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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1999 <br /> <br />30% in the past, thus resulting in a decrease in local costs. Some additional discussion then took place <br /> <br />concerning ~pital needs, vehicle replacement needs, conditions and operations in the new office location <br />and experience in fraud investigation and the level of activity in this operations area. <br /> <br /> Council next considered a presentation from the Director of the Blue Ridge Airport, Mr. Gene <br />Stanley, on its budget needs for the coming year. Mr. Stanley 'showed Council plans for construction of <br />runway renovations at the airport, noting that Federal Grant funds in the amount of $1.7 million had been <br />obtained for this badly needed work, constituting 90% of the $2 million total project cost. He stated that the <br />State would provide 8% of the cost and 2% would need to come from the local level. Mr. Stanley then <br />described the work to be done, including extension of the runway by one foot to make it a legitimate C-3 <br />runway, repairs and improvements to the concrete to accommodate 45,000 pound aircraft, full replacement <br />of the lighting system and the windsock system, and ultimate relocation of the taxiway. Mr. Stanley noted <br />that the City's share of the cost for this work was shown in the budget request at $20,000, and pointed out <br />that the Blue Ridge Airport was one of the most financially sound airports in the State, and a major selling <br />point for the area in terms of economic development and corporate attraction. Mr. Stanley also noted that the <br />airport would be changing from a Fixed Base Operator under contract management to a professional airport <br />manager system under the Airport Authority, to be in place by March 1, 2000. <br /> <br /> Council next heard from the Blue Ridge Regional Library and its Executive Director, Ms. Ellen Bell. <br />Ms. Bell stated that an increase in her budget of $11,297, or 3.98%, was being requested. She then noted <br />accomplishments by the library which included additional numbers of books on tape, video tapes, compact <br />discs, and internet services. She also noted the award-winning hospital reading program and the cooperation <br />and interaction with many non-profit groups such as the VMNH, YMCA, Scouting programs, colleges and <br />universities, etc. Ms. Bell then noted that a big portion of the increase in her budget was a result of the <br />discovery this year that the library's computer system was not Year 2000 Compliant, requiring the <br /> <br /> <br />