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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Airport Board - 04/16/2008 s Sk CIAL-CALLED MEETING MINUS J CORPUS CHRISTI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BO E E I Y E D 1000 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE AVIATION BOARD ROOM FEB � � �� f�i CORPUS CHRISTI,TEXAS CORPUS CHRISTI THTERNATIONAL APRIL 16,2008,3:30 P.M. AIRPORT Day SECRETARY'S DFFlCE BOARD MEMBERS Jerry Kane,Chairman Don Feferman,Member Frank"Rocco"Montesano,Vice-Chair William Dodge,Member J.C.Ayala,Member Jesse Olivares,Member Glenn E. Lyons,Member Jay Wise,Member Sylvia Whitmore, Member Sam Susser,Member Ed Hicks, Sr.,Advisory Member AIRPORT STAFF Fred Segundo,Director of Aviation Enrique Castillo,Asst.Director of Aviation Adelle Ives,Management Assistant Diana Boatright,Management Assistant Roy Rodriguez,Facilities Manager Mario Tapia,Finance&Admin Manager Carl Gross,Operations Manager John Hyland, Chief of Public Safety Amy Gazin,PR&Mktg.. Coord. Gary Williams,Aviation Maint. Manager I. Call to Order The meeting of the Corpus Christi International Airport Board was called to order by Vice-Chair Montesano at 3:34 p.m. A quorum was present. II. Approval of the minutes for the February 13th,2048,regular meeting of the Airport Board Vice-Chair Montesano called for a motion to approve the minutes for the February 136' Board Meeting. A motion was made by Board member Susser to approve the minutes. Board member Wise seconded and the motion carried. III. Approval of Board member absences for the February 13*,2008 Board meeting Vice-Chair Montesano called for a motion to excuse board members absences for the February meeting. Chair Kane, Board members Whitmore, Susser and Wise were absent from the February meeting. Vice-Chair Montesano added that those members had notified staff prior to the February meeting with plausible reasons for their absences. Board member Susser moved to not excuse the absences of Chair Kane and Board members Whitmore, Susser&Wise. Vice-Chair Montesano called for a second.. The motion failed as there was no second. Vice-Chair Montesano called for a motion regarding Board member absences. Board member Feferman moved to approve the absences of the before-mentioned members. Board member Whitmore seconded and discussion followed. Board member Susser asked for clarification on the number of absences Board members are allowed and how determination of excused absences is achieved. He added that excusing absences would undermine the requirement that Board members can not be absent more than 25% of the regularly-held meetings. City Attorney, Elizabeth Hundley, clarified by responding that if the Board approved an absence, it is considered excused. She continued that if the Board did not approve a Board member's absence, it is considered unexcused and should be counted towards the 25% limit of unexcused absences. Board member Susser felt that excusing absences was not adhering to the reason why this 25% limit was put into effect. He also asked for a definition of w ' Corpus Christi International Airport Board Agenda April 16, 2008 Page 2 of 6 "good cause" as stated in the City Code governing Board absences. Ms. Handley explained that since the City Code does not define what a "good cause" is, it is up to the Board to make that determination. Board member Fefeiman interjected that a middle-ground would be to take a better look at the reason why a Board member is unable to make a meeting. Board member Whitmore added that in the past, Board members have notified staff before-hand of their absence. Otherwise, absence from a meeting without prior notification would be considered an unexcused absence. Vice-Chair Montesano reported that this Board does not have a formal policy for dealing with Board absences. He added that an informal process has been in place for this Board and if the consensus of the Board agrees this issue can be placed on the next agenda. The Vice Chair called for the question and the motion carried with one Board member abstaining. He also asked that this be an agenda item on the next meeting's agenda. (Chair Kane and Board member Dodge arrived at 3:50 p.m) fV. Public Comment* There was no public comment. V. Presentation: Del Mar School of Aviation Steve Newsome and Joe Dudek from the Del Mar School of Aviation conducted a video presentation of services their organization offers. Questions from the Board were heard following the presentation. Director Segundo added that FAA has provided funding for a Maintenance Facility and with that the Del Mar School of Aviation could be accommodate depending on the space needed. Mr. Newsome added that access to the runway would be necessary for pilot training and not as necessary for the maintenance training. He continued by stating that the air traffic control would not require runway access. Director Segundo added there were no formal negotiations on-going, but he was advising the Board of what would be considered to be undertaken sometime in the future. He also stated that he would be advising the Board as this venture develops. Chair Kane asked for a consensus from the Board to support this facility being located on Airport property. The Board was in agreement to support any efforts to move forward on this project. V1. Discussion and Motion recommending to City Council (2) two candidates for appointment to the Airport Board. Chair Kane referred the membership to the applications for the Airport Board. Discussion was heard on different applicants. He continued by commending outgoing members, Glenn Lyons and Rocco Montesano for their service on this Board. Chair Kane added that two members qualify for re-appointment. Board members Whitmore and Dodge requested re-appointment and City Council will be advised of their request. Chair Kane requested the membership for nominations for appointment to the Board. Board member Susser recommended that Ed Hicks be appointed to the Board. Board member Montesano recommended George Fisher stating Mr.Fisher is an aviator which would be helpful and make him an asset to this Board. Board member Wise seconded the nomination. Board member Whitmore recommended Mary Ann Riojas by stating as CEO of the Workforce she is well-rounded to serve on the Board and