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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-03 Minutes New Hanover County Airport Authority September 3, 2014 Page 1 NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING September 3, 2014 CALL TO ORDER The New Hanover County Airport Authority met on Wednesday, September 3, 2014, at Wilmington International Airport, 1740 Airport Boulevard, Wilmington, North Carolina. Chairman Perritt called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. Airport Authority members present were John Perritt, Chairman; Jonathan Crane, Vice- Chairman; Tom Barber, Secretary; and Carter Lambeth. 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 were Dennis Decker; Bill Cherry; Hal Reichardt; Desmond McRae; Ryan Evans and Aldo Baldessari. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Authority has reviewed the minutes of the Regular Public Meeting on August 6, 2014. Mr. Lambeth MOVED, SECONDED by Dr. Crane, to approve the minutes of the August 6, 2014 Regular Public Meeting as submitted. Upon vote, the MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. McRae addressed the Authority and asked them to consider improving and naming the observation area in honor of Dr. Roseman for all he has done for the airport. Chairman Perritt responded that the Authority has already directed staff to look into making improvements to the observation area and that it will be discussed later in the agenda. SPECIAL EVENTS Mr. Broughton reported that the Southeastern Bonanza Fly-in is scheduled to start Thursday, th September 4 with Air Wilmington hosting the event. Mr. Cherry expects 23 planes and the th event runs through Saturday, September 6. Mr. Broughton announced that the Omega Cross Country Race, organized by Go Time owner th Colin Hackman, will be held on Saturday, September 6 from 8 am 4 pm and they expect 46 schools, 1400 kids, 50 school buses and 300 personal vehicles. Mr. Broughton confirmed for the Authority that all of this event will be held landside and will not interfere with airport traffic on the roads. Mr. Broughton updated the Authority on the planning for the Aviation Day and Fly-In, October 11th. Mr. Broughton reported that the FAA has been in contact with Chief Taylor and does not anticipate any issues from the Form 7460 that has been filed and ILM can proceed with the event. This day will include the 5k Run, the Fly-in pancake breakfast to benefit Wounded Warriors, the Sun Coast Cruisers Car Show, the Wilmington Model Flying Club display, the New Hanover County Airport Authority September 3, 2014 Page 2 Young Eagles (pending), and a static display with assistance from the two FBOs. Mr. Broughton confirmed that this event is free. th Mr. Broughton announced that the Triennial Mass Casualty Exercise is planned for October 18 from 9 am noon and the Authority members are welcome to attend. Chairman Perritt thanked the staff for their efforts to create energy and awareness and attracting people to the airport in positive ways. FINANCE REPORT July 2014 financials, cash report and summary of accounts. Mr. Morton reported that everything is going well with the audit and the auditors are still on site but should be done by the end of the week. Mr. Morton updated the Authority on the PFC application process and the funds received and the reimbursement to ILM for projects that have already been completed and paid for. Mr. Morton confirmed, in response to Mr. inquiry, that ILM would be interested in purchasing the Pennington house when it becomes available and that it is zone and can be funded by PFC funds. Mr. Morton recommended approval of including the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Management & Investment Policy. Mr. Lambeth MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. Barber to approve the Finance action item above. After a brief discussion, the MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Morton recommended approval of a flexible lease of 140,000 SF of the North Ramp to Air Wilmington for $3,850 per month on a month-to-month basis. Mr. Barber MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. Lambeth to approve the Finance action item above. Dr. Crane stated that as long as both FBOs are on fair ground with no misunderstanding and Chairman Perritt stated that it is important that this be very transparent at this point. After a brief discussion, the MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Morton recommended approval of an agreement received from CSX Railroad for an annual licensing fee of $350.00 and an annual replacement fee of $840.00 for the railroad crossing at Blue Clay Road. Chairman Perritt suggested that staff try to lock this back and renegotiate it when ILM needs it most. Mr. Barber MOVED, SECONDED by Dr. Crane to give Mr. Morton the authority to move forward with this, asking for five years at these terms. THE MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. FACILITIES Mr. Prease recommended approval of a contract with Gregory Construction in the amount of $170,500.00, which includes a 10% contingency for unforeseen changes, for roof replacement of the existing 13,602 sq. ft. maintenance hangar. Mr. Prease confirmed that staff would request the funds come out of the ILM Maintenance Development Reserve. Mr. Barber MOVED, New Hanover County Airport Authority September 3, 2014 Page 3 SECONDED by Mr. Lambeth to approve the Facilities action item above. The MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Barber asked for an update on the $100,000.00 investment required of AviatMall. Mrs. Wilsey reported that staff has had conversations with Mr. Mansoor and he is working on improvements such as the fuel farm, and the parking lot. Mrs. Wilsey indicated Mr. Mansoor has a list of items remaining after staff fixed the items ILM was responsible for that he will use to invest that $100,000.00 which is required during the first year of his lease. Mr. Prease recommended approval for the Chairman or Vice-Chairman to accept all Grants offered in the next 30 days. Mr. Prease reported that staff anticipates receipt of grant AIP-50 soon and it requires quick turn-around. AIP-50 is the grant for ILM to install the pipes on the approach end of RWY 24 for $4.2M federal share. After some