Airport advisory committee discusses fuel purchasing, selects engineering firm and reviews multiple infrastructure updates

At the May 15, 2024 meeting, the Gratiot County Airport Advisory Committee reviewed several infrastructure and equipment items and indicated next steps for procurement and vendor review.

Committee members discussed fuel tanks and fuel purchasing: the minutes note a need to buy JETA and record that Chris Oosterhoff signed an agreement with Epic to obtain competitive fuel rates. The fuel‑related attachments are marked confidential in the packet.

On capital planning, the committee indicated it is proceeding with Prein&Newhoff as the engineering firm following the RFP process. The minutes record "Going with Prein&Newhoff" but do not include a formal motion text or vote for that selection.

Roof repair status was reported: a second representative from 5Star inspected the roof on May 3. The committee also reviewed steel roof quotes; the minutes list status but do not provide dollar amounts or a final vendor selection.

For grounds and vegetation, Dennis McDonald, the airport manager, said he had emailed Stephanie the specifications for a tree‑trimming RFP and recommended obtaining signed agreements with adjacent property owners before work commences.

The beacon RFP has been written and is awaiting final review and approval by John (identified in the minutes as the engineer) before the RFP is posted. The AWOS storm device was discussed, with Joe Butcher noted as available to perform brush removal necessary for that device. Committee members also discussed adding a FlightAware/ADSB device (potentially free) and noted that VC3 could set up the ADS‑B feed and that the airport Wi‑Fi will need to be updated to support connecting the device to a display.

The minutes record these items as status updates and preparations; several items remain at the RFP or review stage with next steps contingent on final approvals or posting.