The Plymouth Board of Aviation Commissioners began the process of widening and resurfacing the current runway at Tuesday night’s meeting. The Construction will not begin until spring but the contracts for the work from Phend and Brown and Michiana Contracting as well as the engineering work from Wolfert Engineering were approved and the first transfers of money from the FAA and INDOT to the city were initiated. The board will draw $30,115 from the FAA and $1,607 from INDOT to pay for the engineering Designs from the project.
Troy Church, the owner of Plymouth Skysports asked the board if they could provide a projected start date for the project which is supposed to last 61 days. There is presently no schedule for the start but it is expected to begin in mid March 2015.
The Aviation Board also raised the rates for hanger rental. All rentals were increased by $5 per month with the exception of the hanger rented to Plymouth Skysports. The basis for the rental fees were changed. The rent decreased from $985 per month to $580; however the company will take over the payments for hearing the hanger which were paid by the city. The change should result in about the same income for the city.
It was also announced that the helicopter company which has been operating for about two months has purchased another helicopter and will base it and have maintenance operating at the Plymouth Airport. The new helicopter will be used for training as well as an air taxi service. The company will also become a sales and service company and are seeking dealerships from both Bell Helicopter and Engstrom Helicopters.
The Board of Aviation refused to change the rental rate for last year for the farmer who grows hay on the property. The yield was greatly reduced by the rains last summer and the poor drainage from the airport. While the drainage is being fixed the board did not feel responsible for the rains. They will be making an adjustment in the rate for next year since the construction will greatly reduce the amount of grant that can be farmed.
The tree removal company has cut down all the excess trees and has about four more semi loads of wood to remove. There is still firewood to be cut and that can be done by the public for free. Anyone wishing to cut firewood is just asked to stop in the airport office to sign a release and be given instructions on what can be cut.
