City Council moves toward airport improvements

by Ginny Dugan -- Fallon’s City Council recently took the first step toward the addition of a new building at the Fallon Municipal Airport located two miles east of the City of Fallon on Rio Vista Drive. At its October 7^th meeting city council members approved a professional services contract with Frank Woodliff, III, AIA, for preliminary and design development work, construction drawings, and bidding and job observation for a new Fixed Based Operations facility at the Fallon Municipal Airport for a total fixed fee of $37,880.00. The proposed 2,000 square foot multi-use structure would better serve the City of Fallon and pilots, as well as their passengers, by providing an office for the fixed base operator, who currently is Walt Wardwell; a location to sell fuels and small parts used in aviation and to offer flying instruction; and possibly 24-hour access for flight planning and relaxation.  Discussion on the amenities to be included continues. According to Robert Erquiaga, the city’s Legal and Administrative Director, plans for the new building have been “on the drawing board” for several years. Application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for fiscal year 2020-2021 to fund the actual construction of the Fixed Base Operations facility is being considered. Construction cost is estimated at $500,000. A public hearing in order to solicit citizen input and discuss other possible projects to be included in the CDBG application was held at the October 7^th meeting, but nothing else was offered. In other business, Fallon’s City Council approved a two-year consulting agreement for professional services with Erickson Consulting, LLC, for financial and other consulting services in the amount of $2,500.00 per month. Approval was contingent on the provision of proof of good standing and all appropriate licenses. During public comment not relative to any agenda item, a Fallon resident complained about inaction concerning speeding traffic on Serpa Place. The next meeting of Fallon’s City Council is scheduled for Monday, October 21, at 9 a.m. in the City Council Chambers (inside City Hall), 55 W. Williams St., Fallon. All City Council and Special Meetings are open to the public.       Never miss a meeting or community event – keep an eye on the community calendar at https://www.thefallonpost.org/events/ If you like what we’re doing, please support our effort to provide local, independent news and contribute to The Fallon Post, your online news source for all things Fallon.