MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COLUMBUS AIRPORT COMMISSION HELD
AT THE COLUMBUS AIRPORT
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2014 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. Don D. Cook,
Secretary
December 31, 2014
Mr. Thomas G. O. Forsberg, Treasurer December 31, 2015
The following Commission members were absent:
Ms. Sherry Goodrum December 31, 2016
Staff members present:
Richard C. Howell, A.A.E., Airport Director
Mary Scarbrough, Secretary
W. Donald Morgan, Jr., Legal Counsel
Sonya Hollis, Marketing Director
Paul Phillips, Facilities Manager
Jennifer Wright, Restaurant Manager
Michele Renfroe, Flightways Columbus, Co-Manager
Kelvin Mullins, Public Safety
Andre? Parker, Public Safety
Lorrie Brewer, Chief Accountant
Anthony Cooper, Chief of Public Safety
Shaundra Goodwin, Public Safety
Melissa Chadwick, Public Safety
Marshall Upshaw, Maintenance Grounds
Richard Daniels, Maintenance
Others present:
Marvin Brown, FAA;
BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Mr. Thomas Forsberg to adopt the minutes for the July 23, 2014
meeting as presented; seconded by Mr. Don Cook and unanimously approved by the
Commission.
Ayes: 4 / No: 0
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF FEDERAL AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (AIP) GRANT UP TO
$1,200,000.00
Mr. Richard Howell reported this item as a Part 139 commercial service airport
program grant. We are in the airport improvement program, and have an annual
entitlement for $1,000,000.00. Over the years we have not spent $1,000,000.00
each year therefore, we had the opportunity to bank some of the funds up.
There have been security issues with the perimeter fence and TSA write ups
pertaining to those, which included a lot of ongoing discussions with TSA, FAA,
Columbus Airport Commission, and the Airport Management. This is a response to
all the discussions. The project was designed this year by the Columbus
Airport Commission Consultant, Michael Baker Corp. This particular grant will
provide funding for to install a new fence and a reimbursement to complete a
Wildlife Management Plan that was identified as necessary from a Wildlife
Assessment done in the past due. The decision was made to do the Plan
internally instead of going with a consultant. The grant will include funding
to reimburse staff time, materials, and other items needed in developing the
program. The grant is not completely firmed up we are asking you to consider
approval for the grant up to $1,200,000.00. The local share will be split
between the State, which will pay five percent of the construction cost; our
portion will be $62,000.00. Mr. Howell has been in communication with the
Airport District Office in Atlanta, Georgia they are now in grant season. They
want to get the work done as their timeline is to offer us the grant, accept
the grant, and return the grant back to them by September 5, 2014. Staff is
recommending approval for the grant, so the Columbus Airport Commission
Chairman and the legal counsel can sign the grant and return it to the Airport
District Office in Atlanta, Georgia once the grant is offered.
Motion by Mr. Kerry Hand to consider adoption of the new mission statement for
the Columbus Airport as presented; seconded by Mr. Thomas Forsberg and
unanimously approved by the Commission. Ayes: 4 / No: 0
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE PIEDMONT BUSINESS COLLEGE AGREEMENT FOR LEGACY PARKING
LOT
Mr. Howell and Mr. Don Morgan have been working together on a document for a
couple months for Piedmont Business College doing business as Miller-Motte
Technical College. The College has proposed to us to operate a commercial
driver?s license training course on the nine acre Legacy parking lot. They
want about sixty-eight thousand square feet, a three year term, with a
maximum of three one year extensions pass that term. The initial rent payment
will be $3,200.00 per month, with one month?s rent as a security deposit. We
plan to do a Consumer Price Index adjustment after the three year term. We
currently are not using the space as this will be a good deal to earn revenue.
Staff recommended approval of the Piedmont Business College Agreement.
Mr. Morgan recommended the Columbus Airport Commission make an amendment for a
motion to give Mr. Howell the authority to execute the lease.
Motion by Mr. Thomas Forsberg to amend to empower Mr. Howell to be able to
execute the lease for Piedmont Business College for the Columbus Airport as
presented; seconded by Mr. Don Cook and unanimously approved by the Commission.
Ayes: 4 / No: 0
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE COLUMBUS AIRPORT EMPLOYEE MANUAL
Mr. Howell reported the Columbus Airport Employee Manual, has been long coming
to the airport, since his becoming the Airport Director. A draft received from
Mr. Morgan was used to craft the manual. Mr. Howell used his experience in
being prior civil service employee serving in the Air Force, and also being in
a union employee. The Employee Manual sets out standards in conduct, hiring and
termination policies, and offers direction on the administration of progressive
discipline. All the employees are at will, and will remain at will, as
discussed in Mr. Howell?s employment interview, it is important for supervision
to be consistent and predictable. By having an employee manual, the employees
will know what is going on and what they can expect in terms of process.
Some modifications have been made to the manual; the draft was submitted to Mr.