added she has a lot of ties to community. Board member Whitmore also recommended Richard Drilling, with Channel 3 TV, as a viable candidate for the r Corpus Christi International Airport Board Agenda April 16, 2008 Page 3 of 6 Board. Board member Fefetman expressed that Mr. Drilling's ties to the media may be of great benefit to the Board. Chair Kane called for the question. Board member Susser moved that Ed Hicks and George Fisher be recommended to City Council for appointment to the Board. No discussion followed. The motion carried. VII. Director's Report Director Segundo reviewed the Parking Revenue Report for March, 2008. He advised the Board that the growth in revenues at the Parking Lot has continued. He also reported that there is a correlation between enplanements and parking revenue. He added that John Johnson has been doing a great job in the Parking Lot and advised the Board that the management of the Parking Lot has been moved to be the responsibility of the Airport Finance Manager. This will be very beneficial with respect to revenue auditing. Director Segundo reviewed the GAR with the Board. He reported that American Airlines would be adding a flight in dune. He continued by stating that the numbers for March did not indicate as much growth as was expected. It seemed to be a 2% growth for the year and felt it had to do with the problems Southwest experienced with maintenance issues. He also added that the numbers lost in Delta's absences has impacted the GAR. Director Segundo distributed a common acronym booklet to the Board for their use. Director Segundo also distributed a list of the remaining Airport Board meeting for 2008. At this point, Chair Kane requested that the May meeting be changed from May 14' to May 216t. The consensus of the Board was to meet on May 21st. Director Segundo updated the Board on the on-going construction projects. He reported that the West GA apron drainage project is 84% complete. He continued by stating that the PAPI project has been completed. He also added that the Semtech demolition project has been completed and pending environmental reports on the underground tanks which were found to have contaminates. He reported that the ACID for 2008 is estimated to receive a 52.3 million in entitlement monies and $5.9 million in discretionary monies. This is not concrete but an anticipated amount of funding. This will go before Council to be authorized to accept of$8.7 million, of which, $2.3 million will be appropriated. As the discretionary monies become available, the Airport will then have the authority to accept these monies. Director reported that this Resolution is necessary in order to accept the monies as quickly as possible in order to ensure the Airport receives the fluids. He continued by adding that the discretionary monies will be put into additional phases of the on-going drainage projects. Board member Susser questioned why these monies would be put into drainage projects. Director Segundo responded these projects have priority because the optimum drainage of the airfield will give more operation capabilities during hurricanes or severe weather. This drainage project has prompted the City to consider moving the EOC(Emergency Operations Center) to the Airport. Board member Susser questioned whether a holding pond for storm water runoff has been designed into this project. Director Segundo responded that a storm water holding pond was not included in this project, but he has requested that the Airport Engineer research including the pond in this project. He added that the holding pond would be beneficial in waiving storm water fees and will give the Airport more capability in operational time during heavy rains. Corpus Christi International Airport Board Agenda April 16, 2008 Page 4 of 6 Chair Kane questioned how the funding for these projects is obtained. Director Segundo explained to the Board that Mitre Nicely, the ADO for the southwest region is in charge of this funding. Mr. Nicely has these monies distributed through Program Managers such as Marcelino Sanchez. Mr. Sanchez is the Program Manager for the Airport. He went on to explain that entitlement monies is based strictly on enplanements and cargo and that discretionary monies are distributed based upon how prepared an airport is to spend funds. Director Segundo reported that over the last few years, the Airport has received an average of between $2.5 to $3.5 million dollars in discretionary fiords due to staff preparations. He added that staff is designing projects now in preparation for future projects. Director Segundo reported that under Business Development several projects are in the works. He began by updating the Board on the Halo Flight hangar project. He continued by stating that preliminary site development is underway by PGAL for this project using Semtech monies. Director Segundo added that staff continues working on the Point of Entry designation with US Customs and Border Protection. Director Segundo reported that preparations for Mr. Lopez who is interested in relocating his company, North Texas Turbines, are underway. He is scheduled to arrive on April 27 and a tour will be arranged to showcase the Airport's facilities. He will also be meeting with Del Mar School of Aviation in order to demonstrate that the city has the workforce skilled to work at his facility. Director Segundo added that Mr. Lopez is looking to relocate his facility by August,2008. Director Segundo reported that the Coast Guard project is on-track and a meeting has been scheduled for April 24th with the CDM, the Coast Guard design firm. He added that entitlement monies will be used in the development of Taxiway Mike which will tie into this facility. Director Segundo reported that Berry Aviation has approached the Airport on building a hangar for their corporate aircraft. He stated that Berry has been looking into different locations, Alice, McCampbell Airport in lugleside and Robstown. He reported that staff has met with their chief pilot on using our facilities. Director Segundo reported that City Council voted to terminate the lease with the EarthLink, the City's wireless service. In meeting with MIS Director, Mike Armstrong, Director Segundo has expressed his interest in getting free Wi-Fi back at the Airport