Carson City Airport Authority Meeting - June 17, 2026

The Carson City Airport Authority held its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 1:30 PM. The meeting covered approval of past minutes, public comments on gate security, several discussion items including a contract award for pavement preservation and a lease extension for Carson Tahoe Executive (CTE), and reports from the airport manager and legal counsel. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting.
• Consent Agenda: The board unanimously approved the consent agenda as written (including a budget amendment).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Loretta Hamilton (Sport Aviation Center): Reported a third encounter with a black pickup truck driver who tailgated through the gate despite her refusal. She emphasized that gate tailgating is a safety and security issue and expressed frustration that such incidents are common.
• Paul Hamilton (Flight School FBO): Described multiple personal incidents of tailgating, including one that escalated to a verbal confrontation. He stated that 50% of drivers behind him now comply, but the other 50% are often angry. He called for stronger enforcement and warned of liability if the airport fails to address the security problem. He noted that other airports revoke gate cards without question.
• Tom Everly (Hangar H4): Asked about plans for restriping taxiways (particularly Bravo) and pavement repairs. He was referred to the engineer’s report.

Discussion Items

• Airport Engineer’s Report (Brian Martinez Smallis, Wood Rogers): Provided updates on the RSA drainage and improvements project (out to bid, pre-bid meeting scheduled), the main apron rehab and 2025 pavement preservation project, and upcoming projects including North Apron pavement rehab and design for Taxiway Bravo reconstruction. No formal action was taken.
• Item H1 – Award of Contract for Main Apron Pavement Preservation Project: Staff recommended awarding the base bid to Sierra Nevada Construction for $184,462. Brian Martinez Smallis confirmed it was the lowest bid. The board unanimously approved the award.
• Item H2 – Extension for Carson Tahoe Executive (CTE): CTE requested a 24-month extension to begin construction on a leasehold originally dating to 2008. The airport manager noted that CTE has made progress (engaging engineering firms, submitting FAA forms) but that the requested extension exceeds the 18-month precedent. Staff recommended 24 months for start of construction and 12 months to complete, with a mechanism to revisit if another developer emerges. Board discussion included the history of the lease and the need for clear limits. The board unanimously approved the 24-month extension to start construction and 12 months to complete construction.
• Airport Manager’s Report (Corey): Reported that the SRE building is nearing completion but behind schedule with quality issues; staff will present a list of problems at the next meeting. Noted an increase in access control violations, including runway incursions linked to gate breaches. Enforcement efforts have improved compliance, but older users resist changes. Core will conduct an internal review of security policies and procedures with legal counsel. Also reported progress on implementing new audit software (debt book), upcoming Eagle Valley Airport development construction, and attendance at a Western Nevada Development District board meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Approval: Minutes from the previous meeting.
• Unanimous Approval: Consent agenda (including budget amendment).
• Unanimous Vote (Item H1): Award contract for the main apron pavement preservation project to Sierra Nevada Construction in the amount of $184,462.
• Unanimous Vote (Item H2): Approved a 24-month extension for Carson Tahoe Executive to start construction and 12 months to complete construction, with lease termination avoided pending compliance.