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Commission votes to send advisory-language bylaw changes and recommends two alternates; selectmen amended airport manager stipend
Summary
Commission agreed to propose bylaw language to clarify the commission's advisory role to the airport manager and recommended two alternates (one resident, one nonresident) while discussing a reduced stipend for the airport manager that selectmen had already adjusted.
The Rangeley Airport Commission unanimously approved sending language to the selectmen clarifying that the commission is an advisory body that advises the airport manager, who reports to the town manager and the board of selectmen. The commission also recommended two alternates (one resident, one nonresident) with a prohibition on exceeding the town’s 60/40 resident/nonresident ratio.
Why it matters: The changes aim to put the advisory relationship and alternate rules into the written bylaws so the commission’s role and expectations are clear to town officials and the public.
Commission members raised concerns that draft bylaws reviewed by the board of selectmen had removed references to the airport manager’s role and reporting relationships. Joe Roche, the airport manager, explained the board of selectmen and the budget committee had amended a previous stipend request: "The board of Selectman ... put in right around $8,300 ..." Roche said the original $50,000 request had been reduced in the town budget process to about $8,300, and that his existing stipend formula is written into his contract as a percentage of salary.
John Lynn proposed language to add the advisory‑board flow — "the advisory board advises the airport manager who reports to the town manager, who reports to the board of selectmen" — and the commission voted to have staff (Tracy and Joe) finalize wording and send it to the selectmen for their May 5 meeting. The commission also discussed and approved a motion recommending two alternates (one resident, one nonresident) to ensure alternates can backfill vacancies without violating the 60/40 resident/nonresident rule; commissioners emphasized alternates should not be used to change the board’s makeup in ways that exceed that rule.
Ending: The commission will forward the suggested bylaw language and alternate policy to the board of selectmen; staff will follow up and notify the commission of any amendments or decisions. Commissioners asked to be informed of selectmen actions so the commission is not surprised by changes.
