Washington-Warren Airport is getting new operations/management director.

During its meeting Monday, the City Council chose Earl Malpass, who already has a presence at the airport, to handle those responsibilities and others. During the council’s discussion of the matter, council member William Pitt said, “I’m only going to ask one question. Will this improve our efficiency at the airport and place us into a better position to use the airport as an economic-development tool?”

“That’s the goal Councilman Pitt. This individual will concentrate primarily on promotions for the airport, aid in website maintenance for the airport, visit other airports, try to drum up other business for us as well as manage and formulate SOPs (standard operating procedures) for us on a daily basis at the airport,” said Frankie Buck, director of public works.

Councilman Doug Mercer said the Airport Advisory Board discussed the matter. The airport comes under the purview of the Public Works Department, which is overseen by Buck, noted Mercer. “I think Frankie has realized there’s a great deal of activity there (airport) that he’s just not familiar enough with and feels like we need someone that has airport experience. I think the board supports that position, and I certainly support it,” Mercer said.

The airport manager would collect rents and other revenues associated with the lease and use of T-hangars at the airport, maintain tie-down spaces and coordinate and supervise city employees and contractors at the airport. Malpass would be paid $4,166.67 a month and 6 percent of fuel sales and rental fees related to use of airport facilities.

The agreement would be for one year.

Malpass currently uses hangar space for aircraft-related operations limited to the storage of private aircraft owned, leased or maintained by him.