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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-05-07 Minutes New Hanover County Airport Authority May 7, 2014 Page 1 NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING May 7, 2014 CALL TO ORDER The New Hanover County Airport Authority met on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at Wilmington International Airport, 1740 Airport Boulevard, Wilmington, North Carolina. Chairman Barber called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. Airport Authority members present were Tom Barber, Chairman; John Perritt, Vice-Chairman; Jonathan Crane, Secretary; and Al Roseman. Also present were Jon Rosborough, Airport Director; Julie Wilsey, Deputy Airport Director; Jim Morton, Finance Director; Gary Broughton, Operations Director; Whitney Prease, Facilities Director; Rose Davis, Executive Assistant; Wanda Copley, New Hanover County Attorney; and Steve Bright and Amy McLane, Talbert& Bright, Inc. Guests present included Hal Reichardt, Bill Cherry, Thomas Tucker, Chris Tremblay, Tom Goodwin, Caitlen Dineen, Star-News Reporter, and Brian Wilson and Travis Pence, The Wilson Group. Additional ILM staff members present included Dani Neathery, Comptroller; Chief Gary Taylor, Operations Manager; Caitlen Buffkin, Marketing & Accounting Assistant; Brian Rostholder, Operations Specialist; and J. T. DiMauro, ARFF Responder. Chairman Barber turned the floor over to Mr. Broughton to recognize employee achievements. Mr. Broughton introduced firefighter J. T. DiMauro who was recently honored as Officer of the Year representing ILM in conjunction with the Peace Officers Memorial Week. Mr. DiMauro has made contributions to the improvement of several training programs, assisted in planning and oversight of the annual FAR 139 tabletop exercise, and assisted with the TSA mandated tri- annual tabletop exercise. Mr. DiMauro has received his CPR instructors certification, his state ARFF certification and his Level Two Fire Instructor certification. Mr. Broughton introduced Brian Rostholder, Operations Specialist, who recently completed the American Association of Airport Executive, Airport Certified Employee in operations. This is a four day, in depth course that spans the full depth of operations. He can now official use the initials A.C.E. behind his name. Mr. Broughton shared a picture slideshow of two programs that Mr. Rostholder has spearheaded. th Autism Takes Flight at ILM was held on April 26 to help families with autistic children practice and prepare for the flight experience which is essential to an autistic ability to cope with the situations. This first event had 57 people attending with 16 autistic children. Mr. Broughton shared information regarding the ILM Comfort Canines program which officially kicked off last week with the canine Olive visiting in the gate area for two hours. Olive is a therapy dog and the object is to reduce some of the stress that people often feel when they are flying. Mr. Lambeth arrived during the employee recognition. New Hanover County Airport Authority May 7, 2014 Page 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Authority has reviewed the minutes of the Regular Public Meeting on April 2, 2014. Following a brief discussion, Dr. Crane MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. Perritt, to approvethe minutes of the April 2, 2014 Regular Public Meeting as submitted. Upon vote, the MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. SPECIAL EVENTS Nothing to report. TERMINAL CAPACITY STUDY PRESENTATION Mrs. Wilsey summarized the status of the terminal capacity study indicating this is the first report to the Authority and will be a brief synopsis of the work of the study team to date. Mrs. Wilsey turned the floor over to Mr. Bright. Mr. Bright introduced the Talbert & Bright team members that have worked on the project: Amy McLane, P.E., Project Manager; and The Wilson Group, Aviation Architects from Charlotte, Brian Wilson and Travis Pence. Mr. Bright reminded the Authority that the planning and design of the existing terminal building was done in the middle with it opening in August of 1989. Twenty-five years later, a lot of things have changed but this building is still serving ILM well. Mr. Bright stated that it is sometimes difficult to retrofit spaces in a pre-9/11 building to meet post-9/11 regulations. Mr. Bright turned the floor over to Mrs. McLane who recapped the study groupover the last nine months. Mrs. McLane stated that this study is predicated on identifying the shortcomings ILM has today and how to fulfill those needs for the next 20 years. Mrs. McLane summarized the many changes over the last 25 years and indicated that the study group observed and received feedback from users of the terminal that there is a shortage of space in several areas such as the passenger holding area, outbound baggage during peak times and concourse circulation. According to Mrs. McLane, on the landside the airport experiences times when short term parking is full and our surface parking is at the limits of where it can be for comfortable walking distance to the terminal. The rental car companies have reported that they want more spaces in the ready lot. On the airside, the bigger aircraft operating at ILM now results in some operational issues on the ramp. Finally, staff has expressed an interest in looking at sustainable construction methods and keeping operational costs low. Mrs. McLane reported that the study group has developed a plan for how to deal with these existing issues and know how to grow to accommodate future enplanements. This