DRAFT MINUTES
1. ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETING ACT, FILING OF MEETING NOTICE, AND POSTING OF THE AGENDA — Chairman
Dave Amis, III; Victor Bird, Director
Director Bird and Chairman Dave Amis confirmed that pursuant to the Open Meeting Act, as amended by Senate Bill 661, this meeting was held by way of videoconference and teleconference. There was no physical site for this meeting. Four Commissioners participated in the meeting by videoconference and two Commissioners participated by teleconference. The participating Commissioners were:
Kevin Potter (Congressional District 1) - participated by teleconference
David Conway (Congressional District 2) – joined at 10:03 a.m. via teleconference
Lindy Ritz (Congressional District 4) - participated by videoconference
Dave Amis (Congressional District 5) - participated by videoconference
James Putnam (At-large) – was muted for the roll call, but confirmed participation by videoconference at 10:03 a.m.
Jerry Hunter (At-large) – participated by videoconference
There were two options for the public to access this meeting: 1) Internet link to the video connection (Zoom meeting) at https://video.ibm.com/channel/CKEfwftDGHz or at https://odot.zoom.us/j/99902314966?pwd=UzhaS0t2UVhKQW1SMkxqUzNZaklOUT09 and 2) by phone at +1-408-638-0968; Meeting ID: 999 0231 4966; Password: 20200812
The public access was monitored by the Commission to ensure that if the audio connection of any Commissioner was lost or interrupted, the meeting would have been stopped and not resumed until an audio connection was restored. This meeting was electronically recorded, and the recording is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNdmj8twNN0.
The meeting agenda and materials relied upon by the Commissioners were made available to the public at www.oac.ok.gov.
2. CALL TO ORDER AND RECORDING OF MEMBERS PRESENT AND ABSENT — Chairman Dave Amis, III and Andrea Post, Executive Assistant to Director Bird
Present Dave Amis III Chairman (District 5)
Jerry Hunter Secretary (At-Large)
Kevin Potter Commissioner (District 1)
Lindy Ritz Commissioner (District 4)
Director Bird declared a quorum and Chairman Amis called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. CST.
At 10:03 a.m., Vice Chairman Jim Putnam (At-Large) stated his microphone was muted during roll call but confirmed he was participating by videoconference. Commissioner David Conway (District 2) joined the meeting by teleconference at 10:03 a.m.
3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE AERONAUTICS COMMISSION MEETING FROM MAY 20, 2020 — Chairman Dave Amis, III and Andrea Post (Action Required)
Commissioner Ritz made a motion to accept the minutes from the May 20, 2020 meeting of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission. Commissioner Potter seconded the motion. Chairman Amis called for the vote, and votes were recorded as follows:
Ayes - Commissioner Potter
Commissioner Conway
Commissioner Ritz
Chairman Amis
Vice Chairman Putnam
Secretary Hunter
Nays - None
Abstained - None
The motion carried 6-0.
4. NEW AVIATION PROGRAM MANAGER – Victor Bird, Director (Information Only)
Director Bird introduced the Commissioners to the agency’s new Aviation Program Manager, Thomas Galloway, who started with the Commission on June 29, 2020.
5. NEW AVIATION AND AEROSPACE EDUCATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR – Director Bird (Information Only)
Director Bird introduced the Commissioners to the agency’s new Aviation and Aerospace Education Program Coordinator, Paula Kedy, who started with the Commission on 6/1/2020.
6. AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION GRANT PROGRAM CONSENT DOCKET — Grayson Ardies, Deputy Director (Action Required)
Commissioners were reminded that any member may request that any or all of the consent docket items be considered individually. Deputy Director Grayson Ardies requested that the Commission consider approving state grants for the following projects:
A. Design costs for a project that is currently identified in the Commission’s approved Airport Construction Program at El Reno Regional Airport. The project consists of constructing a new terminal building. The estimated cost of the design phase of the project is $139,310 and will be funded with $69,655 of state grant funds and $69,655 of sponsor matching funds.
B. A state grant for a project that is currently identified in the Commission’s approved Airport Construction Program at Cordell Municipal Airport. The project consists of a crack seal and seal coat of the runway pavement, installing new LED PAPI’s and a flight inspection. Based on bids, the total project cost is $374,073.12 and will be funded with $299,999 of federal grant funds, $38,702 of state grant funds and $35,372.12 of sponsor matching funds. An approval is contingent upon the Commission receiving an acceptable grant application.
