Update on Airport Motions

I voted yes to the business case study but qualified that the business case made by MMM would not have warranted investment without the subsequent work by Paul Easson and the Freedom Aviation Society.

Three other motions (investment related) were adjusted prior to the meeting. The solo motion presented ws a long one but fundamentally dealt with the $1.147 Million grant to Freedom Aviation Society to establish civilian airport activities at Greenwood.

I put an amendment on the floor to the motion that added:

"Based on an estimated grant to FAS of $1.147 Million that council immediately enter into negotiations with Minister Furey, Minister Brison, and MP Colin Fraser to have a portion of the risks associated with this investment underwritten."

The ammendment passed but with Brothers, Hirtle and Lloyd speaking vehemently against and urging a "no vote".

Councillor Winsor spoke in favour of the project but voted no. His position was based on a need to see the governance structure outlined first and his view that council needed to be represented on the airport's board. Hi arguments were very valid and my preference would have been to see these details some time ago. However, I feel these matters will be dealt with soon.

Councillor MacQuarrie had indicated on Tuesday that she would likely attend the Friday Special Council meeting, noting that she would work to readjust some other appointments and urging council to not consider other dates/times. However, she did not attend. Therefore, no assumptions should be made about her feelings on this matter based on the voting details above.

That's the news from council. There were very few individuals in attendance beyond Paul Easson and a few other Kings County residents (aviatiors and Mr. Goldie who operated the flight school at Waterville).

No one made any public comments besides Paul Easson who spoke in strong support. In other words, any alternate public view was absent in chambers.

The municipal airport will officially close on March 31, 2016. I look forward to an update from Michelin regarding its planned expansion prior to that date.