Following a flurry of motions, and some confusion over procedure, the City of Rhinelander Common Council voted last week to table Mayor Kris Hanus’s appointment of alderman Bob Lueder to the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport Commission.
Hanus’s decision came as a surprise to current airport commissioner Geoff Weller, who had applied to serve another five-year term.
During the public comment portion of the council’s March 10 meeting, alderman Tom Barnett read a statement from Weller in which he noted that Hanus’s decision to nominate Lueder left him surprised and bewildered as sitting commissioners interested in continuing to serve have historically been reappointed to the panel.
“Looking back, there is no record of a time when a sitting Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport Commissioner who was seeking reappointment was not reappointed,” he wrote.
Weller, who is the chief meteorologist at WJFW TV, also advised that he is a pilot and an FAA certified flight instructor while Lueder is not.
After Barnett finished reading Weller’s statement, a motion was made to separate Lueder’s nomination from the rest of the consent agenda. The council then approved the other appointments Hanus recommended as well as monthly departmental reports, bills and claims, and other routine matters.
With just the airport commission appointment on the table, alderman David Holt asked Hanus to explain his rationale for choosing Lueder.
Hanus explained that the city and county take turns appointing members to the airport commission, as it’s co-owned by both entities. He stressed that Weller has done a fine job serving on the commission and his decision to recommend Lueder was not indicative of any kind of performance issue. Both Weller and Lueder are “highly qualified,” he stressed.
“Geoff’s a good guy,” Hanus continued. “He’s done a lot for the airport.”
Hanus went on to explain that the ownership agreement “dates back to the ‘50s” and will need to be updated and modernized in the coming years.
“You don’t see too many agreements that are still done in typewriter print,” he added, noting that he believes there is value in having a council member, who will vote on the agreement, involved in the process.
He also mentioned Lueder’s experience in the aviation industry (he owns Plane Parts Inc., an aircraft distributorship in downtown Rhinelander) as well as his connections with local small businesses in Rhinelander, the council and the chamber of commerce.
“I thank Geoff for what he’s done,” the mayor continued, noting that Weller would be welcome to continue attending airport commission meetings and contribute to the airport’s continued growth. “By no means is this a negative on him or that he’s done something wrong,” he stressed.
After explaining his rationale, Hanus attempted to yield his time to Lueder so that he could further explain his background. At that point, Barnett requested a clarification from legal counsel as, in his estimation, it would be unfair to hear from Lueder and not Weller.
After it was explained that the alders did hear from Weller, via the statement read by Barnett, Lueder was allowed to speak.
“This body now knows why Geoff is qualified. I think it’s fair to let the other candidate have that same opportunity,” Hanus said.
Lueder explained that he has been in the aviation market for 41 years.
“I’ve had interactions with both airports, the FAA, the TSA and other government agencies as well as airlines and have helped in negotiations with airline baggage and handling fees, fuel fees and also landing and taxiing fees,” he said, adding that he has also interacted with maintenance facilities and airport administration.
While Weller is correct that he is not a pilot or flight instructor, Lueder stated he believes his understanding of aviation and how airports work make well-qualified to serve.
“You’re not going to hurt my feelings if you decide that somebody else is a better candidate or a better fit,” he added. “If you don’t feel like I’m the guy, then I’m not the guy and I’m all right with that.”
When Lueder finished speaking, alderman Gerald Anderson attempted to ask a question about potential conflicts of interest.
This touched off another discussion regarding the rules of order and proper procedure.
Ultimately, city attorney Steve Sorenson clarified that he researched the issue of conflict of interest with respect to Lueder’s business and determined there is no conflict because there would be no “monetary benefit” to him.
After Anderson stated he would be interested in the point of view of the other airport commissioners, regarding whether Lueder’s business activities would pose a concern, Sorenson clarified that the other members of the commission don’t have the right to tell the mayor and council who to appoint.
Anderson then moved to table the matter to the council’s next meeting on March 24.
The vote on that motion was unanimous.
For his part, Weller is hoping he will be able to continue to serve.
“I have nothing but sincere appreciation to the Rhinelander City Council for listening to my concerns,” he wrote in a statement to the Star Journal. “While the Council has pressed pause, for now, I'm hopeful the Council will work with Mayor Hanus to find a resolution beneficial for everyone. I'm incredibly proud of the work the Rhinelander Oneida County Airport Commission has done over the last five years. This Commission, along with the Airport Director's office is thriving. The results speak for themselves. But, there is still work to do and I want to be a part of that. I'm hopeful the Rhinelander City Council and Mayor Hanus will see my value and re-appoint me as a Rhinelander Oneida County Commissioner.”
Lueder declined further comment on the matter.
To watch the entire council meeting, visit www.hodagtv.com.
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