should this contract terminate, and since that has occurred,he is confident that we should have free service within the next few weeks. Director Segundo reported that PGAL is working on the layout for the QTA area for the RAC agencies. He added that a meeting will be held on April 30s' with the RAC agencies to discuss leases and negotiations are on-going. Director Segundo reported that since American Airlines will begin their new flight in June, staff will be working to develop another route. He added that a business plan is being developed for use in the development of a new route. He reported that American has no interest in going west but are interested in a route going east and staff will do a business plan for a possible route to Chicago or several other places in the mid-west. He is hoping that they will implement this plan with the RJ70's. This route development is still in the initial stage and he is hopeful this route will be Corpus Christi International Airport Board Agenda April 16, 2008 Page 5 of G implemented soon. Board member Susser questioned why staff would prefer using the 70-seater aircraft than a 50-seater. Director Segundo responded that it was ultimately up the American. He felt that two flights with two RJ50's would not have the capacity to make the route work but two RJ70's would be better with two flights. Director Segundo reported that talks have been initiated with Allegiant Airlines who conveyed their interest in coming to Corpus Christi. He spoke with Scott Tyra who stated that Allegiant was interested in starting flights in 2004 and advised Director Segundo that Airport staff at that time severed negotiations. Director Segundo stated that Mr. Tyra was hesitant in bringing service to CCIA, but due to his experience with Director Segundo in McAllen, he would be interested in resuming negotiations on bringing air service to Corpus Christi. Board member Susser questioned what their destination would be. Director Segundo responded that Allegiant is interested in providing air service to Las Vegas. He also added that Allegiant's model is to bring two flights per week using wireless internet for their ticket counter and will sub-contract counter space and baggage handling with existing airlines. He added that if this is successful, they will add two more flights and then additional flights to Orlando. Staff is working on a proposal for the Board's review on this new service. Director Segundo reported that Aladia Airlines has contacted CCIA with interest in new air service from Monterey to Corpus Christi. Assistant Director, Enrique Castillo, met with Capt. Victor Brizuela, Aladia's Chief Pilot, visited the Airport last weekend touring the FIS area. They would like to set up a meeting in Monterey to discuss new air service. Alberto Morales, the Chairman of Aladia; Andres Ingels,CEO of Aladia Airlines; and Estaban Benavides, Chairman of Aladia Travel are the key persons wanting to meet with CCIA staff in negotiating for this service. Director Segundo reported that Aladia works similar to Allegiant Airlines in that they sell package deals. Aladia is looking to develop a flight into Vail, CO. This meeting will be schedule sometime in the near future. Director Segundo reported that Aeromar has contacted staff wanting to resume negotiations with the Director of Development from Mexico City, and the Station Manager of the Reynosa, Juan Garza, attending the meeting. Director Segundo briefed the Board on the status of the O&D study scope of work. He added that he is working on an RFP for this study, as well as,the leakage study. Director Segundo commended the work that Amy Gazin has done in the development of the Airport's television commercial which is running on Channel 3 and KORO. Director Segundo reported that the P-3 Hurricane Hunter tour at CCIA was a success as there was a great deal of community participation. Director Segundo reported the Airport was marketed at the City's Fire Expo by Amy Gazin along with Chief Hyland. He also added that the Airport would have a booth at the Texas International Show and staff is encouraging the promoters to develop a Boat&Jet show for 2009. Director Segundo reported that Change Order No. 2 will be going before Council at the April 22°d meeting. He also added that an Ordinance will be created for acceptance of the FAA funds of$8.7 million for City Council. Corpus Christi International Airport Board Agenda Apri716, 2008 Page 6 of 6 Director Segundo reported to the Board on a movement within Texas to have any sales taxes collected from the Aviation industry or Aviation goods to be put into Airport Development. He asked the membership to review this information and a decision would be discussed and voted upon at the next meeting. Director Segundo reported that a draft copy of the Minimum Standards will be reviewed and sent to the Board for their information. Director Segundo informed the Board that Airport shirts could be purchased by contacting City staff. Director Segundo informed the Board that the new Board appointees would be seated in the June meeting. At that meeting, he felt that officers could be selected He also reported that the Airport Board does not have by-laws in effect and he would be willing to assist the Board on recommendations on how to elect new officers. He expects to have this done by the first meeting with the new appointees. Director Segundo reported that he and Asst. Director Castillo attended the Regional Federal Security Director Conference held in San Antonio, Texas, where he received a plaque recognizing CCIA for their work in security issues. Board member Whitmore requested information on the progress of the Business Centre. Director Segundo responded that he is reviewing the lease in effect with the EDC and having possibly terminating the lease to better promote the Centre. Board member Fefemmn questioned how the Airport Board could become an Authority rather than an advisory board. He requested staff s opinion on this issue. Director Segundo stated that he would discuss this topic at the next meeting. Vill. Adjournment As there was no further business, Chair Kane called for a motion to adjourn. Board member Susser moved to adjourn. Board member Feferman seconded and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 5:44 p.m.