MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COLUMBUS AIRPORT
COMMISSION HELD AT THE COLUMBUS AIRPORT WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 AT 9:30 AM
The following Commission members were present for the entire meeting except as
noted.
NAME EXPIRES
Mr. Winfield G. Flanagan,
Chairman December 31,
2018 Mr. Kerry W. Hand, Vice
Chairman December
31, 2017
Mr. Thomas G. O. Forsberg,
Treasurer December 31, 2015
Staff members present:
Richard C. Howell, A.A.E., Airport Director
Mary Scarbrough, Secretary
Lorrie Brewer, Chief Accountant
Andre? Parker, Public Safety
Anthony Cooper, Chief of Public Safety
Jennifer Wright, Restaurant Manager
Michele Renfroe, Flightways Columbus, Co-Manager
Melissa Chadwick, Public Safety
Ed Gibson, Public Safety
Sonya Hollis, Marketing Director
Others present:
Marvin Brown, FAA; Carter Woolfolk, Yates, Woolfolk, & Turner Insurance;
Jonnell Carol Minefee, Adobe, Properties & Investments, LLC; Jim Evans, Matt
Hinkle, Cham Watkins, Launa DesPortes, Emily Belobraydic, Richard DesPortes,
Jack Wright
BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Mr. Kerry Hand to adopt the minutes for the November 21, 2014 special
called meeting as presented; seconded by Mr. Thomas Forsberg and unanimously
approved by the Commission. Ayes: 3 / No: 0
Motion by Mr. Thomas Forsberg to adopt the minutes for the January 28, 2015
meeting as presented; seconded by Mr. Kerry Hand and unanimously approved by
the Commission.
Ayes: 3 / No: 0
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE COLUMBUS AIRPORT COMMISSION FEE SCHEDULE
The proposed implementation of fees was to formalize fees that currently
existed and resolve inconsistency in the administration of fees. In some areas
the Columbus Airport was not charging for services an airport would normally
collect for. Staff will review this schedule again during the FY 2016 budget
process and recommend changes (if any) to be adopted. The fee schedule will be
made part of the 2016 budget and get adopted in its final form when the
Commission adopts the budget. In future years, this schedule will be reviewed
annually as part of the budget process. Most of the fees listed have been in
place for some time, the adoption of this schedule will provide direction to
staff eliminating any guesswork on the part of our customers or our staff and
memorialize all current fees. The schedule was posted on Commission?s website
for review after the January 28, 2015 meeting and staff received no comment.
Staff recommended adoption of the Commission Fee Schedule.
Motion by Mr. Thomas Forsberg to approve the Columbus Airport Commission Fee
Schedule as presented; seconded by Mr. Kerry Hand and unanimously approved by
the Commission.
Ayes: 3 / No: 0
CONSIDER APPROVAL TO TERMINATE THE CURRENT LEASE WITH AIR EVAC
Mr. Howell reported on December 1, 2007, Air Evac EMS, Inc. entered into an
agreement with the Commission to occupy space on the Airport property in
support their helicopter air ambulance service. The agreement required the
Lessee to construct 2,700 square feet of support space and 792 square feet of
hangar space. As a result the Lessee constructed a 1,800 square foot hangar,
1,600 square feet landing pad, and approximately 1,450 SF of support space
including a kitchen, rest rooms, offices and sleeping quarters. They also
installed an above ground fuel tank as required in the agreement. On November
30, 2014, the Lessee completed its initial term and is in its first of three
five year renewals provided for in the agreement. In mid-January 2015, the
Lessee indicated they wished to terminate the agreement as the Company was
permanently relocating its assets to another state. An Amendment was negotiated
to terminate the agreement on February 28, 2015. Provisions of the Amendment
are the Lessee is required to remove its above ground fuel tank and remediate
any fuel contamination in the surrounding soil within sixty days of the
contract termination date. The improvements made to the Premises described
above shall immediately revert to the Commission upon termination at no expense
to the Commission. Lessee has agreed to all terms. Staff recommended approval
to terminate the current lease with Air Evac EMS, Inc.
