1993-04-13 Work Session
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION WITH AIRPORT AUTHORITY, April 13, 1993
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County
Session with the New Hanover
April 13, 1993, at 7:00 A.M.,
New Hanover International
Wilmington, North Carolina.
BOOK 23
PAGE 408
Board of Commissioners held a Work
County Airport Authority on Tuesday,
Second Floor Airport Conference Room,
Airport, 1740 Airport Boulevard,
Members present were: Commissioners Sandra Barone; WilliamA.
Caster; William E. Sisson, Jr.; vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.;
Chairman Robert G. Greer; Deputy County Manager, Mary Gornto;
County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F.
Harrell.
Members present from the Airport Authority were: John G.
Ashby; Paul E. Gregory; H. Thompson King III; Shirley T. McQueen;
and Chairman William Schwartz.
Chairman Greer called the meeting to order.
Airport Chairman Schwartz reported the purpose of the meeting
is to present a status report on the activities of New Hanover
International Airport.
PRESENTATION OF STATUS REPORT
The following Status Report was presented:
TRAFFIC REPORT: Passenger traffic continues to grow at 3-7% over
the national average; general aviation is down; Customs traffic is
up 28%; and outboard cargo is down. Overall, the Airport is
continuing to increase its traffic and it is anticipated that this
growth will continue for the upcoming fiscal year.
CAPITAL PROJECTS: The following information was presented:
Air Rescue Fire Station
Plus Security Upgrades
Total Cost
FAA Funding
State Funding
Local Funding
Taxiway B Extension
Total Cost
FAA Funding
State Funding
Local Funding
Joint Cleaning/Sealing
Total Cost
FAA Funding
State Funding
Local Funding
High Intensity Runway
Lighting System
Total Cost
FAA Funding
State Funding
Local Funding
Land Acquisition
Maintenance Hangar Modifications
Total Cost
Runway 17-35 Rehabilitation
Total Cost
FAA Funding
State Funding
Local Funding
Airport Layout Plan
Total Cost
FAA Funding
State Funding
Local Funding
National Pollution Discharge
$1,886,584
$1,615,209
$ 96,399
$ 174,976
$1,570,900
$1,413,810
$ 78,545
$ 78,545
$ 91,500
$ 82,350
$ 4,575
$ 4,575
$ 450,105
$ 405,094
$ 22,506
$ 22,505
$22,000,000
$
655,600
$ 4,013,653
$ 3,612,287
$ 200,683
$ 200,683
$
$
$
$
100,000
90,000
5,000
5,000
Approximate Cost: $8,000 $10,000
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION WITH AIRPORT AUTHORITY, April 13, 1993
BOOK 23
PAGE 409
Elimination System
Cost (Wash Rack)
International Terminal Office
In the Design Phase
Obstruction Clearing
Continuing Problem
Airfield Marking
Total Coast
$
6,000
Weather Forecasting Office
Development by NOAA to start
in June 1993 with completion
by May 1994.
Irrigation System Total Cost
(Project Completed)
$ 48,889
Storm Damage Repair Total Cost
(To be paid by Insurance Company)
$ 43,580
Discussion was held on land acquisition. Out of the
$22,000,000 appropriated, $15,000,000 is scheduled for land
acquisition. Funding for the purchase of land will be generated as
follows: $4,700,000 from implementation of the $3.00 passenger
facility fee to be implemented on January 1, 1994; $9,000,000 from
the Airport Improvement Program; and $3,000,000 from the State. No
County funds will be requested for land acquisition. Money
generated from the passenger facility fee cannot be used for
operating costs, but can be used for any project that qualifies
under the Airport Improvement Program. Emphasis was placed on the
importance of acquiring land as needed and staying ahead instead of
behind in this area.
PERSONNEL
personnel
employees
statutory
REPORT: Through a reduction ln force and attrition,
has been reduced by 15% with the total number of
now at 34. These employees have been able to meet all
requirements through cross-training.
FINANCIAL REPORT: The following financial reports were presented:
-Cash Report
-FY 1993-94 Budget
-Five-Year Financial Plan
Emphasis was placed on the reduced amount of funding required from
the County for the operation of the Airport. The budget request
for FY 1993-94 is $321,700 of which $52,000 is required for
operating capital.
