HomeMy WebLinkAboutAirport.Minutes.10-12-2010AIRPORT BOARD MINUTES
October 12, 2010
Cape Aviation Conference Room
Members Present Justin Albright, Craig Bohnsack, Robert Cork, John Dissauer, Fred Egglcy, Rick Hetzel,
Gerry Keene, Brian Ozark, Mark Seesing
Others Present: Bruce Loy, Airport Manager; Katrina Amos -Atkins, Administrative Coordinator;
Derrick Irwin, Cape Aviation Supervisor; Ken Eftink, Development Services
Director/Assistant City Manager; Scot Meyer, City Manager
I. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The meeting was called to order at 5:OOPM. Mr. Eggley moved and Mr. Cork seconded the
motion to approve the September 2010 minutes. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
II. APPEARANCES
Board President Rick Hetzel began the meeting by welcoming new member Brian Ozark to the
Airport Advisory Board and asked everyone to go around the room and introduce themselves.
Mr. Hetzel also introduced Mitch Robinson, with the Cape Girardeau Area Magnet, who Mr. Loy
asked to attend the meeting regarding economic development and marketing at the airport.
Mr. Robinson informed the Board of two possible aviation projects that he received within the
last couple weeks. He staled one of the companies needs approximately 10,000 sq. ft of space for
their facility. Three sites in the state are currently being considered. Mr. Robinson sent out a
brochure to each company with information regarding properly available at the airport. He is also
sending out information to a kit plane manufacturer looking to expand. Mr. Dissauer asked what
type of companies Mr. Robinson is trying to attract. Mr. Robinson stated it would have to be
aviation related and fall within the FAA guidelines. There are size restrictions on the size of
aircraft so the focus is on a smaller type of aircraft. Mr. Cork suggested sub -dividing the
Commander Premier building if necessary to accommodate potential companies. Mr. Robinson
noted that would mean dividing up the cost of the bond payments among tenants.
Mr. Ozark asked what types of aircraft companies are being pursued. Mr. Robinson stated that
inquiries have been from light sport aircraft manufacturers so far. Mr. Ozark said there are a lot
of FAA regulations that require properly segregating different types of aircraft being built or
repaired in the same facility. Discussion continued with Mr. Robinson saying that he plans to
continue to market the airport and pursue business opportunities for the airport.
III. OLD BUSINESS
A. Airport Activity Report — Mr. Loy presented an Airport Usage Report for September 2010. He
reported that airline enplanemenls were up for the month with a 64% load factor. Mr. Loy noted
that itinerant and local traffic was down for the month.
B. Cape Aviation Report — Mr. Diy presented a Cape Aviation Fuel Report for September 2010.
He reported that the transient passenger count was up for the month. Mr. Irwin reported that
Delta Airlines was diverted to the airport with mechanical issues on September 19th. He stated
everything was well coordinated and there were no problems. Delta Airlines was able to charter
buses to help get their passengers to St. Louis lambert Airport. Cape Air also assisted with the
diversion by adding two (2) additional flights to help passengers get to their destination. Mr.
Irwin stated that Della bought several gallons of fuel and were able to leave the next day once the
mechanical issues were resolved.
C. Project Updates—
Corporate and T•Hangar Development - Mr. Loy updated the Board on the t -hangar tenant
who is interested in renovating one of the existing corporate hangars. Mr. Loy spoke to Joe
Pestka, with MoDOT, about rehabilitating the hangars. From that conversation Mr. Loy learned
that the airport will have approximately $300,000.00 over the next two (2) years available that
could be used to repair the t -hangars or to build new ones. Mr. Loy has contacted CMT to send a
structural engineer to review the corporate hangars in need of repair to see if they are structurally
sound and approximately how much it would cost to repair them. Mr. Cork suggested having the
structural engineer also look at the old Air Evac t -hangars as they are also in need of repair.
Mr. Loy also informed the Board that he was approached by an airport employee interested in
building a set of t -hangars. Mr. Loy stated that although the airport is in desperate need of
hangars, he had some concerns regarding this because of the possible conflict of interest. Mr.
Loy consulted with the City Attorney who informed him that a city employee cannot go into
business with the City while being an employee. They would have to terminate employment and
not work for the city for a full year before building t -hangars would be possible.
Mr. Hetzel suggested the Board schedule a meeting with Scott Meyer, City Manager, to further
discuss building hangars. Mr. Eftink recommended the Board present a business plan regarding I -
hangars to the City Council for review. Discussion continued on the topic.
• South Gale Sensor Update — Mr. Loy informed the Board he is currently working with
Overhead Door In have a ground loop installed on the south gate to alleviate the issue of the gate
closing on vehicles that do not clear the gate within seven (7) seconds. He stated the gate will not
close as long as the loop detects the weight of a vehicle on it. Mr. D,y hopes to have this
completed within the next several weeks.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A. Commander/Airport Marketing — Mr. Loy asked Mr. Meyer to give the Board an update on
Commander Premier and the potential deal with Mr. Ron Strauss. Mr. Meyer informed the Board
that the City will be able to refinance the bonds on the Commander building in April 2011. He
stated the City is trying to remain positive regarding the deal with Mr. Strauss because if it goes
through, it would be really good for the airport and the City. Mr. Cork asked how far behind
Commander is on paying rent to the City. Mr. Eftink slated they are approximately three (3)
years behind. Mr. Albright thinks allowing Commander h) slay in the hangar without paying rent
is not a good option and wondered why the City is not forcing their hand to pay rent. Mr.
Albright believes the City should consider other options until the bonds are able to be refinanced.
Mr. Hetzel staled there really are no other options until the bonds are refinanced. Mr. Cork said if
the hangar is empty it can be used to hangar aircraft which would generate revenue for the City.
Mr. Meyer noted the City makes bond payments whether or not Commander is in the hangar. He
also stated he is not against storing planes there temporarily. Mr. Eftink and Mr. Meyer asked the
Board to come up with some options to be presented to the City Council. The Board agreed to
table the discussion and set up a special meeting to come up with options for the Council to
consider with regards to t -hangar development and how the Commander hangar could be utilized
to help with this matter.
B. Airline Marketing Promotions - Mr. Loy informed the Board that the airline will be co-
sponsoring the upcoming SEMO Redhawks football homecoming with the Southeast Missourian.
He is currently working on promotional items with Frank Cuervo, Associate Director of
Athletics, with the university.
C. CIP Project — Mustang Drive/Future ARFF Station - Mr. Loy reviewed the future ARFF
station CIP project with the Board. He stated he had conversations with Fire Chief Rick Ennis
about their plans for upcoming fire station locations. Mr. Ennis stated the airport is currently
number one (1) on his list to put a fire station near Nash Road. Mr. Loy added that even though
this project is not something that is expected to happen immediately, it is good to know that it is a
high priority to the fire department.
V. NON -AGENDA ITEMS
The meeting was adjourned at 7:07p.m.
Minutes prepared by:/ /,
Katrina Atkins, Administrative Coordinator