Airport Transfer

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   From the 8/25 city manager weekly update:

Airport Transfer
I wanted to let you know of some very positive organizational changes at the Middletown Regional
Airport. Scott Tadych, Dave Duritsch, Mike Robinette and I recently met to discuss the future of the
airport. We believe that the airport should be viewed as an Economic Asset rather than a facility. As
such we believe that the airport will fit better under the Economic Development Department rather
than the Engineering Department. Further, we recognize that we have a wonderful asset in Rich Bevis
and therefore, the FBO and Airport Management contracts with Rich will remain in place.
While Scott and Dave have done a great job in working with the Airport, we feel that a better use of the
talented engineers we have on staff is in the engineering, infrastructure, public works and utilities areas.
Mike Robinette and his staff will be working with Scott and Dave over the next few months to ensure a
smooth transition with the ultimate effective date of the transfer being January 1, 2011. I’ve
communicated this change to the Airport Commission as well.
This almost sounds like a recipe for disaster. I hope they (EDD) rely heavily on the judgement of Rich Bevis.

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409 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Mar 27 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1014	Post Options Post Reply Quote 409 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Airport Transfer Posted: Aug 25 2010 at 4:37pm
	From the 8/25 city manager weekly update: Airport Transfer I wanted to let you know of some very positive organizational changes at the Middletown Regional Airport. Scott Tadych, Dave Duritsch, Mike Robinette and I recently met to discuss the future of the airport. We believe that the airport should be viewed as an Economic Asset rather than a facility. As such we believe that the airport will fit better under the Economic Development Department rather than the Engineering Department. Further, we recognize that we have a wonderful asset in Rich Bevis and therefore, the FBO and Airport Management contracts with Rich will remain in place. While Scott and Dave have done a great job in working with the Airport, we feel that a better use of the talented engineers we have on staff is in the engineering, infrastructure, public works and utilities areas. Mike Robinette and his staff will be working with Scott and Dave over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition with the ultimate effective date of the transfer being January 1, 2011. I’ve communicated this change to the Airport Commission as well. This almost sounds like a recipe for disaster. I hope they (EDD) rely heavily on the judgement of Rich Bevis.

Talking Heads Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Immigrant Joined: Aug 18 2010 Status: Offline Points: 27	Post Options Post Reply Quote Talking Heads Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Aug 25 2010 at 8:46pm
	Does sound like the Three Musketeers have taken over the entire city building, at the expense of others. Whose the driving force behind these decisions? Is it that "good old boy" club that I've heard about? Seems the Musketeers are boosting their egos.

Hermes Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: May 19 2009 Location: Middletown Status: Offline Points: 1637	Post Options Post Reply Quote Hermes Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Aug 25 2010 at 10:30pm
	I assume they want to transfer operations due to the fact that at present it works. Apparently the higher echelon doesn't like that fact so the new strategy will be to see how bad they can screw it up.

409 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Mar 27 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1014	Post Options Post Reply Quote 409 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Aug 25 2010 at 10:50pm
	In my above post, I should have included Jack Wolf and the airport commission along with Rich Bevis. I have to wonder why the switch. Maybe to help justify the ED dept.?

VietVet Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Council Joined: May 15 2008 Status: Offline Points: 7008	Post Options Post Reply Quote VietVet Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Aug 26 2010 at 7:04am
	If Robinette handles the airport like he has handled the Econ.Dev. Department, the city will be able to scratch the airport off of their "success story" list in the future. I like the thing about making better use of the talented engineers. "We believe the airport should be viewed as an economic asset rather than a facility".. What? Can't it be both? That alone, is the reason for the transfer from the Eng. Department to the Econ.Dev. Department?

spiderjohn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2749	Post Options Post Reply Quote spiderjohn Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Aug 26 2010 at 7:49am
	I think that 409 has probably figgered it out. Rumour is that ED has by far out-spent their budget this year, and is already dippping in to other funds for salaries. The airport has come a long way under Mr.Bevis, his wife and co., along with their support group. Fastrax has been a wonderful addition. As I mentioned prior, our Admin is looking more similar to the Husemann era every day, including the faces of his cronies. That philosophy seems to be most concerned with preserving the ivory bunker and the residing officials. There is no place for private business or the citizen, outside of paying for the whims and follies of our self-proclaimed royal family and their insider enablers. Same for the Sorg Mansion. Viryually every one of those 26 speakers for Pendleton/Verdin owes the city in one way or another. I also expect Verdin to buy into Central east to build his condos(with our $$ of course!)