discussion, Mr. Barber MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. Lambeth to approve the Facilities action item above. The MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Prease recommended approval of the purchase of a new vehicle for the Public Safety Office not to exceed $40,000.00, to be purchased with PFC funds. Mr. Morton confirmed that this would be for new projects going forward and not out of the money just discussed. Mr. Lambeth MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. Barber to approve the Facilities action item discussed above. After some discussion, the MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Prease updated the Authority on the Glideslope at the end of RWY 6 indicating that the FAA will have the aircraft at ILM to complete a flight check on September 15 and 16 and two FAA engineers here to examine that system and hopefully remove any anomaly. Chairman Perritt commented that there are a lot of positive things occurring at ILM and that it is good to have this RWY back open and with only a 9 day +/- downtime for finalization with grooving and reflective paint. Mr. Bright pointed out that ILM is fortunate to have received funding for two runways at a facility and stated that the surrounding airports in Myrtle Beach, Fayetteville, and Jacksonville, their air carriers are operating on one runway. Mr. Bright also stated that two runways also helps GA traffic a lot because they need that crosswind more than air carriers. GOVERNMENT Nothing to report. MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Mr. Morton reported that staff is exploring digital media with audience networking where ads are targeted based on your usage. Mr. Morton shared that ILM has provided gift bags for both the AviatMall Open House and the Southeastern Bonanza Fly-in. Mr. Morton stated that staff has started promoting Aviation Day through social media and radio promotions. Mr. Morton reminded the Authority of the quarterly Power Breakfast scheduled for September th 25 which will be a town hall style forum of NC Senate candidates and asked anyone interested in attending to let him know. New Hanover County Airport Authority September 3, 2014 Page 4 Chairman Perritt commented on the AviatMall Open House event and recognized the two guests from AviatMall, Ryan Evans and Aldo Baldessari. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Regarding the lease of the former Conway Freight building, Mr. Morton updated the Authority that Enterprise had interest in leasing the building but when it reached the top corporate level for approval the project was placed on hold. Mr. Morton stated he had another group with interest in that same building visit today and he had hoped to hear something back from them before the meeting. Mr. Morton reminded the Authority that the Coldwell Banker broker agreement expires September 24, 2014 and that staff would like to explore other entities or groups to use for marketing for the hotel and the flex space facility. Mr. Morton reported that the FTZ application is continuing through the approval process. Morton responded that the electric meter for the irrigation is pending before planting can occur. Mr. Prease stated the contractor is in the process of setting the electrical meter and then Duke Progress has to run power to the meter. Mr. Prease indicated after the irrigation is installed they will do the landscape planting. Mr. Prease stated the meter should be installed by next week and then it may take 2-3 weeks to get Duke Progress to run the power but by next month, everything should be completed. Dr. Crane initiated a discussion about using a well for irrigation versus using CFPUA water and asked staff to look into the costs. Staff confirmed for Chairman Perritt that the irrigation water is on a separate meter for irrigation purposes and is not charged the sewer charge. OPERATIONS REPORT Using charts for illustration, Mr. Broughton reported total passengers handled, and seats available for August 2014. ; available seats were down 19% for August and down 13.7% versus last year. Mr. Broughton explained that the reduction was primarily due to fewer flights. DCA went from 2 flights a day to weekends only; LGA went from 3 flights a day to 2 a day and will go down to 1 in the fall when Delta pulls out of that market; and ATL went from 7 to 5 flights a day; and, it is topped off with higher fares. Mr. Broughton reported that fares have gone up nationwide and stated staff has to keep working with the airlines even though it is a double edged sword. The airlines want to make money and the yield is up but there is a sweet spot in there somewhere that we have to meet to keep passengers from driving to Raleigh. because she met Karen Jackson, the DIA air service development contact, at the Aviation Forecast Summit. Ms. JacksonWilmington. Ms. Jackson told Mrs. Wilsey that Kammerman of United for a long time that United needs a non-stop flight from Chicago to ILM. They both agreed to call him that day. New Hanover County Airport Authority September 3, 2014 Page 5 Mr. Barber initiated a discussion regarding the difference in fares to LGA between ILM and RDU and discussion continued regarding fares in general and future air service development and incentives. Mr. Broughton reminded the Authority that the fares in the Agenda Packet are fares that are checked that day, at that time, versus what is actually being spent, which is the potential fares. Mr. Broughton stated that ILM is not that far off from the rest of the southeast region or the United States versus what appears on the chart. consultant, passing and his funeral services in Tennessee which Mr. Rosborough attended. Mr. Prease reported to the Authority that staff has looked at picnic tables, a free standing bulletin board and trash receptacles for the Observation Area. Mr. Prease further advised that staff is looking at costs to reseal the parking lot and the ability for visitors to listen to the Air Traffic Control Tower on LiveATC.com. Staff is also looking into the requirements to build a shelter at that location due to the proximity of the radar site. Mr. Prease stated that a 7460 study would be required and it would take 30- 45 days from the date of submission to get the results of that study. Mr. Lambeth