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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Airport Board - 04/21/2004 Minutes CORPUSCHRISTI Airport Board Meeting INTERNATIONAL April 21,2004 AIRPORT Board Members City/Airport Staff Jerry Kane, Chairman Dave Hamrick,Director Ed Hicks, Sr., Vice-Chairman Debra Keller,Assistant Director Glenn E. Lyons,Member Roy Rodriguez,Facilities Manager Wayne Bennett,Member Terence Whatley, Operations Manager Willard Hammonds, Sr., Member Hector Hinojosa,Finance&Admin Manager Nelda Martinez,Member Ralph Zapata,Engineer U Mark Meyer, Member John Valls,Business Development Manager Frank"Rocco"Montesano,Member Celina Y. Pulcher,Management Assistant Don Feferman, Member Adelle Ives,Management Assistant J.C.Ayala,Member Board Members Absent Ed Hicks, Vice-Chairman Willard Hammonds Mark Meyer The meeting was called to order at 3:35 p.m. by Chair,Jerry Kane. I. Introduction of New Board Members. Chair Kane commented on the dedication and service of the two outgoing board members,Jan Rehler and Ramiro Gamboa,as he introduced the two new board members,Don Feferman and Wayne Bennett. Chair Kane gave a brief bio on their affiliations and experience. J.C. Ayala's reappointment to the Board was also noted. II. Approval of minutes for the Airport Board meeting held February 11,2004. Chair Kane called for approval of the meeting minutes for the meeting held on February 11, 2004. Member Montesano moved to accept the minutes as written. Member Lyons seconded the motion. The motion carried. III. Action Items 1) Motion recommending an Ordinance amending Section 9-32 Trespass upon runways, ramps, taxiways, etc. Code of Ordinances, to Trespass upon restricted areas of the Airport, providing for definitions and source authority; providing for repeal of conflicting ordinances; providing for severance; providing for an effective date; and providing for publication. Airpor!Board Minutes April 21,2004 Page 1 of 7 Director Hamrick gave background on the rules regulating security and necessary changes to bring CCIA into compliance with regulatory statutes. He explained the existing ordinance has become outdated and is need of an update due to the creation of the Homeland Security Administration and Transportation Security Administration. 2) a. Motion recommending an Ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee,to accept Federal Aviation Administration Entitlement and Discretionary Grant, No. #35 for FY 2004 in the amount of $6,568,378 for rehabilitation of Runway 13-31, the purchasing of a new ARFF vehicle and updating the Airport Master Plan. b. Motion recommending an Ordinance appropriating$6,568,378 from the Federal Aviation Administration Entitlement and Discretionary Grant, No. #36 into Airport CIP, Fund 3020, for the rehabilitation of Runway 13-31, the purchasing of a new ARFF vehicle and updating the Airport Master Plan. Director Hamrick gave a brief explanation on the appropriation and use of federal grants He discussed how the Grant monies would be used towards updating the Master Plan which requires an update of every five years; purchasing of a replacement Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (ARFF) vehicle; and the design-work for the airports primary runway, Runway 13-31. Director Hamrick anticipates the award for construction to be done by mid-2005 in order to tap into that year's federal entitlement monies for completion of the project. Discussion was held regarding the type of runway resurfacing to be used. Director Hamrick stated the project would begin around September, 2005 and that the runway would be designed to meet the standard 170,000 lb. dual-wheel load landing capacity. He added that should monies become available, he would like to see the runway lengthed. Chair Kane questioned if it would be possible to obtain a cost for a concrete runway. Director Hamrick stated he would look into it and report back to the Board. Member Montesano questioned whether the monies being appropriated were coming from the City's FY'04 or federal FY'04 and Director Hamrick gave a brief explanation of how the monies are appropriated. Chair Kane called for a motion for Items 1 and 2. Member Montesano moved to approve both motions as stated and Member Lyons seconded.The motion was carved. 