HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-30-minutes--static-display-marine-electronic-warfare-aircraft-at-bowers-field2017-01-30 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
2017-01-30 MINUTES 2
of maintenance, how often the aircraft would need to be cleaned,
etc. He thought another option to locate the plane would be near
the Armory at the Kittitas Valley Event Center. Mr. Bell noted
there could be a one-time cost to move the plane after it’s flown in
to Bowers Field and brought to another location. Mr. Bell also
asked for the County’s assistance once it’s brought to Kittitas
County for a ceremony where they would anticipate at least 1,000
people in attendance with various dignitaries. If the County is
interested in partnering with the AT&T Veterans of Washington State
in their application to take custody of a “Seahawk” EA-6B Prowler a
letter signed by the Chairman of the Board would be needed and Mr.
Bell provided a draft letter addressed to the Department of the
Navy, National Naval Aviation Museum.
According to NNAM a Surety Bond needs to be provided in case it was
determined that the aircraft was no longer wanted or maintenance had
not been kept up on it. The transportation costs would be based upon
returning it to the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. Mr.
Bell said he has requested a waiver to a Surety Bond, but Mr.
Sessions would cover the cost of it if a waiver was not granted.
Commissioner O’Brien offered to be the lead on the project and would
contact Central Washington University to see if they would be
interested in placing the aircraft somewhere at their facility.
CERTIFICATION COUNTY ROAD ADMINISTRATION BOARD PUBLIC WORKS
Commissioner O’Brien moved to approve and authorize the Chair to
sign a Digital Submittal Certification form to the County Road
Administration Board for the 2017 Road Levy Certification.
Commissioner Osiadacz seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CLERK OF THE BOARD KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Julie Kjorsvik Paul Jewell, Chairman