C. A project that is currently identified in the Commission’s approved Airport Construction Program at Fountainhead Lodge Airpark consisting of a crack seal and seal coat of the airport pavements. Based on bids, the total project cost is $212,013.85 and will be funded with $190,812 of federal grant funds and $21,201.85 of state grant funds. An approval is contingent upon the Commission executing a contract with the selected vendor through OMES Construction and Properties Division.
D. A state grant for a project that is currently identified in the Commission’s approved Airport Construction Program at Miami Regional Airport consisting of rehabilitating the runway and taxiway pavements. Based on bids, the total project cost is $675,889 and will be funded with $451,730 of federal grant funds, $212,951 of state grant funds and $11,208 of sponsor matching funds. An approval is contingent upon the Commission receiving an acceptable grant application.
E. A state grant for a project that is currently identified in the Commission’s approved Airport Construction Program at Okeene Christman Airfield consisting of a crack seal and seal coat of the runway, connecting taxiway and apron pavements. Based on bids, the total project cost is $360,328.74 and will be funded with $299,999 of federal grant funds, $25,646 of state grant funds and $34,684 of sponsor matching funds. An approval is contingent upon the Commission receiving an acceptable grant application.
F. A state grant for a project that is currently identified in the Commission’s approved Airport Construction Program at Pryor Mid-America Industrial Airport consisting of rehabilitating the existing taxiway and apron pavements and replacing the taxiway lighting system. Based on bids, the total project cost is $490,608 and will be funded with $466,077 of state grant funds and $24,531 of sponsor matching funds. An approval is contingent upon the Commission receiving an acceptable grant application.
G. A state grant for a project that is currently identified in the Commission’s approved Airport Construction Program at Waynoka Municipal Airport consisting of a rehabilitating the runway, connector taxiway and apron pavements. Based on bids, the total project cost is $405,352.66 and will be funded with $299,999 of federal grant funds, $68,419 of state grant funds and $36,935 of sponsor matching funds. An approval is contingent upon the Commission receiving an acceptable grant application.
Commissioner Potter made a motion to approve items A – G of the Airport Construction Grant Program Consent Docket. Commissioner Putnam seconded the motion. Chairman Amis called for the vote, and votes were recorded as follows:
Ayes - Commissioner Potter
Commissioner Conway
Commissioner Ritz
Chairman Amis
Vice Chairman Putnam
Secretary Hunter
Nays - None
Abstained - None
The motion carried 6-0.
7. AEROSPACE AND AVIATION EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM CONSENT DOCKET—Paula Kedy, Aviation and Aerospace Education Program Coordinator
Commissioners were reminded that any member may request that any or all of the consent docket items be considered individually. The Commission considered approving the following state aviation grant and contract applications for the FY21 Aerospace and Aviation Education Grant Program:
A. Ada City School District: Deputy Director Grayson Ardies and Mike Anderson of Ada City Schools presented information about Ada City School District’s request for an education grant for the program "Gaining Altitude: The Sky is Not the Limit." This district-wide aviation program is designed to build necessary skills in science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on activities and flight simulation at the aviation laboratories on the Ada High School and Ada Junior High School campuses. The goal of the program is to ensure that all District students are aware that STEM skills acquired can lead to high-demand careers in the field of aviation. It was estimated that 2,600 students will participate. The requested amount was $33,705; staff recommended $25,000. Mr. Anderson reported that the school is in year four of the AOPA high school curriculum and that the program incorporates women in aviation.
B. Alva High School: Paula Kedy, Aviation and Aerospace Education Program Coordinator, and Ryan Brandt of Alva High School presented information about Alva High School’s request for an education grant for the “Aeronautics & Technology” program, which is beginning its second year. The program goal is to provide project-based learning about the history of flight, principles of flight, preparation for the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate/drones, rocketry, hot air balloons, aircraft accident investigation, and careers in aviation & aerospace. It was estimated that 30 students will participate. The requested amount was $3,458; staff recommended $2,500.
C. Atoka Elementary School: Paula Kedy of OAC and Geraldine Southern of Atoka presented information about Atoka Elementary School’s education grant request for “Atoka Takes Flight Part 2.” The program will expose students to careers in aviation and aerospace and provide hands-on, STEM-based projects and activities to increase aviation and science literacy. The program promotes the Oklahoma state Standards of Science and Next Generation Science Standards that focus on the principles of flight. It was estimated that 400 students will participate. The requested amount was $2,691.25; staff recommended $2,000.
