HomeMy WebLinkAbout22.10.13 - Minutes, Hag Regional AirportHAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION
Minutes of the Open Meeting
October 13, 2022
The Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission held a public meeting on Thursday
October 13, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. at the Hagerstown Regional Airport Terminal Conference Room,
18434 Showalter Road, Hagerstown, Maryland.
Commission members at the meeting were: Rob Ferree Chair, Gary Bockrath Vice Chair, Curtis
Beny, Laurence Gross, George Stone, John Barr, Jonathan Horowitz Business Leader and Ex-
Officio County Commissioner Randall Wagner. Airport staff members present were Andrew
Eshleman Director of Public Works, Gene Bolanowski Operations Manager, Peggy Siler Airline
Station Leader and Amy Blair Office Associate.
CALL TO ORDER
Rob Ferree called the meeting to order on October 13, 2022 at 3:03 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
No topics to discuss in Closed Session.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion made by Mr. Berry seconded by Mr. Barr to approve the minutes of the September 08,
2022 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Vice Chair Gaiy Bockrath aiTived at 3: 15 p.m.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. Eshleman reported the following:
Land Acquisition Update-Mr. Eshleman presented more information regarding appraisals and
ownership interests to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The BOCC approved with
no issues and were able to move forward with condemnation and filed October 7th with the court
system.
Terminal Roof Leaks-The Airport issued a notice to proceed with Airport Design Consultants
Inc (ADCI) and Bushey Feight Morin Architects (BFM) on September 23rd for Design Bid and
Construction phase services. This project does not qualify for Federal or State grants, therefore
the Airpmi will be using local funds.
Industrial Permit-Hagerstown Regional Airport is still working with ADCI Consultants and
the Washington County Environmental Depaiiment to prepare for the permit renewal. The
sampling map has been updated.
Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission
Meeting Minutes of October 13, 2022
Page 2 of4
Operating Budget-Mr. Eshleman asked the members if there was any interest on specific
Airport Budget information. After a discussion it was decided that the members would like the
overall Budget highlights during the meetings.
Site H&I-The site plan has not yet been pushed forward. No other updates to report.
GRANTS
• FAA -Hagerstown Regional Airport, Reconstruct Taxiway F Pavement and
Lighting-Engineering documents were submitted to the FAA and still waiting on
comments for approval. Grant determinations are July-August 2023. Construction is still
scheduled for Washington County Fiscal Year 2024.
• Grant 60 Closeout-The FAA has confomed receipt of the closeout documents and are
still on the list for review.
• FAA-American Rescue Plan Act of2021 (ARPA)-Total amount of the grant was
$1,143,449 and funds were received. The final reimbursement request and closeout
documents were submitted on September 1, 2022.
• MAA-Terminal Access Control Grant-$60,000 (75% MAA, 25% Local Match)
Still waiting on the final closeout documents from MAA.
• Infrastructure Grant-The overall grant is $5,000,000 over 5 years. HGR and ADCI are
working on a list of grants that are eligible for funding. In the first year, no funding was
awarded for HGR.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business to rep01i.
AIRPORT DIRECTOR'S UPDATE
Mr. Eshleman reported the following:
Neil Doran has been appointed the new Airport Director and an official announcement
will be made.
It was discussed that a meet-and-greet will be held on November 3rd to introduce Neil
Doran to the AAC members and Business tenants of the Airport.
There was an unannounced Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspection
which revealed an issue that will be c01Tected. Staff met with local TSA to discuss, and a
response letter will be drafted.
HGR hosted Air Force One on Friday October th. Mr. Eshleman thanked staff for their
coordination and eff01is.
Wings and Wheels was held on September 10th. Mr. Eshleman recognized the employees
that worked the event and was pleased with the turnout.
The Airp01i launched a new website update on September 12th with the help of Public
Relations and Airport staff.
Hagerstown Regional Airpo1i Advismy Commission
Meeting Minutes of October 13, 2022
Page 3 of 4
HGR will be featured in the October issue of Business View Magazine and will be out
sometime this month.
Received tentative approval for an MAA grant of $105,000 for the purchase of two
replacement pickup tlucks to be outfitted for snow removal.
AIRLINE REPORT
Ms. Siler reported an update on our inbound and outbound numbers:
Sanford/Orlando has an inbound passenger load of 12,193 and outbound passenger load
of 12,472. Total passengers of 24,665.
Myrtle Beach destination finished for the season on September 5th. My1ile Beach had an
inbound passenger load of 1,496 and outbound passenger load of 1,603. Staff pushed 1,310 bags.
Grand total for all destinations to date is 51,242 passengers. This is 15% above numbers
from last year. Looking back at past numbers: in 2019 there was a total passenger load of 51,908.
In 2020 ( due to COVID-19) there was a total passenger load of 28,542. In 2021 there was a total
passenger load of 44,462.
St-Pete/Clearwater will return Saturday November 19th. There is no return date yet for
My1ile Beach. The schedule is out through May 14, 2023. Two employees resigned and the
positions were advertised and filled quickly. The Airline will be fully staffed and prepared for
the Holiday schedule.
A visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause has been scheduled for Saturday December 24th on
Christmas Eve. The visit will be back open to the public after a 2-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
Ms. Siler had a performance conference call and the Hagerstown region scored at, or near
the top of every categ01y. The region ranked #1 for the month of September.
OPERATIONS REPORT
Mr. Bolanowski reported:
The Wings and Wheels 2022 event handled multiple flight operations safely.
HGR T-Hangar Pilot's Group held a luncheon on September 17th after a two-year break
due to COVID-19.
The Airp01i has received word that our Flight Information Display System (FIDS) is
going to be ending service at the end of the year. Operations is actively seeking a replacement for
the system.
Hangar Fest was held on Saturday September 24th and was a well-attended event this
year.
On September 26th the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) conducted a pre-
bid walkthrough for security equipment upgrades and replacements.
A Runway Safety Action Team (RSAT) meeting was held on September 28th between the
Airport, Tower, FAA officials and tenants. Discussions included operational and procedural
changes that would improve airfield safety.
HGR staff completed the annual Wildlife Recertification Training. This ensures the
Airp01i is compliant with the wildlife hazard management plan.
The Airp01i prepared for the Presidential visit the week of October 3rd and were able to
add another successful visit on October 7th.
Mr. Bolanowski is working with the Geographic Information System (GIS) Office to aid
Mr. Eshleman in the creation of an online digital map of the te1minal for passengers use.
Hagerstown Regional Airp01t Advisory Commission
Meeting Minutes of October 13, 2022
Page 4 of4
Airport staff and tenants held a required snow plan review and ice control committee
meeting on Wednesday September 12th . The farmer's almanac is forecasting a heavy winter for
the Hagerstown region for the 2022-2023 season.
COUNTY COMMISIONERS UPDATE
Mr. Wagner reported that he made it out to the Wings and Wheels event to thank pilots
who introduce aviation to the Young Eagles.
The County is having challenges trying to hire personnel throughout multiple
departments.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Mr. Horowitz reported that there are multiple development projects that are in the works
throughout the County.
New Heights Industrial Park is close to being at 100% occupancy.
Washington County and Economic Development has 4 major groundbreakings on
Tuesday October 18th-
MEMBERS COMMENTS
Mr. Gross asked Mr. Eshleman about the County's Purchase Order process.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bockrath made a motion, seconded by Mr. Ben-y to adjourn the meeting at 4:27 p.m. The
motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Blair,