1988-08-29 Special Meeting
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, AUGUST 29, 1988
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in a
Special Joint Session with the New Hanover County Airport
Commission on Monday, August 29, 1988, at 7:30 o'clock P.M. in
the General Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse,
24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.;
W. Albert Corbett, Jr.; Robert G. Greer; Vice-Chairman, Fred
Retchin; Chairman, Nolan O'Neal; County Manager, G. Felix Cooper;
County Attorney, Robert W. Pope; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F.
Harrell.
The following members of the Airport Commission were
present: Chairman, John G. Ashby; Paul E. Gregory; H. Thompson
King III; Shirley T. McQueen; and William Schwartz.
Chairman 0' Neal called the meeting to order stating the
purpose of the Joint session is for discussion of the proposed
charter to establish an Airport Authority.
APPROVAL OF ACT ENABLING NEW HANOVER COUNTY TO ESTABLISH AN
AIRPORT AUTHORITY FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF AIRPORT
FACILITIES IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY
Discussion was held on the following sections of the
proposed charter:
Section 2, Paragraph 1 - Number of Members to be Appointed to An
Airport Authority
Discussion was held on the number of members to be appointed
to the authority. Commissioner Barfield recommended increasing
the number by three (3) in order to have representatives from the
City of Wilmington, Town of Wrightsville Beach, and Pleasure
Island. He stressed the importance of receiving input from all
areas of the County and the need for a county-wide effort in
promoting and running a successful Airport Authority.
After further discussion, Commissioner Barfield MOVED to
increase the number of members to include representation from the
City of Wilmington, Town of Wrightsville Beach, and Pleasure
Island with a cap of nine (9) members. The floor was opened for
discussion.
Vice-Chairman Retchin stated he would agree to increase the
number to seven (7) with a cap of nine (9) without spelling out
the representation.
Airport Commissioner' Schwartz stated as a member of the
Airport Ad Hoc Study. Committee and current member of the Airport
Commission, he has visited many authorities with the general ~
conclusion that five (5) to seven (7) well qualified members are
more effective and capable of working together.
Chairman O'Neal stated since 90% of Airport
recei ved from the federal government, you may want
adding representatives from Pender and Brunswick
order to have more legislative clout.
funding is
to consider
Counties in
After further discussion of increasing the numbers of
members without specifying area representation, Commissioner
Barfield amended his MOTION, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to
appoint five (5) members as stated in the proposed charter with a
cap of nine (9). Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Discussion of Method to Be Used for Appointing Members to an
Airport Authority
Chairman O'Neal recommended establishment of a Blue Ribbon
Commi ttee to appoint members to serve on an Airport Authority.
He stressed the importance of selecting well qualified
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~~S OF SPECIAL MEETING, AUGUST 29, 1988 (CONTINUED)
individuals without political involvement stating quidelines can
be prepared by the County Commissioners defining the necessary
qualifications, skills, and geographic locations. Commissioner
Corbett disagreed with this concept stating elected officials
should assume this responsibility. After further discussion, it
was the consensus of the Board that a decision does not have to
be made at this time.
Discussion of Section 8, Page 5
Chairman O'Neal commented on the Airport Authority being
authorized to employ agents, engineers, attorneys and other
persons whose services may be deemed necessary, asking if the
Authority would duplicate these services now rendered by the
County.
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Chairman of the Airport Commission, Jack Ashby stated all
details must be spelled out and included in the charter since
legislative action is required for amending the act. He stated,
however, once an Authority is established, the Authority may want
to hire employees from the County or possibly utilize the
services of various County departments on a loan basis during the
interim period of time it takes for the Authority to become
self-supporting.
After further discussion, Commissioner Barfield MOVED,
SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to accept and approve the
charter as presented with an amendment to the number of members
being capped at nine (9). The floor was opened for discussion.
Chairman O'Neal stated a Public Hearing should be held on a
decision of this magnitude.
Vice-Chairman Retchin recommended approval of the charter
subject to preparation of by-laws and a proper working agreement
between the New Hanover County and the Airport Authority.
After further discussion, Vice-Chairman Retchin MOVED to
approve the Charter as presented with an amendment to the number
of members being capped at nine (9) and subject to creation of
by-laws for the Authority and preparation of a proper working
agreement between New Hanover County and the Airport Authority.
The floor was opened for discussion.
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Commissioner Barfield asked who would prepare the documents.
Vice-Chairman Retchin stated the County staff could prepare the
documents.
Airport Commissioner Schwartz stated the Airport Commission
has already begun work with the County Attorney on preparation of
by-laws which will be completed by March 1, 1989.
Commissioner Corbett expressed concern for delaying passage
of the charter by having to wait until the by-laws and other
documents are completed, particularly since the long session of
the General Assembly will begin in February.
