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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-08-29 Special Meeting I I I '251 " 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 ~ ~~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. o 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. o 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. , " 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 , I 'K '~ I I I MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, AUGUST 29, 1988 (CONTINUED) ., .252 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 /~ 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. o 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. n ,,~ Chairman O'Neal adjourned the meeting at 7:45 o'clock P.M. ~ed;;:::::;:' Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the Board G l_~ ~