Morgan for review.
Mr. Don Cook thanked Mr. Howell for his work in providing the employee
handbook. He asked Mr. Howell if the employees have had an opportunity to
review the employee manual.
Mr. Howell said no, it is long, and he wants to go through it essentially an
indoctrination process of what it is.
Mr. Cook supports the employee manual and recommended the employees have a
chance to review the manual over the next ninety days since they are the ones
doing the jobs. This will provide the employees an opportunity to review in
adding to or taking away and make it available for them, no requirement. He
does not want to delay the employee manual to be put into place. He would like
the employee manual to be provided to all employees as it is voted on today,
not a draft copy, provide the actual employee manual as presented.
Mr. Howell agreed to provide the Employee Manual to the employees for
review.
Mr. Flanagan stated this will be carried after the ninety day period.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE NEW VISION STATEMENT FOR THE COLUMBUS AIRPORT
Mr. Howell stated the Columbus Airport Commission adopted the new Mission
Statement about two months ago. Senior Staff got together to discuss the
Vision Statement. The Vision will define optimal desired future state, a
picture where the organization is going in reference to the Mission Statement
and provides guidance and inspiration as to what the organization is focused
on. As a group we agreed in reviewing the original values, ?To set the
standard as the hometown airport known to provide large airport service and
amenities with a personal touch.? With the review from senior staff and their
input in a true value statement, the word large was dropped, as Columbus is
very challenged to provide a large airport experience. With the changes at the
Columbus Airport, the senior Staff came forward with the following new
statement, ?To set the standard as the hometown airport known to provide
airport service and amenities with a personal touch.? Staff is recommending
approval of the new Vision Statement for the Columbus Airport.
Motion by Mr. Don Cook to consider adoption of the new mission statement for
the Columbus Airport as presented; seconded by Mr. Thomas Forsberg and
unanimously approved by the Commission. Ayes: 4 / No: 0
Mr. Cook asked to open back up the Employee Manual. He stated he wants the
Employee Manual to be implemented and let it be a leading document, with the
employees ninety days, not delaying it in place, so there is a functioning
document. This will give the employees an opportunity to speak up. Mr. Cook
wants the Employee Manual to be voted on today.
Mr. Flanagan stated if there are any questions or comments received from the
employees on the employee manual, implementations for the employee manual can
be made after ninety days, amendments will be made at that time. He asked if
there was a motion for the Columbus Airport Commission to approve the Employee
Manual.
Motion by Mr. Kerry Hand to approve the Employee Manual for the Columbus
Airport as presented; seconded by Mr. Thomas Forsberg and unanimously approved
by the Commission. Ayes: 4 / No: 0
Mr. Flanagan stated if there are any questions or comments received from the
employees on the employee manual, implementations for the employee manual, can
be made after the ninety days.
Mr. Hand stated if there are adjustments after the ninety days?
Mr. Flanagan reported all was carried.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE NEW LIST OF VALUES FOR THE COLUMBUS AIRPORT
Mr. Howell reported you have your Mission Statement, Vision, and you have your
Values. Along with that the senior staff has started talking seriously about
our Strategic Plan. Values support our Vision and Mission Statement; they
shape our culture and what is important with the organization. Essentially
the principal beliefs and philosophies on what we want to do, who we are, and
how we are going to do are included in our values. We got together in
reviewing current values. Similar to the Vision Statement we liked the values
with a few changes. The following Values were developed by the senior staff:
Being direct and open communicators
Behaving with integrity by being trustworthy, ethical and loyal
Providing dependable service to all
Commitment to a fiscally self-sustaining Airport
Helping others with a cheerful attitude
Committing to development of knowledge and skills
Staying focused on the mission
Energizing the workplace with amusement and humor
Mr. Howell reported that this was how we felt and wanted to be represented in
the future. Staff recommended approval of the Values.
Motion by Mr. Kerry Hand to consider adoption of the new mission statement for
the Columbus Airport as presented; seconded by Mr. Thomas Forsberg and
unanimously approved by the Commission. Ayes: 4 / No: 0
Mr. Howell reported where all this puts us in terms of the overall scheme of
things, is all the pieces are in place for an airport strategic plan. The
senior staff is working on strategies based on the SWOT analysis from back in
February 2014. We are working on consolidating those by department in
overriding strategies in going forward with the Strategic Plan. We will bring
this to the Columbus Airport Commission in updating you on these at a later
date.
DIRECTORS REPORT
Mr. Howell introduced Ms. Lorrie Brewer, to provide a financial update.
FINANCE
Ms. Lorrie Brewer provided the following information:
The Airport sustained a loss of $113,785 with an adjusted net profit without
depreciation and amortization of $43,693 in July. Year over year it amounts to
a decrease of approximately 50% in profit (without depreciation in comparison
to last year (see Summary of Airport Revenues & Expenses).
