Renton Airport Advisory Committee is back at the controls after one and a half years without a meeting

New Renton Airport Director Steve Gleason (standing), supported by some of his staff and Renton’s Public Works Director, presents to the Renton Airport Advisory Committee for the first time since his appointment in 2022.

I was delighted to attend an informative and productive meeting of the Renton Airport Advisory Committee yesterday, after I had expressed concerns in this blog entry two months ago about their long break without a meeting.  I covered the vital importance of this committee to Renton, including its important 18-year history in keeping our airport thriving with as few negative impacts to neighborhoods as possible.

Yesterday’s meeting was the first in a year and a half. Members were clearly ready to get back to work.  In addition to enough attendance to form a quorum, many non-voting members were present, including a representative of FAA who participated via Zoom.  New Airport Director Steve Gleason and his staff were well prepared with important information and a list of decisions he was seeking preliminary committee direction on.  Renton Hill resident and RAAC Chair Melody Kroeger did an admirable job keeping conversation moving and tracking to the busy agenda.

RAAC Committee members pay close attention as airport issues are presented during the April 25 RAAC meeting

Some of the topics covered included updated lease rates for Boeing and other airport operators, updated tie-down and hangar rental fees, and updated Airport Rules and Regulations.  Lease rates for major tenants like Boeing are typically adjusted by a periodic re-appraisal process specified in their lease, and these appraisals can be appealed through a defined process that can include arbitration.  The Mercer Island representative on the committee expressed his hope that Boeing is given fair treatment, given their enormous significance to the regional economy and the airport in general– and that they are such good neighbors.  (Boeing airport operations create little to no complaints from surrounding neighborhoods, with just a few takeoffs per day).

Airport staff explained that the increased revenues will be put to use further improving the security of the airport, which like many other areas in our region has seen an increase in  crime.   The new money will be used to improve perimeter fencing and make other security enhancements.  The new revenues will also be used to help complete important infrastructure like a taxiway rebuild, administrative offices, and other work.

The subject of security at the airport generated a lot of discussion, as several airport operators have experienced car thefts, trespassing, and other thefts and vandalism.  There was an understanding that this is a widespread problem in Renton lately, but it can be particularly problematic at the airport because of the nature of the businesses (and the importance of maintaining equipment in known safe-to-fly condition.)

A brief discussion focussed on the older Chamber of Commerce building at the south-west corner of the airport property, outside the airport fence line.  This property is currently being temporarily used for a feeding program and in the coldest nights of winter serves as a cold weather shelter (about five nights a year).   Other than that, the property has been fenced off because of nuisance activities in the parking lot and other security concerns.  No permanent new use for this property has been identified at this time.

One final topic of interest was the May 21st Girls on the Run 5K fun run which will take place near the airport.  This will be it’s thirteenth year, and it’s proven to be a wonderful event.  Airport operators are supportive of the festivities, but need to spread the word that workarounds for airport access may be necessary.  I’ve attached a memo with details below.

The committee agreed that the next meeting will be June 13, tentatively planned for Renton City Hall at 5:00.  This may change, so check the City’s website to confirm.

The public has an opportunity to speak at these meetings, and I took advantage of the opportunity to thank the committee for their continuing work for the benefit of our city.  Any resident would be free to address the committee on airport-related concerns during their three-minute speaking opportunity.