Erie Town Council Special Meeting – February 17, 2026

This special meeting of the Erie Town Council on February 17, 2026, covered updates on the public art program, the municipal airport fee structure, hangar development, and regional aviation coordination. The meeting included extensive public comment on the town manager's future and airport fees. The council directed staff to proceed with legal and community review of the airport fee proposal but took no final vote. A motion to terminate the town manager's contract was debated; the roll call vote began but the transcript ends before the result is recorded.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Town Manager: Dwayne Drummond opposed replacing Town Manager Malcolm Fleming, citing his 25+ years of experience and the cost of severance ($121,000) and a new search. He alleged the mayor’s plan was premeditated. Dan Malloy supported a change, arguing Fletcher lacked accountability and that leadership failures contributed to safety issues and a lack of enforcement. Dennis Buck (former town employee) praised Fleming’s leadership and culture of shared knowledge.
• On Airport Fees: Multiple residents of the Erie Air Park opposed the proposed $800 annual fee for properties that do not use the runway. Tim Dernick called it a tax on residents with no airplane, Pat Miller argued it was not equitable compared to commercial rates, Larry Earnshaw noted the discrepancy, and Kent Davis said it was unfair to charge non-users. Dan Malloy (also on airport topics) criticized the town’s general fund subsidy and called for higher landing fees to deter touch‑and‑go operations.
• Other: Sam Fogelman urged the council to take a stand on federal politics and protect vulnerable residents, referencing recent immigration enforcement actions.

Discussion Items

• Public Art Program Update: Cultural Arts Supervisor Taylor Ingro and Recreation Division Manager Rachel Weisseth presented the town’s public art and placemaking plan, including the recent Canary Loop sculptures, upcoming traffic cabinet wraps, a roundabout sculpture at East County Line and Austin Avenue, and maintenance of the coal miner memorial. The program is funded from the general fund; staff recommended exploring a dedicated funding source (e.g., percent‑for‑art) but noted no grant eligibility for 3–5 years. Council expressed support and asked for quarterly updates and a process for council members to join the Erie Public Art Collective (EPAC).
• Airport Fee Proposal: Lockhell and AEDAB Chair Paul Hufftailing presented a fee restructuring aimed at reducing the airport’s annual general fund subsidy ($272,000 currently). Key changes: residential through‑the‑fence fee replaced by a per‑square‑foot model (32¢/sq ft) for hangars, with an $800 minimum for properties without hangars but with runway access; a new $800 per‑plane base fee; increases in tie‑down and fuel flowage rates. This would reduce the net impact to about $29,000 per year. Council asked for further legal review of deed restrictions and grandfathering options. Staff was directed to proceed with title research, legal review, and community engagement.
• Hangar RFP Update: Public Works Director David Passick reported that four responses were received for developing new hangars on airport land (options west and north). Staff is evaluating proposals and plans to bring a recommendation to council in executive session by April 2026. The town would ground‑lease the land, with the developer handling design, construction, and leasing.
• Unleaded Fuel and FBO Agreements: David Passick confirmed that the unleaded fuel transition plan was filed with the state and accepted; installation of a new tank is planned for 2027. The FBO land lease and purchase agreements with Vector Air are under review, with a goal of bringing them to council in Q2 2026.
• Northwest Mayors and Commissioners Coalition: Town Manager Malcolm Fleming updated the council on a proposal by Superior Mayor Lassus to include aviation issues in the coalition’s policy agenda, focusing on noise and safety. Several council members favored a regional, local approach led by airport managers and flight schools rather than federal action. Airport Manager Jason Heard noted a new airport monitoring system (ADS‑B based) will provide data on traffic origins.
• Town Manager Contract Termination Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Bell moved to terminate the town manager’s contract effective immediately with severance. Council debated the motion. Councilmembers Hoback, Passamarelli, Baer, and O’Connor opposed the move, arguing it was inappropriate to handle personnel matters in public and that the 360‑degree review did not support termination. Mayor Moore and Councilmembers Mortalero and Bell supported a change in direction. A roll call vote was taken; the transcript ends during the vote, and the final tally is not recorded.

Key Outcomes

• Airport Fees: Council gave staff direction to proceed with legal review, deed research, and community engagement on the AEDAB fee proposal. No final decision was made; a revised proposal and ordinance will be brought back later.
• Public Art: Council expressed support and requested quarterly updates from Parks and Rec and information on how to join EPAC.
• Hangar Development: Staff will continue evaluating RFP responses and bring a recommendation to council in executive session.
• Town Manager: The motion to terminate Malcolm Fleming’s contract was made and debated. The roll call vote was in progress when the transcript ended; the outcome is not available from the provided materials.