plan quantifies existing activities, determines future demands and the facility requirements to meet those demands. The group has developed terminal options based on those facility requirements and the plan will prioritize and show how to phase those improvements over a 20 year period. The group will be refining construction costs and ultimately there will be a terminal area New Hanover County Airport Authority May 7, 2014 Page 3 development plan and a set of drawings to accompany it. Mrs. McLane reported that the study committee has identified a preferred alternative for the terminal expansion. Mrs. McLane identified all the parties involved and consulted with during the study process and reviewed for the Authority the different phases of the study and the findings during those phases. The next study committee meeting will be in late August with a final presentation to the Authority September 3, 2014. The FAA and the Authority will complete their reviews by the end of September. Mrs. McLane summarized that existing constraints were identified and now we are looking at how we are going to grow into the future. The group has looked at trends over the last 20 years to help forecast how ILM is going to grow in the future. The group also used a population forecast; hed terminal area forecast specifically for Wilmington; and the more general forecasts, market share and an optimistic market share, to help project future growth over the next 20 years. These forecasts range from showing 56% increase in enplanement 85% increase. Mrs. McLane explained that the next step of the study was to take the forecast information and identify how much space we need in the various functional areas of the airport to support those forecast enplanements and operations. Once space requirements were identified for the year when ILM will have 740,000 annual enplanements the study compared ILM to four other airports that today have about 700,000 annual enplanements. Mrs. McLane showed slides comparing Mrs. McLane advised that long term the FAA will very likely require ILM to make changes on the airside to reconfigure TWY B and expand the apron because of a new airfield design advisory circular (AC). Mrs. McLane turned the presentation over to Brian Wilson and Travis Pence of The Wilson Group architects, who showed the four alternative concepts for the expansion. After showing all four concepts, Mr. Pence stated that the study committee chose concept two which looks at removing the existing connector and replacing it with a continuous concourse and hold room arrangement. This allows retail to be centrally located but also adjacent to all of the existing hold room spaces; it expands the security checkpoint and the ticketing and baggage claim areas towards the ramp area; it expands the canopy out to the north and south sides; and adds two, two level parking decks on either side of the terminal. Using a larger rendering of concept two, Mr. Pence went into a more detailed description of this choice. Mr. Pence indicated that concept two has the greatest concourse and hold room flexibility. This concept also has the closest proximity from the time the passenger leaves security to the point where they board a gate. Once the passenger passes through security, they are in the hold room. Mr. Pence explained that expanding the ticket and baggage areas to the ramp side of the building reflects the trends in the industry of common use positions and it also reflects the ability to have a deeper area in the ticket area for more self check-in which is growing in the industry. Regarding the proposed parking in concept two, it does not obstruct the approach view of the New Hanover County Airport Authority May 7, 2014 Page 4 airport and having two decks as opposed to one allows you to phase the implementation of those decks. Mr. Pence stated that this concept accommodates 10 aircraft with this hold room design and all of the aircraft positions are capable of supporting any mix of aircraft sizes we anticipate being used at ILM. This concept provides a continuous hold room and concourse with the existing connector being demolished. There would be a phased renovation of the existing concourse. Mr. Pence informed the Authority that this concept has the highest level of service which is consistent with the way that the airport is operating currently. The security checkpoint will go through a phased implementation and expansion to allow four checkpoint lanes and a queuing area which will be tucked back from its current position and allow airport circulation to be unhindered by passengers in the security line, all of which reflects the latest TSA guidelines for space requirements. Mr. Pence explained that the exit lane will be sized to accommodate the equipment needed for an unmanned exit lane. The ticketing lobby would include a two bay expansion with three ticket counter bays turned 90 degrees to allow passengers to use self check-in kiosk and then if they have bags to check they can come around to one of the service positions and check their bags. This will ultimately provide 18 counter positions and 14 self check-in kiosks which exceeds the requirements forecasted. The baggage claim area would be expanded by two bag claim devices. Mrs. McLane indicated that the two proposed parking decks would provide ILM with the forecast short term parking needs and the forecast rental car ready lot. Mr. Pence went on to point out changes in the lower or ramp level of the terminal using the rendering. conceptually was the smaller square footage, concept three. Mr. Pence stated the difference in costs