NEWS & NOTES
Airport Watch May Meeting Link
A reminder to everyone that we will be holding in-person monthly meetings beginning this month, at our normal conference room in the Bensenville Police Station.
The May meeting will be tomorrow, May 4, at 7:00pm.
Going forward we will also offer a live stream of the in person meetings via Zoom for those who prefer to attend virtually.
The live stream can be accessed using the information below. Hope to see you there!
Topic: May 2021 ORD Airport Watch Meeting Live Stream
Time: May 4, 2021 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74950136090...
Meeting ID: 749 5013 6090
Passcode: ORDWatch
Airport Watch April Meeting Links
Members,
Here is link for our April 2021 Virtual Airport Watch Meeting. Hope to see yo u there!
Topic: April 2021 ORD Airport Watch Member Virtual Meeting
Time: Apr 6, 2021 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73416266093?pwd=aktqOC9OeWdtMGYzdzJmOEF6WDFqdz09
Meeting ID: 734 1626 6093
Passcode: ORDWatch
Airport Watch April Meeting
To All, the April Airport Watch meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 6. The Board meeting will start at 6:30 pm, the General meeting will start at 7:00 pm. Both meetings will be held via Zoom. Access links will be published separately.
Airport Watch March 2021 Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes – March 2, 2021
Board Present: Pete Wagner, Bill Gaston, Dan Marinellie, Chuck Belanger, Kelly Roller,Dan McInerney, Eva Kozlowski
Board Absent: None
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Peter Wagner at 7:01 pm.
Agenda:
1) Motion to approve February minutes by Bill Gaston, second by Chuck Belanger, motion approved.
2) Treasurer's report – Kelly Roller - current bank balance is $3479.33.
3) The previously discussed K-9 vest is not for dogs at O'Hare. Motion to rescind the award made by Pete Wagner, second by Kelly Roller, motion approved.
4) Pete Wagner proposed a plaque for fallen O'Hare service dogs. A 24”x24” plaque with color logos would cost about $400. The plaque would be located at the CPD administrative building at O'Hare. There would be a media event when the Watch presents the plaque.
5) Spotting Site Reports:
ORD Hill – upper level is open.
27C – no approved spotting sites yet.
MDW – no issues.
6) Kelly will discuss in-person meetings with BPD. We will still have Zoom meetings even if in-person is allowed.
7) The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 6, 2021.
8) Motion to adjourn by Chuck Belanger at 7:35 pm, second by Dan McInerney.
Respectfully submitted by Bill GastonAirport Watch March Meeting
To All, the March Airport Watch meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 2. The Board meeting will start at 6:30 pm, the General meeting will start at 7:00 pm. Both meetings will be held via Zoom. Access links will be published separately.
Airport Watch February 2021 Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2021
Board Present: Pete Wagner, Bill Gaston, Dan Marinellie, Chuck Belanger, Kelly Roller,Dan McInerney, Eva Kozlowski
Board Absent: Eva Kozlowski
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Peter Wagner at 7:03 pm.
Agenda:
1) New Airport Watch stickers are available. 1 white sticker will be sent to members who are renewing. White and blue stickers are available for purchase at $1.00 each through the Airport Watch web page.
2) Badges – Carol Baran, the Bensenville Police Department Admin is working to get them created and sent out. Please be patient.
3) Age requirements for members – it has been decided that a valid Drivers License is necessary for someone to join. This should bring in younger members who have been denied in the past.
4) Pete Wagner will be meeting with CPD Captain Mullane and the K9 Sergeant next week to proceed with the vest donation.
5) Spotting Site Reports:
ORD Hill – snow is deep and there is danger of getting stuck on both the lower and upper areas.
Gate Gourmet – loot is plowed but be very careful when parking and moving around.
MDW – issues with parking due to snow removal, please use caution.
ORD NE Cargo – no shoveling or plowing along the fence, be careful.
ORD South Cargo – lots of snow piled at each end of the lot. Parking is impacted, please be courteous to employees.
6) Treasurer's report – Kelly Roller - current bank balance is $2980.11. Move to approve by Dan McInerney, second by Bill Gaston, motion approved.
7) Motion to approve December and January minutes by Dan Marinellie, second by Chuck Belanger, motion approved.
8) Chuck Belanger indicated that Southwest Airlines will begin ORD service on 2/14.
9) Runway 27C/9C is active. There are many spotting locations for this, but be aware that these areas are new for us, and we may not be recognized. Have any law enforcement contact Captain Mullane or CPD to verify we are ok to be there.