Chairman O'Neal called for a SECOND on the SUBSTITUTE MOTION
by Vice-Chairman Retchin. The MOTION FAILED DUE TO NOT RECEIVING
A SECOND.
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Chairman O'Neal called for a vote on the original MOTION BY
Commissioner Barfield to accept and approve the charter as
presented with an amendment to Section 8, Paragraph 1 to state
that the number of members shall not exceed nine (9). Upon vote,
the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS:
[
Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield
Commissioner Corbett
Commissioner Greer
Vice-Chairman Retchin
Voting Nay: Chairman O'Neal
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, AUGUST 29, 1988 (CONTINUED)
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Chairman O'Neal stated, for the record, he could not support
the motion since the County now has the best team available for
operation of the Airport with the asset of being able to utilize
County Departments to assist with legal, financial, and
engineering expertise at no additional cost.
Authorization for Airport Conunission to Hire a Consultant for
Preparation of a Financial Plan
Discussion was held on a request by the Airport Commission
to hire a consultant at a cost ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 to
prepare a Financial plan with the following scope of work:
a. Legislative Information
b. Federal legislation
c. Funding eligibility
d. County commitments and obligations
e. Lease between New Hanover County and the Authority
f. Financial resources and requirements
g. Financial data and projections
h. Projected airport operating expenses and revenue
i. Tax revenue potential
j. Potential for public bond issues
k. Projected capital expenditures
1. Status quo administration and financing
m. Authority administration and financing
n. Tax levy analysis for Airport Authority
o. Tax levy authorization needed by Airport Authority
p. Airport economic benefits
q. Direct benefits of airport development
Vice-Chairman Retchin recommended this study be performed
in-house by New Hanover County through utilization of various
departments and personnel.
Chairman of the Airport Commission, Jack Ashby, agreed that
the study could be performed by the County if various departments
and personnel had time to prepare the financial plan along with
their daily work and responsibilities.
Chairman O'Neal asked County Manager Cooper to comment.
County Manager Cooper stated since the Commissioners have just
approved a charter establishing an authority, he feels the Board
is obligated to work with Airport Commission in supporting
funding requests of this type.
Airport Commissioner King stated the Airport Commission was
concerned about the cost to the County when requesting funding to
hire a consultant; however, emphasis must be placed on the
importance of having an expert knowledgeable in airport
operations and capable of accurately evaluating the raw data
collected.
Commissioner Corbett agreed with the importance of receiving
accurate information stating he felt a consultant should be
hired.
Commissioner Greer stated both the Airport Commission and
County Commissioners are concerned with the cost involved in
hiring a consultant recommending usage of County staff whenever
possible to lower the total expense.
After further discussion of the cost involved and the
importance of preparing an accurate Financial Plan which will
provide figures to be used in preparing a working agreement
between the County and Airport Authority, Commissioner Barfield
MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to authorize the Airport
Commission to hire a consultant to perform a Financial Plan with
utilization of County staff and departments whenever possible to
keep cost at a minimal. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS
FOLLOWS:
Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield
Commissioner Corbett
Commissioner Greer
Vice-Chairman Retchin
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MI~ OF SPECIAL MEETING, AUGUST 29, 1988 (CONTINUED)
02.-53
Voting Nay: Chairman O'Neal
Chairman O'Neal stated he could not support the motion
because he does not feel operation of the Airport is moving in
the right direction.
Denial of Request for Airport Conunission to Hire a Marketing
Representative In Lieu of Airport Manager
Vice-Chairman Retchin disagreed with the concept of hiring a
Marketing Representative in lieu of an Airport Manager stating
the Airport Commission should continue to search and hire a new
manager as quickly as possible. He recommended allowing the
County Manager to screen applications that have been received for
filling the vacant position with a group being forwarded to the
Airport Commission for interviewing and selection of a new
Airport Manager.
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Chairman of the Airport Commission, Jack Ashby, stated the
Director of Personnel, Andre' Mallette, has agreed to screen the
applications for final review with the Airport Commission being
furnished copies of all applications received.
Commissioner Barfield expressed concern for the County
Manager screening or being involved in the hiring process stating
the Airport Commission should interview and select a new manager
as soon as possible. He also commented on the morale problem at
the Airport stating the Airport needs a new image emphasizing the
importance of airport personnel developing a more cooperative
working attitude toward tenants and other persons desiring to
transact business at the Airport.
After further discussion, Commissioner Barfield MOVED,
SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Retchin to direct the Airport
Commission to hire an Airport Manager as soon as possible. Upon
vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Corbett to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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Chairman O'Neal adjourned the meeting at 7:45 o'clock P.M.
~ed;;:::::;:'
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board
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