WILMINGTON — The Sept. 14, 2017 meeting of the Clinton County Port Authority Board of Directors saw the end of an era with the retirement of Richard Thompson from the Board.
Thompson was appointed to the Port Authority Board in 2004, when it was formed by the Clinton County Board of Commissioners.
“Richard has quietly given countless hours to our organization; he did a lot of heavy lifting early on and continues to do so,” said Dan Evers, Executive Director. “We would not be where we are today, Richard, without your input and your wisdom and your humor. We will miss that.”
Thompson, commenting on his years of service, said, “When we started we had nothing. We have come a long way. We have had a good board. We don’t always vote the same, but when we walk out, we are still talking. I appreciate Dan and, before him, Kevin. We are on the right path. Congratulations John.”
Replacing Thompson on the board will be John Settlemyre, who also attended the meeting.
Settlemyre said, “I have a lot of experience working in small airports as a volunteer, and thought it was the right time to step up and see what I could do with the group here. I am looking forward to getting involved with the Port Authority. Thank you.” He will serve a four-year term.
Board members are appointed to the Port Authority by Board of County Commissioners. Current board member Brian Smith was reappointed to the board for a four-year term by the Commissioners, as his current term will expire at the end of September this year.
“We are delighted to retain Mr. Smith as a member of the Port Authority Board,” Evers stated. “His institutional knowledge of our organization is of significant value as the Port Authority continues to pursue new opportunities. We’re grateful to the Board of Commissioners for his re-appointment, and for Brian’s willingness to continue his volunteer service.”
Also introduced at the meeting was Brandon Livingston, Airport Security Coordinator. While he has worked at the Air Park for several years, his first day as an employee of the Clinton County Port Authority was Sept. 1.
“We would like to thank Terry Wilkin for his assistance with the transition of Brandon Livingston coming on board with the Port Authority,” said Evers. “Terry will continue to interface with the Port Authority, as well as with Brandon. He is important to the operations here and a fantastic resource for us.”
In other business at the monthly meeting of the Clinton County Port Authority, the board:
• Approved the lease of a front-end loader to support winter operations
• Approved a short-term lease of distribution space with EMSAR, Inc.
• Authorized expenditures for repairs to the primary runway and taxiway
• Authorized expenditures for repairs to Building 2064
• Approved a lease of warehouse space with ATSG
• Authorized the issuance of short-term, $100 mortgages on properties acquired by the Clinton County Land Bank, to enable the Land Bank to access funds for remediation of blighted properties.
“This partnership with the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission and the Clinton County Land Bank expands the Port Authority’s outreach efforts,” said Evers. “We continue to look for ways to facilitate economic development and redevelopment opportunities with our partners, county-wide.”
Addressing Clinton County Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Taylor Stuckert, Port Authority Board Member Brian Smith noted, “I feel what you are doing for the community is great, and we are glad to be asked to participate. Thank you for all your hard work.”
The next Board of Director’s meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 12.
About the port
The Clinton County Port Authority is a special purpose government formed to operate transportation infrastructure and lead economic development efforts. It owns and operates the Wilmington Air Park, an integrated aviation and logistics business park located on 1,900 acres with nearly three million square feet of industrial, office and hangar space.
Collaborating with the Board of County Commissioners and other partners on Economic Development matters, the Port Authority markets properties and manages programs available to the entire community. Learn more at www.wilmingtonairpark.com.