was about $7 to $8M. Mr. Pence pointed out that concept three of service, functionality and flexibility that the airport passengers and the air carriers want. Mr. Pence indicated that the implementation of concept two would be approximately $53.7M total cost over a 30 year period. The parking deck would cost approximately $18.4M which could be phased into two pieces. These costs do not include the apron or taxiway work and Mr. Bright indicated it was expected that the FAA would fund that out of discretionary funds. Mr. Pence stated that the estimated costs are based on square footage. cated that concept one and two are of similar cost, with concept three being the cheapest and concept four somewhere in the middle. Mr. Pence went on to show renderings of concept two from several view points. Dr. Crane commended Talbert & Bright and The Wilson Group on a job well done indicating he loves concept two and that it could be implemented in different phases without disruption. Mrs. McLane stated the next step is to take this alternative and flush it out further; refining the estimated costs to develop and identify a program to phase the implementation of this alternative New Hanover County Airport Authority May 7, 2014 Page 5 with costs for each phase identified assuming the Authority wants them to proceed to that next phase. Chairman Barber stated that he felt this should continue to move forward and that the group has done a fantastic job. th Mrs. Wilsey stated that May 4, 10 years ago, the renovations were finished and the terminal as we know it today was opened and the customers have embraced what that looks like and these views are extensions of that interior design. Wto change any of that because we still want to be the Wilmington that people love. We have to grow on the ramp side to accommodate the growth of this community and to accommodate what the aviation industry expects us to have in terms of space, aircraft capacity and passenger amenities. Mrs. Wilsey indicated the concept two was a clear winner out of the four concepts with the study group. al funding for this expansion would largely come from PFC; staff will leverage FAA for AIP funds where we can and get discretionary funds where we can. There are sustainability programs that were mentioned at the conference this week and a new AIP handbook which will give us insightinto what they are doing in terms of FAA funding. The parking deck would have to be funded by ILM and/or CFC, depending on eligibility. Mrs. Wilsey pointed out it is a daunting task but we have to start now and figure out how we are going to save for the capital program. Mr. Rosborough asked for and received confirmation that the first date of construction, if approved by the Authority, would be 2018 and Mrs. McLane indicated that it depends on how enplanements grow. Mr. Pence responded that 2018 is actually a pretty critical year in terms of enplanements in regards to the facility because that is when you will see the need for a third checkpoint, an additional gate and bag claim device. That first phase is pretty critical. After some discussion, the Authority requested that the study move forward with concept two. FINANCE REPORT March 2014 financials, cash report and summary of accounts. Mr. Morton recommended the approval of the proposed $7,445,200 Operating budget and $17,689,200 Capital budget for FY 2015 for public review. Mr. Lambeth MOVED, SECONDED by Dr. Crane to proceed with the proposed budget being advertised for public review for 30 days. The MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. FACILITIES week before the rental car facilities are ready for move-in due to issues with the sewer tap. Mr. Prease is working with DOT and the CFPUA for a solution but there has not been a lot of cooperation between those two entities. New Hanover County Airport Authority May 7, 2014 Page 6 GOVERNMENT Nothing to report. MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Mr. Lambeth commented that he has seen some of the advertisements on TV about not traveling from Wilmington to fly out of other airports and he said that they catch your attention. Mr. Morton reported that staff is looking into updating the website so that it is more flexible and said that staff is talking to several groups in town and that they have received three or four proposals and they will be looking at the creative side, as well as the pricing. Mr. Morton informed the Authority that the Ambassadors would be handing out carnations on female passengers. Roseman had Mrs. Buffkin draw for the winner of the Bose headsets that were offered as Fun event and the winner was Kevin Smith. Dr. Roseman indicated that he would call Mr. Smith about coming to ILM to receive his prize. Discussion followed was further discussion about an additional item received to be offered as a prize in the future. Dr. Roseman opened a discussion about having a restaurant near the customs building to see if there was any interest in pursuing that. Chairman Barber stated that we needed to be sure where it could be physically located, inside or outside the gate, what would the building cost, what licenses would be needed, and where does it fit in the GA Master Plan. Mr. Lambeth commented that there is a similar facility at Ft. Pearce Airport which is adjacent to customs that has a huge drawing to all that fly into Ft. Pearce. Dr. Crane stated he likes the idea and asked if it would be reasonable to ask staff to take 3 months to explore options and alternatives for the Authority. Dr. Crane MOVED, SECONDED by Dr. Roseman that over the next 3 months staff explore the feasibility of a restaurant as previously discussed. The MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. th Mr. Rosborough reminded the Authority that there is an Aviation Day scheduled for October 11 in conjunction with the 5k Run on the Runway and Mr. Broughton stated that staff plans to talk to both FBOs about also making it a Fly In. Mr. Rosborough said this might be an appropriate venue to give away the second headset and/or radio. Mr. Cherry stated that in September there is the Southeastern National Bonanza Society Fly In. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Mr. Morton pointed out to the Authority the progress being made on the road out front that is starting to come together with curbing in place. Mr. Morton stated he has been working with a group on the Conway building and that he has a potential client to take the center section, or 3,000 square feet, of the AAI building. Mr. Morton reported he has a meeting next week regarding the hotel development. New Hanover County Airport Authority May 7, 2014 Page 7 intent regarding the flex space building in June with an obligation to rent at least 50% of it. Mr. Morton showed the Authority a piece of property, owned by Jim Tony that is .34 acre that needs to be acquired. The appraisal by Hector Ingram placed the value at $21,500. This purchase would be PFC funded. Mr. Morton asked for approval of this purchase. Mr. Lambeth MOVED, SECONDED by Dr. Crane that the Authority buy the property discussed above with PFC funds not to exceed $21,500. The MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. OPERATIONS REPORT Using charts for illustration, Mr. Broughton reported total passengers handled, seats available and customs traffic for April 2014. Saturday only for September and October. Mr. Broughton said he was informed by Delta that the plan was to bring the daily flights back up for the spring but the winter season seems to be service is one flight a day to LGA on Delta and one flight a day to LGA on American. Mr. Broughton stated we have had as many as 3 flights a day to LGA and this may have to do with American coming into the market. Load factors were running about 60% versus 76% on American, which probably had a lot to do with the merger coming and US Airways frequent travelers being able to use their status on American as well. Mr. Broughton confirmed for Mr. Lambeth that in June we will have weekend only flights to DCA but that currently we have daily flights. Mr. Rosborough updated the Authority on the status of the Small Community Air Service Development Grant indicating that staff is still pushing for a Chicago flight with United and American. Staff has visited the airlines but nothing has been approved to date. Mr. Rosborough shared with the Authority the recent awards that have been received, recognizing Mrs. Copley, New Hanover County Attorney, for her YWCA Women of Achievement Legend Award. ILM was awarded the Southeastern AAAE 2014 Commercial Airport Project of the Year Award Architectural Category for the security checkpoint and as the second best US Customs Facility in the country. For staff participation in the United Way Campaign ILM received the following awards: 2013 Spirit of North Carolina Award, Campaign Achievement Award, and Leadership Giving Award. Award for his support of the United Way Campaign. Mrs. Wilsey stated that Mr. Rosborough had previously been on the United Way Board. Dr. Roseman recognized Mr. Rosborough for his leadership of the Greater Wilmington Sports New Hanover County Airport Authority May 7, 2014 Page 8 Hall of Fame and the attendance at the recent Induction Ceremony of upwards of 700 people. Mr. Rosborough recognized Mrs. Buffkin for her leading of the ILM United Way Campaign. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Dr. Roseman reported that the winner of the headsets is a retired Captain in the US Coast Guard and he will be able to come to ILM to pick up the headsets. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Perritt commented on the presentation of the award at the SEC AAAE conference and how professional the presentation was and the positive crowd reactions to the photos of the terminal from the inside front doors. Mr. Perritt complimented the staff and the team. CLOSED SESSION Chairman Barber requested the Board enter into closed session to consider personnel matters pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) following a brief dinner break. Dr. Crane MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. Lambeth to go into closed session following a brief dinner break. The MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting was recessed at 6:43 pm for dinner and resumed at 7:15 pm with the Authority going into closed session. Present for the closed session were Chairman Barber, Mr. Perritt, Dr. Roseman, Dr. Crane, Mr. Lambeth and Mrs. Copley. All staff members and guests were dismissed. Mr. Perritt MOVED, SECONDED by Dr. Crane to return to open session. The MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. During the closed session the Authority reviewed the applications received for the Airport Director position. No action was taken. The Authority has reviewed the minutes of the closed session on April 2, 2014. Mr. Perritt MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. Lambeth, to approve the minutes of the April 2, 2014 Closed Session as submitted. Upon vote, the MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:15 pm. Prepared by: Respectfully Submitted: Rose M. Davis _______________________________ Dr. Jonathan S. Crane, Secretary Date of Approval: June 4, 2014