5) The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 2, 2021. Due to continuing Covid concerns, there will only be a Zoom session.
6) Motion to adjourn by Dan McInerney at 7:37 pm, second by Chuck Belanger.
Respectfully submitted by Bill Gaston
Airport Watch January 2021 Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes – January 5, 2021
Board Present: Pete Wagner, Bill Gaston, Dan Marinellie, Chuck Belanger, Kelly Roller,Dan McInerney, Eva Kozlowski
Board Absent: None
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Peter Wagner at 7:02 pm.
Agenda:
1) Reminder to members to renew.
2) K-9 vest donation – still in process with CPD.
3) Spotting Site Reports:
ORD Hill – be careful of equipment and employee movements.
TNP Lot – still ok but stay clear of City equipment. The hill next to the lot
is off limits for now.
MDW – no issues.
RFD – peak holiday cargo is over but still lots of variety.
4). Jettip.net is a $5/month web site that will alert spotters to incoming planes.
5) Treasurer's report – Kelly Roller - current bank balance is $2960.71.
5) The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 2, 2021. Due to continuing Covid concerns, there will only be a Zoom session.
6) Motion to adjourn by Chuck Belanger at 7:38 pm, second by Bill Gaston.
Respectfully submitted by Bill GastonAirport Watch December Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes – December 1, 2020
Board Present: Pete Wagner, Bill Gaston, Dan Marinellie, Chuck Belanger, Kelly Roller,Dan McInerney
Board Absent: Eva Kozlowski
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Peter Wagner at 7:01 pm.
Agenda:
1) Renewals – reminder from Peter Wagner to send in renewals. Bill Gaston reported that 28 renewal badges had been received and sent out to members.
2) Treasurer's report – Kelly Roller - current bank balance is $2924.15.
3) Chuck Belanger is working on donuts for CABO for their hospitality.
4) Peter Wagner suggested that as a giveback to the Chicago Police Department, we donate a vest to one of the Airport K9 dogs. Cost would be about $900. Motion was seconded by Chuck Belanger and approved by the Board.
5) Motion to approve November minutes made by Bill Gaston, seconded by Dan Marinellie, motion approved.
6) Bill Gaston requested approval for a vest purchase, motion approved. Bill will coordinate with Kelly Roller for the order.
7) Spotting Site Reports:
ORD Hill – no issues.
MDW – no issues.
New 9C/27C runway – the Board will post spotting sites as operations increase.
8) The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Due to continuing Covid concerns, there will only be a Zoom session.
9) Motion to adjourn by Dan McInerney at 7:28 pm, second by Kelly Roller.
Respectfully submitted by Bill Gaston
Airport Watch 2021 Meeting Schedule
To all members,
Here is the Airport Watch meeting schedule for 2021.
All meetings are on Tuesdays. The Board meeting starts at 6:30 pm, and the General meeting starts at 7:00 pm. For now, all meetings are being held via Zoom. Information will be published before the meetings detailing how to join the meeting.
01/05
02/02
03/02
04/06
05/04
06/01
07/06
08/03
09/07
10/05
11/02
12/07
Bill Gaston,
Secretary, ORD Airport Watch
Airport Watch November Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes – November 10, 2020
Board Present: Pete Wagner, Bill Gaston, Dan Marinellie, Chuck Belanger, Kelly Roller,Eva Kozlowski
Board Absent: Dan McInerney
Law Enforcement present: Cmdr. Bill Mullane, CPD.
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Peter Wagner at 7:03 pm.
Agenda:
1) Renewals – emails have been sent to all current members. Reminder that photos are not needed, just a new application (sent in the emails). Either send to or drop off renewals at the Bensenville Police Station. Renewals are $20, and make checks payable to ORD Airport Watch, not Bill Gaston or Bensenville Police Dept.
2) Law Enforcement – Cmdr. Mullane (CPD) commented that Airport Watch is greatly appreciated around the airports. We are the extra eyes and ears for law enforcement. He also reminded us that proper behavior is expected at all times. There may be new employees that are not yet familiar with the group. Have them contact Cmdr. Mullane if there are questions.
3) Spotting Site Reports:
ORD Hill – Chuck reported that much activity is taking place around the site. Spotters are now advised to park on the very upper level (up from the CABO trailer). Also, CABO has asked us to stay on the southern edge of that parking area. Very little parking apace is available on all the lower levels on the hill and the area leading up to it.
Delta Cargo – advised members to be cautious and courteous.
MDW – Be careful around Signature and Atlantic areas.
