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HomeMy WebLinkAbout23.11.09 - Minutes, Hag Regional AirportHAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION Minutes of the Open Meeting November 09, 2023 The Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission held a public meeting on Thursday, November 09, 2023 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, Austin Colby Vice Chair, George Stone, Curtis Berry, Laurence Gross, Samuel Cool and Randal Leatherman. Washington County Commissioner Randall Wagner, Jonathan Horowitz Director of Business Development. Airport staff members present were Andrew Eshleman Director of Public Works, Neil Doran Airport Director, Gene Bolanowski Operations Manager, Peggy Siler Airline Station Manager, Richard Lesh Administrative Assistant, Amy Daversa Office Associate. CALL TO ORDER Mr. Ferree called the meeting to order on November 09, 2023 at 3:01 pm. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Cristin Rydzewski an employee of Rider Jet Center was in attendance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion made by Mr. Stone seconded by Mr. Leatherman to approve the minutes of the October 12, 2023, meeting. The motion passed unanimously. AIRPORT DIRECTOR'S REPORT Mr. Eshleman reported an update on the department of commerce grant for utility expansion and sign for Air Park Road. We received email confirmation of the approval, so we are just waiting for the official grant documents. Mr. Doran reported there is a number of projects in the works for 2024. The Runway 9/27 Lighting and Signage grant project will be put in front of the BOCC for approval on the 28th. The Terminal Expansion project paperwork was submitted along with a congressional letter of support. There will be a large number of projects going on at the same time at the Airport over the next few years. The Airport may have a larger percentage to pay for upcoming grant projects due to the State of Maryland funding tightening. The hangar bump-out project for the Rider Jet Center hangar was approved by the County Commissioners. Other than answering questions the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) has about the height and construction details, the project should move forward shortly. Thank you to the Hi-ways department for helping mend several areas of asphalt that were in dire need of repair. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may have funds earmarked for a new Control Tower, but that would mean we would have to agree to maintaining the Tower form that point on. Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) secured a government contract that will allow them to continue operating and may require additional ARFF coverage. SNC is also assessing which hangars they will need after December 31, 2024. Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes of November 09, 2023 Page 2 of3 The demolition of the residential property at 14616 Pennsylvania Avenue has begun and will be completed within the next few weeks. The Airport staff will be full with the hiring of the last open position. The Office Associate position will be open with the departure of Amy Daversa who has taken a different position within the County. NEW BUSINESS See Airport Director's report. AIRLINE REPORT Ms. Siler reported an update on our inbound and outbound numbers: Orlando-Sanford had an Outbound passenger load of 1300 and an inbound passenger load of 1231 passengers. The grand total of passengers to date is 55,924. Staff pushed a total of22,524 bags. The extended Allegiant schedule is out through August 12th. Myrtle Beach will be coming back Friday the 24th of May and starting June 6th will fly 4 round trip flights each week through August 12th. The Allegiant schedule for the summer shows all flights depart in the afternoon and evening hours. OPERATIONS REPORT Mr. Bolanowski reported the following: The Stormwater inspection on was completed on October 26th. The Airport is in need of a new tower. FAA commented HGRs tower is the 2nd worst tower they have seen. Mr. Doran added the FAA have a team of specialists in health and safety. The Tri-annual Full-Scale Drill after action report meeting was held and a final report is expected to be completed by December 31st_ The next drill will be in 2026. An Airport Security (A VSEC) Drill was held on Octoberl 8th. A security discussion was held using a scenario with protesters and a drone incursion. On November 2nd Axis had a demo trailer in the airport parking lot and demonstrated new cameras for the Airport, and the Washington County IT department. The airport is looking into applying for grants to help pay for much needed camera upgrades. Other interested parties also showed up for the camera demonstrations. COUNTY COMMISIONERS UPDATE Washington County recently hired an HR director, HR assistant director and a Director of Permits. The Board of County Commissioners are wrapping up the Comprehensive plan; it will be completed in late spring due to meetings being held to create the 10-20 year plan. With having a new administration, State funds will be limited for this upcoming fiscal year. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT REPORT Mr. Horowitz reported the following: Certain potential new businesses are creating concern regarding the use or over use of County and City utilities. New Heights Industrial Park has two new tenants: Tomu -that manufactures modular housing units and Y2Q -that is storing personal protective equipment. Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes of November 09, 2023 Page 3 of3 The Foreign Trade Zone is converted which will allow new industries to do business in Washington County. All the logistic centers located in the County except for one have leasing activity. Volvo's new battery testing production facility is on hold due to the strike. They have not completed the site selection to determine if the facility will be built in Washington County. MEMBERS COMMENTS Mr. Colby announced the Hagerstown Aviation Museum will have a soft opening on December 7th. The official opening will be in the spring. Bringing the F-27 back brought 450,000 views on Facebook and there is a possibility of getting an A-10 for display in 2024. CLOSED SESSION Mr. Stone, seconded by Mr. Gross, moved to convene in closed session at 4:35 p.m. to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION: Mr. Gross seconded by Mr. Stone, moved to reconvene in open session at 4:55 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Cool made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gross to adjourn the meeting at 4:58 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Richard Lesh, Administrative Assistant