MINUTES AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COLUMBUS AIRPORT
COMMISSION HELD AT THE COLUMBUS AIRPORT
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2015 AT 9:30 AM
The following Commission members were present for the entire meeting.
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
W. Donald Morgan, Jr., Legal Counsel
Mary Scarbrough, Secretary
Sonya Hollis, Marketing Director
Michele Renfroe, Flightways Columbus, Co-Manager
Lorrie Brewer, Chief Accountant
Bruce Anderson, Maintenance Manager
Ed Gibson, Public Safety
Jennifer Wright, Restaurant Manager
Melissa Chadwick, Chief of Public Safety
Shaundra Goodwin, Public Safety
Others present:
Richard DesPortes, R.D. Aircraft; Launa DesPortes, CSG Aviation/R.D.
Aircraft; Mark Hewlett, B & C Aviation; Matt Hinkle, Sherry Goodrum, Chuck
Goodrum, Gary Kundey
BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Winfield Flanagan at 9:30 AM.
PRESENTATION ? SHERRY GOODRUM
Mr. Flanagan presented Ms. Goodrum an award as a small token of appreciation
for all her years of service on the Columbus Airport Commission Board from
2004-2014.
Ms. Goodrum thanked with appreciation the Columbus Airport Commission.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Mr. Kerry Hand to adopt the minutes for the February 25, 2015 meeting
as presented; seconded by Mr. Thomas Forsberg and unanimously approved by the
Commission. Ayes: 3 / No: 0
Motion by Mr. Kerry Hand to adopt the minutes for the April 7, 2015 special
called meeting as presented; seconded by Mr. Thomas Forsberg and unanimously
approved by the Commission. Ayes: 3 / No: 0
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE NON-DISTRUBANCE AGREEMENT FOR COLUMBUS PROPERTY, LLC
Mr. Don Morgan stated there is a new subleasee of the Commission that will
build on the ground leased to Columbus Property, LLC. The agreement will
establish certain rights of quiet and peaceful possession for the benefit of
the Tenant, and Subtenants. The reason for a non-disturbance agreement is that
it is generally required for financing purposes. What this agreement
essentially says is that the Tenant, Columbus Property, LLC is not in default
and if the Commission ever assumes the role of Columbus Property, LLC as the
actual landlord to the new subtenant, it will be bound by the terms of the
Columbus Property, LLC negotiated sublease.
Staff recommends approval of the Non-Disturbance Agreement for Columbus
Property, LLC.
Motion by Mr. Kerry Hand to approve the Non-Disturbance Agreement for Columbus
Property, LLC was made: seconded by Mr. Thomas Forsberg and unanimously
approved by the Commission. Ayes: 3 / No: 0
CONSIDER APPROVAL TO AWARD AIRFIELD FENCE PROJECT
Mr. Howell reported Request for Proposal (RPF) process to select a contractor
to install a new airfield perimeter fence on the airport was submitted last
fall. Our Aviation consultant RS&H assisted staff in adverting, conducting a
Pre-Bid Conference and evaluation of the bid proposals. The apparent low
bidder for this work is Hastie Fence Company, Inc. at a bid price of
$925,510.00 The project is being 90% funded with a previously accepted Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program grant ($832,959.00)
and a State of Georgia Department of Transportation that will cover five
percent ($46,275.50) of the cost. The remaining five percent ($46,275.50) will
be paid out of pocket by the Commission to be reimbursed at a later time with
Passenger Facility Charges (PFC).
Staff recommends award and the Commission Chair sign the contract.
Motion by Mr. Kerry Hand to approve to award Airfield Fence Project to Hastie
Fence Company, Inc. was made: seconded by Mr. Thomas Forsberg and unanimously
approved by the Commission and the Commission Chair sign the contract. Ayes: 3
/ No: 0
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FUNDING CONTRACT
Mr. Howell reported Georgia Department of Transportation historically
participated in funding five percent of our local share we are required to
contribute or out Federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) projects. This
year?s project is the Perimeter Fence Project. The AIP grant associated with
the project is for approximately $1.1 million with an estimated ten percent
local share of approximately $111,000. The Georgia Department of Transportation
share would be about $55,000. Georgia Department of Transportation cannot
offer a contract without the actual amount documented and the GDOT contract
award schedule dictates that all contracts be awarded and accepted no later
than April 30, 2015.
