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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-05-21 Minutes• • • FAYETTEVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT BOARD MINUTES May; 2002 til MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Wallace, Frank Burggraf, Frank Sperandeo, Mike Andrews, Otto Loewer, Dave Bowman MEMBERS ABSENT: Rick McKinney STAFF PRESENT: .Ray Boudreaux, James Nicholson, Louise Powers OTHERS PRESENT: Amy Wolfe -Fayetteville Government Channel; DaMid Hollman-Flying Investments, LLC; Sarah Fisher -NW Arkansas Times; Judy Hammond and John Kalagais- Arkansas Air Museum, Barry West -tenant; Bill Corely- tenant; Kristal Dearing -Morning News ITEM #1: Welcome Chairman Wallace thanked those attending and those joining by Community Access TV. ITEM #2: Minutes of the April 4, 2002 meeting A motion to approve the minutes was made and seconded. The motion carried. ITEM #3: Minutes of the April 19, 2002 meeting A motion to approve the minutes was made and seconded. The motion carried. ITEM #4: Receiving of Reports A. Chairman Wallace report on Strategy Meeting. Referenced a comment that seems to be emerging from the Strategic Planning Meetings 'is "...transforming Fayetteville Municipal Airport -Drake Field to a premiere general aviation facility". At the last meeting we met with Bill Corely and Tom Wilkerson with the goal of the session to develop the airport's image and how we want to present the airport to the community. Work was initiated on developing a survey that will be mailed to every aircraft owner/pilot in the five county area getting out the message that we want you to come to Drake Field and we want you as a part of our aviation community. We are getting some feedback that they know there are changes here at Fayetteville Municipal Airport. Stated he was glad to see the Museum people here today, the Museum lease 'is something to build on, and presented his thoughts on making the Museum a Transportation Museum, which would include all types of transportation. • • • He commented that the airport could see a lot of growth. Since September 11`h more people are using charters and their own aircraft for traveling because it shortens the time they normally would spend going through airports for commercial flights. B. Director's Report. Director Boudreaux said he had worked with Bill and Tom on the survey. The corporate hangar leases are on the Council's consent agenda. He had several meetings with the Bike/Blues Festival people. He had attended the Scenic Loop Dedication and there is potential there for Northwest Arkansas. We get to be part of the State-wide advertising, as well as the Air Museum. A reminder was given to the airport tenants of the Tenant Appreciation Cook -out on Saturday from 11 to 1, and also thanked the Community Bank for loaning us the cooker. C. Financial Coordinator's Report. J. Nicholson reported the operations are holding steady. Fuel sales have seen a lot more activity. He commented that he had conducted a fuel price survey of area airports and this airport still has the lowest price for fuel. Answering questions regarding overtime of employees, stated that staff is worked to the maximum, and that call-backs at night, staying for late arrivals, and emergency situations that require the employee to stay longer accounts for the overtime. Director Boudreaux commented the overtime doesn't account for when our feeler is across the field fueling and James goes out to park an aircraft or pumps fuel in his tie. Director Boudreaux further commented that we may want to look at someone to man the FBO office, and that the airport is getting new radios which will help. Chairman Wallace asked about the construction projects? Director Boudreaux responded there is an open trench along Taxiway Delta and the contractors are working with pilots for movement along the taxiway. There is asphalt work to be completed on the west side. Director Boudreaux commented the hangar renovation project is moving along. The City required an architect to be hired to put together a plan and specs. Her estimates are within the budget. She has also volunteered to design a standard sign that can be used for each airport building. He also related the FAA has not given their assurance for the extension of Taxiway Alpha for US Forest Service project. It may now be time to talk to the congressional people, saying he had already done preliminary talks with the congressional people. Also as of today the airport has a grass airstrip adjacent to the Runway. Those with antique aircraft have been wanting this. The airstrip is not an official grass strip, but the tower will clear to land those aircraft wanting to land on it. The strip is 1,250 ft. and the last 150 ft. needs some more work to smooth some bumps. Staff mowed the grass very short and the contractors volunteer to roll the strip with their vibrator roller. F. Sperandeo explained the 2 • grass strip makes a softer landing and the antique aircraft was designed to land on grass and makes for a more forgiving landing. • • ITEM #5: Air Fest Director wanted to remind everyone that the Air Fest is in June and asked for volunteers to work the booth and the Air Museum is also accepting volunteers. ITEM #6: New Business A. New Lease Review 1). Ozark Military Museum Lease. A motion to forward the Lease on to the City Council was made and seconded. The motion carried. 2). Pilot Shop Lease. Director Boudreaux related the owner is a Certified Flight Instructor and is invited to speak all over the country A motion to forward the Lease on to the City Council was made and seconded. The Motion carried. 3). BB King Lease. Director Boudreaux said this is part of the Bikes, Blues and BarBQue Festival. This is the third largest major draw for bikers. Mayor Coody referred them to us because they couldn't find. a place for their concert. The Museum is going to assist with parking and will get $2.00 per car. It is not a football weekend. We are working with a local committee and the money will go to the Council on Aging. The first year they donated $2,500, the second year $12,500 and this year they anticipate getting $50,000. The event is scheduled for October 4a1 . A motion to forward the Lease on to the City Council was made and seconded. The Motion carried. 4). T -Hangar Leases -information only. L. Powers reported we had one new tenant. He was very active at his previous airport involving the airport tenants and the community in aviation events and hopes to do the same here. There are three leases pending. The vacancies don't appear to be a part of some economic trend. One tenant lived in Hiwassi and was finally able to get a hangar closer to his home, some sold their aircraft, and others moved away. There are six vacancies. 3 • • • ITEM #7: Other Business A. Items from the Airport Board. Chairman Wallace stated the Board needs another Strategic Planning Meeting. B. Items from the Public. B. West reminded everyone of the EAA's Young Eagles event on June 8th. Eight thousand kids across the country have taken part in the program. Last year at Drake Field they had ten planes available for the rides. It is for children ages 8-17. F. Sperandeo related those kids participating get an introductory class and a free plane ride, and a Certificate that is registered with the National EAA in Oshkosh. D. Bowman announced General Tibets will be speaking at the Bentonville Clarion the night before Air Fest. Cost is $25.00, and you can contact the Air Museum for more information. He also commented it was good to see the airport people at other airports' functions. D. Bowman welcomed Judy Hammond, the new director of the Air Museum. John Kalagias' retirement party was on May 1st and the Mayor was there honoring him. D. Bowman also wanted to publicly thank John for all his years at the Museum and for all he has done there. Director Boudreaux announced the Arkansas Aviation Technologies Center will have its graduation in the terminal on Friday night, they will be graduating their 100th student. He also commented they have some expansion plans and they will be presented at the next Board Meeting. D. Bowman commented they have 50% of the graduating students employed when they graduate. The next few years will see a lot of A & P mechanics retiring and the companies are doing more hiring of A & P mechanics. Cessna has hired many of their student and even offers to pay for moving. Meeting adjourned at 2:35 pm. Frank Burggraf, Secretary Date 4