HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-17-2017 Regular MeetingMinutes of Fairhope Airport Authority
January 17, 2017
The Fairhope Airport Authority met January 17, 2017 at 4:30PM in the Delchamps
Suite, Room 1, in the Civic Center at 161 N Section Street.
Present: Joe McEnerney, Chairman, Chip Groner, Tom Scheck, Jack Burrell and
Vince Boothe. Also present was Josh Myrick, attorney. Pam Caudill and Ray Hix
were absent. Cynthia A Boothe took the minutes and the meeting was
"streamed" live.
The minutes of the December 20, 2016 were considered and approved on a
motion by Chip Groner, second by Jack Burrell and unanimously passed.
Approval of the "non -buildable easement" for Cedar Creek and Mid -Bay Air
Hangers: Josh Myrick explained that the two hangars that are under construction
at the Airport will have a 25-foot non -buildable construction buffer to eliminate
the need to build a fire wall and to meet City of Fairhope building code
requirements. After a group discussion a motion was made by Vince Boothe to
approve the easements, second by Jack Burrell and unanimously passed.
Approval of the fiber optic easement for AT&T: The approval of the easement
was tabled until the February 21st meeting.
Update the status of the East Side Construction project: Joe McEnerney stated
that there have been some weather and holiday delays but the contractor is
making good progress and is about 28% complete.
Discussion of the development of the West Side of the Airport: Joe McEnerney
stated that he has had some inquiries from a couple of realtors who might be
interested in marketing the property on the west side. After a group discussion
the members decided that Joe would talk to these realtors about presenting their
proposals for developing the property.
Discussion and approval of the call for a "special independent audit" of the
Airport Authority as recommended by Mayor Wilson: Joe McEnerney stated that
Mayor Wilson would like to have an independent audit of the Airport Authority.
After a group discussion it was decided to table pursuing the audit until the
members can look at a copy of the annual audit done by HBK to see what is
included in their audit and to see if a further audit is needed.
Update on the proposal to refinance the Airport Authority's $7,445,629 existing
debt: Joe McEnerney stated that requests for proposals were sent out for the
refinancing of the Airport debt to local banks. The proposals are due back by
January 24thwith a projected close date on or about February 27, 2017. He also
stated that he would review the proposals and bring a recommendation back to
the Authority. Vince Boothe made a motion to authorize Joe McEnerney to accept
and review the bids for recommendation, second by Tom Scheck and
unanimously passed.
Treasurer's Report and review of large maintenance expenses in December: In
Ray Hix's absence Joe McEnerney reported that the financials are in good order
and the first installment of the 2016 AIP grant money has been received.
Other Business: Chip Groner stated that he has been working with Sheri Schwartz
of the City of Fairhope Police Department to develop a drone policy for the City of
Fairhope. Recently the popular press has had numerous articles about injuries
caused by drones. He also stated that when the policy is completed it could be
posted on the Airport's website. Chip said that he and Pam Caudill are also
reviewing the Airport's security plan and he also mentioned some repairs and
maintenance that needs to be done on the runways, taxiways and gate security.
Jack Burrell stated that the Authority might want to look at building some shade
hangars on the east side once the construction on the east side is completed.
Joe McEnerney stated that the Aviation Academy is having their annual student
open house on February 7, 2017 and encouraged Board members to attend.
Jack Burrell introduced Sherry -Lea Bloodworth Botop as the new Economic
Development Director for the City of Fairhope.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 5:13PM.
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