Propellers Restaurant sales were up slightly over last year; Fuel sales and
flowage fees were up approximately $14K while insurance expenses were down over
last year due to new agent. Accruals were made for the car rental revenues for
July as actuals were not all available at the time of closing.
Update on Airport Improvement Projects 37 & 38:
AIP 37 ? Taxiway C Relocation & Airfield Electrical Improvement Project
$3,923,867; Balance: $618,582.
AIP 38 ? Airport Perimeter Fencing & Crack Seal, Seal Coat & Mark GA Apron
Project $384,678; Balance: $164,546.
Cash flow was positive for the month (see the Cash Flow Summary).
MARKETING
Ms. Sonya Hollis provided the following information:
We have been at Fort Benning for the Newcomer?s Briefing for all new military
persons new to the area and Fort Benning. This month we have been able to get
in front of 335 soldiers and family members with information on the Columbus
Airport.
Public Art Program is going well. We are still changing out artwork. The
Columbus Museum donated exhibit is being featured in the terminal titled
Leaving Mississippi: Reflections on Heroes and Folklore by Najee Dorsey.
Pictures from the FBO 5th Anniversary have been shared on all of the Columbus
Airport Social Media pages.
Social media Update:
Facebook Likes up by 1%
Twitter Followers up by 5%
FLIGHTWAYS COLUMBUS
Ms. Michele Renfroe provided the following information:
Fuel gallons pumped year over year comparison:
Fuel item Gallons pumped July 2014 Difference from July 2013 (Gallons) Change
Auto 266 6 9%
AVGAS 8,037 -943 -11%
Diesel 167 38 25%
Jet A (Express Jet) 31,633 7,454 27%
Jet A (Retail) 10,972 255 2%
Jet A (Contract) 11,215 11,366 -11%
Jet A (Govt/Mil) 4,153 2,940 110%
Jet A (Justice -4 flights) 8,035 3,341 52%
FBO Anniversary party went well. Customers in attendance were down this year
compared to years past. Weather was rather hot but manageable and the staff
communicated our appreciation to those that attended on how much we were glad
they came and for their continued support of the FBO as well as the airport as
a whole.
Girls Inc. field trip was great day with beautiful weather. There were 75
girls and 5 chaperones in attendance. They were grateful and excited for the
lunch the Commission provided. ARFF station, Propellers, Marketing and the FBO
all pitched in and helped to make it a success.
PROPELLERS
Ms. Jennifer Wright provided the following update on Propellers:
Food sales increased by $811.49
Alcohol sales increased by $91.67
Drink sales decreased by $513.34
Total sales from vending, coffee cart, and restaurant for this month was
$10,420.19
We have a loss due to ordering a truck from our food supplier to carry the
restaurant stock into August: However, we also, had to have some equipment work
done on the keg cooler.
Senior Cook Leilini Paleafei attended ServSafe class on August 13th
Mr. Howell reported the Columbus Airport has been in the process of conducting
the annual audit. Ms. Brewer has been very busy with the audit the past couple
weeks. The audit seems to be going really well.
Mr. Howell stated regarding the Taxiway C Project, it is time to close it out.
He spoke with the general consultant and they are preparing final documents and
working with their contractor working on their as-builts, once the documents
are completed, we will invite the Georgia Department of Transportation and the
Federal Aviation Administration for a final inspection, look at the area, and
accept it from the contractor. Same format for the Crack Seal Project, which
was completed in ten days. The consultant actually performed a final
inspection on it, and is okay due to it being a small project in the amount of
$300,000.00. All that is left on the project will be the closeout
documentation and the design work on the fence, included on the project also.
It was a good project, excellent contractor, very pleased with the outcome.
Mr. Howell reported on August 20, 2014 a big storm moved through the area and
the Columbus Airport took a substantial lightning strike on the runway. There
was a hole approximately the size of a shoe box popped out of the runway. The
Delta flight had to be cancelled because they were on the ground and could not
take off. Mr. Paul Phillips came out and patched the hole as a temporary fix.
Within the week Robinson Paving came out and made a complete fix for the hole.
Mr. Howell asked the Airport Commission if they would be interested in changing
the monthly Columbus Airport Commission Meetings. Once a quarter beginning in
October 2014 there will be an evening meeting on the fourth Tuesday?s at 5:30
PM. The other monthly meetings will remain every fourth Wednesday at 9:30 AM.
Mr. Cook stated he appreciates Flightways Columbus providing the tours as
requested. He complimented Propellers Staff for their excellent service in the
restaurant. Mr. Cook also provided positive feedback to Ms. Hollis regarding
Marketing. Mr. Cook reported in his thirteen years being on the Commission, he
sees things are working at the Columbus Airport which indicates excellent
service from all the staff.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:59 A.M.
APPROVED:
____________________________ _____________________________
Mary Scarbrough, Secretary Winfield
G. Flanagan, Chairman
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