D. Bishop John Carroll Cathedral School: Paula Kedy of OAC and Jennifer Herndon of Bishop John Carroll Cathedral School presented information about Bishop John Carroll Cathedral School’s education grant request for the “Eagle Electives” 6 – 8 grade Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics program, which will include implementing aviation, aerospace and aeronautic engineering to devise flight plants, coding flight plans, and testing technology-based flight drones against more primitively-designed flight gliders. It was estimated that 60 students will participate. The requested amount was $1,107.45; staff recommended $1,100.
E. Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County: Paula Kedy of OAC and Traci Mikulecki of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County presented information about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County’s education grant request for the “Unidentified Flying Objective” high school program and “Pre-Flight” middle school program. Curriculum will address essential theory and design concepts of today’s UAV technology and problem-solving activities aimed at enhancing understanding. It was estimated that 300 students will participate. The requested amount was $65,000; staff recommended $15,000.
F. Cameron University: Paula Kedy of OAC and Ann Nalley of Cameron University presented information about Cameron University’s education grant request for a 5-day “Aerospace Engineering & Applied Math Summer Academy” that will include an introduction to the principles of aerospace engineering and mathematics through activities such as building rockets and a trip to the Oklahoma Science Museum. It was estimated that 12 students will participate. The requested amount was $5,471; staff recommended $1,500.
G. Class Matters: Paula Kedy of OAC and Darron Lamkin of Class Matters presented information about Class Matters’ education grant request for a 16-week, weekly one-hour web conference called “STEAM 405”. The program will include use of virtual flight simulators, 3D printer COVID-19 relief design challenges, and independent building and design challenges to explore the aviation and aerospace industry. It was estimated that 65 students will participate. The requested amount was $7,681; staff recommended $2,700.
H. Davenport Public Schools: Paula Kedy of OAC and Danny Acord of Davenport Public Schools presented information about Davenport Public School’s education grant request for the “Flight School” program. The goal of the program is to familiarize students with policies and procedures related to the safe operation of aircraft and prepare them to pass the FAA Private Pilot computer-based knowledge exam, along with developing practical flight skills to log toward the Private Pilot flight training requirements. Davenport Public Schools has been approved to use the AOPA High School Aviation STEM 9th and 10th Grade Curriculum. It was estimated that 40 students can participate; it currently serves 29 students. The requested amount was $13,262.99; staff recommended $8,000.
I. Dove Science Academy High School: Paula Kedy of OAC and Uzeyir Sevici of Dove Science Academy presented information about Dove Science Academy High School’s education grant request for flight simulators for a High School Aviation Lab. The program goals are to provide hands-on experience that incorporates aerospace fundamentals in all core content and to encourage career options in aerospace and aviation. It was estimated that 345 students will participate. The requested amount was $19,900; staff recommended $6,650.
J. El Reno Regional Airport: Paula Kedy of OAC and Adam Fox of El Reno Regional Airport presented information about El Reno’s request for an education grant for El Reno Regional Airport for the two-day “RQO Aviation and Awareness Discovery Camp.” This camp will include the teaching of fundamental flight principles through Sooner-Flight, airplane rides through EAA, and exposure to aviation history, airport engineering, A&P maintenance, avionics and how to become a pilot. It was estimated that 20 students will participate. The requested amount was $2,300; staff recommended $2,300.
K. For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics: Paula Kedy of OAC and Melinda Taylor of FIRST Robotics presented information about an education grant request for the Oklahoma Regional FIRST Robotics Competitions in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. More than 2,000 students in grades 7-12 will compete in the event. Students will be required to use STEM principles to design and build their robots to deal with outer space activities following this year’s theme of “Star Wars: Force for Change”. Various Oklahoma aerospace companies as well as Tinker Air Force Base will mentor and/or assist in sponsorship of FIRST Robotics teams. The requested amount was $7,500; staff recommended $7,500.
L. Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma: Paula Kedy of OAC and Melissa Goforth of Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma presented information about an education grant request for Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma to send twenty girls grades 4 – 8 and four adults to the three-day, two-night Pathfinder Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. The attendees will have the opportunity to build model rockets, train like an astronaut, and work in mission control or launch as part of the flight crew on a simulated space mission. The requested amount was $5,115.50; staff recommended $2,500.
