Paso Robles approves Phase 2 airport security upgrades, authorizes $170,000 from airport reserves

The Paso Robles City Council on May 20 approved Phase 2 of the Paso Robles Municipal Airport security plan and authorized a $170,000 transfer from airport reserves to implement immediate physical-security upgrades.

Airport Manager Mark Skandellis presented the plan, which the Airport Commission recommended unanimously. Phase 2 focuses on near-term, practical measures: adding targeted fencing and electronic gates between lease sites, installing a Knox key switch for emergency access, equipping ground support equipment (a tractor) with ADS‑B so aircraft can detect ground vehicles, and commissioning a study with Cal Poly’s 5G lab to evaluate broadband coverage across the airport for future remote monitoring and video.

"We wanted a phased approach, something we can do now with existing resources," Skandellis told the council. He said the airport currently has roughly 7 miles of fence, about 11,000 feet of which meet FAA-compliant chain‑link standards; the remainder is older perimeter fencing that staff would replace in prioritized segments. Phase 2 also includes a recommendation to end the remote-controlled model airplane waiver and to seek an alternate site for that club’s operations.

Skandellis described Phase 2 costs at roughly $170,000: $71,000 of in-house work and $99,000 for contractor installation of gates and fencing. He said airport tenants will also undertake related work on their lease areas (listed in staff materials). Airport reserves were reported at about $2 million; the council approved using reserves to fund Phase 2.

Councilmember Gregory moved to approve the Airport Commission security recommendations, implement Phase 2 and authorize a transfer of $170,000 from airport reserves; Councilmember Bausch seconded. The motion passed 5–0 (Councilmember Gregory: Aye; Councilmember Bausch: Aye; Councilmember Beal: Aye; Councilmember Strong: Aye; Mayor Hammond: Aye).

Council members asked questions about fencing scope, the potential to secure the entire airfield in later phases, and the broadband/5G study. Skandellis said the airport’s flat, open terrain is a good candidate for solar‑powered repeaters that could broadcast Internet to permit remote cameras, gate control and other cybersecurity‑related capabilities. He said an initial repeater could cost roughly $15,000 and that Phase 3 would return with a scope if additional repeaters or a full Internet deployment proved necessary.

The airport manager also described other phases that would come back in later budget cycles: more extensive perimeter fencing, additional cameras tied to a network, and ultimately a full keycard access program and updated security policies. Skandellis said the airport commission envisions the multi‑phase program as a five‑ to ten‑year effort.

The council voted to implement Phase 2 and to authorize the $170,000 transfer from airport reserves; staff will return with procurement and project schedules. Tenants and partners identified in the staff report will implement discrete portions of the work within their lease areas.