3) Motion to recommend to Council a Resolution naming the Corpus Christi International Airport's new Ground Transportation Facility, the Virginia L. Turner Parking Plaza. Airport Board Minutes April 21.2004 Page 3 of 7 Director Hamrick explained that Ms. Virginia Turner had been a CCIA employee for over 21 years, working as a ticket taker in the paid parking area. During her years of service she was known and loved by the many Airport customers for her outstanding service. Ms. Turner recently passed away and was never able to see the newly completed parking area. At the time of her death, many letters to the editor were written to the Caller-Times regarding her kindness and service to the City. Director Hamrick went on the say that there are still customers that inquire about her and he personally requested the board's recommendation on this item. Member Lyons moved to approve the recommendation to Council of the resolution as stated and Member Ayala seconded. The motion was carried. 4. Motion recommending approval of the purchase of 23 holdroom chairs and 75 holdroom tables in accordance with Bid Invitation No. B1-0074-04 with Yochem's Business Interiors, of Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid for a total of $37,856.30. Funding is available from the Airport Bond Fund. Director Hamrick explained that this is a planned acquisition of additional furniture for the terminal holdroom area. Chair Kane called for a motion. Member Lyons moved to approve the Motion recommending approval as stated and Member Montesano seconded. The motion was carried. IV. Presentations Presentation of FY05 Budget - Director Hamrick introduced Debra Keller, Assistant Director of Aviation, to the new board members. Mrs. Keller stated she has met with the City Manager and the City Budget Director in preparation of the budget for presentation to City Council. The presentation reflected budget figures from 2002 to the present along with projected actuals for FY05. Mrs. Keller reviewed the projected revenues for FY05. She reported $7.567 million as projected revenues noting the difference from actual of$7.1 million as due to increase in oil and gas royalties. Mrs. Keller commented the parking lot had a record month in March, 2004,with $15,000 above March, 2003. She feels that once the covered parking is completed, it will increase revenues along with the increase in passengers. Mrs. Keller reviewed the expenditures for the various Airport divisions noting an allocation of$75,000 for the"Fly Corpus Christi"campaign for FY05 and an increase of approx. $50,000+ which was a majority of MIS (Municipal Information System) in the Administration division.Mrs. Keller also explained a decrease for the airfield division of $42,000 and a reorganization of employees in airport facilities. Parking/Ground Transportation cost center has increased of$40,000 due to an increase in hours for the guard in the rental car area as well as monies set aside for additional guards for the front of the terminal in case of any future heightened alert changes. Mr. Hamrick added the guard's duties also include searching the rentals cars being returned. Airport Board Minutes April 21, 1004 Page 4 of 7 Mrs. Keller continued with the Airport Building Maintenance divisors which reflected a $20,000 increase due largely to the electrical usage for the facility. Director Hamrick added that another major cost was the purchase of warranties for the elevators and escalators. In the Operating Expenditures section, Mrs. Keller noted a $219,000 increase is due to the"Fly Corpus Christi"allocations and the rental car guard. Mrs. Keller went on to explain the Airport's Debt Service with respect to the 2000A & 2000B series bonds. The 2000A bond funds were used for the tenninal and the 2000B bond funds were used for the roadway project. Ms.Keller informed the Board of a plan to increase payments by$100,000 total for both bonds in order to keep charges the same with the same level of service. Ms. Keller commented that oil and gas royalties have helped considerably with the increase of$405,907 in revenues less expenditures to total a difference of $15,833 for this budget. Ms. Keller closed by stating the budget is balanced and the department is working to plan for the future. Mrs. Keller added that the Airfield section has requester) to purchase a slope mower, a new truck,two cooling motors with software, a new suburban, and a forklift which is not cost effective to repair. Member Montesano asked if staff had looked into federal surplus equipment. Director Hamrick stated this was under consideration. He also stated the HVAC towers which were purchased in 1996 are scheduled for motor replacement. Director Hamrick also reported that City Hall has a new software program in the Maintenance Division that ties into the system in order to monitor units to give a read out on the system and components to detect replacement when needed. Airport staff is evaluating its benefit. Member Martinez question if staff is looking into increasing revenues beyond the oil and gas revenues. Director Hamrick responded by stating the revenues projected from