Resident seeks ‘green light’ on airport project
Marble Hill resident pushes to re-open local airport, seeks city council's approval. Plan includes forming a limited liability corporation to manage operations. Decision expected by early 2025.
The City of Marble Hill has an airport, but it has been closed for several years. At least one local resident is leading an effort to see it reopen in the near future.
The only guest on the agenda Monday, Nov. 18, for the regular Board of Aldermen meeting was Michael Beard. He spoke to the board regarding the airport.
“We want to know if we have a green light from the council,” Beard said. “It’s rougher than heck, we need to get it to golf course smooth.”
Beard was seeking to get the group’s interest in a project to re-open the local airport.
“This is an asset that needs turned back on,” Beard said.
Beard said he has been looking at airport agreements from other municipalities, citing Bismarck specifically, as a potential model.
The effort includes setting up a limited liability corporation, according to Beard.
Alderman Charles Fisher had a question regarding liability.
“Who’s responsible for insurance?” Fisher said.
Beard said that would be handled by the limited liability corporation.
His goal is to have an agreement in place by the start of 2025 so work on improving the grass runway can take place.
City administrator Mike Johnson took Beard’s number and said the next step is to hold a workshop to discuss potential plans in more detail.
New attorney
It was announced Monday evening that this was city attorney Richard Whiffen’s last meeting. He had been serving the City since March 2022. Jacob Sells, an attorney from Cape Girardeau, will now serve as the city’s attorney. A total of three individuals had expressed an interest in the opening.
“I’d just like to thank the City of Marble Hill for letting me be your attorney,” Whiffen said. “It has been a blessing to me.”
“Thank you for all you’ve done,” alderman Roger Lynch said.
“You’re going to be missed,” Mike Johnson said.
“You’re going to be greatly missed,” said Mayor Trey Wiginton.
Police report
As part of his department report, police chief Dan McMichael said there were 94 calls in November. This included 60 traffic stops, 13 domestic disturbances, four arrests, two assaults on law enforcement officers and six instances of houses which were up for condemnation.
Closed session
A closed session took place from 6:41 to 7:16 p.m. to discuss personnel. The Marble Hill Board of Aldermen will hold its next meeting Monday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m. at city hall.