New 9C/27C runway – the Board will post spotting sites as operations increase.
4) Treasurer's report – Kelly Roller - current bank balance is $2924.15 with no deposits outstanding.
5) Motion to approve October minutes made by Chuck Belanger, seconded by Dan Marinellie, motion approved.
6) Bill Gaston commented on Clearwater (FL) Airpark. After meeting with the Manager, he was able to spot from the patio in front of the main office. Several flight instructors asked about our group after seeing the vest.
7) Pete Wagner has been in contact with a representative from Paine Field (WA), Boeing's manufacturing site. They are interested in setting up a Watch group.
8) The 2021 Chicago Air and Water Show has been officially cancelled.
9) The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1, 2020. Due to continuing Covid concerns, there will only be a Zoom session.
Note: The main point in tonight's meeting concerned spotting in general. Remember, we are guests of the Airports and the business on and around them. It is important that spotters conduct themselves accordingly. Follow the rules at all times, in all areas. Be watchful and courteous of any employee movements and parking. When in doubt, error on the side of safety and common sense. One bad experience can lead to us being barred from any spotting site. If you see questionable behavior by a vested spotter, advise them on the rules. Also contact the Board. If approached by law enforcement or business owners, comply with their directives, and do not argue. Contact the Board and we will intervene. We cannot stress these points enough.
10) Meeting motion to adjourn by Bill Gaston at 7:36 pm; second by Chuck Belanger.
Respectfully submitted by Bill GastonSpotting at area airports
Important note from last night's Airport Watch meeting: The main point in tonight's meeting concerned spotting in general. Remember, we are guests of the Airports and the business on and around them. It is important that spotters conduct themselves accordingly. Follow the rules at all times, in all areas. Be watchful and courteous of any employee movements and parking. When in doubt, error on the side of safety and common sense. One bad experience can lead to us being barred from any spotting site. If you see questionable behavior by a vested spotter, advise them on the rules. Also contact the Board. If approached by law enforcement or business owners, comply with their directives, and do not argue. Contact the Board and we will intervene. We cannot stress these points enough.
Airport Watch October Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes – October 6 2020
Board Present: Pete Wagner, Bill Gaston, Dan Marinellie, Chuck Belanger, Dan McInerney, Kelly Roller
Board Absent: Eva Kozlowski
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held both in-person
and via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Peter Wagner at 7:04 pm.
Agenda:
1) Treasurer's report – Kelly Roller - current bank balance is $3033.79 with approximately $250 to be deposited. Motion to approve by Dan McInerney, seconded by Chuck Belanger, motion approved.
2) Motion to approve September minutes made by Bill Gaston, seconded by Dan McInerney, motion approved.
3) Spotting Site Reports:
Gate Gourmet – Dan Marinellie reported no changes or issues.
TNP – Chuck Belanger reported that the TNP lot is good as long as spotters stay inside the fence and away from City of Chicago storage lots. There is a question on the dirt hill construction spot. For now it is best to keep off until the Board can verify that we can be there.
Delta Cargo – Chuck reported that spotting is tolerated, but with cautions about employee traffic and parking spots as well as trucks doing daily business.
ORD Hill - Cabo is still good for us to spot. Be aware of equipment and people movements, especially around shift change at 3 pm.
MDW – Pete Wagner reported no changes.
PWK – Bill Gaston reported that traffic is sometimes spotty, but there are good opportunities for various business jets. Chuck Belanger indicated that the West side has sites that can be used, but with caution for business traffic.
New 9C/27C runway – Chuck reported that it will open on November 5. We will try to coordinate with the airport authorities as well as Rosemont and Elk Grove Village that there may be increased spotter activities in their areas.
4) Pete Wagner indicated that we are looking at purchasing lanyards and lens hood stickers for Airport Watch.
5) Renewals are coming due by the end of the year. Details will be forthcoming.
No picture should be needed for renewals.
7) Due to Election Day on November 3, the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at the Bensenville Police Department. Note that masks WILL be required to attend. There will also be a Zoom session as well.
8) Meeting motion to adjourn by Dan McInerney at 7:38 pm; second by Chuck Belanger.
Respectfully submitted by Bill GastonAirport Watch November Meeting
Members,
Due to the recent spike in Covid-19 cases, the board has regretfully decided that the safest course of action for everyone is to revert back to an online only meeting for November.
We will NOT be holding an in-person meeting as originally planned.
However, we invite those who are able to attend our virtual meeting.
Topic: November 2020 ORD Airport Watch Meeting
Time: Nov 10, 2020 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77632993128...
