Happy New Year,                                                                                January 2007

I sincerely hope that all of you had a joyous holiday season.

I am sure most of you know that Commissioner Larry Gould lost his re-election bid and will be stepping down as a member of the Airport Board. He was proactive during his tenure here at the airport and was a driving force behind getting the runway expansion completed. We wish him well and say Thank You for his years of service.

The airport dodged a couple of snowstorms that never materialized in our region last month. We are ready for what Mother Nature throws at us, yet from a manager's viewpoint, any day over 0c is a good day.

The South Perimeter Fence installation will begin this January, WX permitting. If not, it will start when the WX breaks. An electronic gate will be installed between the FBO and the Terminal building. An added plus to having the airport completely fenced in is that this is a requirement for some of the Very Light Jet (VLJ's) fractional operators prior to them utilizing an airport.

Security is a major concern and the continuous fence is a great start. I encourage all of you to maintain a watchful eye for unusual activities on or about the airport and report them immediately.

It is my understanding that a local service organization has chosen the Lenawee County Airport to host their fundraising event this summer. It is tentatively scheduled for mid –June and will involve closing approximately 2/3 of the ramp. Please contact me if you can provide any help, encouragement, ideas or resources related to hosting a community type event.

There was a change in personnel at the state level and our funds for a new snow plow truck have been put on hold. Will keep pushing for another chance to purchase one in early summer so it will be ready for winter '07.

Part of the Ramp was crack-sealed this fall through a 50/50 grant with the state. I also had the Road Commission cold-patch the service drive as it was becoming rather rough to drive on. New radios were ordered for the airport P/U truck and the UNICOM in the Manager's office. Hopefully traffic in the pattern will be able to hear us now.  

The airfield is getting back to being green instead of dirt and Fred and I continue to clean up / rehab the area's that is in need of some additional attention.  We did budget for a new batwing mowing deck for the smaller tractor this year as the expansion has put a strain on the current mowing equipment.

Please look at the airport's web site at www.lenawee.mi.us and let me know what may improve the site or any links that may be useful to the visitors and flying public.

As always, I welcome constructive ideas and criticism.   Go fly and have some fun……..

Dave Vinton