HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-09-2026 Fairhope Airport Authority Meeting MinutesMinutes of Fairhope Airport Authority
June 9, 2026
The Fairhope Airport Au thority met June 9, 2026, at 5:00PM in the City of
Fairhope Council Chambers at 161 N Section Street.
Present: Len Strickland, Vice Chairman, Susana Freeman, Ronnie Holyfield,
Don Ward, and Jack Burrell. Pel Henry and Will Bruce were absent. Also
present was Josh Myrick, Attorney, and Dave Friedel, Airport Manager.
Cynthia A Boothe took the Minutes.
The Minutes of the May 12, 2026, Regular Meeting were considered and
approved with a motion by Don Ward, second by Susana Freeman and
unanimously passed.
Airport Manager's Report: Dave reported that the traffic count for May was
5,255, down some because of wind and weather.
The reflective striping was completed with additional closure times but was
finished.
Still working on PAPI lights check.
Jordan Stringfellow, Volkert, will not be here tonight, so Dave is combining her
report with his.
The Seal Coat Project is done, the Taxiway Lights Project is nearly done, and
The Runway Project final inspection is scheduled for next Wednesday.
All projects should be closed out in the next thirty to sixty days.
Dave stated that Jordan is waiting to get the final approval for the Earmark
from Derrick Owens, FAA, to use the money for the Fencing Project, and any
remaining funds will be used for Land Reimbursement. Dave is working with
Volkert to set up an RFP for the Fencing Project.
Last month there was some talk about the Minimum Standards and Liability
Insurance. After talk ing to several Insurance Agents, the Hangar Keeper's
insurance should still be required as it covers 3rd party aircraft, not just if there
is a physical hangar in use. The recommended amount is $750,000.00
minimum.
As pointed out last month, Section six of the Minimum Standards (SASO),
refers back to the FBO Standards, which may not be applicable to other
companies. It is recommended that something to the effect of "Individual
SASO Business Model requirements will be presented to the Authority for
approval."
Dave and Josh Myrick, Attorney, will continue to work on these items and then
bring it back to the Authority for approval.
Dave went over the land lease rates that are currently in place and stated that
the rates are increased 12 1/2% every 5 years, which is stated in the leases.
He stated that he and Kathy will send out notices this year to make it easier for
tenants.
Flightline First Report: Ethan McDonald introduced Tyler O'Brien who will be
the new General Manager at the FBO.
Ethan reported that the fuel sales for the month of May were 6,908 gallons of
AV-gas, 35,525 gallons of Jet-A, for a total of 42,433 gallons sold.
Aspire Aviation Report: Ethan gave the report for Aspire. He stated that they
had fifty Flight Hours of instruction, sixty Ground Hours of instruction, two
new students and one new aircraft.
Engineer's Report: Dave Friedel gave Volkert's report along with the Airport
Manager's Report.
Treasurer's Report: Don Ward presented the Financial Statement for the
month of May and went over the Revenue and Expenses for the month. He
said that everything looks good and he should have the final numbers for all
the recent projects as soon as they finish the closeout process.
Legal Report: Josh Myrick presented the Assignment of Lot P-18 Ground
Lease from Cutting Edge to Apex Aviation for approval by the Authority.
Nothing on the lease is changing except the timeline on Construction. They
will have one hundred and twenty days to get their plans approved. Once
approved they will have eighteen months to complete their project. A motion
was made by Jack Burell to approve the Assignment of Lot p-18 Ground Lease
from Cutting Edge to Apex Aviation, second by Don Ward and unanimously
passed.
Josh stated that the Eviction noticed has been tiled for the non-operable
aircraft in one of the T-Hangars. It has been served on the defendant, and he
has seven days to respond. If Josh does not get a response in seven days, he
will obtain a default judgement, and the Authority can then remove the aircraft
from the hangar. Dave stated that there is one tie-down spot available at the
end of the third row of T-Hangars where they will relocate the aircraft.
Board Discussion/Approval Requests: No Report.
Other Business: Jack Burrell stated that he had been approached by the
Eastern Shore Sertoma Club about the possibility of having a fund raising 5K
run, Fun-Run, and party at the Airport on January 16, 2027. It would follow all
of the rules and regulations required by the Airport to hold their event. After a
brief group discussion, Jack Burrell made a motion to allow the Eastern Shore
Sertoma Club to hold their Fundraiser event at the Airport with all rules and
regulations being followed, second by Don Ward and unanimously passed.
Comments from the Advisory Council Members: Russ Kilgore stated that
the Alabama State Airport Conference will be at Point Clear in September. He
will get the Authority members all the information necessary tor any who want
to attend.
Comments from the General Public: No Report.
Adjournment: A motion was made by Don Ward to adjourn the meeting,
second by Ronnie Holyfield and unanimously passed.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:40PM.
Subm'itted by Cynthia