Meeting Agenda
1. Open Meeting
2. Roll Call
3. Items of Business
3.A. August 13th, 2026 Airport Advisory Board meeting minutes 
3.B. Discussion on Airport Budget 
4. Petitions - Communications - Citizen Concerns
5. Officers' Reports
5.A. Airport Manager Report
6. Adjournment
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting
Meeting: September 10, 2026 at 8:15 AM - Airport Advisory Board Meeting
Subject:
1. Open Meeting
Rationale:
  • In accordance with Nebraska law, a copy of the Open Meetings Act can be found in the back of the Council Chambers.
  • Items listed on the agenda may be considered in any order.
Subject:
2. Roll Call
Rationale:
  • Attendance of members will be recorded to determine the presence of a quorum for official actions.
Discussion:
Greg Hier:            Absent
Kirk Keller:           Present   
James Dux:         Present 
Howard Nitzel:     Present 
Blaine Spanjer:    Present 
Present: 4      Absent:  1

Also present: City Administrator Tom Ourada, Attorney Anna Burge, Airport Manager Samantha Haack, IT Director Mike Kalkwarf, Olsson Lead Engineer Chris Corr, Finance Director Wendy Thomas and City Clerk Nancy Tellez
Subject:
3. Items of Business
Rationale:
  • Action may be taken to discuss/limit discussion, to hear testimony in favor of or in opposition to, and to approve or disapprove any matter presented under this title.
Subject:
3.A. August 13th, 2026 Airport Advisory Board meeting minutes 
Discussion:
Kirk Keller motioned to approve the August 13th, 2026 meeting minutes and James Dux seconded the motion. 
Blaine Spanjer: Aye, Howard Nitzel: Aye, James Dux: Aye, Kirk Keller: Aye
 
Attachments:
Subject:
3.B. Discussion on Airport Budget 
Discussion:
There was discussion on the Airport Advisory Board budget and Airport Advisory Board member Howard Nitzel asked about the Beacon. City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that it needs to be reflected on the budget. 
Ourada stated that work is being done to figure out how to price the fuel to stay competitive. Airport Manager Sam Haack stated that they are almost a year int the agreement with AB Fuel and would like to know when to start looking into options. Ourada stated that thinking about that when there is a year left. 
Nitzel stated that there are projects that have not been done that have been on the list for over 3 years. Nitzel added that there is a 41% reduction in the building and grounds maintenance budget. Ourada asked Nitztel about his suggestions for raising money. Nitztel stated that the farm rent is the only income they have. Ourada and Airport Advisory Board Chair Blaine Spanjer stated that hangar rents should go up. 
City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that the City of Crete lost $640,000 and the City is going to participate in the joint public hearing. Airport Advisory Board member James Dux asked if there are more planes flying in for fuel and Airport Manager Sam Haack stated that there are a lot more than when she started working at the airport. Haack added that customers are staying and getting fuel and she has noticed more planes flying. 
There was discussion on the fuel sales and Ourada explained that there are other expenses that are not shown on the fuel report. Chris Corr stated that there might be a discount for a mufti-year agreement with QTPOD. Ourada asked Haack to look into that. 

James Dux motioned to recommend to the City Council to approve the Airport Budget and Kirk Keller seconded the motion. 
Blaine Spanjer: Aye, James Dux: Aye, Kirk Keller: Aye  Howard Nitzel: No 

 
Subject:
4. Petitions - Communications - Citizen Concerns
Rationale:
  • Citizen testimony may be limited to 3 minutes per person.
  • Please do not repeat testimony that has already be heard.
  • No action can be taken on matters presented under this title except to answer any questions or to refer the matter for further action.
Subject:
5. Officers' Reports
Rationale:
  • Reports may be given by Officers, City Departments, Committees, or Board members concerning the current operations of the Airport.
  • No action can be taken on matters presented under this title except to answer any questions or to refer the matter for further action.
Discussion:
Lead Engineer at Olsson Chris Corr stated that the foundation for the hangar would be started at the end of the week or next week. Corr added that trucks have been arriving with building materials. Airport Advisory Board member Howard Nitzel asked if another fire hydrant could be added near the new hangar. City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that is a good thought and they will look into it. 
Corr added that the State Aid Grant application has been submitted. 
Subject:
5.A. Airport Manager Report
Discussion:
Airport Manager Samantha Haack stated that she has been doing research on similar hangar rental fees. Haack stated that Columbus and Blair (private) are $1,500 and Lincoln's are $1,200 - $1,500 and tenants pay electric and heat. There was discussion on hangars being metered separately and charging a flat rate. (You cannot charge based on what they use) Gas would be different and Black Hills can put different meters. 
Subject:
6. Adjournment
Discussion:
The meeting adjourned at 9:23 a.m.

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