Meeting ID: 776 3299 3128
Passcode: ORDWatch
Membership Renewal
To all members: I have sent email to the membership list concerning upcoming renewals. If you are an active Watch member and did not receive an email for renewal, please email me at bill_gaston@sbcglobal.net. Thanks. Bill Gaston, Secretary, ORD Airport Watch
Airport Watch September Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes – September 1 2020
Board Present: Pete Wagner, Bill Gaston, Dan Marinellie, Chuck Belanger, Dan McInerney,Eva Kozlowski
Board Absent: Kelly Roller
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held both in-person and via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Peter Wagner at 7:01pm.
Agenda:
1) Motion to approve August minutes, seconded and approved.
2) Treasurer's report – Kelly Roller vis messenger – current bank balance is $3054.96.
3) We continue to be in touch with CDA and Airport authorities to let them know we are still active. There is still a shut-down for tours.
4) Reminder to record any law enforcement interaction and report to the Board. Get any details you can on car or badge numbers and when and where. Above all, follow any law enforcement instructions without hesitation.
5) Spotting Site Reports: ORD Hill - Cabo is still good for us to spot. Be aware of equipment and people movements, be courteous and stay off the upper paved level. TNP / Delta Lot – The TNP lot is just to the right after the guard shack at the end of Montrose (past the Gate Gourmet parking lot). The Delta lot is just west of TNP up to the perimeter fence. We have no official clearance to be in the Delta lot so stay out for now. For TNP, be respectful, move to the fence, take your pictures then back off a bit. MDW – no changes. PWK – The spotting area on Wolf Road is a good place. Chuck added that later in the day, a west location is preferred.
6) Chuck Belanger indicated that on 9/19 and 9/20, the B-17 Yankee Lady will be at Peru, IL.
7) The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at the Bensenville Police Department. Note that masks WILL be required to attend. There will also be a Zoom session as well.
8) Meeting motion to adjourn by Bill Gaston at 7:37 pm; second by Dan Marinellie.
Respectfully submitted by Bill Gaston
Airport Watch August Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes – August 4, 2020
Board Present: Pete Wagner, Bill Gaston, Dan Marinellie, Chuck Belanger, Kelly Roller, Dan McInerney Board Absent: Eva Kozlowski
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Peter Wagner at 7:06pm.
Agenda:
1) Motion to approve July minutes by Chuck Belanger, seconded by Kelly Roller - minutes were approved. 2) Treasurer's report – Kelly Roller – current bank balance is $2690.96 with an additional $240.00 to be deposited. Bill Gaston indicated that he will send Kelly $120 for dues and $180 for vest payments shortly. 3) Discussion of the upcoming September meeting. It is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1 at the Bensenville Police Station general meeting room. We will be checking with the BPD staff as to proper protocols we need to take. There will be a Zoom meeting as well for those not comfortable attending in person. 4) Chuck Belanger had an out-of-town visitor ask him for a spotting visit. This is not unusual. Chuck declined due to other obligations. It later turned out this person tested positive for covid-19. Please exercise extreme caution while spotting. Wear masks and maintain social distancing. Be aware and stay safe. 5) Spotting Site Reports: ORD Hill - Cabo is still good for us to spot. Be aware of equipment and people movements, be courteous and stay off the upper paved level. Gate Gourmet / TNP Lot – Be respectful, move to the fence, take your pictures then back off a bit. MDW – again, do not loiter at the fence lines. PWK – Bill reported lots of activity during a morning visit last week. The spotting area on Wolf Road is a good place. Chuck added that later in the day, a west location is preferred. 6) Chuck Belanger indicated that Northern Lightning will be held at Volk Field, WI, August 10-21. This is a USAF joint training exercise and there will be plenty of military flying. 7) John Meneely said that there will be 5 Blackhawk helicopters at Aurora airport this coming Thursday evening. 8) There will be an event at Poplar Grove airport on Sunday, August 16th. I will publish details to the appropriate sites. 9) Kelly Roller brought up a possible get-together this fall at one of our spotting sites. 10) The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at the Bensenville Police Department. Note that masks WILL be required to attend. 11) Meeting motion to adjourn by Chuck Belanger at 7:38 pm; second by Peter Wagner. Respectfully submitted by Bill Gaston
Airport Watch September Meeting
To all members - the September meeting for ORD Airport Watch will take place on Tuesday, September 1 at the Bensenville Police Station. The address is 345 E. Green St. Bensenville IL 60106.
The Executive Meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. followed by the General Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Covid-19 protocols must be followed. Masks must be worn at all times in the building, and social distancing must be maintained.
