AEDAB Topics Relevant to Airpark Homeowners
Jennifer Webb
Braun Mincher
Dear Ms. Webb and Members of the Airport Economic Development Advisory Board,
Thank you for Ms. Webb’s email yesterday, included below, regarding AEDAB’s invitation for community input. In light of that invitation, I am providing the following input directly for the Board’s consideration.
I am writing as an Erie Air Park property owner and directly impacted stakeholder regarding the proposed through-the-fence (“TTF”) fee structure currently under consideration by the Town.
This correspondence is intended to (i) consolidate prior input previously provided to the Town and AEDAB, (ii) incorporate observations based on recent Board discussions, and (iii) respectfully request that this submission be included in the AEDAB meeting packet and entered into the official administrative record as the process moves forward.
I am copying the Town Clerk as well, with the request that this submission be included in the Town’s official administrative record relating to the proposed TTF fee structure.
I recognize that AEDAB’s role is advisory and that final policy decisions, if any, will ultimately rest with Town Council.
For reference, I previously submitted detailed communications to the Town on February 17, 2026 and April 3, 2026 outlining legal, financial, and procedural considerations associated with the proposal. For convenience, I am attaching copies here again, along with a copy of the Airport Update Presentation made by Town staff on February 17, 2026.
Independence of Submission
This submission is provided independently for direct consideration by AEDAB and is not conveyed through or limited by any homeowners association representation.
Additional Material for Awareness (Attached)
For completeness of the record, I am attaching a memorandum that was recently circulated by an anonymous sender under the name “Erie Taxpayers.”
I do not have any knowledge of the author’s identity, and I am not in a position to verify or adopt the specific claims or conclusions contained in that memorandum. However, given that it has been broadly distributed to Town officials and stakeholders and appears to reflect a detailed review of the issue, I wanted to ensure the Board is aware of it and has access to it.
My comments below are independent of that memorandum and are based on my own review of publicly available materials and AEDAB discussions. I am not coordinating with or submitting this correspondence in concert with the sender.
Prior Materials Already Before the Board
As reflected in AEDAB materials, a legal white paper addressing Erie Air Park easement rights has already been provided to the Board. That material raises significant issues, including:
- Enforceability of existing easement rights
- Potential constitutional implications
- FAA-related considerations tied to TTF access
Given that these issues are already part of the record, clarification as to how they are being incorporated into the evaluation of the proposed fee structure would be helpful.
Clarifications Based on April 16 AEDAB Discussion
Based on the April 16 AEDAB meeting, several points appear directly relevant:
- Concerns regarding potential litigation risk and FAA compliance exposure
- Discussion of whether the recommendation should be reconsidered or modified as it applies to Airpark residents
- Acknowledgment that AEDAB relies on Town staff and legal counsel for analysis
- Recognition that certain legal and policy questions remain unresolved
- Variability in financial assumptions, including differing deficit figures
In light of these statements, clarification as to how these issues are being addressed prior to further advancement of the proposal would be appreciated.
Key Issues for Consideration
Based on both prior correspondence and recent discussion, several areas appear to warrant careful evaluation:
1. Financial Model Clarity
- Consistency of deficit figures and underlying assumptions
- Transparency of methodology used to evaluate “revenue neutrality”
Public Town materials, including the February 17, 2026 airport presentation, appear to rely on a specific revenue model and deficit analysis in support of the proposed fee restructuring, which further underscores the importance of transparency regarding assumptions and methodology.
The February 17, 2026 staff presentation reflected a modeled increase in fee and rent revenues from approximately $141,367 to $385,129 and a reduction in the stated annual net impact from approximately $(272,677) to $(28,915); however, as noted in my April 3, 2026 follow-up correspondence, subsequent public discussion appears to reflect a recurring general fund operating subsidy of approximately $168,000, which further underscores the importance of transparency regarding the assumptions and methodology underlying the Town’s financial model.
2. Legal and Property Rights Considerations
- Interaction between proposed fees and existing easement rights
- Potential constitutional considerations
3. FAA / Grant Assurance Considerations
- Whether FAA coordination has occurred
- Potential exposure to Part 13 or related compliance concerns
4. Equity Across Airport Users
- Comparative treatment of residential TTF users versus other airport users
- Interaction with property taxes and existing obligations
5. Enforcement Framework
- Legal authority and mechanism if fees are not paid
The same presentation also reflects that new hangar development was already being actively pursued, which reinforces the importance of incorporating reasonably foreseeable hangar-related revenue into any long-term airport financial analysis.
Relatedly, previously circulated consultant materials appear to contemplate a homeowners/property owners association structure for residential TTF properties, which makes clarity regarding any such governance concept especially important.
Process Transparency and Accessibility
In attempting to review publicly available materials, certain AEDAB resources appear difficult to access, including non-functional links and limited availability of agendas and minutes.
Additionally, AEDAB meetings appear to be conducted in person without remote participation options, despite recordings being made available afterward.
Given the significance of the proposed TTF fee structure and its direct impact on a defined group of stakeholders, improved accessibility, whether through clearer materials or participation options, may support more effective community engagement.
Prudence in Advancement of the Proposal
Given the number of unresolved legal, financial, and procedural questions reflected in both the existing public record and recent AEDAB discussion, it would be prudent for any further advancement of the proposed residential TTF fee structure to await reconciliation of the underlying record and completion of the Town’s legal and regulatory review.
Requested Actions
In the interest of supporting a well-informed process, I respectfully request:
- That this submission, together with the attached memorandum referenced above, be included in the AEDAB meeting packet and entered into the official administrative record for any future Council consideration of this issue;
- Clarification as to how existing legal materials and recent discussion points are being incorporated into the evaluation; and
- Availability, to the extent appropriate, of:
- Financial modeling assumptions
- Legal analysis
- FAA coordination status
- Enforcement framework
Closing
I appreciate the time and consideration of AEDAB, Town Council, and staff on these issues. As a local resident and stakeholder, I am available as a resource if helpful and would be glad to provide any supporting materials referenced above.
Thank you for your continued work on this matter.
Respectfully,
Braun Mincher
2520 Cessna Drive