Motion by Mr. Kerry Hand to consider approval to terminate the current lease
with Air Evac EMS, Inc. as presented; seconded by Mr. Thomas Forsberg and
unanimously approved by the
Commission. Ayes: 3 / No: 0
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF R. D. AIRCRAFT, INC. D/B/A SPEEDBIRD AERO TO SUBLET A
PORTION OF ITS PREMISES
Mr. Howell introduced Mr. Richard DesPortes, owner of R. D. Aircraft, Inc.,
D/B/A Speedbird Aero who has requested to sublet five thousand square feet of
its premises to Mr. Robert Boehlien, who will operate aircraft maintenance and
repair facility. The master agreement was executed in June 2010, for Mr.
DesPortes to operate an aircraft engine, airframe maintenance, and repair shop
on the premises. On March 1, 2015, an automatic five year renewal on the
agreement will begin. The Lessor must ensure the subtenant meets all of the
Commission Minimum Requirements for Airport Aeronautical Services in addition
to meeting the insurance requirements, as they would apply to the sub-lessee? s
operation. Insurance has already been submitted to administration. Staff
recommended approval for R. D. Aircraft, Inc. D/B/A Speedbird Aero to sublet a
portion of its premises.
Mr. DesPortes stated he appreciates the consideration form the Columbus Airport
Commission as he is trying to have some diversification to try to increase
business.
Motion by Mr. Thomas Forsberg to consider request of R. D. Aircraft, Inc. D/B/A
Speedbird Aero to sublet portion of it?s premised as presented; seconded by Mr.
Kerry Hand and unanimously approved by the Commission. Ayes: 3 / No: 0
AOA PARKING ? MR. MATT HINKLE
Mr. Hinkle provided a photo to the Columbus Airport Commission asking them to
consider, adding another large designated parking area southeast of the
t-hangars on the west side, to the current three designated parking areas.
Mr. Howell said he would review the area for consideration in adding the area
to the designated current parking areas.
Mr. Forsberg stated structurally we don?t know prior to Mr. Howell?s review of
the requested area.
Mr. Flanagan stated to insure it will not interfere with airplanes and so forth
it may be an option to add the area as a designated parking area.
Mr. Hinkle stated he will appreciate the approval for the additional designated
parking area.
Mr. Hinkle provided another photo to the Columbus Airport Commission stating
there is still an obstruction on the property. In terms of interfering, and
being a pilot, he has tried to get a safety hazard resolved for a year now and
would like an answer as to why it cannot be removed today from the property.
Mr. Flanagan reported all these items will be removed by the March 31, 2015
date as submitted. .
Mr. Howell stated with Mr. Hinkle?s agreement that rules needed to be
consistently applied to all tenants. If administration began contacting tenants
now, we would have to contact all tenants regarding this matter and confirmed
the established date of March 31, 2015.
Mr. Cham Watkins asked why anyone has not called the tenant. Mr. Howell
reiterated, administration will not begin enforcement of parking measures until
after March 31, 2015.
Mr. Jack Wright stated if only one tenant is clogging up the taxiway then it
should be addressed?
Mr. Hinkle said the letter specifically asked the Columbus Airport Commission
is asking for tenants to immediately take action as of April 1, 2015.
Mr. Flanagan stated that is true but we were going to enforce the policy after
the deadline.
Mr. Jim Evans, a tenant asked to address the Columbus Airport Commission
stating he has a trailer parked out in the grassy area in consideration to
become part of the designated parking area. His thoughts to fix some item in
the taxiway that is not a non-aeronautical item. Why not address a specific
problem instead of coming down on everyone.
Mr. Howell reported the Federal Administration Aviation has contacted the
Columbus Airport Commission to have non-aeronautical items removed from the
AOA. The hangar leases are for aircraft storage and allow anything needed to
support the aircraft including your vehicle to be parked in the hangar.
Nothing on the agreement states a trailer or any other items can be stored on
the airport property.
Mr. Evans storage is not a problem.
Mr. Howell stated yes, this is a problem. CSG is an obligated airport, required
to meet Federal grant assurances. Part of the grant assurances states this
airport is to be used for aeronautical items only, not a storage space. We do
have space outside the fence to store trailers, boats, RV?s, and other items.
The offer has been provided to store items such as your trailer, contact me and
we will be happy to work a storage for your trailer.
Mr. Evans said he will be in touch with Mr. Howell concerning a space for his
trailer.
