Airport Manager Alan Hoos gave notice at last Friday’s meeting that he will work through the end of the year, at which time he will become chief deputy at the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. The commissioners complimented Hoos’s dedication and work habits. Hoos said he has enjoyed working at the airport but could not turn down the opportunity to return to law enforcement. His pay and benefits will be higher as well. Hoos said he has a couple of candidates who might replace him, and he will be available to help train his successor and ease the transition.
The commission did not have a quorum on Oct. 21, so the monthly commission meeting was postponed until Oct. 28. The later meeting date brought a conflict since the county held early voting at the terminal. Commissioners met instead in the Community Room at Cornerstone Bank.
In his Manager’s Report, Hoos said Carroll Electric has placed new reflectors on the power lines at the east end of the runway. He also said a solar-powered light now illuminates the fueling station and apron area at night.
In other business:
- Consulting Engineer Dan Clinton presented the final version of the airport’s Master Plan. Some hard copies of the plan are available at the airport, but the entire plan is also available digitally. Clinton went over the Airport Layout Plan and gave commissioners hard copies. In response to a discussion of potential land purchases and new hangar sites, Clinton said he will bring options to the November meeting.
- The newly sealed surfaces around the airport look good, but they can be slippery after a light rain. That condition will remain for several months.
- A Fly-In is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18. It will be a lunchtime event, but weather may cause cancellation or postponement. No Fly-In is planned for December.
- Hoos said he removed some election signs placed too close to the early voting site. The signs were also on private property and were placed without approval.
- Hoos will contact area hospitals and helicopter companies to see if they might donate funds for a helipad. First responders and ambulances would have access to the proposed helipad through the east gate.
- The budget for 2023 was approved, although it will require some adjustments during the year. The operating budget of $195,000 is based on increased fuel sales, a slight increase in hangar revenues, and $45,000 in direct support from the county. Commissioner Sandy Martin suggested regular reviews of the budget, and mentioned variables such as inflation, fuel costs, or land acquisition.
- The lease on a hangar 40 feet square has been returned to the airport, and the airport has a long waiting list of potential tenants.