1997-12-10 Minutes 6 19
NEW HANOVER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY
MINUTES
DECEMBER 10, 1997
CALL TO ORDER
The New Hanover County Airport Authority met on Wednesday, December 10, 1997 at New Hanover
International Airport, 1740 Airport Boulevard, Wilmington, North Carolina. Chairman Roseman called the
meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Authority members present were Al Roseman, -Parks Griffin, John Coble, Carter Lambeth and E. L.
Mathews, Jr. Also present were Wanda Copley, Airport Attorney; Will Plentl, Airport Director; Ed Cox,
Deputy Airport Director; Winfield Smith, Business Manager/Finance Officer and Janie James,
Administrative Assistant.
RECOGNITION OF GUESTS
Mr. Hamilton Hicks, Mayor of the City of Wilmington was present. Chairman Roseman welcomed him to
the meeting and congratulated him on his recent election to the position of Mayor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Coble MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. Mathews to approve the minutes of the November 19, 1997
meeting as presented. Upon vote the MOTION WAS PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
DIRECTOR'S COMMENT
Mr.Plentl noted that he had recently received some origin and destination data indicating the top ten market
pairs served by the airport. A brief synopsis was provided regarding this study.
AUTHORITY REPORTS
DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
International Activity - Mr. Griffin noted that 80 aircraft and 393 people were cleared by U.S. Customs
in November. He commented that international activity showed a 24.2% increase in aircraft activity when
compared to the same period last year and a 24.7% increase in passenger activity.
Mr. Griffin commented on and provided a brief summary of an article taken from Airport Business, a
national publication with regard to improving the airport's image. He noted that the article made reference
to the airport's bumper sticker and thanked Chairman Roseman for his idea.
BUDGET & FINANCE
Cash Position and PFC Report - Mr. Coble asked Mr. Smith to provide the status of the Airport's cash
position. Mr. Smith reported that the reconciled cash position for November as prepared by staff showed
an unreserved balance at the end of the month of $2,447,765.30 after receipts of $257,669.46 and
disbursements of$245,344.78.
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Mr. Smith also noted that a copy of the PFC monthly status report for November had been attached to the
agenda and showed a balance at the end of the month of$199,214.58.
HUMAN RESOURCES/PUBLIC SAFETY
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Personnel Status Report-Mr. Lambeth did not have a report.
Chairman Roseman presented Mr. Lambeth with a letter to be read, which complimented one of Airport's
employees, Karen Thomas for her tenacity and determination on the project which resulted in the initiation
of service by Midway/Corporate Express at the airport.
After the letter was read, Chairman Roseman instructed that this letter be included in Ms. Thomas'
personnel file.
GOVERNMENTAL LIAISON
Mr. Mathews stated that he did not have a report.
FACILITIES
Existing Project Status - Chairman Roseman noted that a copy of the current projects status report for
December had been attached to the agenda. He provided a brief explanation for each project.
Chairman Roseman MOVED to authorize staff to submit an application to the Federal Aviation
Administration for the initiation of a passenger facility charge with collection to start in late spring of 1998.
Motion coming out of committee, did not require a second. Upon vote, the MOTION WAS PASSED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Two charts had been displayed for the Authority's review and prior to Chairman Roseman's next item he
asked Mr. Plentl to explain the charts to the Board.
Mr. Plentl advised that several discussions have taken place with regard to upgrading the facility and
expanding the boarding lounge, to include elevators, a children's play area, and other amenities to
accommodate regional jets. The drawings on display showed a potential layout of the new design for the
facility. Mr. Plentl stated that approval was needed for further investigation into the project to include final
design and cost.
Chairman Roseman MOVED to authorize staff to enter into an engineering/architectural agreement with
Talbert Bright, Inc. for consulting and design services in connection with the terminal building renovation,
modification and restoration. The fees for the services under the agreement would not exceed $100,000.
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After a brief discussion, and upon vote, the MOTION WAS PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
OTHER ITEMS BY THE AUTHORITY
Mr. Griffin MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. Mathews that the New Hanover International Airport be
renamed Wilmington International Airport effective December 17, 1997.
Upon question, Mr. Griffin stated that making the name change would be more in-line with the actual
location of the airport. Mr. Griffin also noted that the effective date of the name change would coincide
with the 94th anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight.
Upon vote the MOTION WAS PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Plentl commented that as a part of the 94th anniversary of the Wright Brothers, the First Flight Society
would honor two individuals who have contributed significantly to aviation. He noted that one of the two
individuals selected is Mr.Tom Davis, founder of Piedmont Airlines. Additionally, he stated that the first
Piedmont originated out of Wilmington.
Mayor Hicks advised that the City of Wilmington would share expenses for new Airport name signs at the
entrance of 23`d Street and Airport Boulevard.
Chairman Roseman thanked Mayor Hicks and expressed appreciation for his generous offer.
Mr.Coble advised that he would provide a status on the 1999 air show at the next work session. He advised
that the dates for the air show would be April 17 and 18, 1999.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the board, Mr. Griffin MOVED, SECONDED by Mr. Coble
to adjourn, for the last time,the meeting of the Authority at New Hanover International Airport. Upon vote
the MOTION WAS PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Roseman adjourned the meeting at 6:02 p.m.
Prepared by: Respectfully Submitted:
Janie James
Willard G. Plentl, Jr., P. E.
Secretary