Selectboard removes control and member-qualification language from airport commission bylaws, affirms advisory role

The Selectboard voted to remove language from proposed airport commission bylaws that implied the commission would control airport buildings and facilities and to strike sections creating membership qualifications.

Board members and airport commissioners had debated wording that appeared to grant administrative control to the commission. Joe (town manager/chair) recounted that the airport commission had voted 3–0 to retain language describing the commission as advisory to the airport manager; several Selectboard members said the commission should remain advisory and not have operational control.

Mark (Selectboard member) pointed to a draft sentence that read “control administration of airport buildings and facilities” and asked that it be struck. The board also discussed alternate-member language and whether alternates should be resident or nonresident; the board decided such strict alternates specifications were unnecessary because the commission’s membership structure already preserves resident-majority provisions.

Motion and result: A motion to strike the new alternate-member specification and to remove the member-qualification section was moved by Sam and seconded by Keith; the motion passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: Board members said the changes clarify roles between appointed commissioners and airport management, avoid conflicting authority, and preserve the commission’s advisory function.

Ending: Staff will prepare an amended draft incorporating the board’s direction for review at the next meeting.