Erie Town Council Special Meeting – Airport Overview and Future Direction – August 5, 2025

The Erie Town Council held a special meeting on August 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM to receive an overview of the Erie Municipal Airport, including its operations, finances, strategic planning, and future development options. The meeting included public comments on airport noise, lead emissions, and concerns about Flock camera systems, followed by a detailed presentation from staff and discussion among council members. No formal votes were taken, but the council provided clear direction on next steps to address the airport's deficit, increase revenue, and improve community engagement.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Don Colosino (Erie resident, Clear Skies Erie) expressed concerns about noise and other issues related to the airport. He stated the group is eager to hear details on measurable benefits to Erie residents, how proposed changes will impact neighborhoods, and how to engage with the town and airport management on community concerns.
• Sam Fogman (Erie resident) raised concerns about Flock camera systems, citing documented cases of federal authorities accessing databases through local police cooperation to track individuals for immigration enforcement and abortion-related investigations. He urged the council to remove the camera system within Erie's borders to protect vulnerable residents and set an example for neighboring communities.
• Todd Bachman (Parkland resident) spoke about airport noise and lead concerns. He argued that lead levels in the air are now very small compared to the past, that the aviation industry is working to eliminate leaded fuel, and that the airport is bound by grant assurances. He encouraged the council to keep in mind that the airport has been part of Erie's small-town feel since its inception.
• Scott Delarese (air park resident, AOPA volunteer) addressed airport issues, noting that the airport was not included in the town's recent survey. He criticized the poor condition of the FBO terminal building and the lack of mosquito control services for the air park. He advocated for a nicer terminal building and restaurant.
• Michael Maya Charles (air park resident) supported preserving the crosswind runway as a green space to protect nature and wildlife. He reported that an informal poll at the air park HOA meeting showed overwhelming support for that idea.
• Larry Arnshaw (air park resident, pilot) opposed placing hangars on the crosswind runway, stating that 80 hangars would create excessive noise and industrial activity near homes. He noted that 25 stakeholders in the air park would oppose that option but might support other uses.

Discussion Items

• Airport Overview and Funding: Utilities Director Todd Fessenden presented the airport's five-year project list, noting that most projects are funded 90% by the FAA, 5% by the Colorado Division of Aeronautics, and 5% by the town. Accepting federal funds requires 20-year grant assurances, including the requirement that the airport remain in aviation use in perpetuity. A new executive order added DEI and ICE-related provisions, but the ICE requirement was struck down by litigation. The town has no FAA-funded projects in 2025-2026, allowing time to assess these changes.
• Hangar Demand and Options: Economic Development Director Julian Jacquin reported that a hangar market study confirmed strong demand. There are 187 interested parties on a waiting list, and 70 have completed a detailed questionnaire. Three conceptual options for new hangars were presented: Option 1 (west of FBO, up to 39 hangars), Option 2 (north of FBO, up to 44 hangars), and Option 3 (crosswind runway, up to 83 hangars, but with limitations). The advisory board recommended pursuing Options 1 and 2, and not traditional commercial hangars on the crosswind.
• Financial Challenges: The airport fund, created in 1991, was intended to be self-supporting. However, the 2023 airport manager agreement (with Vector Air) introduced a $240,000 annual transfer from the general fund, plus an additional $64,000 for operations in 2025, totaling $300,000. First-quarter 2025 actuals show a deficit. Staff presented options to increase revenue: raising through-the-fence fees (currently $600/year for 31 lots with airplanes, could be increased to $1,000 for all 55 lots with access), updating fuel flowage fees, tie-down fees, and land lease rates. Developing new hangars via a ground lease with a third-party developer could generate $90,000–$115,000 annually in lease revenue.
• Flight School and Noise: Jason Hurd (Vector Air) noted that the majority of noise complaints result from flight training aircraft from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (over 100 flight schools). Erie has about 6-7 flight training planes. The airport recently installed ADSB technology to track aircraft operations and identify origins. Voluntary noise abatement procedures are in place, but the FAA prohibits mandatory restrictions. Helicopter operations have increased recently and are being addressed separately.
• Leaded Fuel Transition: Staff explained that the FAA aims to eliminate leaded aviation gasoline by 2030, but certification of unleaded fuels for all engines is still ongoing. The town is required under House Bill 24-1235 to submit a plan committing to adopt unleaded fuel when a fleet-wide solution is available. Currently, only about 15% of aircraft can use the new unleaded fuel.
• Crosswind Runway: The crosswind runway is about 10 acres of usable land after relocation of the AWOS. The advisory board recommended considering some form of hangars there, but the property lacks direct access from Bonanza Drive and is not on town sewer. Feasibility studies examined urban ag, solar, commercial hangars, and residential hangar homes. Any change in use would require rezoning and public hearings.

Key Outcomes

The council directed staff to:

• Increase Airport Revenue: Develop a bundle of fee increases (through-the-fence, tie-down, land lease, fuel flowage) that are equitable and competitive with other airports. Consider grandfathering current residents without airplanes until property sale.
• Pursue Hangar Development: Proceed with feasibility studies for Options 1 and 2 (west and north of FBO) for new hangars, including potential for a publicly accessible terminal building and restaurant. Explore a third-party developer ground lease model to minimize risk.
• Investigate User Fees for Touch-and-Go Operations: Research legal and practical options for charging fees for touch-and-go operations, possibly using ADSB data. Acknowledge that user fees may be a deterrent and could conflict with grant assurances, but staff will report back on viability.
• Enhance Community Engagement: Conduct outreach to air park residents and the broader community on airport plans, including potential use of the crosswind runway. Ensure engagement is ongoing and transparent.
• Report Back: Staff will return to the council with detailed proposals to close the operating deficit, improve the airport's financial self-sufficiency, and enhance its value as a community asset.