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Alpena County committee hears airport surge, delays generator repair and will draft petition‑signature policy
Summary
At its Jan. 21 meeting the Alpena County Facilities, Capital & Strategic Planning Committee learned airport enplanements reached 12,888 in 2025, reviewed maintenance work and deferred a generator repair, and directed staff to draft a policy on petition signature collection outside the courthouse.
The Alpena County Facilities, Capital & Strategic Planning Committee met Jan. 21, 2026, and heard an airport operations report showing 12,888 enplanements in 2025, the highest total since 2013.
Airport Manager Mick Higgins told the committee that fuel sales rose over 2024, all airport equipment is operational, and the county is moving forward on acquisition and capital projects: the county is in the process of purchasing the Kevin Lawrence hangar; construction of new T‑hangars is proceeding but may need to be rebid pending RS&H review; runway plows are expected in May 2026; and the airport layout program is in the approval stage.
The committee also reviewed facilities and maintenance work. Maintenance Superintendent Nick Akins said crews continue snow removal and plan to haul snow from the annex parking lot this weekend; hauling snow from the courthouse lot will be considered depending on cost. Akins said phased renovations are planned for the Howard Male Conference Room. He reported a parts‑only bid to repair a 200 kW generator of $12,911, plus an estimated $1,500–$3,000 for labor; the committee agreed to defer repairs at this time.
County Administrator Jesse Osmer reported that a group inquired about collecting petition signatures outside the courthouse. Osmer said there is currently no county policy on petition signature collection in those public spaces; he will draft a policy addressing outdoor gatherings and signature‑collection practices and will bring the draft to the full Board meeting next week for review.
Chair Todd Britton presented monthly recycling reports; Commissioner Bill Peterson moved and Commissioner Brenda Fournier supported a motion to receive and file the reports, which carried. Superintendent Nick Akins presented fairground manager reports. Osmer updated the committee on a warming shelter run by St. Vincent: 12 individuals have been served and about one‑third of the funds provided to St. Vincent for the shelter had been expended; Osmer said donations should be made directly to St. Vincent.
The committee entered a closed session at 9:24 a.m. for a contract discussion and returned to open session at 10:28 a.m.; roll call showed all committee members present. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
