麻豆传媒

HUMBOLDT — Humboldt council deliberated over the sale of the local municipal airport at its meeting on Monday, April 28, ultimately deciding to postpone the decision as a gallery of supporters for the local Humboldt airport, or aerodrome, were in attendance.

Several delegations were present to express concerns over the aerodrome ownership and operations request for proposal (RFP) results, which were presented at the executive committee meeting on April 16.

All delegates were opposed to the sale of the Humboldt airport and addressed council on why it should remain a public asset. Peter Berquist, director of public works, said in his report, “If the aerodrome were to remain public, the financial and liability risks should not be solely on the City of Humboldt as the study identified the limited benefit to the ratepayers of the city. The desired approach would be a shared partnership regionally with urban and rural partners in the form of an ‘Airport Authority.’ Unfortunately, regional partners do not appear interested in contributing to this facility.”

The aerodrome is at a point where significant investment is needed to maintain current expectations for a public facility.

Delegates included: Terry Rohrke, representing flight training interests; Jeffery Pylatiuk, Humboldt Flying Club and stakeholders; Kyle Ollerich, Ollerich Farms; and Clayton Rempel, Clayton Air Services.

Humboldt administration recommended selling the airport to Clayton Air Services for a purchase price of $750,000.

Pylatiuk, a volunteer with the Humboldt Flying Club, spoke at the council meeting to express his disapproval of the recommendation.

“Our first concern, this does not ensure the long-term survivor ability of our airport; seven years is not a long-term commitment. The methodology that was used to determine the best RFP does not make sense,” Pylatiuk said.

“It prohibits competing businesses, and it requires permission to be used. This is not accessible to the public if permission needs to be granted. It’s a blank slate to monopolize the industry.”

Pylatiuk went on to say, “We support the aerodrome operation and ownership to be fully accessible to all stakeholders and businesses. It would be a mistake to release control, reject the recommendation put forth by the aerodrome ownership and operation report.”

Humboldt council will go back to the drawing board regarding the future of the Humboldt aerodrome. The next council meeting is scheduled for June 23.