HomeMy WebLinkAboutAirport.Minutes.06-22-2017AIRPORT BOARD MINUTES
June 22, 2017
Sandy’s Place Restaurant
Special Meeting
Members Present: Justin Albright, Jeff Brune, Robert Cork, Ryan Dewrock, Joe Hobbs,
Paul Mingus, Mark Seesing, Mark Welker
Others Present: Bruce Loy, Airport Manager; Katrina Amos, Deputy Airport Manager;
Molly Hood, Deputy City Manager; John Mehner, President and CEO of
Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce; Joe Uzoaru, City of Cape Girardeau
Council Member
I. Minutes of Previous Meeting:
The meeting was called to order at 11:32am. Due to this being a special meeting, there was
no approval of minutes. All minutes will be approved at the July 11, 2017 Board meeting.
II. Appearances:
III. Old Business:
A. Discussion Regarding EAS Airline Proposals – Mr. Loy began the discussion by
expressing how pleased he is with the number of bids as well as the options received for
the Essential Air Service Program (EAS). Mr. Loy noted there is still a possibility of
receiving alternate EAS bids. The Board proceeded to review the summary sheet
provided by Michael Mooney with consultant firm, Volaire Aviation Consulting, Inc. and
each proposal received. Several new destinations were proposed including Nashville,
TN, Memphis, TN, Atlanta, GA, and Chicago, IL. Mr. Loy implored the Board to be
cautious of the increase in subsidy when reviewing the proposals. Cape Air has provided
dependable, low cost service and U.S. DOT has been extremely happy with their service.
Mr. Cork inquired as to why Cape Air didn’t include a different option from St. Louis in
their proposal. Mr. Loy stated in conversations with Cape Air officials, Nashville was
not a good option for them as they are already established in St. Louis, which is a
comparable airport to Nashville. Several members reiterated that while Nashville is
similar in size, it is a growing airport. Also, it is not an easy destination to get to from the
Cape Girardeau area, eliminating the competition with Interstate 55. Nashville is also
considered a destination.
Mr. Seesing stated he would be in favor of continuing service to St. Louis if Cape Air
could provide a more optimized schedule and if they were able to secure a code share
agreement with Southwest, as had been discussed in a previous meeting. Mr. Seesing
also suggested asking the City to subsidize a portion of the service to add more flights.
It was noted in the SkyWest proposal offering service to Chicago O’Hare that the bid is
only valid if both Cape Girardeau and Quincy, IL are included.
Mr. Mehner asked how the Board plans to gain input to determine what the community
wants. The Board felt a survey is needed to gain community insight. Mr. Mehner
offered to put together a survey that would go out to Chamber members to assist with this
effort.
Mr. Cork asked Mr. Loy about the single engine rule and whether considering some of
the options is practical. Mr. Uzoaru stated the Board and Council needs to consider the
options regardless the type of aircraft. Mr. Albright explained this ruling could affect us
significantly, considering that if a single engine is chosen during this bid, we would
forfeit our right to a twin engine aircraft in the future. Mr. Loy received a call from
Michael Martin with U.S. Department of Transportation during the meeting who
confirmed that choosing a single engine would forfeit Cape Girardeau’s right to a twin
engine in the future. Mr. Loy stated he would ask Michael Mooney to explore this
further, as Boutique Air had stated they have a way around this rule. Discussion
continued on the topic.
Mr. Loy informed the Board that he has checked on ARFF requirements and the airport
would continue to be Index B but would require annual fire training with a live exercise,
which will be an added expense. He is also checking on reconfiguring the sterile area to
be able to see up to fifty (50) passengers.
Mr. Loy asked the Board to consider their schedule within the next few weeks so he
could schedule interviews with the airlines.
VI. Adjournment:
There being no other business, Mr. Albright moved to adjourn the meeting and Mr. Seesing seconded
the motion. All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 1:20pm.
Minutes prepared by
_________________________
Katrina Amos
Deputy Airport Manager