oil and gas are expected to be over$1 million, and he felt this was a conservative projection. He did mentioned that staff is looking for revenues without having to go to the airlines and increase fees. He reported meeting with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) regarding the development of 70 acres west and 30 acres east of International Drive for an industrial park. At this time, Director Hamrick is looking for construction on speculation beginning with infrastructure. Member Martinez questioned whether any further discussion was held regarding an air cargo terminal. Director Hamrick reported on information he obtained when he met with airport staff'while visiting the McAllen airport. McAllen, he stated has cheaper rent which CCIA can not complete with. He stated airlines pay $1.50 per passenger because the airport does not need airline revenues and subsists on cargo facilities revenues. Director Hamrick also reported the fees charged for cargo facilities is much lower than CCIA's rates. Also,McAllen's airport has direct flights to large hub airports. Director Hamrick also added that Continental has flights from McAllen to Mexico. For CCIA to Airpora Board Minutes April 21.2004 Page 5 of 7 facilitate these flights it would require a longer runway. Director Hamrick reported he has spoken with Alex Kirkland who is willing to brainstorm with staff to provide insight to Northwest Airlines and their operations. y� Airport Board Uhnites April 21,2004 Page 6 of 7 Chair Kane thanked staff for the report. Member Martinez questioned if staff is looking into expanding the retail market. Mrs. Keller stated the "Fly Corpus Christi" campaign would accomplish this and explore new ideas. Member Ayala questioned when the "Fly Corpus Christi" campaign would begin and Director Hamrick replied hopefully by the latter part of 2004 and gave some background information for the new board members. V. Director's Report a. Discussion of pavers versus stamped concrete for walkways. Mrs. Keller discussed cost comparisons between pavers versus stamped concrete and reported the cost for pavers is approx. $48,000 and the cost of stamped concrete is approx. $38,600. She reported there was about a $10,000 difference between paving and overlay while also taking into consideration the lifespan of the materials. There was discussion on the pros & cons for both processes and Mrs. Keller stated that with the stamped concrete, a CCIA logo could be added to the middle as well as a compound to eliminate a slippery surface. Member Martinez commented the rough surface of pavers could make it difficult for wheelchair use, and that she was in favor of using the overlay procedure. Chair Kane asked Mrs. Keller on the status of the columns in which she replied that she has requested bids from the contractor/project manager which he is working on. She also added she is in contact with the Houston supplier for the product to be used on the columns and they will be providing her with two Houston companies that are qualified to use this product. Locally, there is only one company in Corpus Christi who can provide application of this product which makes the price very expensive and Mrs. Keller is optimistic that even including travel, these two Houston companies will be more cost effective. She also stated the same finish that will be applied to the columns will also be applied to the checkpoint area along with the curved wall,which will also have the Doc McGreagor silkscreens. b. Update on SCC/AA.AE Conference Mrs. Keller updated the Board on the conference which was held the latter part of March, 2004 which CCIA hosted. The conference was attended by 190 members with 21 exhibitors and 24 sponsors. Mrs. Keller stated that based on member feedback, in all aspects, the conference was viewed by all as a tremendous success. She also added the success of the conference would not have been achieved without the hard work of CCIA staff. Airport Board Minutes April 21.2004 Page 7 of 7 c. Update on Parking Lot Canopy Director Hamrick stated the bids for the parking lot canopy were opened today and the lowest bid was$1.14 million which was close to the$1.I7 million estimate. The bids will be evaluated by staff and a recommendation of the lowest bidder will follow. d. Update on Presentation from FAA for the Airport of the Year Award Director Hamrick reported on the excursion which included himself, Board member Montesano, Councilman Javier Colmenero, Councilman Mark Scott, Asst. City Manager Margie Rose and several members of CCIA staff where CCIA was presented with the Outstanding Airport of the Year for 2003. CCIA was selected from among 26 Texas airports including Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston, El