M. Gordon Cooper Technology Center: Paula Kedy of OAC and Kelli Wilson of Gordon Cooper Technology Center presented information about an education grant request for Gordon Cooper Technology Center’s “STEM & Aerospace Summer Camp.” The goal of this 5-day camp (which will be offered twice) is to increase awareness of STEM activities and how they blend with aerospace through teaching of Newton’s law, aerospace physics, emphasizing technical skill development, and exposure to career opportunities. It was estimated that 60 students will participate. The requested amount was $5,000; staff recommended $3,000.
N. Grand Aces Aviation Ground School: Paula Kedy of OAC and Lorraine Butters of Grand Aces Aviation Ground School presented information about an education grant request for Grand Aces Aviation Ground School to award 6 scholarships to young adults ages 17 to 24 and to allow for each student to gain knowledge of aviation and prepare to pass the FAA written pilot exam and to prepare for the private pilot flight training through mentorship by a professional pilot and study of the Complete Private Pilot Syllabus and the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. The requested amount was $3,525; staff recommended $1,750.
O. Guthrie Edmond Regional Airport: Paula Kedy of OAC and Schellon Stanley of Guthrie Edmond Regional Airport presented information about an education grant request for Guthrie Edmond Regional Airport (GOK) Educational Events. This includes hands-on STEM Booths: four forces of flight; building paper airplanes & styrogliders, learning parts of the airplane and what those parts do to control the aircraft and building and launching rockets. Approximately 20 students will be served. The requested amount was $1,300; staff recommended $1,150.
P. KISS Institute for Practical Robotics: Paula Kedy of OAC and Steve Goodgame of KISS Institute for Practical Robotics presented information about an education grant request for KISS Robotics' Botball and Junior Botball Challenge. Program participants will work with cutting edge technology to solve open-ended, real world problems. The program will serve approximately 3,500 students in grades K-12. Grant funds will provide for the funding of scholarships for Botball team registrations. Scholarship priority will be given to inner city and rural schools as well as schools serving underserved populations. Participation will provide students the opportunity to be exposed to systems engineering, presentation, and project management. The requested amount was $10,500; staff recommended $7,500.
Q. McAlester High School: Paula Kedy of OAC and Bret Lalli of McAlester High School presented information about an education grant request for the Aerospace and Engineering class. The class aims to prepare students to take the Private Pilot and Part 107 Remote Pilot certification written tests. Students will get exposure to the aviation/aerospace industry as a whole, from the history of aviation to flight simulator experience. It is estimated 50 students will benefit from this program. The requested amount was $5,792.28; staff recommended $5,000.
R. MetroTechnology Center and the FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center: Paula Kedy of OAC and Michael Branch of the FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Cetner presented information about an education grant request for Metro Technology Center’s 2021 Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) Camp program. The goal of the ACE camp is to expose 7th and 8th grade students to careers available within the aerospace industry. Using a STEM curriculum, students will gain an understanding of the history of aviation and aerospace, learn how to identify the various parts of an airplane, and be provided an orientation flight to experience the principles of flight first-hand. It is estimated that 50 students will participate. The requested amount was $24,475; staff recommended $13,250. Mr. Branch confirmed that EAA Young Eagles offers flights as part of the program.
S. MetroTechnology Center STEM Mobile Lab: Paula Kedy of OAC and Brian Leaver of MetroTechnology Center presented information about an education grant request for MetroTech for the MetroTech 2U Mobile STEM Lab. The Mobile STEM Lab will seek out opportunities to provide free training in STEM and aerospace-related curriculum to students enrolled in grades 6 through 12 at Oklahoma high schools and special events through 2021, and will include curriculum related to the basic principles of flight, computer programming languages, weather, reading aeronautical charts, and related career options. It is estimated that 1,000 students will participate. The requested amount was $22,568.85; staff recommended $10,000.
T. Mid-Del Technology Center: Paula Kedy of OAC and Aimee Hardin of Mid-Del Technology Center presented information about an education grant request for enhancing the “Aircraft Structures & Heavy Maintenance” course. The course curriculum mirrors the general FAA Part 147 Airframe & PowerPlant school with focus on electrical, sheet metal & composites. It is estimated that 30 students will participate. The requested amount was $7,110; staff recommended $4,000.
