HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-11-2026 Fairhope Airport Authority Meeting MinutesMinutes of Fairhope Airport Authority
August 11, 2026
The Fairhope Airport Authority met August 11, 2026, at 5:00PM in the City of
Fairhope Council Chambers at 161 N Section Street.
Present: Pel Henry, Chairman, Ronnie Holyfield, Don Ward, Will Bruce, and
Jack Burrell. Len Strickland and Susana Freeman were absent. Also present
was Josh Myrick, Attorney, and Dave Friedel, Airport Manager. Dave took the
Minutes.
The Minutes of the July 14, 2026, Regular Meeting were considered and
approved with a motion by Jack Burrell, second by Don Ward and unanimously
passed.
Airport Manager's Report: Dave reported that the traffic count for July was
7957 up from June and about same as last year.
Gate and fence project quotes were sent to board members, and the best
quote was from Baldwin County Fence at $113,800. This project will be
covered by an FAA grant at 95%, without matching state funds due to timing,
making the airport's portion $5690. These quotes include all components of
the project, including electronic controllers, electric line runs, etc. The two
other companies contacted did not submit a quote and did not meet the
requirements. This project will allow for better security and control of the
airport. The system will allow for access to non-card holders through a call
button. Will made a motion to accept the quote not to exceed $133,800 and
approve the resolution, seconded by Ronnie, and unanimously passed.
Continental has requested permission to enclose a portion of the hangar to be
a climate controlled engine breakdown area. Their quote included permitting
and will be to normal code requirements. Don made a motion to approve the
project request, seconded by Will and unanimously passed.
Dave had a discussion with Kimley Horn engineers who are working with the
city on a lift station across from the airport on CR32. No issue with the facility
which will only be 7 feet high per the FAA ADO and community planner. Any
future development of the land at CR13/CR32 would need separate review.
The water tower mentioned at the last meeting is still being looked at for
options.
Dave spoke with a company that has completed projects at several airports to
build T-hangars and box hangars. They would be happy to come discuss and
brief the board to share their thoughts on developing the southwest corner.
The board members stated that the company can proceed through our normal
LOI means if interested in building here.
Dave reminded the board of the upcoming ACA conference on 21-22
September.
Dave introduced Brian Stuart of Apex to present their preliminary plans for P-
18.Brian stated that they intend to build two hangars on the lot with required
clearance between them. They will be utilizing the lot for several of their own
aircraft. Don made a motion to accept the plans as presented, seconded by
Will and passed unanimously. This acceptance of preliminary layout is still
within the 120 day window for approval.
Flightline First Report: Ethan McDonald reported that the monthly breakfast
went well. Fuel sales for the month of June were 78 gallons shy of 50,000
gallons sold, second highest month so far. Word is out that the airport is brand
new and traffic is increasing accordingly yearly.
Breakfast that morning was a success and Flightline is looking forward to the
ACA conference.
Aspire Aviation Report: Lewis Lofton reported they flew 126 hours, double
the normal amount, 103 instructional hours, 2 student solos, and a
commercial check ride.
Engineer's Report: Jordan Stringfellow reported that most projects are
wrapping up. The PAPI inspection cost should be covered by the grant money,
hopefully will have inspection scheduled soon.
AWOS project grant is approved and grant money is available, so we can
schedule installation with DBT.
Volkert met with ALDOT to discuss our upcoming project list. The first priority
is Taxiway Alpha rehabilitation which will be a discretionary project
application. This may take several years to get funded. If not funded, our
backup is land acquisition reimbursement. A conversation about the airport
paying the city for land in the past ensued among the board members.
To get earmark grant money this fiscal year, a submission would need to be
done before August 21 and a resolution would be needed immediately. A
decision was made to have a special meeting on August 18 at 5 PM to approve
a grant application for land reimbursement.
The east-west access road would cost approximately $1,050,000, split 50/50
with the state. There is a gap with the earmark land reimbursement and AIG
funds of approximately $1 00K. If Taxiway Alpha is funded, we would not
receive the $300K in land reimbursement and would still be responsible for
the matching funds, so the budget should be looked at to ensure we are ready
if that happens.
Treasurer's Report: Don Ward presented the Financial Statement for the
month of July and went over the Revenue and Expenses for the month. He will
align next year's budget with more seasonal numbers of the FBO and will
present it next month.
Legal Report: Josh Myrick reported that each August there is an appointment
of a committee to nominate next year's slate of officers to be approved in
September and take office in Octob er. Pel asked Will and Ronnie to fill the
nominating committee and they accepted. Don Ward made a motion to
appoint Will and Ronnie to the nominating committee for the next year's
officers. Jack Burrell seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Board Discussion/Approval Requests: Pel brought up the P-20 lease transfer
and Alan Dunn spoke on behalf of the investors. The lease is under a 30 day
cure period and he requested that the investors assume the lease once it was
cancelled. The authority was awaiting Apex to sign over the lease to the
investors. Discussion ensued on what options were available, whether the
lease expired or was transferred, legal protection of the airport authority and
future lease holder from lawsuits, and ownership of current existing
improvements.
The investors will work to get lease assignment from the current lease
holder/builder. Don Ward made a motion to extend the cure period to the date
of the next regular board meeting on Sept 8 to allow for re-assignment of the
lease to the investor group. Ronnie Holyfield seconded the motion and
following discussion passed unanimously.
Other Business: No report.
Comments from the Advisory Council Members: No report.
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 6:08 PM.
ave Friedel