HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-14-2025 Fairhope Airport Authority Meeting MinutesMinutes of Fairhope Airport Authority
October 14, 2025
The Fairhope Airport Authority met October 14, 2025, at 5:00PM in the City of
Fairhope Council Chambers at 161 N Section Street.
Present: Pel Henry, Chairman, Ronnie Holyfield, Jack Burrell, Susana
Freeman. Don Ward, and Will Bruce. Len Strickland was absent. Also present
was Josh Myrick, Attorney. Cynthia A Boothe took the Minutes.
The Minutes of the September 9, 2025, Regular Meeting were considered and
approved with a motion by Don Ward, second by Jack Burrell and unanimously
passed.
Airport Manager's Report: Dave Friedel reported that the traffic count for
September was estimated at 8,000. Virtower was down for twelve days,
September 25th to October 6th -possible lightning strike.
Dave said that the lease payment reminders were sent out and that he
answered some questions about them and that the payments should be
received on time.
Dave stated that this year's ACA conference was great with lots of discussion
about the increase in ALDOT funding to fifteen million dollars, but no specific
information about how it will be distributed. All were urged to contact elected
officials about making the funding permanent. Ethan McDonald from
Flightline First talked about growing the FBO business and Jordan Stringfellow
of Volkert discussed the Airport's project successes and East Side expansion.
Also, at the conference it was tentatively announced that Fairhope would be
hosting next years conference and Dave will meet with the Grand Hotel next
week to discuss a contract along with Marissa Montgomery of Gulf Shores
who does the bulk of the planning for the ACA conferences.
Dave reported that the taxiway will close on Monday, the 20th for temporary
widening and marking for the VFR runway. He has already put in the NOTAM
that no touch-and-go will be allowed until after the project is complete due to
back taxi requirements.
Dave thanked Ethan for setting up a webpage on the Flightline First website to
post information about the current updates on the construction progress.
Dave reported that Moody's is moving along with the taxiway lighting project
on the north end. This afternoon they have reopened Alpha five and six area.
They will continue working on the north end of Alpha and the ramp between
Bravo and the south ramp. They will continue on taxiway lighting until the
runway closes at the end of the month.
The next regular meeting is scheduled to be on November 11th • which is
Veteran's Day. The City offices will be closed that day, but November 18th is
available if the Authority wishes to meet that day. A motion was made by Don
Ward to change the November meeting date from the 11th to the 18th , second
by Susana Freeman and unanimously passed.
Dave stated that he will be switching over to dave@fairhopeairport.com for
anyone needing to know.
Flightline First Report: Ethan McDonald stated that ACA conference was
great and everyone did a great job while they were there. He hopes to see
everyone there next year as it will be in Fairhope.
Ethan reported that in October 9,167 gallons of AV Gas and 19,636 gallons of
Jet-A were sold for a total of 28,803 gallons.
Ethan presented a report of fuelings from 11/1/24 to 04/01/25 which shows
the busiest hours for fueling during a twenty -four-hour period. He stated that
he would like to change the FBO hours to 7:00AM to 7:00PM until April 1,
2026.
Josh Myrick stated that if the Authority wishes to accept this change that they
will need to make a motion to accept the change in hours.
Don Ward made a motion to accept the wintertime schedule of 7:00AM to
7:PM each year, second by Susana Freeman and unanimously passed.
Ethan said that they had a breakfast this morning at the Airport and that they
plan to have one each month on the second Tuesday if anyone would like to
come.
Pel Henry mentioned that this is the first anniversary of Flightline First being at
the Airport and he feels that they do a fantastic job. He stated that he always
hears rave reviews about their service and that he thinks the partnership has
been great and he is looking forward to getting the first-year numbers next
month. Ethan stated that he really appreciates how easy and great it has been
working with the Fairhope Airport Authority.
Aspire Aviation Report: Louis, the chief pilot for Aspire Aviation, reported
that they had ninety flight hours last month and one hundred eighty total
instruction hours. They also had a couple of solo flights. He stated that they
are going through the process of adding another instructor.
Engineer's Report: Jordan Stringfellow stated that taxiway Alpha is
scheduled to close on the 20th for widening. There is a meeting scheduled for
Thursday morning to go over details.
Jordan reported that the runway will close on the 30th •
She said the Seal Coat project will start on November 17th •
Jordan stated that she still has not heard anything about the earmarked
money. She believes that it may be held up by the government shutdown.
Treasurer's Report: Don Ward stated that he is working with Kathy to improve
the Profit and Loss Statement to present a more clear picture of the actual
operating, income, and expenses. He does not have anything to present
tonight but will by the next meeting. He stated that the Airport cleared about
$13,600.00 last month, the operating account has $51,000.00, the grant
account has $336,000.00, and the savings account has $495,000.00.
Legal Report: Josh Myrick stated that he has nothing to report but would
answer any questions. Dave Friedel asked about the LOI for Lot 27-B and said
that they wanted to know that once an LOI is signed and approved by the
Authority, does their lease need to be signed as well. Josh stated that as soon
as the LOI is approved and signed that they have six months to execute the
lease. Josh said that he would be glad to send them a copy of the standard
lease, but Dave stated that he had already sent one. Josh said that if they
make no changes to the lease, then they can go ahead and sign it. If they want
to make any changes at all then it would have to come before the Authority for
consideration.
Board Discussion/Approval Requests: No Report.
Other Business: No Report.
Comments from the Advisory Council Members: No Report.
Comments from the General Public: No Report.
Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by Don Ward, second by Jack
Burrell and unanimously passed. There being no further business, the
meeting was adjourned at 5:37PM.
����di£_ Subm ttedByCynthia A Boothe