The Kalispell City Council will consider hiring Red Eagle Aviation to manage Kalispell City Airport at tonight’s council meeting.

A recent report from City Manager Doug Russell recommends privatizing management of the airport as a means to save operating costs within the airport fund. 

The city put out a request for proposals in September and received two responses, including one from Red Eagle Aviation, the main aviation business at the airport.

A five-member committee reviewed Red Eagle’s proposal to manage the airport for $36,000 a year, plus tie-down fees that came to about $1,750 in 2013, plus charging $400 for each snow removal effort. 

Russell’s report states that the airport fund will save about $13,000 annually, or about 16 percent, compared to the current cost of managing the airport in-house. 

Fred Leistiko has been the city’s airport manager since 2005, and his position would be eliminated if the council chooses to sign up Red Eagle Aviation for a 3 1/2-year contract.

Also at tonight’s meeting, the council will consider formally naming the baseball field at Eastside Park on 10th Street East as Thompson Field. The measure would provide for a sign and possibly a plaque commemorating Gus Thompson, a Kalispell resident who pitched in the first World Series in 1903.

The council also will consider amending a city policy pertaining to the mayor’s ability to recommend applicants for appointed board  positions:

“If, upon a vote, the majority of the council declines to accept the recommendation of the mayor, the mayor shall entertain a motion from any other council member recommending another applicant for that position, if another application has been made, and a majority vote will determine the appointment.”

Currently, another motion for appointment can’t be made unless the mayor recommends that appointment.

The council meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall on First Avenue East.

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by email at [email protected].