GALION, Ohio — “We want to make the airport something the city can be proud of,” said Robert Baxter of the Galion Airport Management Company at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Baxter attended the council meeting as a representative of the company that would like to take control of the airport, with the city’s permission. Baxter said the company consists of 13 members: former pilots, aviators, doctors, and business people.
Baxter told council that they are willing to put in the work and would take care of day-to-day maintenance at the facility located on state Route 309 outside of town.
When asked what changes the company would bring to the airport, Baxter replied that they would create more hangar space as well as creating an additional landing strip. He said the proposed landing strip has been looked at by Richland Engineering as well as the FAA.
Mayor Tom O’Leary said the local FAA administrators have been involved and the issue is overall about the swapping of property. The question of leadership in the company was brought up by council with Baxter replying that even though some of the members, including himself, are former pilots and aviators there are a few of them who are business professionals who have had experience in these type of situations before.
Currently the issue is in the planning stages with the FAA reviewing the proposed landing spot at this time.
Electrical meters
The council also discussed the meter base issue that the city has been dealing with for the past month. A proposed ordinance was read for the second time during Tuesday’s meeting that would require a specific meter box brand to be purchased by the consumer for use.
Current working electrical meter boxes would not have to be replaced. This policy only covers boxes that are being replaced due to being burned out or consumer choice. It was revealed during the meeting that in order to replace one of these boxes that the consumer must get an inspection and a permit.
If a consumer were to replace one themselves without the permit it would be considered illegal. The proposed brand the consumers would be required to purchase is the Millbank brand. Councilman Michael Richart said the proposed ordinance would allow for the consumer to buy the brand anywhere they choose which would include Lowes or Home Depot. He said they would still be able to purchase them from the city if they desire because the city already uses the Millbank brand.
Richart added that this is an issue of convenience and continuity. Last time the ordinance was read it received a 4 to 3 vote in favor of continuing with more readings.
During Tuesday’s meeting, council still seemed to be split on the matter. Councilman Thomas Fellner said this is a brand vs. brand matter while council member Sarah Capretta had questions about the permits and who does the actual installation.
Shirley Clark suggested they should stick to the current system. Through much deliberation council decided to table the matter, which will be sent back down to the utility committee for further review.
Purchases
Several purchases were approved through ordinances which include the purchase of a digger truck for $209,346 and a bucket truck for $110,505 to be used by the utility department.
Several money transfers were also made between funds to be made available for street repairs and paving.
Mayor’s address
During the mayor’s address, Mayor O’Leary announced that a copper beach tree had been improperly pruned by a city worker. The tree was not to be pruned at all according to the mayor. The resident who takes care of the tree had spoken with the mayor, explaining that it was a memorial to her mother. The resident said she had an agreement with the city that that particular tree along with a few other trees she takes care of not to be pruned.
The mayor said the worker was not aware of the agreement as it does not exist anywhere in writing but was very sympathetic to the situation. Council President Carl Watt and Councilwoman Shirley Clark both talked to the resident about the matter after and apologized for what had happened.
The mayor also announced during his report that the Freese projects are moving along with the bleachers construction at the high school taking place soon. He noted discussion of handicap accessibility to the press box is also being discussed.
He also announced that they are trying to get more work done on the Portland Way South project this year than anticipated as the water contract will be freeing up the highway contracting.
Mayor O’Leary also announced that there will be an open house at the fire department on Sept. 2 from 6-8 p.m. for viewing of the new ladder truck recently purchased by the city.