Paso and various other commercial service airports. Director Hamrick credited this distinction to 90+ CCIA employees who, day-in and day-out do a great job. He went on to explain that an airport is rated on everything from how aggressive it is in obtaining grants, how it administers the grant, to how the grass is cut on the airfield, as well as, the number of burned-out lights. Also included are audits and many inspections conducted throughout the year. Chair Kane recommended a letter be sent to all CCIA staff from the Board commending them for their role in achieving this award. Member Wayne Bennett moved to have a letter sent to all CCIA staff from the Board commending them for their role in achieving FAA Airport of the Year for 2003. Member Montesano seconded the motion and the motion carried. e. Update on Airport Concessions Director Hamrick gave a brief report on the continuing negotiations with Mr. Gilbert Aranza. He also reported that Whataburger has offered to take over the concession area. In return, they are asking for exclusivity on prepared food and beverages. They would also take care of Mr. Aranza's claim for $.S million reimbursement. Chair Kane questioned whether an agreement had been reached. Director Hamrick stated that meetings with Whataburger have been conceptual until a definitive resolution has been achieved with Mr. Aranza. There was discussion as to checkpoint access and regulations which Director Hamrick addressed. Director Hamrick also stated there has been difficulty getting adequate staffing for a second checkpoint lane to cut down on customer wait time. He also stated that requesting a change from the FAA in checkpoint procedures would not be outside the realm of possibilities and he would be watching other Airports and their progress in achieving this request. f. Update on Continental Airlines Light Maintenance Facility Director Hamrick reported that Continental is looking into a light-maintenance facility at the Airport in which CCIA is competing with Fayetteville, Arkansas for this project. Continental has expressed, because of the good working relationship with CCIA staff, a preference for relocating the facility here in Corpus Christi. The facility will initially staff between S to 10 employees with an average annual salary of approximately$50,000. They are interested in leasing the former communications Airport Board Minutes April 21.2004 Page 8 of 7 building. The aircraft serviced would be those with light maintenance such as a broken seat belt. The aircraft would remain overnight (RON) and fly out in the morning after being repaired. Director Hamrick reported the former communications building is 1,700 square feet and quoted a starting price of$20 per square foot as an enticement to locate the facility in Corpus Christi which in turn could hopefully lead to a full-service Continental facility. Chair Kane asked if excluding fees for aircraft coming in for repair to Continental's facility could also be used as an enticement for locating the facility at CCIA. Director Hamrick stated he would look into this as a possibility. g. Terence Whatley,A.A.E. Accreditation Director Hamrick informed the board that Terence Whatley, CCIA Operations Manager received his AAE (Accredited Airport Executive)certification. He reported this accreditation takes approximately 3 years to acquire. During the AAAE conference last month,Mr. Whatley successfully passed the final portion of the multi- phase process for accreditation. h. Airport Security badge audit VI. Construction Update 1) Update on Construction contractor with B.E. Beecroft Co., Inc. In updating the Board on current construction projects, discussion was held regarding the professional services contract. Director Hamrick gave a brief update for the benefit of the new board members. On that topic, he also informed the Board that he will be meeting with Mr. Vetteto about his concerns regarding the awarding of the project to PGAL out of Dallas. Regarding the build-out for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of 7,000 sq/ft. and the Federal Inspection Stations(FIS),Director Hamrick informed the Board that B.E. Beecroft was the low bidder for this project. He also stated the monies are available for this project. The portion for the customs area and the federal inspection station is grant eligible and the portion for the TSA is not grant eligible due to the fact that it is a revenue source for the airport. VII. Board Business and Reports Chair Kane requested action on board member absences. Member Lyons moved to excuse Vice-Chair Ed Hicks' absence. Member Montesano seconded the motion. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.