HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-16-2008 Regular MeetingThe Fairhope Airport Authority met Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 4:30 PM, at the City
Administration Building, 161 N. Section Street in the Conference Room
Present: Charles Zunk, Chairman; Charlie Bassett, Dan Stankoski, Joe McEnerney,
Pam Caudill, members. David Bagwell, Attorney and Betty Rivenbark, Secretary.
Absent: Ken Knutsen
The minutes of the November meeting were considered and duly approved as written
on motion by Dan Stankoski, 2"d by CharlieBassett and unanimously carried.
Mr. Zunk recognized Craig Martin of Wetland Sciences, Inc and Christopher Baker of
HMR. James Watkins was also present.
Agenda items were considered:
Wetlands Mitigation Bank — Chuck Zunk gave an overview of the idea he came up with
on using land on west side of airport that is already partial wetlands for what he is
proposing as a possible wetlands mitigation bank. He contacted Craig Martin and
mentioned documents he had forwarded to the members regarding this and introduced
Mr. Martin of Wetland Sciences, Inc. who addressed the members giving an overview
of the program, and who had provided the information on the program, and options
available to us. It was explained how the mitigation bank works, and the steps you have
to take to become one. He pointed out that the process will require a substantial review
from all environmental regulatory agencies including a detailed site review and analysis
by Wetland Sciences, Inc. He said under the first phase of the project, which would be
preliminary investigations, he would identify subject parcels; do delineation of wetland
eco-types(begin wetland polygon establishment by DGPS surveys); do an evaluation of
existing ecological conditions for each polygon delineated; develop a "plan" to attain
maximum ecological lift for applicable polygons; and give a final presentation of findings
and financial feasibility study. This preliminary first phase would cost $3,500 and be
billed on a time ($75 an hour) and material basis. The time frame would be three
weeks. Mr. Baker asked if he wished to add anything and he said no, he was only here
for support.
After all questions answered satisfactorily discussion led to a motion by Joe McEnerney
to authorize the Chairman to enter into an agreement with Wetland Sciences for the
preliminary phase at a cost not to exceed $3,500.
Charlie Bassett 2"d the motion and it carried unanimously.
Line painting on the runway — Chuck said that the lines on the runway and main taxiway
need painting, they have almost disappeared and it has been 2 Y2 years since this was
done. He said Highlight Markings was recommended as a reputable company to do this
and has quoted a price of $28,219.32 which includes a warranty for this service. Dan
Stankoski moved to go ahead with this project, Pam Caudill 2"d the motion and it carried
unanimously.
Zoning — Chuck mentioned he had been talking with Gregg Mims about
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zoning surrounding the airport and that as a matter of information he is informing the
members that the Authority has the power to zone around the airport, and that he is
investigating the manner in which this can be done. He said he will inform the Authority
when he gets that information .
Festival of Flight — Charlie Bassett reported to the members that due to current
economic conditions it was financially not feasible to have the 2009 Festival of Flight..
He said it will be revisited in future years. Chuck said he will inform the city of this fact.
Aviation Vocational Training Academy —Chuck had also provided to the members
information on an Interim Feasibility Report: Aviation College Campus at the airport. He
stated the aviation manufacturing and repair industry continues to grow in this area.
This report outlined the background leading up to having classes at the airport. Chuck
Zunk and Charlie Bassett served on the study team and after a survey of students done
there was enough interest shown to fill two classes of 25 students each. There is room
at the airport to hold these classes but renovation would have to be done in the space.
The cost to equip, staff, and operate the facility would be borne by the Aviation College.
The cost to design, demo, and rebuild the interior for this use is about $1 million. The
next step is for the study team to identify sources of funding.
GA terminal — Chuck had a prospective drawing of what a new GA terminal would look
like. He said he plans to work with ALDOT but said this would be appropriate for an
airport of our size. He said that ALDOT would match us dollar for dollar so we could
possibly build $500,000 facility at a cost to us of $250,000. All agreed this is needed if
we are to attract aviation clients we want at the airport. Chuck will investigate other
possible sources of funding.
Treasurer's report — the treasurer's report was discussed and then Chuck brought up
request to members to approve him approaching City Council and requesting Mayor be
allowed to signed an agreement for Transfer of Entitlements, to the FAA, in the amount
of $21,102 to go to Elba, Alabama. This is not cash out of our pocket, but it will allow
FAA funds to stay within Alabama. A motion was made by Charlie Bassett, seconded by
Joe McEnerney to make this request to the City Council. Motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned at 5:25 P.M.