U. Mustang High School: Paula Kedy of OAC and Christy Self of Mustang High School presented information about an education grant request for Mustang High School to be used to purchase a quality flight simulator for use with the AOPA High School STEM Curriculum and to prepare students to pass the FAA written private pilot exam before finding a flight school to pursue a private pilot’s certificate. It is estimated that 60 students will benefit. The requested amount was $5,475; staff recommended $5,000.
V. Newspaper in Education Institute – The Oklahoman: Paula Kedy of OAC and Bailey Huntsman of Newspaper in Education Institute presented information about an education grant request for The Oklahoman to produce a newspaper insert and workbook entitled "Soaring Oklahoma: Aerospace and Defense." The insert and workbook will be used by students and teachers throughout the state and will include aerospace and aviation curriculum and careers information. Eight lesson plans will be published digitally as well as printed in The Oklahoman and will be delivered in classroom sets to registered teachers. The program will reach approximately 150,000 students. The requested amount was $5,000; staff recommended $5,000.
W. Oilton Public Schools: Paula Kedy of OAC presented information on behalf of Matt Posey of Oilton Public Schools about an education grant request for Oilton Public School District’s “OHS Drone Adventures” elective course for juniors and seniors. The 90-hour course will teach students to fly drones and prepare them for the FAA Unmanned Commercial Pilot certification. It is estimated the program will reach 15 - 20 students. The requested amount was $3,000; staff recommended $3,000.
X. Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation: Paula Kedy of OAC presented information about an education grant request for Oklahoma Education and Industry Partnership (OEIP). OEIP is designed to connect education to industry with the goal of creating a better educated and motivated workforce. It is estimated that 300 Oklahoma 5th-12th grade STEM teachers, counselors and administrators will attend industry tours, listen to speakers from industry and education, and attend educational workshops at four OEIP sites statewide, with three of these having aerospace as their primary focus. Approximately 15,000 students will be served. The requested amount was $10,000; staff recommended $10,000.
Y. Oklahoma Engineering Foundation, Inc.: Paula Kedy of OAC and Adrianne Graham of the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation presented information about the education grant request for the “OEF Engineering Fair” scheduled for February 2021. This event introduces students to the world of engineering, project management, innovation and robotics - all fundamental elements of aviation education. Students are given the opportunity to build, create, innovate, and engineer projects. The “MATHCOUNTS” National Program builds crucial math skills necessary for future aviation careers. These regional and state competitions will be going online. It is estimated 1,800 - 2,000 students will participate. The requested amount was $10,000; staff recommended $5,000.
Z. Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics Foundation: Paula Kedy of OAC and Bill Kuehl of the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics presented information about the education grant request for OSSM Middle School’s Summer Math & Science Workshop expansion. The program already includes four one-day math workshops and three one-day science workshops focusing on STEM careers in aviation/aerospace industries in Oklahoma. The expansion will include an additional eight one-day workshops, and it is expected that 160 middle-school students will now be able to participate. The requested amount was $2,500; staff recommended $1,500.
AA. Oklahoma Science and Engineering Foundation: Paula Kedy of OAC and Scott Taylor of the Oklahoma Science and Engineering Foundation presented information about the education grant request for the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation FIRST LEGO League. Students will explore a variety of subject areas as they develop their innovative solutions to the problems that they identify for the seasonal topic. These areas may include gravity, materials science, control systems, thermodynamics, propulsion, and navigation which are all topics studied by aerospace engineers. The program is expected to reach an estimated 1,700 students. The requested amount was $5,000; staff recommended $5,000.
BB. Oklahoma State University: Paula Kedy of OAC and Andrew Arena of Oklahoma State University presented information about the education grant request for Oklahoma State University’s “Speedfest” program. Speedfest, now in its 11th year, is an exciting, high-speed aircraft design / build / fly competition which is intended to foster enthusiasm for aviation and STEM in general. There are two flight competition classes. Alpha Class is the advanced class which is for collegiate-level teams. India Class is the Invitational class which consists of high school teams and teams of K-12 teachers formed from across the state of Oklahoma. The program culminates with a competition and expo in the last weekend in April. The program is expected reach an estimated 200 students and 50 teachers. The requested amount was $15,000; staff recommended $9,000.