Vivian Moon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Council Joined: May 16 2008 Location: Middletown, Ohi Status: Offline Points: 4187	Post Options Post Reply Quote Vivian Moon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Aug 26 2010 at 8:16am
	Well if we are going to transfer the Airport to the ED Department then I hope all the associated cost goes with it. The last time I looked they were not paying for the grass to be mowed and the signals to be repaired and then last week we were told that they needed help paying the Duke and water bill. I hope Mr. Picard will explain this change at the next council meeting.

jag123 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Resident Joined: Nov 05 2009 Location: Middletown Status: Offline Points: 143	Post Options Post Reply Quote jag123 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Aug 26 2010 at 10:35am
	Vivian: You need to have some facts correct before critizing an issue or in this case, the airport. I know Rich and Jack very well because I am a pilot and I am on the field almost daily. You mention grass mowing. Fact; Jack and Rich contracted with a farmer to mow the grass as hay for his cattle. He does this for free, thus SAVING the city around $6,000 per year. Mr. Picard spoke of the electric bills. He did not have the latest financial information, as I understand it, to make that statement. I am told by airport management that they have been asking the city for years to put electric meters on hangars so that the hangar renters can pay their fair share of the electric. However, the city does not have the money for the upgrade. Energy upgrades are also needed in the old Armco hangar, but again, no money to do it with. Now for Economic Development, Rich and Jack over the past three years have filled the airport hangars to capicity and brought in several good bussiness. Jack told me that Mr. Duritsch's way of overseeing the airport was to let the experts, Rich and Jack, do what they do best, not micro-manage, but lend assistance when asked. That is the definition of a good boss. I think Rich and Jack will do fine with the change at the top, but it is hard to argue; "why fix it, if it ain't broke"? Jagster

swohio75 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Citizen Joined: Jun 13 2008 Status: Offline Points: 820	Post Options Post Reply Quote swohio75 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Aug 26 2010 at 11:01am
	I can see why this change might be taking place. I do think the airport is an economic development asset. Not the ONLY economic asset, but an economic development asset, especially as it relates to the area surrounding the airport. While FastTrax is a great addition, it will probably do more to spur tourism than economic development. I’m not discounting it, I think it’s great—but not likely to spur additional activity. Aeronca, while a much smaller company than it has been, has a modern, upgraded facility and is a great addition to the local economy. The former location—even though it’s a sh*tty example of brownfield remediation (the property is a mess)—has the potential to developed for new industry. Also, the city has declared the Riverside Trailer Park a nuisance, and is looking to remove structures from the property. Many of them have been abandoned, are vacant and in serious decay. If the city is able to acquire the property through the landbank and remove the structures, they can work to get it rezoned as industrial. This would make sense as you already have industrial along Terry/Carmody. And you have the Hook Industrial Park already established. The city could then work to attract aerospace or logistics companies to the “Riverside” land. With having the Economic Development team in charge of the airport, they can understand the needs of potential companies looking to locate to the area and seek out federal funding / grants based on those needs. The biggest problem with the airport is that it is currently land-locked for airport expansion activity (ie- runways). There is some land available for hanger space. Could Smith Park eventually be taken over by the airport, should growth need to happen? Just a question. Not any sort of rumor or speculation.

Storm Ahead Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Immigrant Joined: Aug 04 2010 Status: Offline Points: 18	Post Options Post Reply Quote Storm Ahead Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Aug 26 2010 at 12:40pm
	Duh! Remember years ago when city council voted to purchase the airport and all hell broke loose? My goodness! NOW it's considered economic development! I'll bet you a dollar that Spider John's alleged rumor about Mr. Robinette blowing his budget is more than rumor. (I may have to do an operational transfer however, say from the Health Department to my Betting Fund to cover bets.) Who is this guy anyway? Didn't he develop Franklin's miracle half-mile of truck stops and gas stations? Does city council ever review the sources and uses of funds? EVER? Could be time for the city manager to float some resumes. Oh what do I know? I'm just a gurl!
	Stormy

Vivian Moon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Council Joined: May 16 2008 Location: Middletown, Ohi Status: Offline Points: 4187	Post Options Post Reply Quote Vivian Moon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Aug 26 2010 at 4:53pm
	MONEY MONEY MONEY….You must remember that NSP and CDBG funds were just made available to the Harlan Park area (Airport). What happened to the clean up work that was to be completed on the canal this year?

