City council, airport authority reach agreement that could bring back free-flight event

By SUSAN BERG

Managing editor

A few months ago, the City Council and Airport Authority were adamant about not allowing Heart of America Free Flight Association to use the Marion Municipal Airport for an aerial contest.

When the groups met Monday evening, it appeared a resolution was found, and the organization will use the property.

City officials thought the opportunity had passed when the organization asked to use the airport in June but the request was denied.

Paul Thomas of Marion spoke on behalf of the organization, encouraging the council to allow the event.

He said he was involved in the event — not as a participant, but as a way to give back to the community that welcomed him and his wife, Jeanice, 18 years ago.

The organization used the airport for the competition in 2009 but airport authorities were not pleased with the condition of the runways afterward.

Several inches of rain fell the weekend of the event.

Vehicles used by competitors made ruts when they were used to retrieve model airplanes.

“When the organization talked about the event, they talked about the great city and not just about the great airport,” Thomas said.

After the council initially declined a request to use the facility this year, Thomas said the community was disappointed.

“There was a connection between the residents and the event,” he said. “There was a regret and disappointment by residents. Residents want it to take place.”

Airport Board president Ty Zeiner said the board would be willing to allow the event if vehicles stayed off runways if it rained.

A former road, south of the airport, could allow additional room.

Spectators and pit crews would be required to park in the airport parking lot and not in the hangar or runway area.

The airport would be closed for all traffic from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. that weekend. The competition would be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dick McLinden said he would have to store two airplanes he uses for his business at the Newton airport because it was the closest airport with hangar space available.

The maximum cost for hangar space and transportation would be $400, McLinden said.

Mayor Mary Olson asked if Marion Economic Development Inc. or the city could pay all or a portion of that.

Councilman Steve Smith said he believed it should be the responsibility of the organization sponsoring the competition.

Organizers said the total cost of the event was less than $400.

The council will discuss McLinden’s costs at the next regular meeting Monday.

A date has not been selected, but the group was considering Sept. 18 and 19 or Sept. 25 and 26.