HomeMy WebLinkAbout20.11.12 - Minutes, Hag Regional AirportHAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION
Minutes of the Open Meeting
November 12, 2020
In response to the existing State of Emergency, this meeting of the Hagerstown Regional Airport
Advisory Commission was conducted with a virtual component allowing for AAC Members and
Staff participation with a virtual component via remote video/audio conference on Thursday,
November 12, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
Commission members present were: Norm Morin, Jr., Chair, Jack Miller, Sam Cool, Gary
Bockrath, and Ex -Officio County Commissioner Randall Wagner. Airport staff members present
were Washington County Department of Business Development- Jonathan Horowitz, Business
Development Leader, Garrison Plessinger, Airport Director, Gene Bolanowski, Operations
Manager, Peggy Siler, Airline Station Leader, and Richard Lesh, Office Associate.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Norm Morin called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Closed Session
There were no topics to discuss in Closed Session.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion made by Mr. Cool, seconded by Mr. Bockrath to approve the minutes of the October 8,
2020 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Special Note:
Due to County policies the meeting was not open to the public.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. Plessinger reported the following:
• Terminal expansion is ahead of schedule. The TSA will move from the temporary location to the
permanent location on December 2nd. The new hold room will be in use for the Allegiant flight on
Friday December 4"' The completion date is for the project is scheduled for mid-February
• Runway 9/27 is Completely milled and overlayed, waiting for the macadam to cure on the last
800 feet before cutting in the grooves.
• Working on the land acquisition, appraisals are almost complete. The FAA grant should be
available next year
• The Hangar 21 Vestibule project pre construction meeting will be held next week. The Project
should be underway soon.
• Re -allocated CARES act funds to purchase much needed equipment for the Airport, such as New
Harris Radios, existing security camera repairs, Airport Baggage Tugs, Belt Loader, Flail Mower,
and Repairs to Rental properties.
Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission
Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2020
Page 2 of 3
• The Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) Grant should be coming through soon to pay for
the VPMS Camera system, Fire Fighting Foam testing equipment and a Live Scan Fingerprinting
Machine.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business to discuss.
AIRPORT DIRECTOR'S UPDATE
Mr. Plessinger reported on the following:
• There is no new information on Air Service Development.
• There is no new information on the bill presented by Maryland Representative David
Trone to restore the Essential Air Service.
Administrative Assistant Janet Moats will be retiring after 32 years with the County (26
years at the Airport), she will be sorely missed.
AIRLINE REPORT
Ms. Siler reported in the last month there was a total of 2178 Passengers and 634 bags handled
through the Hagerstown Regional Airport. The passenger numbers are looking better for the
upcoming holiday season.
There was a Passenger Boarding Bridge commissioning on Sunday October 18th with the
Hagerstown Regional Airport signing the Paperwork for ownership. The Warranty package was
received on Tuesday October 20th giving the Airport an additional period of 2 years. The Airport
will be purchasing a Pushback tractor that will make the arrival and departure of the aircraft
more efficient.
The Grand opening event is not recommended to be held on a flight day. The celebration is
tentatively scheduled for Mid -February when all construction is complete.
Mr. Plessinger reported he is working with Budget and Finance to set up the accounts necessary
for the Snack Bar.
OPERATIONS REPORT
Mr. Bolanowski reported:
On October 17th the Airport completed the required three-year full-scale drill. Participation was
limited due to COVID-19. Several local Fire companies participated in the Full -Scale Drill.
The Airport T -Hangars should be at full occupancy by mid-December.
Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission
Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2020
Page 3 of 3
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS UPDATE
Mr. Wagner reported COVID-19 cases in Washington County have increased dramatically in the
past two weeks. Positivity rate is at record levels. Economic development is doing well despite
the COVID-19. The Commissioners are closer to hiring a County Administrator
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Mr. Horowitz reported:
The Business Stabilization Grant gave out a total of $8.1 million to over 800 businesses.
The County recently received additional funds from the Maryland State Rainy Day fund for
restaurant relief.
There is a large amount of business development activity in the County. The Business
Development Department has had several meetings with businesses wanting to purchase
property in Washington County.
MEMBERS COMMENTS
After a brief discussion the members agreed to not have a meeting in December.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bockrath made a motion, seconded by Mr. Miller to adjourn the meeting at 3:43p.m. The
motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
hair
Norm Morin, Jr.,