HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-19 - Minutes -
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FAYETTEVILLE – DRAKE FIELD
Airport Board Minutes
September 21st, 2023
MEMBERS PRESENT: Zane Chenault, Charles Wallace, Monty Roberts, Richard Rost, David Hopper,
David Hinton
MEMBERS ABSENT: , Terry Gulley/City, John Holley
OTHERS PRESENT: Jared Rabren/City, Dee McCoy/City, Tamra Kesner/City, Chris Brown/City
ITEM # 1: Approval of the Airport Board Minutes for September 21st, 2023
• A motion to approve the September 21st, 2023 was made by Richard Rost.
Monty Roberts seconded the motion. The motion carried.
ITEM # 2: Receiving of Reports :
• FAA RUNWAY REHAB AND LIGHTING PROJECT: The new transfer switch has been installed and passed
city inspection yesterday. This project will now be closed out.
• FUEL FARM REHABILITATION PROJECT: The contractor is currently sourcing materials and will update
us soon with an anticipated start date.
• AIRPORT MASTER PLAN UPDATE: Research and auditing is ongoing, there have been no changes at
this time.
• WILDLIFE FENCE REHABILITATION: This project is underway and progressing on schedule. Next week
FAA Tech Ops will shutdown the Localizer for 7 days in order to complete the fence work at the south
end of the field.
• TAXIWAY ECHO EXTENSION: The Environmental Assessment is currently ongoing.
• FUEL VENDOR RFP: We are continuing forward with the transition from Avfuel to Titan Aviation Fuels.
So far this has resulted in increased contract fuel sales and better margins for the FBO. I am pleased
with the results and look forward to continued growth with Titan.
Financial Report:
• As of September 30th, 2023 the FBO revenue totaled $2,771,556.36 and the expenses totaled
$2,568,029.72 for a total profit of $203,536.64.
• There are no vacant T-Hangars with 100 people on the waiting list. One new hangar lease was signed in
August.
MUSEUM REPORT: None.
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ITEM #4: New Business:
• November Airport Board meeting date.
Charles Wallace asked the other board members if they would like to change the date of the
November meeting due to the holiday and travel plans. All members of the board agreed to move
the November Airport Board meeting from November 16th to November 9th.
ITEM # 5: Old Business:
• Report from Airport Strategic Planning Committee Review:
Notes from Airport Board meeting regarding Master plan Update
• As board/staff, not refer to terrain surrounding airport as a “danger,” but rather to it’s natural
beauty. “danger” is a misconception, no accident history to backup claim
• Other board members voice that “danger” is not right word, but that “challenging” would more
accurately describe approaches. Something of an achievement the first time.
• Might consider exploring grass options for overflow GA traffic on game days, such as rolling grassy
area adjacent to FBO hangar as opposed to “paving everything.”
• Director agrees as a temporary solution, but would push back on this as a permanent fix.
• Should explore options with east-side farm on “first right of refusal” if they decide to sell one day,
in attempt to avoid housing development near airport.
• Board would like to continue exploring ideas for recreational development, including
trails/sidewalk, playground/park, and train station if train cars downtown end up relocated
• Opportunity for innovative solutions to hangar shortage, such as shade hangars under solar panels
or other ideas should be explored, “unacceptable” that airport does not build additional T-Hangars
• Need to attract additional customer streams outside of University connection, while also trying to
grow relationship with University
• Board suggests trying to attract flight schools with potential to grow into a 141 school
• Director would note three active flight schools on field currently, fourth on the way. An existing 141
school would likely not compete with existing schools on the field and is much more likely to be
successful in Director’s opinion.
ITEM #6: Other Business:
Items from the Airport Board:
• None.
Items from the Public:
• None.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 3:00 pm.
___________________________ ___________
Monty Roberts, Secretary Date