HomeMy WebLinkAboutAirport.Minutes.12-06-1994AIRPORT BOARD MINUTES
Tuesday, December 6, 1994
Airport Business Service Center"
AIRPORT BOARD MEMBERS: STAFF
Those Present
Those Present
Bill Walker, Chairman
Doug Leslie
Allan Maki
Greg Chenoweth
Dan Overbey
Andy Perry
Steve Robertson
Sandy Bloom
J. Fred Waltz
Warren Wells, City Attorney
Mike Wandrick
Mark Hetherington, Tower Chief
Not Present
Guests Present
Steve Nesler
Wayne Anders, Air Evac Aviation
Chairman Walker called the meeting to order at 4:04 PM. Maki made a motion to approve the
minutes of the 11/1/94 meeting as mailed; Wandrick seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Wandrick asked Leslie and Perry about the MAMA and At meetings they attended in Kansas City
in November. Leslie informed the Airport Board that Cape Girardeau and Malden will co-sponsor
MAMA's spring 1995 meeting, with Cape being the host city.
Walker introduced Greg Chenoweth, the new Airport Manager who comes to Cape Girardeau from
Hutchinson, Kansas. Walker then told the Airport Board they needed to go into Executive Session early
to allow the city attorney to make another meeting. Maki made a motion to enter Executive Session to
discuss lease issues, Robertson seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
The Airport Board adjourned from Executive Session and resumed their regular meeting
In an update on construction projects, Leslie informed the Airport Board the water line speaks for
itself and is on track. Hydrants will be installed as they arrive.
Plans are to bid out the ramp project this winter. Leslie, Chenoweth, and Kensey Russell W II
probably make a trip to Jefferson City to meet with the State aviation department face-to-face;
apparently there are several new people in that department.
Perry told the Airport Board TWE's enplanements for 11/94 were 641, which is 41.5% over 11/93.
For the year, enplanements are up 29.80%. The load factor currently is at 8.5. December has had two
cancellations, due to equipment and weather. The "completion", "station on time', and "company on
time' figures have looked good all year.
Total traffic count is down 5000, but instrument operations are up.
In miscellaneous matters, Overbey asked if staff was ready for snow. Perry replied affirmatively
Robertson asked about the emergency plan and wondered if any thought had been given to
sending out a letter stating the chain of command in case of an emergency. He then explained to
Chenoweth what he was referring to (see minutes of 11/1/94 meeting). Chenoweth asked Perry if a
letter or some form of communication needed to come from Airport Management; Perry explained
everything is outlined in the emergency plan. Robertson requested a copy of the plan. Waltz asked
who knows about the emergency plan and remarked that in November's meeting it was discussed
getting the FBO involved. Leslie informed the Airport Board that the fire and police departments, the
FAA, etc. is familiar with the plan; Chenoweth suggested, after he has reviewed the emergency plan,
scheduling a meeting between him, the FBO, and others who would be involved in an emergency.
Leslie said Perry has put a lot of work into the emergency plan; it serves as a good foundation.
Robertson said it should be made high priority.
Perry reported that at the November meeting Nester mentioned an old sign on Foxtrot; it has been
removed. Also, a new security box for TWE has been painted. When the airline is on the ground, no
one can enter the box unless they've had a 5 -year background check done, or they are a TWE or
airport employee. Maki asked about the possibility of having flights on the Jetstream 41; Perry
explained we might get an additional flight on the J-31, with the 41 s coming in eventually.
-2 -
Continuing with miscellaneous matters, Hetherington commented on the possible tower closure.
He said the boardings will rat keep it open. Waltz commented the boardings will help on a political
approach. A great deal of discussion was held on how the traffic count could be brought up (including
asking local pilots to shoot touch-and-go's, promoting CGI as a diversion (or secondary) airport, a fly -in,
and asking McDonnell -Douglas and Sabreliner to make low approaches). Hetherington suggested this
would be a short-term solution to a long-term problem. Waltz commented the letter sent to Bond,
Danforth, and Emerson was a wrong approach; the next letter that goes out needs to include the fact
the terminal was closed for 18 months for remodeling.
Hetherington handed out a memo stating the tower is currently operating at a minimum staffing
level. He pointed out if a controller is lost, for any reason, the current contract could not be filled. He
commented he has resumes if the City would like to consider hiring an additional employee. Anders
mentioned tower internships; if the City is interested, he has contacts in North Dakota. Maki suggested
Chenoweth and Leslie pursue this matter and bring their findings to the Airport Board. Waltz
recommended staff be prepared to write a letter so the Mayor and City Council can better understand
what is happening with the tower.
Perry thanked the Airport Board for the support and trust they have shown him since the
resignation of Randy Holdman as Airport Manager, which was effective August 1. Since the position of
Airport Manager has been filled the budget will rat allow the interim position of Operations Manager to
be maintained, which means Perry will be leaving City employment 12/16/94 or 12123/94. Maki and
Leslie commended Perry, saying he had done a good job and he was appreciated for his hard work.
Maki moved the Airport Board issue a letter of thanks and commendation regarding Perry; Robertson
seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Maki stated he would like to address an emergency/market issue. It has been discussed before
about taking advantage of Leslie's aviation background and putting the airport as a direct link to City
Hall instead of through Public Works; he feels now would be an ideal time voth the hiring of Chenoweth.
Leslie commented the airport is currently a City function reporting directly to his office as the Public
Works Director. Maki said for budget control and such, the airport should be on
its own, especially with everything that is presently taking place on the field. Leslie then mentioned the
airport has been a top priority and the degree of funding has never been higher.
Robertson asked how many departments are in the City. Leslie replied there are five: Public
Safety (fire and police); Parks and Recreation; Administrative; Public Works; and Development Services
(engineering, etc.). Leslie then questioned how the airport could be justified as a separate department,
that it just doesn't fit. Walker stated it does not need to be a department; it is a unique situation which
doesn't fit into others. Leslie stated every city is different, but Cape is set up like Joplin and Columbia,
which is pretty much the way cities are structured in Missouri. Walker commented we don't need to
pattern after others if we want to be unique. Waltz asked in what respect is the airport a function of
Public Works; Leslie replied in transportation, infrastructure, maintenance, construction, etc. Maki
remarked the airport, Chamber of Commerce, and the Port Authority may want to be viewed as
something greater. Overbey commented if someone else becomes Director of Public Works at any
point in time, the airport loses one step to City Hall. Leslie stated the Kansas City, Missouri airport is
under Public Works with a Director of Transportation.
Atter more discussion, Maki moved that the City Council consider a reorganization that would
better accommodate and recognize the airport's unique structure and function. Wanddck seconded and
the motion passed unanimously.
There being no further business to discuss, Overbey made a motion the meeting be adjourned.
Robertson seconded and the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:25 PM.
Minutes Prepared by Sandra L. Bloom, Administrative Secretary
Minutes Approved by:
Chairman, Airport Advisory Board