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT: Emphasis was placed on the
number of FAA grants awarded in the amount of $14,000,000 due to
the aggressive action taken by the Airport Authority. The
Authority has an excellent working relationship with the Senators
and Congressmen and is now in the position to compete for a
$1,500,000 FAA grant.
ENABLING LEGISLATION FOR AMENDING THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY CHARTER
Chairman Schwartz reported Representative Wright has
introduced a local bill to allow the Airport Authority more
flexibility in economic development of the Airport. This action
was recommended by bond counsel.
Commissioner Greer expressed concern for the Commissioners not
being informed of the local bill and stated usually all local bills
are channeled through the Board.
Commissioner Barone strongly objected to reading about the
introduction of a local bill in the newspaper without being
informed, and she requested that this action not occur in the
future.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION WITH AIRPORT AUTHORITY, April 13, 1993
BOOK 23
PAGE 410
Chairman Schwartz apologized for the misunderstanding and
stated he thought the Commissioners knew about the proposed
legislation since he had discussed airport matters with each County
Commissioner at a separate time. Although, the Airport Authority
is completely independent and autonomous by its charter; the
Authority desires to keep the Board of County Commissioners
informed on the activities of the Airport.
vice-Chairman Mathews expressed concern for hearing that
negotiations with the tenant for leasing of the airport hangar were
off and inquired as to why the Commissioners have not been informed
of this occurrence?
Chairman Schwartz reported the firm had financial backers who
were willing to underwrite the proj ect; however, the financial
backers withdrew their support. When learning of the problem, the
Airport Authority informed the company that unless all financial
obligations were met, the Airport could not negotiate the
transaction. The firm has been trying to obtain another backer and
may still be able to meet its financial requirements. Emphasis was
placed on the fact that not one dime of the County's funding
appropriation has been released or will be released if the
financial obligations are not met.
Discussion was held on the usage of space in the old terminal
building by the Sheriff's Department and the fact that this space
could be rented by the Airport for generation of additional
revenue. It was concluded that the ramp is the most valuable land
at the Airport and if a more suitable tenant is found, the
Commissioners should be contacted.
ADJOURNMENT
In summary, it was agreed that both bodies should meet at
least twice a year in order to discuss the acti vi ties of the
Airport.
Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation
to the members of the Airport Authority and staff for the excellent
job being performed in operating the Airport.
Chairman Greer adjourned the Work Session at 8:55 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board
.
.
.
~
MINUTES OF WORK SESSION WITH AIRPORT AUTHORITY
APRIL 13, 1993
PAGE 410
Chairman Schwartz apologized for the misunderstanding and
stated he thought the Commissioners knew about the proposed
legislation since he had discussed airport matters with each County
Commissioner at a separate time. Although, the Airport Authority
is completely independent and autonomous by its charter; the
Authority desires to keep the Board of County Commissioners
informed on the activities of the Airport.
Vice-Chairman Mathews expressed concern for hearing that
negotiations with the tenant for leasing of the airport hangar were
off and inquired as to why the Commissioners have not been informed
of this occurrence?
Chairman Schwartz reported the firm had financial backers who
were willing to underwrite the project; however, the financial
backers withdrew their support. When learning of the problem, the
Airport Authority informed the company that unless all financial
obligations were met, the Airport could not negotiate the
transaction. The firm has been trying to obtain another backer and
may still be able to meet its financial requirements. Emphasis was
placed on the fact that not one dime of the County's funding
appropriation has been released or will be released if the
financial obligations are not met.
Discussion was held on the usage of space in the old terminal
building by the Sheriff's Department and the fact that this space
could be rented by the Airport for generation of additional
revenue. It was concluded that the ramp is the most valuable land
at the Airport and if a more suitable tenant is found, the
Commissioners should be contacted.
ADJOURNMENT
In summary, it was agreed that both bodies should meet at
least twice a year in order to discuss the acti vi ties of the
Airport.
Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation
to the members of the Airport Authority and staff for the excellent
job being performed in operating the Airport.
Chairman Greer adjourned the Work Session at 8:55 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
q?V ~
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board
.....