Airline service a ‘nonstarter’

A crowd of around 200 residents were reassured by Minden-Tahoe Airport officials that they have no intention of expanding.

Under an ordinance approved by voters in 2010, any significant expansion of the airport, including installing a tower or lengthening the runway would require going back to voters.

Airport officials said Tuesday they are seeking to remove a runway extension that appears on the airport master plan approved on Dec. 1, 2016.

There is no plan for commercial airlines to use the airport, they said.

“What we don’t want is scheduled air traffic,” Airport Director Bobbi Thompson said. “It’s just a nonstarter.”

There has been discussion of an air traffic control tower to improve safety and help with noise abatement.

Former Airport Advisory Committee member Mike Bradford said he was shocked that someone suggested disbanding the committee back in August. The committee was formed in 1974 to serve as a liaison between airport users and the county.

Committee members voted against disbandment at the time to perhaps work on a new mission statement that details their duties.

A discussion on the statement was scheduled for discussion on Nov. 21, but the meeting was canceled after failing to get a quorum, disappointing a score of people who attended to provide feedback.

Bradford also called out the hiring of Airport Manager Frank Monack’s brother saying the siblings shouldn’t be in a hierarchal position.

The airport has been managed by private firm ABS since 2010.

Most of the concerns expressed at the Town Hall conducted Tuesday at the Douglas County Community & Senior Center were by pilots and other airport users over its management.

Concerns about a shortage of hangars and space at the airport may be resolved next year.

Piñon Aero has leased 86 acres of space at the airport for years to use as a jet center. In the intervening decades, they have built one building.

Thompson said she will recommend to county commissioners that the lease not be renewed next year because the company is in default.

ABS’ contract with the county also goes before county commissioners next year.