Staff recommends the Commission accept the contract as final details are
negotiated by April 30, 2015.
Motion by Mr. Kerry Hand to approve the Georgia Department of Transportation
Funding Contract was made: seconded by Mr. Thomas Forsberg and unanimously
approved by the Commission. Ayes: 3 / No: 0
CONSIDER APPROVAL FOR FLIGHTWAYS FBO MANAGER POSITION
Mr. Howell reported Flightways Columbus is an important part of the Airport
infrastructure. Since October of 2010, the FBO has been managed by two
co-managers, Mr. Darryl Graham and Ms. Michele Renfro in charge of ramp
operations and office administration respectively. These two employees were
assigned these positions under the belief that Airport Administration would be
recruiting a new manager. The employees did not receive any additional
compensation to go with the assignment, nor was a new manager hired. Both
employees have performed admirably in their capacities. However, as previously
discussed a management position is needed to provide a single point of
responsibility and to be able to address the intangibles of operating a
business such as long-term planning and vision. I have reviewed the industry
to create a position description and base salary for FBO Manager. Based on
this analysis it has been determined that a $55,500 to $70,000 annual salary is
equitable compensation for this proposed position. Including benefits, the
fiscal impact of this position is $79,920-$100,800. While not presently funded
for FY 2016, the adopted budget would indicate sufficient resources to meet
this commitment.
Staff recommends the Commission approve to move forward in hiring a Fixed Based
Operations Manager.
Motion by Mr. Kerry Hand to approve for the Flightways FBO Manager Position was
made: seconded by Mr. Thomas Forsberg and unanimously approved by the
Commission.
Ayes: 3 / No: 0
DIRECTORS REPORT
Mr. Howell introduced Ms. Lorrie Brewer, to provide a financial update.
FINANCE
Ms. Lorrie Brewer provided the following information:
The Airport sustained an overall loss of $(78,871) with an adjusted net profit
(without depreciation, amortization, grant or PFC revenues) of $56,963 in
March. Year over year it amounts to an increase in profit of close to 95% in
comparison to March of last year in which we had an adjusted net profit of
$3,117 (see Summary of Airport Revenues & Expenses).
Propellers Restaurant sales were down by approximately $3K compared to this
month last year; Flightways sales decreased by almost $4K. Fuel sales and
flowage fees were down approximately $7K, rental fees were up by over $15K in
the same time period. Minimum rents were used for the car rental revenues for
March as they were not available at the time of closing.
Compared to this month last year, labor and benefits expenses were down
approximately $18K; repairs and maintenance expenses were down approximately
$2K; utilities and other services expenses were up approximately $5K; insurance
costs were down almost $7K and administrative expenses were down slightly over
last year.
Update on Airport Improvement Project 39:
AIP 39 ? Construct Airport Perimeter Fencing & Wildlife Hazard Management:
Balance: $1,238,094.00
Cash flow was negative for the month (see the Cash Flow Summary). The Airport
made some fund transfers in March which affected the cash flow.
MARKETING
Ms. Sonya Hollis provided the following information:
The airport received a letter from Columbus State University thanking
the Commission for their continued support of the Musician Meal Sponsorship for
Gusto 2015. The entire committee personally signed the letter and has been
filed if you would like to view it.
Thunder in the Valley went very well on Saturday, March 21st. We had
such a huge turnout at our tent playing Plinko where we gave away 1,300 prizes
for the game and gave out over 1000 model airplanes & 410 Coloring and Activity
Books. Pictures have been uploaded to all of our social media pages.
We are currently working on the 2015 Customer Survey for the Columbus
Airport. Customer surveys are currently be circulated for Propeller?s
restaurant, our tenants and Flightways Columbus. The surveys will be circulated
over the course of 4 weeks to gauge customer satisfaction. This will be
Propeller?s 2nd survey so we will be able to do a last year versus this year
assessment.
