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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-11-2025 Fairhope Airport Authority Meeting MinutesMinutes of Fairhope Airport Authority February 11.-2025 The Fairhope Airport Authority met February 11, 2025 at 5:00PM in the City of Fairhope Council Chambers at 161 N Section Street. Present: Don Ward, Chairman, Will Bruce, Jack Burrell, Pel Henry, Len Strickland, Amy Pearson, and Chip Groner. Also present was Josh Myrick, Attorney, and Dave Friedel, Airport Manager. Cynthia A Boothe took the Minutes. The Minutes of the January 14, 2025 regular meeting were considered and approved with a motion by Will Bruce, second by Len Strickland and unanimously passed. Airport Manager's Report: Dave Friedel reported that the traffic count for January 2025 was 5,397, which is up from the traffic count of 4,563 in January 2024. Dave contacted the fence company for the knox box/siren system to be installed without the fence move as di�cussed at the last meeting. He said they are getting all the materials needed so they can start the installation. Dave stated that the City of Fairhope swept the East Ramp this morning. The AWOS radio install will be $4,546.00 for the equipment. The technician is waiting for the test equipment and will be here next week when he gets the equipment. Dave attended the FAA Southeast Region Conference last week with Volkert's reps and lots of other Airports. There was a lot of good information from the FAA, and he would be glad to talk with anyone wanting to know more about it. Dave stated that they are waiting for the upcoming Wetlands Delineation to proceed with the clearing around the AWOS. Dave reported that Perry Brothers will re-line the fuel tanks starting after the upcoming fly-in ending March 9th. Dave and Pam Caudill met yesterday with the May or, Sherry Sullivan, about the Air Race Classic and the preparations they have made so far. Sherry was very helpful and gave them the names of contacts to reach out to, and things the City can do to help. When Dave spoke with the Air Race Committee today, they were pleased with the progress that has been made. Pam Caudill stated that they will need lots of volunteers to help with the event so they are working on organizing committees, and Will Bruce is helping with the Advisory Committee getting volunteers. Pam stated that one of the requirements for the Air Race Classic will be an educational event so there will be a Girl Scout troop that will be working on badge requirements during the event. A lot of the events will be held at the Civic Cen ter, and they are working with the City on a transportation shuttle for those staying at the Holiday Inn. They are preparing dignitary letters to go out to invite State and Federal Representatives to the event, and they are also working on publicity and sponsorships. Pam also gave an overview of the Air Race Classic and the events that are being planned. Flghtline First Report: Ethan McDonald reported that for the month of January 22,000 gallons of Jet-A and about 4,000 gallons of AV-Gas was sold. The AV-Gas pump has been repaired except for new electrical lines that will be installed tomor row. Aspire Aviation is renovating the old FBO location for their flight school and will hqve their first clients this week. Ethan stated that on March 6th-9th there will be a fly-in of Fighter Jets for training. This event is not open to the public. Ethan is working with the Grand Hotel sales team on getting groups into Fairhope to hold events. Ethan reported that the FBO had it's first 4,000-gallon day last week, which was exciting for the FBO. Ethan stated that the FBO will have it's first fuel audit tomorrow. Engineer's Report: Jordan reported that she had been notified that the Runway Project and the Seal Coat Project have been approved by the State. She had a phone conference yesterday with Dave, Don, ALDOT & FAA officials to go over the scope of the project. There will be some design changes in the in the project as it will be changed to a strengthening project. Jordan stated that one design change will be amendment #2 for a Noise Study which will cost about $55,000.00 dollars. A motion was made by Len Stickland to approve the resolution for amendment #2 for the noise st udy, second by Chip Groner and unanimously passed. Jordan said that the bid for the Runway Project will go out in late April or early May so that the bids will be back in time for the grant application in June. Jordan stated that the grant for the Taxiway Lighting has been submitted, and she is waiting for the grant to be approved, hopef ully by the March meeting. Jordan stated that on January 29th the East and NW Ramp Seal Coat project was approved. It is a State only grant with ALDOT providing 75% of the funding and the Ai rport Authority will fund 25%. Jordan will put the plans together to get it bid out. Josh Myrick stated that before the East and NW Ramp Seal Coat project is approved that he has a resolution to approve the extension of the Master Agreement with Volkert while the Authority still has an RFP for Engineering Ser vices outstanding to last until the RFP is completed. Len Strickland made a motion to approve the extension of the Master Agreement with Vol kert Engineering, second by Jack Burrell and unanimously passed. A motion was made by Len Strickland to approve Volkert Engineering to provide engineering, design and construction ser vices, Supplemental Agreement #12, for the East and NW Ramp Seal Coat project, second by Pel Henry and unanimously passed. Jordan reported that she had received a notice of construction from the FAA for a proposed development by Segers which is adjacent to the Airport property. She stated that she would like to see their grading and utilities plan and would monitor any activities planned to see how it might affect the Airport. Treasurer's Report: No Report. Board Member No�inations: Pel Henry put forth nominations for Susana Freeman, and Mitch Skrmetta to be new members of the Airport Authority and went over their qualifications. They are to replace Chip Groner and Amy Pearson whose terms run out on March 31, 2025. After they are approved by the Authority their names will be given to the Mayor to present to the City Council for approval. A motion was made by Chip Groner to approve the nominations, second by Len Strickland and unanimously passed. Legal Report: Josh Myrick stated that at the last meeting there was a motion to approve a sub-lease for GOLO Adventures on Lot P27-A subject to his review of the sub-lease. He informed the Authority that he has not yet received that sub-lease. Board Discussion/Approval Requests: Don Ward stated that the Airport's Insurance is up for renewal next month, so he asked Coley Boone to go over the Airport's coverage. Coley Boone from Thames Batre Insurance did a presentation of the Airport's current coverage and the expected premiums for the renewals. She did not have the property quotes but will send them to the Authority when she receives them next week . This was followed by a brief question and answer discussi on. Don Ward stated that with all that Dave Freidel has done for the Airport over the last two years that he felt that a 10% hourly wage increase was warranted. After a brief discussion by the Authority members, a motion was made by Len Strickland for the 10% hourly wage increase, second by Chip Groner and unanimously passed. Other Business: No report. Comments by the Advisory Council: Russ Kilgore stated that everyone will enjoy the Air Race Classic and that it will be great for Fairhope. He also mentioned that on the ARC website that the City of Fairhope and the Airport Authority are not listed as sponsors. Don stated that they would look into rectifying that. Comments from the General Public: Chip Groner mentioned that the Alabama Airport Forum will be next Friday the 21 st , and the Aviation Council monthly board meeting will be next Thursday the 20th at 3:00PM in Gulf Shores at Jack Edwards. A motion was made by Jack Burrell to Adjourn the meeting, second by Pel Henry and unanimously passed. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:1 OPM. �· on Ward, Chairman itted by: Cynthia A Boothe