion areas for weeds including the hangar areas. He also listed some other work done on the fueling systems.

The Alva Police Department has asked to use the airport for one of their stops on July 20 for the Kids and Cops Poker Run. They expect to visit the airport between 6 and 8 p.m.

Robinson said June was a “pretty decent month” in fuel sales. Avgas sales totaled 2,169 gallons for $9,460.33. Jet A fuel sales were 2,597 gallons for $8,829.80. He said Jet A fuel sales were way below average until near the end of the month. The airport sold a couple of quarts of oil and took in $60 for four nights of hangar rental for total sales of $18,371.89 in June.

Other Business

Commission member Terry Turner asked if there was anything new on the turf runway. Robinson said the grass is coming up well. He hasn’t had time to check on getting a packer to use on the runway.

There was no report on the plans for the Fly In scheduled for September.

City Business Manager Joe Don Dunham reported he is working with engineering on the best and most cost-effective route to bring in water lines. The city is planning to install water meters so those using city water can be billed. Dunham said it will probably take another month to get a proposed plan to bring back to the commission.

During board remarks time, Paul Kinzie said July is typically the month the city sends out tenant billing. He said his bill has always come in a lump sum, and he asked if it could be itemized for the separate properties. It was agreed that should be possible.