initiated discussion regarding the approach to RWY 17. Mr. Bright stated that ILM will get a new LPV approach to RWY 17 eventually. Chairman Perritt pointed out that after the LPV approach to RWY 17 is completed, ILM will have four precision approaches from four directions which is huge, particularly for GA. Chairman Perritt stated the Authority likes the visualization and the next step would be more information, FAA guidance, and alternatives with different dollar amounts. Mr. Barber is a big enough space to start small and expand later. Regarding a potential restaurant on the North ramp, Mr. Rosborough advised the Authority that staff had met with one restaurant owner to date and would meet with two more on Friday, thnd September 5. Staff met with Keith Rhodes, of Catch restaurant, on September 2 and he was amenable to most options considered but felt option 1, the food trucks, was the place to start to see what the interest is and he was excited about the possibility. Mrs. Wilsey added that Mr. Rhodes does a lot of catering for the movie studios and has four food trucks with wings on one; salads and healthy fare on one; seafood on one; and the fare of the day on another; and Mr. Rhodes says they operate about five days a week between all four trucks. Mr. Rosborough reminded the Authority that Mr. Rhodes is somewhat of a celebrity due to his appearance on Top Chef and he consults with restaurants throughout the United States. and John Andrews of South Beach Grill on Friday, September 5, to gather more information on a potential restaurant. New Hanover County Airport Authority September 3, 2014 Page 6 and showed a rendering of a draft design and potential location. Chairman Perritt initiated a discussion on how the Authority wants to proceed with the Wall of Fame. Chairman Perritt directed staff to continue moving forward based on feedback from Authority members. NEW BUSINESS Chairman Perritt initiated discussion regarding a resolution to the County Commissioners requesting to expand the Airport Authority Board from 5 to 7 members. Mr. Barber MOVEDto approve the resolution to increase the Board from 5 to 7 members provided that the terms are staggered with no more than 2 members leaving the Board at one time, SECONDED by Dr. Crane. Discussion followed regarding the staggered terms. After a brief discussion, the MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. (A copy of the Resolution of the New Hanover County Airport Authority is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book III, Page 192.) Dr. Crane expressed how well the Authority is working together these past few months and reminded everyone of the four main areas that the Authority started working on a year ago: General Aviation, commercial air carriers, the military and business development and encouraged staff to start inviting point of contacts for the groups to attend Authority meetings. Dr. Crane expressed appreciation to both FBOs for being represented at the meeting. Mr. Barber suggested having the brokers we have agreements with attend Authority meetings and report on a quarterly cycle. Mr. Barber initiated a discussion on how to bring small aviation aviation related programs in the area to help attract these aviation companies. Mr. Rosborough informed the Board that administration has been exploring the feasibility of establishing an Aviation School at ILM. Mr. Barber suggested that Mrs. Wilsey and staff get a group together, including Dr. Spring and Dr. Lee, from CFCC; Timco; Scott Satterfield, from WBD, etc. and have a meeting to talk about what we could do with this campus for aviation and get on the table what the needs and capabilities are and start working it. Mr. Morton agreed and said he had met with Timco and the bottle neck with Timco and their expansion was having a certified A&P workforce. Mrs. Wilsey stated there is also a group that works for the Governor, NCBCE, which is working with Corning now to develop the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program in the schools and we are talking to them about our tour program and encouraging the kids to think about aviation careers. Mrf encouraging two year trade schools for technical jobs and also converting military members into the local workforce. Chairman Perritt suggested that we invite the military on a quarterly basis to see if that works for both groups as well as the business development broker. If a broker has a listing from us, it is probably fair to ask them to come in and report quarterly to help us visualize their efforts and progress. New Hanover County Airport Authority September 3, 2014 Page 7 UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. CLOSED SESSION Chairman Perritt recommended the Authority enter into closed session to consult with attorney regarding potential litigation pursuant toG.S. 143-318.11(a)(3);to discuss matters related to location or expansion of industries or other businessesin the area pursuant to G.S. 143- 318.11(a)(4); to negotiate an employment contract pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5); and to consider personnel matters pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) and called for a motion. Mr. Barber MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. Lambeth to go into closed session to consider personnel matters. Upon vote, the MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. The Authority went into closed session at 6:51 pm, following a short recess. Chairman Perritt requested that the Authority, Mr. Rosborough, Mrs. Wilsey, Mr. Morton and Mrs. Copley remain for the closed session. OPEN SESSION Chairman Perritt called for a motion to return to open session. Dr. Crane MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. Barber to return to open session. Upon vote, the MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. The Authority returned to open session at 8:58 pm. The Authority negotiated the final terms of the employment contract with Mrs. Wilsey which was previously approved by Board action in May. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board Chairman Perritt adjourned the meeting. Prepared by: Respectfully Submitted: Rose M. Davis _______________________________ Thomas C. Barber, II, Secretary Date of Approval: October 1, 2014