2017-01-30-minutes--static-display-marine-electronic-warfare-aircraft-at-bowers-field

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2017-01-30 MINUTES 1 COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON COMMISSIONER’S CONFERENCE ROOM SPECIAL MEETING MONDAY 2:30 P.M. JANUARY 30, 2017 Board members present: Chairman Paul Jewell; Vice-Chairman Laura Osiadacz and Commissioner Obie O’Brien. Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board; Kathy Jurgens, Finance Systems Manager/Interim Co-Public Works Director; Lucas Huck, Engineer/Interim Co-Public Works Director; Wayne Bell, Retired Lt. Col. USMJC; and 1 member of the public. SPECIAL MEETING STATIC DISPLAY COMMISSIONERS At 2:30 p.m. Chairman Jewell opened a Special Meeting to meet with Wayne Bell, retired Lt. Col. USMC regarding a static display of a Marine Electronic Warfare Aircraft at Bowers Field. Mr. Bell reviewed his military history and said he was also the President of the AT&T Veterans – Washington Chapter and provided a history of the Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron Four (VMAQ-4) “Seahawks History”. He said he has been working on identifying a location to place a EA-6B “Prowler” aircraft on static display after it is retired in June and thought Bower’s Field may be a good fit. The Marine Corps have agreed to fund the delivery, de- militarization, disposal of hazardous material in the static display set up. He said there would be no cost to the County unless they wished to actively participate in support of the display set up and maintenance. They have received support from Congressman Dave Reichert, Senator Maria Cantwell, as well as a number of local Veterans organizations in getting approval from the National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM). There was discussion on having it placed on a tri-pod however there would be a large expense associated with that including the engineering and construction for it. He said it would be nice to have some type of secure fencing placing around it, although it is not a requirement. The AT&T Veterans have said they would pay for the maintenance of it which includes cleaning of the aircraft, removing rust, painting repairs, etc. The Board agreed they would like to be able to get the plane at a location where public could have access to enjoy it and be able hold ceremonies as well as other events. Kathy Jurgens reviewed a few concerns of Public Works Director Mark Cook including insurance and maintenance. Commissioner Jewell asked Public Works Staff to contact Mark Smith at Century Aviation in Wenatchee and obtain information on the costs