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Public and trustees spar over communications commission, rec facility and airport hangar future
Summary
Public commenters urged reinstatement of a communications commission and clarity on the fate of the airport hangar that houses an indoor recreation center; trustees said communications work is currently handled in‑house but agreed to put the issue on the next meeting agenda for discussion.
Residents and trustees discussed community communications and the future of an indoor recreation space that operates in an airport hangar, with trustees agreeing to place communications on the next meeting agenda for broader public discussion.
Kathy Walker, a resident, urged the board not to restrict volunteer eligibility for a communications commission and said island residents—including many older residents—rely on television and user‑friendly outreach. She told trustees that “anybody who lives on the island and wants to volunteer should be considered seriously.”
In public comment, Steve Rogers described confusion about the hangar that houses the tennis/rec center and asked who owns or controls the facility’s plans and operations. Trustees and staff clarified the hangar is part of the airport enterprise fund (separate from township general funds) and that the Airport Commerce Park Commission manages leases for the hangar. Airport commission members said an arrangement with the previous occupant “didn’t work out” and that negotiations are underway to identify a new occupant; trustees and staff said the township is not evicting users and that the airport commission is seeking alternatives.
Trustees discussed whether to reestablish a communications commission. Trustee Margaret said when she ran she supported re‑establishing the commission but said communications are currently being managed in‑house by the communications manager and staff. She said staff have “streamlined the website,” relaunched an e‑newsletter and improved outreach, and she thanked the communications staff for progress. Other trustees and residents asked for a public discussion; the board agreed to put communications commission matters on the next meeting agenda as a discussion item so that members of the public can hear and participate.
Trustees and staff also heard comments about the need for an indoor recreation facility for racket sports and pickleball. Trustees said the airport commission and township staff are exploring options, but acknowledged that the hanger is old and has maintenance and environmental limitations (heat, humidity) that complicate long‑term use.
No board action was taken; trustees directed staff to add a communications commission discussion to the next meeting agenda.
