The Carroll County Airport Commission had a light agenda last Friday, but a relaxed and casual session lasted more than an hour. Members of the public often joined in the discussions, which included growing the airport and increasing security.
In his Manager’s Report, Alan Hoos mentioned the email vote taken to authorize the purchase of fuel. He has been placing the paper records of leases into a searchable spreadsheet. A new computer with dual monitors has made the process easier.
Hoos said the hangar waiting list has been updated, and people continue to move into the area. Even some of those who have moved to the Springdale/Rogers area have inquired about keeping a plane here.
The system of security cameras at the airport is old and outdated, and Hoos said he is looking at other options. That led to a longer discussion on security issues. The company currently monitoring the security at the airport now sends an email alert instead of a phone call, and the commissioners voted to cancel that contract.
Consulting Engineer Dan Clinton continued the discussion on upgrading Tri-State Road, which provides access to the section of the airport where Tri-State Airmotive is located. Although this project would take some time, he considers it vital to the airport’s future. A better road would help keep trucks off the taxiway, by giving them direct access to that end of the airport. Long-range plans include more hangars at that end of the airport, and a better road would facilitate that expansion.
Grant funds might pay for the project but expanding the right-of-way would require cooperation from several landowners. Clinton explained that a county road would only need an additional five feet on each side, and he suggested having a survey done to provide a clearer picture.
Clinton also said a contractor will apply a seal coat to all apron areas in September.
In other business:
- City water is now available. The airport can continue to use well water for irrigation, and city water will supply the terminal building. Some problems and expenses still stand in the way of connecting to the city water main. The commission will consider the water supply further at the next meeting, as they consider overall budgeting.
- The budget deliberations will also influence any immediate plans to apply a seal coat to the taxiway.
- County Judge Ronda Griffin asked for input from the commissioners regarding the county’s plan to upgrade the building presently used by the Special Operations Rescue Team. She outlined a plan to store some emergency supplies there, and to make the building available as a command center if necessary. Griffin said she had heard that the Federal Aviation Administration opposed using airport facilities for anything other than aviation. That issue had been previously settled, because the airport is county property.
- Commissioner Morris Pate said he has seen shrubbery growing inside the fence, and the FAA has a standard to keep greenery below 24 inches in height.
- Harper Goodwin suggested offering airplane rides to people from the area, to help promote awareness of the airport. People might wish to see their houses from the air, he said. The rides would have a suggested donation price, which Goodwin would donate to the airport.
- A Fly-In was planned for Saturday, Aug. 20.
- The agenda for Sept. 16 will include a preview of the 2023 budget and priority-setting for the commission.