Douglas County

This Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for Douglas County aims to reduce potential losses from future disasters, protecting lives, property, and the environment while supporting County sovereignty. The plan assists in reducing risks by identifying significant hazards and threats, vulnerabilities, and resources, and by developing risk reduction strategies. Key goals include protecting lives, property, and the natural environment; promoting disaster-resilient development; increasing public awareness of local hazards; fostering partnerships and implementation; and strengthening emergency services capability. The plan also incorporates technological hazards and human-caused threats to enhance integration with national preparedness systems.

The key discussions centered on infrastructure development and planning. Public comment addressed the necessity of installing a sewer line across Taxiway C to service planned hangars and potential future properties, a matter requiring further engineering study. Updates were provided on the ongoing Master Planning Process, including the formation of a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and planned coordination with Community Development and Planning regarding new state laws mandating multi-family housing development on commercial property near the airport, which raises security concerns. Airport management provided status updates on air show progress and readiness for snow removal operations. The committee also discussed future agenda items, including updates on the sewer plan, the air show, and the priority list for airport improvements such as the feasibility of a crosswind runway. Separately, an update was given regarding a newly purchased prefab building funded by a grant for airport improvements.

The meeting included a call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions involved presentations from the District Attorney's Office regarding the statutory requirements and functions of the Board, and an overview from the Assessor concerning valuation trends in Douglas County. The administrative agenda detailed the procedure for handling property tax appeals; however, no property tax appeals had been filed for the Board's consideration.

The meeting agenda was approved, and the committee moved into discussions concerning airport management updates and the review of the Airport Masterplan update led by J-U-B Engineers, Inc. Airport management provided updates on enterprise fund presentations and the upcoming Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appointment of a new committee representative. The Masterplan review detailed a three-phase process focusing on data gathering, developing facility requirements and alternatives, and finally, cost estimation and the creation of the Airport Layout Plan (ALP). Key concerns raised included defining stakeholder roles, the interplay between the masterplan and strategic priorities, and specifically, hangar development to increase revenue and alleviate the waitlist. Committee members emphasized the need for adequate utility and drainage planning in future development sites and expressed a strong preference for analyzing the previous master plan in conjunction with the current FAA guidelines. Future agenda items were discussed to address specific inquiries raised by committee members regarding the master plan process and decision-making framework.

The agenda for the meeting included several key items for possible action: approval of the current agenda and discussion/direction regarding the initiation of a formal strategic planning process, which is considered preparatory to the Master Planning Process. The committee planned to discuss potential revenue sources, including a proposal for landing fees targeting transient large aircraft, which generated discussion regarding feasibility and impact. Further action items involved updates on the Master Planning Process, focusing on current milestones, potential runway extensions (Runway 30), and securing necessary navigational easements. Management provided updates on airport operations, including budget status and preparations for an upcoming airshow featuring the Patriots Jet Team, which is primarily focused on community relations.