Cleveland Municipal Airport was the topic of discussion and action at the Cleveland City Council meeting on July 16 with several important measures approved, including an airport layout plan that will guide future growth.
Airport Manager Dickie Harbour, along with John Williams, chairman of the airport board, presented the need for an updated airport layout plan to Council. They said the previous plan was 22 years out of date. Harbour explained that initially, they planned for a comprehensive airport master plan, but after discussions with TxDOT and the FAA, they decided an updated layout plan with a narrative would suffice. This plan should cover projected growth for the next 20 years and cost approximately $300,000.
Harbour discovered that the funding could come from a grant through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), covering 90 percent of the cost, with the city only needing to fund $30,000, which was already budgeted.
Council also approved updated ordinances related to aviation for the Cleveland Municipal Airport, including changes to the airport lease agreement and the master fee schedule.
Additionally, the council approved a facility use agreement with Cleveland Community Football for the use of city park facilities to hold practices.
In public comments, Dr. Scott Jones, representing the family of the late Dr. Stan Jones, requested the City Council rename Bonham Ave. to Dr. Stanley L. Jones Avenue to honor his late father’s memory and legacy. He detailed Dr. Jones’ extensive contributions to the community, including his roles as a dentist, businessman, mayor, and active community member. Jones emphasized that his father’s legacy of integrity, generosity, and service should be honored by renaming the street after him.
Longtime resident Elton Williams expressed his frustrations with the city’s water department. While cleaning debris from recent storms, he discovered a water leak and faced difficulties getting the city to turn off the valve. Williams emphasized the need for a better response to such issues to prevent recurrence.
Council members also reflected on the community’s response to Hurricane Beryl. Mayor Danny Lee praised the efforts of city staff and residents, noting that between 10,000 and 12,000 people came through the food and water distribution lines at Stancil Park over six to seven days.
City Manager Scott Swigert echoed Lee’s sentiments and thanked local churches, businesses, and organizations for their support. He specifically recognized Entergy for their efforts in restoring power and providing a generator for the cooling center at Calvary Church’s gym. Swigert also thanked Cleveland ISD Superintendent Stephen McCanless, Pct. 3 Commissioner David Whitmire, Pct. 6 Constable Zack Harkness, and the City of Dayton for their assistance during the crisis.
Additionally, the council approved naming Michelle Wyatt to the Cleveland EDC board.
Why do we need any improvements for the puddle jumper airport??? What will we get in return? Will the $$$$$$ improvements generate revenue for the city ??? Will it then provide airport services for travelers??? Who’s relative will get the contract for the so called improvements??? Come on people, you don’t need an Anderson window in your dog house.
Will it offer one way trips to Mexico?