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Commission signals support to expand airport advisory board from five to seven members
Summary
Commissioners agreed by consensus to direct staff to prepare an ordinance increasing membership of the airport advisory committee from five to seven and to restart appointments; a public speaker from AOPA urged more transparency and collaboration around airport issues including an FAA Part 13 matter.
Commissioners signaled consensus at Thursday’s meeting to expand the Clay County Airport Advisory Board from five to seven members and instructed staff to draft the necessary ordinance to amend the municipal code.
Commissioner Lawson proposed adding two seats to bring “fresh blood” and aeronautical expertise to the advisory body; Lawson said the airport board’s chair had no objection. The administrator and legal staff said the change requires an ordinance because it amends the county code. Commissioners discussed the importance of balancing institutional knowledge and new perspectives and asked county staff to ensure an open application and vetting process before nominations are presented to the commission.
Commissioner Carpenter and others noted that, at the time of discussion, there were no current vacancies and that applications have been received for additional seats. Commissioner Worthington said the county should avoid creating long-term vacancies and asked staff to consider a restart of the evaluation process so all applicants — existing and new — receive equal consideration.
Jackie Thorstenson, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Airport Support Network representative for Midwest National Air Center, addressed the commission during the discussion item. Thorstenson asked that the county collaborate more transparently with the airport advisory board on airport matters and raised concerns that the advisory board had not been fully informed of an FAA Part 13 investigation concerning the airport. She also urged the county to prioritize hiring an airport manager with aviation experience before awarding Fixed Base Operator (FBO) contracts.
County legal counsel advised that public comment should focus on the noticed agenda item (expansion of the advisory board). Commissioners thanked Thorstenson for her remarks and confirmed the commission’s consensus: staff will draft an ordinance amending the municipal code to expand the airport advisory board membership and will return with recommended appointments after vetting applications.
No formal vote was required at the discussion stage; the commission requested staff follow the ordinance process and circulate candidate names in advance of any future vote.