Airport Watch July Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes July 7, 2020
Board Present: Pete Wagner, Bill Gaston, Dan Marinellie, Chuck Belanger, Eva
Kozlowski, Kelly Roller, Dan McInerney
Board Absent: None
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Peter Wagner at 7:00pm.
Agenda:
1) Motion to approve new vest purchase for $369.07, motion approved.
2) Treasurer's report Kelly Roller current bank balance is $2677.83 with an additional $430.00 to be deposited. Bill Gaston indicated that he will send Kelly more dues and vest payments shortly.
3) Motion to approve June Minutes by Dan McInerney, second by Chuck Belanger, minutes were approved.
4) Spotting Site Reports:
ORD Hill - Chuck reports more activity on the hill. The upper grassy area is being used for equipment storage and is strictly off limits to anyone. Be awarenof equipment movements and be courteous and respectful.
Gate Gourmet / TNP Lot Many spotters are now using the TNP lot. Be respectful, move to the fence, take your pictures then back off a bit.
NE Cargo no issues. Again, do not loiter next to the fences.
Dave and Buster's no issues.
Delta Cargo is still available to us, just be respectful, park away from the end of the fence area, and try not to loiter too long.
5) The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday August 4, 2020 at the Bensenville Police Department. Please note the new day (Wednesday instead of Tuesday).
6) Meeting motion to adjourn by Peter Wagner at 7:18 pm; second by Chuck Belanger.
Respectfully submitted by Bill Gaston
August Virtual meeting
Members,
We ask that anyone whom is interested please join us in our August Airport Watch meeting Zoom video conference on Tuesday, August 4 at 7:00pm. With the pandemic situation still ongoing we decided to host another Zoom video conference in place of our August meeting. We are actively monitoring the current pandemic situation, and are hoping to return to in-person meetings beginning in September.
Zoom is completely free to use, and will work on any computer or smart phone by downloading the program from the website below, or searching for it in your phone's app store. https://zoom.us/download.
Once you have Zoom installed, you can simply click the meeting link listed below, or type in the meeting ID number in the Zoom program, and entering in the password if prompted. The password is ORDWatch.
Topic: August 2020 ORD Airport Watch Meeting
Time: Aug 4, 2020 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73389860494?pwd=V3VCOWxyYXNlMytYNGt3M3JpY2lWQT09
Meeting ID: 733 8986 0494
Passcode: ORDWatch
We wish you and your families continued good health, and hope to see you on the video conference!
Sincerely,ORD Airport Watch Board
Airport Watch June Meeting Minutes
ORD Airport Watch Meeting Minutes - June 2, 2020
Board Present: Pete Wagner, Bill Gaston, Dan Marinellie, Chuck Belanger, Eva Kozlowski, Kelly Roller, Dan McInerney
Board Absent: None
Note: The Executive Board and General meetings were held via Zoom.
Meeting was called to order by Peter Wagner at 7:00pm.
Agenda:
1) Motion to approve May Minutes by Bill Gaston, second by Chuck Belanger, minutes were approved.
2) Treasurer's report – Kelly Roller – current bank balance is $2722.17. Bill Gaston indicated that he received 3 new badges with $20 payments, and 1 vest payment for $30 ($10 extra from the member for “all we do”).
3) Peter Wagner reiterated the general safety rules under the State of Illinois guidelines for safety and social distancing.
4) Spotting Site Reports:
ORD Hill - Chuck reports major activity on the hill. The upper grassy area is being used for equipment storage. Now that the highway interchange issues have been resolved, there may be more activity in the Hill area. Be aware of equipment movements and be courteous and respectful.
Gate Gourmet / TNP Lot – Many spotters are now using the TNP lot. Be respectful, move to the fence, take your pictures then back off a bit.
NE Cargo – no issues. Again, do not loiter next to the fences.
Dave and Buster's – no issues.
York Road and Wentworth Tire in particular – that is a busy area, just be careful of traffic.
5) Chuck Belanger reported that the Avenger fly-in has been moved to Terre Haute, IN in late June. Check www.hoosieraviation.com for details.
6) For posting pics on Instagram, use the hashtag #ORDAIRPORTWATCH.
7) The next meeting is scheduled for July 7, 2020. At this time, we do not know the status of the Bensenville Police Department facilities. If not available, we will have another Zoom meeting.
8) Meeting motion to adjourn by Dan McInerney at 7:17 pm; second by Kelly Roller.
Respectfully submitted by Bill Gaston