HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil.Minutes.03-07-1995.Special 173
Proceedings of the City Council, City of Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Special $eSSlOfI March 7 19 95
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SPECIAL SESSION - MARCH 7, 1995
Council convened in a special joint session with the Airport Advisory Board on Tuesday,
March 7, 1995, at 4:00 p.m. with Mayor Al Spradling III presiding and Council
Members Richard Eggimann, Melvin Gateley, Melvin Kasten, and Tom Neumeyer. Jack
Rickard and JJ Williamson were absent. Airport Board members present were Allan
Maki, Steve Nesler, Dan Overbey, Steve Robertson, William Walker, J. Fred Waltz and
Mike Wandrick.
Chairman Walker stated he would discuss the Board's position on airport reorganization
and why they made the recommendation they did. He questioned what the Council
wanted from the Airport Board, i.e., do they want the airport to push to growth and
development or go to a caretaker position? Mr. Gateley, Mr. Eggimann and Mr.
Neumeyer expressed their support for growth and development of the airport. Mr.
Fischer and Mr. Leslie discussed the many projects completed by the city at the airport
and the investment the City Council has made in the airport.
Mr. Walker reviewed the present organizational chart of the city and presented a diagram
of what he felt the intent of the chart was. The Airport Board is suggesting that the
airport be stuck out in a unique position in the city chart but not necessarily with
department authority. They would like the Airport Manager to report to and get power
directly from the City Manager and have the authority to directly call on other
department heads. City staff discussed how the Airport presently works with the other
city departments and employees for service and assistance.
Mayor Spradling questioned what precipitated this recommendation from the Board. Mr.
Walker stated several reasons, including the loss of the previous airport manager and
problems with getting necessary equipment from Public Works. Mr. Waltz explained
that the airport is searching for a mission and identity in the city government; it is a
unique function of city government and does not fa11 under the other categories.
The Council, Board and Staff discussed the working relationship between the airport and
other city departments and the teamwork that is involved in operating the airport on a
day-to-day basis. They discussed the authority of the Airport Manager to directly contact
other city departments for services and equipment as needed.
Mr. Eggimann questioned whether recommendations of advisory boards are usually
turned down. Mayor Spradling responded that all recommendations of advisory board
are considered. However, it is not uncommon for the Council to turn down a
recommendation if they do not feel it is in the best interest of the city.
After much discussion on the issue, Mr. Fischer stated he does not have a problem with
putting the Airport in a different location on the organizational chart, but it is more
important to direct efforts on other issues such as the potential loss of funding for the
control tower and essential air service. The airport manager has had access to all other
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Proceedings of the City Council, City of Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Special _ S@SSIOtI March 7 19 95
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city departments as needed since 1988, and the City Council has demonstrated its
commitment to the airport through the improvements and investments it has made over
the last several years.
There being no further business, the City Council adjourned. The Airport Advisory
� Board continued with their meeting.
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A. . Sp oling III, Ma
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i Gayle . Conrad, Deputy City Clerk
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