CC. Okmulgee High School: Paula Kedy of OAC and Scott Bevan of Okmulgee High School presented information about the education grant request for the Okmulgee High School “Aviation Academy of Excellence” program which uses the AOPA curriculum for 4 years of aviation study. Students this year have completed the first course and will be moving into the second and third course – intro to flight, aircraft systems & performance, the flying environment, pilot pathways, and UAS operations. The program will reach an estimated 25-40 students. The requested amount was $6,310.85; staff recommended $5,000.
DD. Ponca City Regional Airport: Paula Kedy of OAC presented information about the education grant request for Ponca City Regional Airport to provide students the opportunity to attend the Northern Oklahoma Flight Academy. The flight academy is an annual one-week summer aviation and aerospace education camp for middle and high school students. It will be held at the Ponca City airport. This program is in its 17th year and is established on sound math and science (STEM) concepts and hands-on interactive education with aviation and aerospace presented as a career option for students. It is estimated 32 students will attend. The requested amount was $12,060 and staff recommended $8,500.
EE. Putnam City High School – Air Force JROTC: Paula Kedy of OAC presented information about the education grant request for the Putnam City High School Honors Aviation program. This program challenges high school students enrolled in grades 11-12 to develop their understanding of what it takes to work in an aviation related field through curriculum-based, hands-on experiences including local partnerships with Air Force Civil Air Patrol, EAA Young Eagles, AOPA, and local Air Force bases. It is estimated that 200 students will be enrolled in the class. The requested amount was $18,358.82; staff recommended $12,000. Commissioner Putnam noted that the program is a ground school and is helping cadets with Air Force scholarships to get their private pilot’s license and to enter the Air Force Academy.
FF. Rose State College: Paula Kedy of OAC and Rick Woodard of Rose State College presented information about the education grant request for Rose State College's “A-XP Discovery Camps.” Rose State added two, week-long drone-specific discovery camps to their existing rocketry and advanced rocketry camps. The goal of the program will be to expose students to the basic concepts behind the development of drones and their use in industry. Rocketry camps include learning about the history of flight, laws of motion, principles of flight, Newton’s Law, Bernoulli’s Principle, classroom learning, and lab experiences, and will also expose students to career opportunities. It is estimated that 220 students will participate. The requested amount was $26,451; staff recommended $13,500.
GG. Southeastern Oklahoma State University: Paula Kedy of OAC and Elizabeth Resh presented information about the education grant request for Southeastern's “Take Flight! Aviation Science Camp.” The week-long camp will expose 25 students to various topics within the broad fields of both aeronautics and aviation. Campers will learn about career paths in aeronautics, piloting, and aviation management, and will also explore aerodynamics, aircraft design and performance, history of flight, navigation, and weather. The requested amount was $12,000; staff recommended $6,500.
HH. STARBASE Oklahoma Inc.: Paula Kedy of OAC and Rita Miller of STARBASE along with Michelle Napier of STARBASE Foundation presented information about the education grant request for STARBASE Oklahoma Inc.'s, “Soar to New Heights with STEM & STARBASE OK” program. The program will provide hands-on, inquiry-based aerospace STEM educational enrichment to 4,500 Oklahoma 5th graders through 25-30 hours of instruction and STEM career days, as well as to 6th-8th grade students via STARBASE 2.0, an after school STEM mentoring program. The requested amount was $25,000; staff recommended $25,000.
X. Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation: Gina Hubbard of CareerTech was able to actively join the virtual meeting and presented information about Item X, the education grant request for Oklahoma Education and Industry Partnership (OEIP). Gina reported that OEIP was able to successfully transition to virtual format for 2020 and provided kits, scholarships, and other materials to connect educators, students and industry professionals. OEIP is planning monthly delivery on the online platform. Approximately 15,000 students will be served. The requested amount was $10,000; staff recommended $10,000.
II. STARR Solutions – Tinker Air & Space Show: Paula Kedy of OAC and Chris Moler of STARR Solutions presented information about the education grant request for STARR Solutions “Tinker Air & Space Show.” This event, scheduled for June 19-20, 2021, will give young visitors and adults numerous ways to learn about the aviation and military aviation industries, including static displays and aircraft tours and hands-on experience in aircraft maintenance including a STEM City hangar exhibit. 15,000 – 20,000 youth and approximately 150,000 adults are expected to attend. The requested amount was $28,000; staff recommended $28,000.