Mr. Evans would like to speak again in bringing to the Columbus Airport
Commission attention, being a real estate broker, he stated the hangar
agreement represented a tenant at will condition and Georgia law requires a
sixty day notice to raise rents. The last lease Mr. Evans signed was in 2007,
and the current rent increase notice is not in compliance with Georgia Real
Estate law for the tenants.
Mr. Evans reported his hangar rent is $148.00 per month, his son?s hangar rent
is $118.00 that being a $30.00 monthly with the fifteen percent increase. He
questioned the cost difference between the two hangars?
Mr. Evans stated a couple years ago under the past airport director said he
would add his and her bathrooms prior to the old ones being bulldozed down, was
replaced with one single bathroom. To date realizing this was a promise made
in the past, there has not been an additional restroom provided.
Mr. Evans would like the restroom his/hers restroom facility to be added as
they said would be done. The lights do not work above my hangar 21-J and the
entire row of hangars for 21. Mr. Evans recommended asking the Columbus
Airport Commission to do everything they can to hold down hangar rent, as this
is a very discouraging factor for more people to get into general aviation. He
thanked the Columbus Airport Commission for their consideration.
Mr. Howell reported the attorney has reviewed the current lease, which reads
?The amount of rent may be changed from time to time by Lessor by resolution of
the Columbus Airport Commission adopted at a regular meeting thereof without
written notice to Lessee.? The letter sent to all tenants regarding the rent
increase was a courtesy letter from the Columbus Airport Commission.
Mr. Evans said this is in violation to the Georgia Real Estate law.
Mr. Howell reported according to our attorney it is not. Mr. Howell said he had
discussed the rent structure with Ms. Sherry Goodrum who as a Commissioner was
deeply involved in renegotiating the agreement and hangar rents when they were
formed in the 2000?s. The basis for establishing the rents at that time were
by square footage and the age of the facilities. Administration built on top of
that platform. If the Commission would like to reconsider the decision of the
base rents, we can certainly do that. This was a decision made by the
Commission and not an attempt to overcharge anyone.
Mr. Hinkle who was involved and a part of the committee in forming the current
hangar lease and rents. Determining years back, people were sent out to
measure the hangars, basing the hangar rents on condition and square footage.
Mr. Howell reported with the current work order system, all tenants should
contact Ms. Mary Scarbrough concerning in repairs as needed. Mr. Howell
apologized to Mr. Evans regarding the lighting issue and stated the lighting
issue would be corrected, and that he would review the restroom request and
information.
DIRECTORS REPORT
Mr. Howell introduced Ms. Lorrie Brewer, to provide a financial update.
FINANCE
Ms. Lorrie Brewer stated the letters regarding the hangar increase were dated
February 16, 2015 and mailed that day.
Mr. Howell reported regarding the delay in sending the letters to all tenants.
The hangar address information had been provided to Ms. Phaedra Childers with
Thunder in the Valley. She sent a bulk mailing concerning the upcoming Air
Show to all hangar tenants, several letters were returned to her as having
incorrect addresses. The staff spent many hours of research in making in
correcting to all the incorrect information.
Ms. Brewer reported the following information:
The Airport sustained a loss of $(82,905) with an adjusted net profit (without
depreciation and amortization or Grant and PFC revenues) of $39,971 in January.
Year over year it amounts to an increase in profit (without depreciation) in
comparison to last year in which we had an adjusted net loss of $(42,343) (see
Summary of Airport Revenues & Expenses).
Propellers Restaurant sales were down approximately $1K compared to this month
last year; Fuel sales and flowage fees were up approximately $23K, rental fees
were down close to $1K. Minimum rents were used for the car rental revenues for
January as they were not available at the time of closing.
Compared to this month last year, labor and benefits expenses were down
approximately $23K; repairs and maintenance expenses were down approximately
$1K; utilities and other services expenses were down approximately $10K; and
administrative expenses were down approximately $6K over last year.
Update on Airport Improvement Projects 37 & 38:
AIP 37 ? Project Complete.
AIP 38 ? Airport Perimeter Fencing & Crack Seal, Seal Coat & Mark GA Apron
Project $384,678; Balance: $126,881.
Cash flow was positive for the month (see the Cash Flow Summary).
