Chickasha council amends aviation board ordinance to add two council members

The Chickasha Mayor and Council on Monday approved Ordinance 25-4 to amend the City Code (Chapter 2, Article 5, Section 2-169) so that two city council members serve on the Aviation Board.

Council members debated the change during the meeting, with supporters saying the addition of two council members would increase communication between the Aviation Board and the council as the airport area sees potential growth and upcoming projects. One councilmember described the ordinance's intent as aligning the Aviation Board with the Parks and Recreation Board composition and "to increase the amount of communication" between the board and council.

Other council members raised concerns about process and the advisory board's role. Multiple speakers noted the Aviation Board is advisory and does not have final decision-making authority; council retains ultimate responsibility and need not accept the board's recommendations. One councilmember said board members reported they had been informed of the ordinance by email and that several had responded favorably, but the email did not constitute a formal vote.

Darren, a city staff member, addressed the council and said the proposed change was brought forward because of recent and anticipated activity at the airport and to provide the council with improved transparency. Georgiana, speaking as a member who previously served on the advisory board, confirmed the board had been informed of the proposed ordinance and said some members responded by email.

After discussion the council voted to adopt Ordinance 25-4 as presented. The motion passed on roll call with affirmative votes recorded by those present.