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GREAT FALLS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY
2800 TERMINAL DRIVE, GREAT FALLS, MT 59404
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
January 27, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Great Falls International Airport Authority Board convened Tuesday, January
27, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Airport Board Room. Sean Hoven called the meeting to order. Roll call was
taken.
Board Members Present: Debra Evans Rod Hall Sean Hoven
David Smith Cameron Swathwood Terry Thompson
Liz Whiting
Staff Present: Brian Cowles John Faulkner Chayleen Person
Lara Tait
New board member, Debra Evans, was welcomed and sworn in by Sean Hoven.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Thompson and seconded by Commissioner Hall to approve
the Consent Agenda as follows:
Consent Agenda
Consent Agenda: The consent agenda is made up of routine day to day items that require Board action, but do
not appear to have a significant public impact. Items may be pulled from the consent agenda for separate
discussion/vote by any board member.
a. Approval of Board Meeting Minutes from November 2025 & December 2025 & January Finance Committee
b. Payroll checks totaling $110,493.91 for November 2025 & $119,904.14 December 2025
c. Maintenance & Operations checks #29369 to #29429 totaling $1,268,612.63 for November 2025 and
checks #29430 to #29483 totaling $1,071,824.22 for December 2025
d. Approve Passenger Facility Charge totaling $548.53 for November 2025 and $61,378.68 for December 2025
e. Financial Reports for November 2025 and December 2025
The motion passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Director Faulkner reported on the following:
• The Airport ended at 380,700 passengers for the year due to the lost Minneapolis flights. Current
air service was reviewed.
• The financials were reviewed.
• The Airport will likely face tower closures from 10PM to 5:45AM due to staffing. The airport is working
with the tower manager to try to increase individuals going into the field and looking for opportunities

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to ask for delegation support.
• A reply on Airport Avenue B was sent to the City. In the end, Airport Avenue B does not connect to
the Airport Entry Road. And, the City doesn’t claim nor does the right-of-way appear to exist from
the Interstate to Airport Avenue B on the Airport Entry Road. Hopefully we will all be able to work
together to find a solution for the $2.5 Million in repairs that are needed and will be needed every 20
years.
• A construction update was given.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1:38 Election of Board Officers
Nominations were opened for Chairman of the board. Commissioner Hoven nominated
Commissioner Whiting with a second from Commissioner Thompson. A unanimous vote
elected Commissioner Whiting to the Chairman position.
Nominations were opened for Vice-Chairman of the board. Commissioner Hoven
nominated Commissioner Thompson with a second from Commissioner Whiting. A
unanimous vote elected Commissioner Thompson to the Vice-Chairman position.
1:43 Acceptance of Final 2024-25 Audit
A motion was made by Commissioner Swathwood and seconded by Commissioner Hoven
to Accept the Final 2024-25 Audit as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
1:51 Capital Project-Exit Lane Barrier System
A motion was made by Commissioner Hoven and seconded by Commissioner Hall to
approve Capital Project-Exit Lane Barrier System as presented. The motion passed
unanimously.
1:56 Task Order #22 - Terminal Exit Lane Barrier Improvements Engineering Services
A motion was made by Commissioner Swathwood and seconded by Commissioner Hall to
approve Task Order #22 - Terminal Exit Lane Barrier Improvements Engineering Services
as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
1:58 Capital Project –Phase 5 Terminal Roof Replacement-East Concourse
A motion was made by Commissioner Thompson and seconded by Commissioner Hoven to
approve Capital Project –Phase 5 Terminal Roof Replacement-East Concourse not to
exceed $375,000.00 as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
2:05 Task Order #23 – East Concourse Roof Rehabilitation-Engineering and Architectural Services
A motion was made by Commissioner Hoven and seconded by Commissioner Evans to
approve Task Order #23 – East Concourse Roof Rehabilitation-Engineering and Architectural
Services as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
2:05 Task Order #24 - West Concourse AIP Discretionary Grant Management
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A motion was made by Commissioner Hoven and seconded by Commissioner Swathwood
to approve Task Order #24 - West Concourse AIP Discretionary Grant Management
as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
2:08 Commissioners Evans, Thompson, and Swathwood were appointed to the Finance
Committee.
2:15 Lease Agreement and Purchase Option Agreement
A motion was made by Commissioner Hoven and seconded by Commissioner Swathwood
to approve the Lease Agreement and Purchase Option Agreement with Jeremiah Johnson
Brewing Company as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD COMMENTS:
o Commissioner Evans introduced herself and shared her background and previous experience with
the Airport Board.
o Commissioner Hoven said it was a pleasure to be the chair and is looking forward to continuing to
serve the Board.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
o None
____________________________ __________________________
Liz Whiting, Chair John Faulkner, Secretary
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