MARKETING
Ms. Sonya Hollis provided the following information:
Michele & I attended the Schedulers and Dispatchers conference in San Jose Feb
1st through the 6th. We had a total of 197 people who stopped by and visited
our booth leaving their business cards and discussing Flightways Columbus. I
will be working on a database of those who stopped by so that we can reach out
to them next year and give them our exact location at the S&D 2016 which will
be held in Tampa, FL.
We gave attendees to the S&D an opportunity to win $500 in various gift cards.
All of our winners were posted on our Facebook Page as they won them in real
time at the conference.
Our booth set up looked really great for our first time at the conference.
Please see the picture in your packet. Michele will provide more details of the
conference in her report.
Focus has now been shifted to the Thunder in the Valley airshow. We are now in
the planning stages of booth set up, staffing and booth events for both days.
Social media Update:
? Facebook Likes up by 3%
? Twitter Followers up by 5%
? Linked In connections up by 2%
PROPELLERS
Ms. Jennifer Wright provided the following update on Propellers:
? Jennifer Wright relocated two vending machines with the help of our
maintenance technicians to the end of baggage claim. It will help generate
sales from impulsive buyers.
? Jennifer Wright plans to operate Propeller?s during peak times which occur
from 10 AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. This aids in accomplishing the
strategic goal of reducing expenses.
? Based on Propeller?s strategic goal of increasing revenue by 10%, it has been
accomplished with an additional 4% in profit sales.
? Lunch specials are made daily at discounted rates from 11AM to 2PM to
maximize sales during these hours.
? Brittney Brewer, a part time employee of Propeller?s has assisted our
organization by aiding Bruce Andersen?s housekeeping department on the weekends
in addition to her duties at Propeller?s. Jennifer Wright wants to recognize
Brittney?s outstanding employee performance. Part of Propeller?s strategic goal
is to evaluate employee?s service and performance.
? According to financial statements and the P&L of Propeller?s based over the
last seven months, Propellers will not meet the goal of cutting total expenses
by $24,000 annually. In speaking with the Airport Director the goal must be
adjusted to cutting expenses by at least $885 monthly.
? Customer service criteria has not been measured since June 2014. The
benchmark was set around 91% through a survey. Propeller?s plans to issue
another survey in March to evaluate customer service.
? Continuous research has been completed to verify cost of goods that are cost
effective through internet and conversing with vendors.
? As the year continues to finish out, Propeller?s is foreseen to finish with
cutting net loss over $30,000.
FLIGHTWAYS COLUMBUS
Ms. Michele Renfroe provided the following information:
? Fuel gallons pumped year or year comparison:
Fuel item Gallons pumped December 2015 Gallons pumped December 2014 Change
Auto 192 228 -17%
AVGAS 8466 6319 29%
Diesel 124 141 -13%
Jet A (Express Jet) 12284 15096 -21%
Jet A (Retail) 11064 12719 -14%
Jet A (Contract) 19331 9399 69%
Jet A (Gov?t/Mil) 0 1318 -100%
Jet A (Justice Flights) 1975 0 100%
? Justice Flights are still going strong for Flightways Columbus. The number
of aircraft handled in the month of January of 2014 (0) compared to January
2015 (13). Although the fuel gallons are low we still receive ground handling
charges for all aircraft.
? Sonya and I attended the schedulers and dispatchers conference in San Jose
California. We marketed the FBO as well as the Columbus Airport. Our booth
set up went well as we talked and networked with the companies who were also in
attendance. We also visited other FBO?s, charter companies as well as
companies Darryl and I deal with on a daily basis. We are looking forward to
seeing the new contacts we made flying into Columbus which would give us a
chance to earn new business for the future success of our airport.
? The Thunder in the Valley Airshow is on the front of everyone?s mind. The
FBO is gearing up and will be ready for all the fueling and ground operations
needed by general aviation home base tenants as well as the Airshow performers.
Mr. Howell reported the Senior Staff has dedicated a lot of time in working
really hard in making ends meet and for everything to run more efficiently.
There will be an upcoming work session in April 2015, to consider a potential
type of suggestion program for Staff, in providing a bonus for their great
ideas. He said the Columbus Airport Staff has done a great job and they are a
really good group and told the Commission they should really be proud of them.
Mr. Flanagan expressed appreciation and thanked all employees for all doing a
great job!
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:16 A.M.
APPROVED:
____________________________
_____________________________
Mary Scarbrough, Secretary Winfield
G. Flanagan, Chairman
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