WILLMAR -- Absent another direction from the Willmar Airport Commission or the City Council, City Administrator Michael Schmit said he intends to hire a full-time airport manager after the present airport manager leaves at the end of December.
Schmit told council members Monday night he will fill the position being vacated by Steve Wright who will leave after five years in Willmar for a job as properties specialist at General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wis.
Schmit said he sees the value of a manager not only for daily operations but for expanding economic activity at the airport and at the new industrial park to be built nearby.
He said plans are being developed to market the airport.
"I hate to think that we spent $20 million to $22 million to build a landing strip for the 50-some airplanes that are at our current airport,'' he said. "I would hope we would seize this opportunity to grow the airport and the community as an economic development activity and that will require someone at the airport, in my opinion.''
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Schmit said some airport commissioners have indicated they're not sure the manager's position merits full-time status, while other airport commissioners have said they think it does.
"So from their perspective, there does not appear to be a consensus,'' said Schmit. "Our intent would be to move forward with the hiring of a full-time manager, unless the council were to direct us elsewhere.''
"Are you asking for comments?'' asked Mayor Les Heitke. Schmit said he was.
Council member Ron Christianson said he supports the full-time position to manage and promote the airport.
"If that person spent 50 percent of his time promoting the airport and bringing more business here, it sure would be well worth it for us, the city,'' said Christianson. "And I suspect that's what that person will do.''
Council members Doug Reese and Bruce DeBlieck favored the full-time position. Reese said transportation will be a key to developing the city as a regional center, with the opening of the airport and creation of more four-lane areas on state Highway 23.
DeBlieck said a full-time person is needed for marketing and development.
Council member Denis Anderson said finding someone skilled in economic development and airport management may be difficult.
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"But I think the applicants should be made aware of the fact that the long-range position might change to some extent to do some things other than just managing the airport property,'' said Anderson.
Council member Rick Fagerlie said if there isn't enough work at the airport, there are other areas and departments where that person could fill in.
Council member Jim Dokken said he preferred to wait for the Airport Commission's recommendation. He said the chances of finding someone skilled in airport management and economic development were slim. He thought there was talk of hiring a fourth-year university student in an airport program.
Schmit said interns should only be used as assistants to the manager.