Fort Benning Awarded the Columbus Airport a plaque as a Bronze Level
Sponsor in recognition of outstanding support of soldiers and their families
for New Comers Orientation in 2014.
Social media Update:
? Linked in members up by 7%
? Facebook Likes up by 3%
? Twitter Followers up by 5%
Mark your calendars for the Spring Public Art Launch that will be held in the
Airport terminal Friday, May 8 at 6p.m.
PROPELLERS
Ms. Jennifer Wright provided the following update on Propellers:
? Jennifer Wright has relocated the draft lines back to the restaurant side to
provide efficiency for the flow of operations and speed up customer service.
? Jennifer Wright had some vehicle and equipment maintenance repairs done in
March.
? Total expenses were decreased at $2300 for February.
? Total expenses were decreased by a little $3824 in March.
? There were several shuttles used to accommodate delays and excess baggage for
Delta passengers. It affected our sales on the days the shuttling occurred.
Propeller?s was able to assist Delta with beverages and sandwiches on three
occasions from February to March.
? Survey has been in effect as of April 1st. Propeller?s staff looks forward
to viewing the results.
? Average sale based on enplanement per passenger in February was $2.75. In
March the average sale was $2.26 per enplanement passenger. Please keep in
mind Propeller?s is not open for the first outbound flight.
FLIGHTWAYS COLUMBUS
Ms. Michele Renfroe provided the following information:
? Fuel gallons pumped year over year comparison:
Fuel item Gallons pumped March 2015 Gallons pumped
March 2014 Change
Auto 173 326 -61%
AVGAS 10,862 11,197 -3%
Diesel 158 134 16%
Jet A (Express Jet) 14,227 15,346 -8%
Jet A (Retail) 15,043 16,358 -8%
Jet A (Contract) 17,960 8,255 74%
Jet A (Gov?t/Mil) 95 1,197 -171%
Jet A (Justice Flights) 1,205 0 200%
? Justice Flights are still going strong for Flightways Columbus. The number
of aircraft handled in the month of March of 2014 (0) compared to March 2015
(8).
? The 2015 TITV airshow was a success on Saturday. We pumped 1,402 gallons Jet
A and 3,818 gallons avgas compared to the 2014 airshow where we pumped 3,014
gallons Jet A and 2,611 gallons of avgas so a little bit of a flip in numbers
for Jet and Avgas.
? FWC and the ARFF station are in full swing with this year?s field trips. We
had Brookstone elementary class with 39 children ages 5 & 6 years old on April
9th. We had the ARFF station bring over the fire truck and spray water. Marty
Flournoy, Rick Payne and Kent with Jelly Belly talked about and showed off
their aircrafts. Darryl showed the children the difference in Jet A fuel vs.
Avgas with color and what type aircraft each fuel uses. This is just the
beginning of a busy year that I have already on schedule going through the
summer months.
Mr. Howell stated the surveys have been sent out to all Tenants in Aviation.
Mr. Howell introduced the newly appointed Chief Melissa Chadwick over Public
Safety.
Chief Chadwick thanked everyone at the Columbus Airport for providing her this
opportunity.
Mr. Howell provided updates concerned the current Hangar Waiting List, provided
on the Columbus Airport Website. In 2015, there have been a total of seven
hangar rentals at the airport.
Mr. Howell reported that the doors on Hangar 5-C are close to being completed
with repairs.
Mr. Bruce Anderson confirmed the Hangar 5-C doors are close to being complete.
Mr. Howell stated the open spaces in Hangar 13 available, are being held per
his approval due to the renovation of Carmike.
Mr. Howell reported he had just returned from a conference in California where
he met with a total of six airlines.
Mr. Howell stated there will be a Jump Start Conference in the first week of
June 2015 in Seattle, Washington he plans to attend.
OTHER MATTERS
At the end of the April 27, 2015 Columbus Airport Commission Meeting Public
Agenda, the Columbus Airport Commission voted a salary increase for Jennifer
Wright.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10.16 A.M.
APPROVED:
____________________________ _____________________________
Mary Scarbrough, Secretary
Winfield G. Flanagan, Chairman
Attachments
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