JJ. Tulsa Air and Space Museum: Paula Kedy of OAC and Alex London presented information about the education grant request for the Tulsa Air and Space Museum Flight Simulation Lab. Upgrades to the flight lab will allow visitors to experience flight simulation with virtual reality goggles, realistic controls, and linked computer missions where multiple participants can fly together or collaborate on a mission. The goal is to inspire first-time visitors to use the equipment, to challenge and grow skills for returning users, and to provide unique simulated flight experiences for individuals and groups. The requested amount was $28,468; staff recommended $10,000.
KK. Tulsa Community WorkAdvance: Paula Kedy of OAC and Chad McDermott presented information about the education grant request for Tulsa Community WorkAdvance. Tulsa Community WorkAdvance (TCW) is a unique program that is proven to bridge the skills gap in Tulsa's aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors. TCW's goal is to bridge the skills gap to drive economic growth and provide a pipeline of skilled and certified workers to area employers while simultaneously increasing postsecondary credentials, technical skills, soft skills, and employment for low-income Tulsans in order to break the cycle of poverty. The program is estimated to serve 40 adult students. The requested amount was $30,812; staff recommended $15,000.
LL. University of Oklahoma – Sooner Flight Academy: Paula Kedy of OAC and April Millaway presented information about the education grant request for the OU Sooner Flight Academy Summer Camp. This camp focuses on hands-on learning opportunities via navigator and intern facilitation of activities, demos, and experiments as well as small group projects that incorporate central themes of aviation and STEM. The University of Oklahoma Sooner Flight Academy (SFA) desires to provide opportunities for learners of all ages to develop a love for aviation, to learn about the science and math of flight through hand-on experiences, and to set the stage for life-long contributions to Oklahoma aviation and other STEM career fields. Because of Coronavirus, Sooner Flight Academy transitioned to a virtual platform, which allowed for additional reach and fostered strong local partnerships. Approximately 500 students are expected participate. The requested amount was $49,000; staff recommended $46,000.
Action Required
REQUIRED INTERVAL ROLL CALL VOTE:
Due to a 15-minute gap between roll call votes, Chairman Amis was prompted to request that Andrea Post call the roll to ensure that a quorum was still present for the meeting.
Present Kevin Potter Commissioner (District 1)
David Conway Commissioner (District 2)
Lindy Ritz Commissioner (District 4)
Dave Amis III Chairman (District 5)
James “Jim” Putnam Vice Chairman (At-Large)
Jerry Hunter Secretary (At-Large)
Chairman Amis confirmed a quorum at 12:03 p.m. and continued the meeting.
Commissioner Hunter briefly discussed the Aerospace and Aviation Education grant program application requirements with Paula Kedy and Director Bird. Commissioner Putnam moved to approve items A – LL of the FY 2021 Aerospace and Aviation Education Grant Program Consent Docket. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion. Chairman Amis called for the vote, and votes were recorded as follows:
Ayes - Commissioner Potter
Commissioner Conway
Commissioner Ritz
Chairman Amis
Vice Chairman Putnam
Secretary Hunter
Nays - None
Abstained - None
The motion carried 6-0.
8. CONCLUDING REMARKS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS — Director Bird and Commissioners (Information Only)
Director Bird noted that Commissioner Potter participated in the meeting via teleconference rather than videoconference. He also stated that Oklahoma spends more than any other state on aviation and aerospace education, and this year the Commission was able to put more funds into the program since some funds were left unused from cancellation of last year’s programs due to Coronavirus. He noted that funding for aviation and aerospace education grants would return to the $300,000 mark in the future if no additional revenue streams for the program are identified. Director Bird also mentioned he is planning to come to the Commissioners at a future meeting with a request to delegate authority to the Director to approve changes in programs awarded grants as long as the programs still deliver value despite the changes.
9. ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT MEETING — Chairman Dave Amis, III (Information Only)
Chairman Amis announced that the next regular meeting of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission will be October 14, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. CST, with the location and forum of the meeting to be determined and announced at a later date.
10. NEW BUSINESS (“any matter not known about or which could not be reasonably foreseen 24 hours before the meeting”)
11. ADJOURNMENT (Action Required)
Chairman Amis recognized Director Bird and Sandra Shelton for closing statements. Sandra Shelton reported that the audio connection was monitored and maintained throughout the meeting. Director Bird reported the time was 12:12 p.m. and that the Commission was ready to conclude the meeting by videoconference and teleconference.
Chairman Amis declared the meeting adjourned at 12:12 p.m.
09/24/2020 03:57:00 P.M.
