Commission hears construction progress on crew quarters; staff schedules terminal‑optimization follow‑up

Airport Manager Warren Smith reported on substantial progress at the crew‑quarters construction site and described remaining work items; the commission also set a separate meeting to continue terminal‑optimization discussions.

Smith said construction is progressing well and listed completed items: sewer entry, a 4‑inch fire service, electrical conduits, domestic water, CATV conduits, roof trim and shingle installation. He said transformer installation and energizing of the building, mechanical rough‑ins, and completion of concrete sidewalks and trash enclosure remain. "Very impressive and very impressed with what's being built, for the dormitories. I definitely like what I see," Smith said after a site visit.

Architect/consultant Ted Gentry of CHA and others noted the team will meet the next day to finalize FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) procurement and to develop a bid document for furnishing items. Smith and McFarland Johnson staff also scheduled a separate meeting to discuss terminal optimization, potential common‑use options and the possibility of using available discretionary ATBBAIL funds for terminal improvements and geothermal system work. Commissioners cautioned that terminal upgrades should be fiscally responsible after the dormitory and noise‑wall projects are funded and built.

Ending: Staff will hold the FF&E procurement discussion with CHA, return with a terminal‑optimization meeting summary afterward, and keep the commission updated on construction milestones for the dormitory project.