Behind Closed Doors 2

At 3PM yesterday a confidential report circulated by the CAO and Warden tasked councillors to close the Municipal airport. Startlingly, the decision was due that evening with discussions to begin at 6PM, In Camera. In my 16-months at council I have never seen a more blatant need for improved governance in the County of Kings regarding the use of In Camera meetings (see my blog Behind Closed Doors 1 of March 7).

The process chosen by our leadership yesterday was regrettable, including the fact that the community had not been provided the notice recommended by the Municipal Government Act.

Around 8PM council emerged to vote 10 to 1 in favour of the actions listed below. I supported this, under great duress, after working to provide some relief for the many individuals and/or businesses that rely heavily on the services provided at the Municipal Airport.

My heartfelt thanks go out to the Waterville Airport Cooperative Limited who have worked so hard to effect a smoother transition between the closure of the airport at Waterville and the expected creation of a new airport in Kings County. My expectation is that a properly conducted business case study, free of political interference, will result in a strong recommendation for a new airport to be located in the valley and east of the current airport. In the meantime, despite any warranty, councillors are being strongly advised by their leadership to make way, and fast, for a Michelin Expansion.

It is my sincere belief that a much more restricted use of "behind closed doors" discussions would have translated into a much more satisfactory transition trajectory. Despite this, I trust the aviation community will work, privately or with its governments, to enable the creation of an airport. I believe the talent and business skills present within the aviation community could eventually result in a new airport that valley residents and businesses will benefit from greatly and be proud to have in their community.

Motion Passed

Whereas the MOK recognizes that its primary concern is enabling Michelin to expand its operations at the Waterville Plant.

And Whereas the MOK remains committed to working with the Province and Michelin Canada to ensure that any obstacles to expansion are removed in an expeditious manner.

And Whereas the MOK will continue to plan for the relocation of the Municipal Airport and will establish the Airport Relocation Committee.

 

Now upon the motion of Deputy Warden Hirlte seconded by Wayne Atwater:

The MOK shall undertake an environmental assessment of the airport lands (if required by the Province) provided that the Province funds the total cost of the study and as well as any costs associated with the clean-up of the property.

The MOK shall make the lands available to the Province or Michelin as soon as possible taking into consideration the time-frame for the closure of the airport (as described immediately below).

The MOK shall close the Municipal Airport in Waterville effective September 30^th, 2014 (6 months notice) and Council directs the CAO to immediately give notice of the closure of the Municipal Airport to the WACL and the tenants.

The MOK shall give notice to the tenant hanger owners that their hangars can remain on the leased premises on the same terms and conditions as provided for in the leases until such time as the hangers can be moved to the relocated airport should the business case be positive and a new airport be established provided further that if the MOK decides that a new airport is not to be established then the MOK can provide notice of termination of the lease in which case the hanger owners shall be held to the termination clauses of the lease.

The MOK shall undertake a business case study for a new airport with terms of reference acceptable to Council provided that the Province funds the total cost of the study.

Council directs the CAO to prepare a draft Terms of Reference for the Business Case Study for COTW in April 2014.

The MOK shall support the tenants of the Municipal Airport in their discussions with the Province regarding financial contributions towards relocating to the new Municipal Airport provided that any funding received by the tenants does not negatively impact the relocation amount received by the MOK.