Manager out at Minden-Tahoe Airport

Assistant Douglas County Manager Steve Mokrohisky is acting manager at the Minden-Tahoe Airport following the departure of Keith Kallman.

Mokrohisky said Friday he could not discuss why Kallman left because of confidentiality.

Kallman's last day was March 19. He became manager in June 2008 following the departure of Jim Braswell.

"We are in the process of laying out a transition plan for new airport management," Mokrohisky said.

"What I've been doing in the past week is talking to folks actively involved in the airport community - residents, businesses and airport operators - about where the airport is headed and what they want to see."

Mokrohisky said he would be working "to keep the ship running smoothly."

He emphasized that the management change should have no effect on the airport ordinance to be voted on by residents in November.

"After nine months and 40 meetings, the content was developed by our residents who participated in the process. It's not the work of any one individual or organization. It truly is the people's ordinance and up to voters to decide whether they want it," Mokrohisky said.

The language, known as Option C during the public hearing process, includes limitation on operational use, airport expansion, noise, property use and the creation of an airport protection zone.

Federal Aviation Administration officials have written several letters to Douglas County saying the current ordinance is discriminatory and violates agreements county representatives signed in order to obtain grants.

The ordinance has never been enforced, and according to county legal officials can't be.

Douglas County has taken $18.7 million in grants from the federal government to maintain the airport over the past quarter century, according to county records. The county has contributed $1.15 million.

Another $8 million in grants is at stake should the federal government decide the county is not in compliance.

County officials have said that without federal money, it would cost taxpayers nearly $5 million over five years to maintain the airport.

Opponents say the county is bowing to pressure from airport businesses to allow larger aircraft to land, and that approving the ordinance would pave the way for development of the airport.

"I hope our residents recognize the fact that regardless of the individuals who may be employed by Douglas County, this ordinance is about what our residents want to see or don't want to see regarding use of the airport," Mokrohisky said.

The county is setting up committees to prepare arguments for and against the ballot question. Each committee consists of three residents who prepare arguments advocating approval by the voters or opposition for the measure.

Applications must be submitted to the Douglas County Clerk's Office by 5 p.m. April 15. Information, 782-9020.