(Milford)– The future of the Milford Airport and whether or not the city’s voters should have a say in it was the topic of a heated discussion at Monday’s city council meeting.
City Administrator Matt Skaret told the council based on research by legal staff, the vote would be on whether or not the city’s Airport Commission should be disbanded. Then, he says, it would be up to the city council to decide the fate of the airport itself.
Councilman Don Oleson presented the council with a petition with 98 signatures on it calling for the issue to be placed on the ballot. Oleson said the majority of those people feel the operation isn’t viable…(click here for comment from Oleson.)
One man who uses and helps operate and maintain the facility argued with Oleson, saying the airport IS viable and that more and more people from outside the area are starting to use it…(click here for comment from Oleson.)
Oleson’s motion to the put the issue on the ballot died for lack of a second.
The fact the city has an Airport Commission required approval of the council before any initiative pertaining to the facility could be brought before voters.
Many of those opposed to keeping the airport open say the land could better be used for a housing development. Others say a study commissioned by the city several years ago shows such a development on that site wouldn’t be feasible.
