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Milton council pauses $50,000 engineering authorization for proposed Navy TH‑57 display after public concern
Summary
Councilmembers agreed to delay committing up to $50,000 for engineering of a pedestal for a proposed Naval Aviation Museum TH‑57 helicopter display and to solicit public input after residents urged waiting until a decision from Foley about a separate T‑28 transfer is finalized.
Mayor Pro Tem Marilyn Ferrell presided as council discussed a Naval Aviation Museum proposal to place a TH‑57 helicopter on public display in Milton.
Councilman Powers moved to accept a TH‑57 on loan from the Naval Aviation Museum and later proposed authorizing up to $50,000 for engineering work to design the helicopter pedestal. Residents at the meeting challenged authorizing that money before the city and staff confirmed the display site; Mike Folzmann and another resident argued the city should identify a location before spending on engineering and should seek bids rather than assigning work to a single firm. Vernon Compton of the Longleaf Alliance urged efforts to preserve local aviation heritage and suggested ways to retain both aircraft on display if possible.
Council members and staff said the Naval Aviation Museum ultimately decides transfers of aircraft and that Milton’s existing T‑28 lease remains extant. Council members also noted potential costs for installation (staff estimated pedestal engineering and installation could cost more in total) and discussed fundraising options, including nonprofit fundraising that would need to be organized by a 501(c)(3).
After extended public comment and a request for more community input, Councilman Powers withdrew his motion to authorize the $50,000 expenditure; the council directed staff to solicit public input, coordinate with Foley and the Naval Aviation Museum, and return with site-specific options at a future meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Ferrell confirmed the motion and its second were withdrawn and that staff will present options at a later date.
The council did not formally commit city funds for pedestal construction at the meeting; members asked staff to report back with community polling results and a recommended timeline for any future funding request.