Storm Ahead Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Immigrant Joined: Aug 04 2010 Status: Offline Points: 18	Post Options Post Reply Quote Storm Ahead Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep 02 2010 at 9:25am
	My hairdresser's cousin's uncle claims that your city administration has yet to accept an offered contract by Fast Trax that PREVENTS the airport from about $5,000 a month in INCOME! Does anyone have the FACTS on this?
	Stormy

Storm Ahead Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Immigrant Joined: Aug 04 2010 Status: Offline Points: 18	Post Options Post Reply Quote Storm Ahead Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep 02 2010 at 9:28am
	By the way, I chose the name I did because my daddy taught me to always enjoy the good times because, "there's always a storm ahead".
	Stormy

spiderjohn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2749	Post Options Post Reply Quote spiderjohn Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep 05 2010 at 12:11pm
	I missed the airport extravaganza this weekend, however my wife took other family members down last night for the festivities. When she returned, she couldn't say enough complimentary things about the event. The night sky diving was outstanding, the music and food was quality and plentiful, and the fireworks display was beyond anything put together in this city for as long as she could remember. Mr.Bevis and crew have steadily transformed this former city liability into a quality showplace and event center. The city still is lagging behind in converting energy meters to individualize each hangar and renter, and facility improvements are necessary. Also, Admin evidently has some problem with the Fast Trax contract/rental. Councilmember Picard rightfully expresses concern on the airport needing to be subsidized by at least $90,000 for the current year, while this facility is moving forwardly in activities and progression with a very quiet and professional manner. How Mr.Picard can vote to give away prime Central Ave.real estate, plus $400,000 in property improvements + $250,000 in slush fund monies, then express concern over the Hook situation is puzzling. Who will generate the most jobs and economic activity? Hook field or a dozen part-time artists in the Pendleton Center(will we really have a tattoo parlor there?)? Sounds like and interesting and important Council agenda Tuesday. Let's hope that the 3 weeks off since the last meeting debacle has brought our Councilmembers to their senses and back to supporting the entire citizenry instead of the special interests of a chosen few. Time to quit giving us away like we are worthless, and to start demanding financial accountability and results everywhere. The way this Council operates, we might be better off if they only meet once a month.

Bill Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Citizen Joined: Nov 04 2009 Status: Offline Points: 710	Post Options Post Reply Quote Bill Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep 05 2010 at 12:23pm
	It would seem investing the PAC money into major airport improvements would have been a much better idea.

409 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Mar 27 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1014	Post Options Post Reply Quote 409 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep 05 2010 at 10:40pm
	Bill.....Agree! Spider.....Your wife is absolutely correct.

spiderjohn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Prominent MUSA Citizen Joined: Jul 01 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2749	Post Options Post Reply Quote spiderjohn Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep 06 2010 at 9:18am
	Exactly, Bill and 409 Really sorry to miss this great party. Who could spark economic impact and job creation best? Hook Field or Pendleton Arts Center? Who gets the huge handouts and Coiuncil/Admin support? Pendleton giveaway! Just compare the turn-out of the recent MAMF "downtown' festival with the Hook shindig. Outstanding music and huge funding support for MAMF--probably subsidized by at least $100 per attendee that was not working there. Concerns over subsidizing Hook, Sunset, park programs and Bashes, however $1,000,000 giveaway to Mr.Verdin to create a dozen part-time jobs which are alleged to spur many new businesses and job opportunities. And the "Main Street Project" shills will show up tomorrow night with their hands out again. Same faces as with Pendleton, or will Mr.R do the spin doctor speech alone? How can our city afford these subsidies to one particulary dead and not-so-important area of our city? When was the last time that the Bicentennial Commons was used? What are it's upkeep costs annually? Question: What do you get when you cross the Airport Manager and the Middletown City Council members? Answer: Bevis and Butt-Heads! Mr. SMART 3:07 PM, 9/6/2010

angelababy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Resident Joined: Aug 04 2010 Status: Offline Points: 103	Post Options Post Reply Quote angelababy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep 15 2010 at 1:44am
	He did not have the latest financial information, as I understand it, to make that statement. I am told by airport management that they have been asking the city for years to put electric meters on hangars so that the hangar renters can pay their fair share of the electric.