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Meeting Minutes for:
July Board Meeting
Yuma International Airport, Conference Room
Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 04:00 PM
Call to Order:
The Yuma County Airport Authority, Inc. (YCAA) Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors was called to order at 4:00 PM on July 13, 2021 in the Yuma International Airport Conference Room, 2191 E. 32nd Street, Suite 218, Yuma, Arizona 85365. The Presiding officer was Bill Craft, President.
YCAA DIRECTORS PRESENT WERE:
Bill Craft, President
Dean Hager, 1st Vice President
Linda Morgan, 2nd Vice President
Russell Jones, Secretary
Dr. Brian Cullen, DMD, Director
Reetika Dhawan, Director
Juan Guzman, Director (joined the meeting at 4:05PM)
Jenny Torres, Director (exited the meeting at 5:08PM)
YCAA DIRECTORS ABSENT WERE:
Eric Saltzer, Treasurer
Albert Gardner, Director
William Fox, Director
ALSO PRESENT WERE:
Gladys Brown, Airport Director
Gerald Hinkle, Jr., Chief Financial Officer
Andrea Lopez, Executive Assistant
Colonel Charles Dudik, USMC, Commanding Officer, MCAS Yuma
Greg McShane, MCAS Operations Officer
Mike Williams, FAA
Ryan Hart, Million Air Yuma
Silvia Gunderman, 1st Bank Yuma
Ken Scott, ASN Volunteer
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
There were no Public Comments.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Craft, the YCAA President, called for a motion to approve the minutes of the June 8, 2021 Board Meeting. Ms. Dhawan so moved. Ms. Torres seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Votes in Favor:
Mr. Craft
Mr. Hager
Ms. Morgan
Mr. Jones
Dr. Cullen
Ms. Dhawan
Ms. Torres
Votes Opposed: None
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1) Elections and Personnel Committee Member, Reetika Dhawan, will provide a summary on the June 29, 2021 Meeting.
Elections and Personnel Committee Member, Reetika Dhawan, briefed on the agenda item discussed at the June 29, 2021 Meeting.
- Airport Director Evaluation
2) Finance Committee Chair, Eric Saltzer, will provide a summary on the June 30, 2021 Meeting.
Ms. Brown, the Airport Director, briefed on the agenda items discussed at the June 30, 2021 Meeting.
- Overview of FY21 YTD Budget
- Fiscal Planning for the YCAA- FY22 Budget
3) Strategic Planning Committee Chair, Russ Jones, will provide a summary on the July 1, 2021 Meeting.
Strategic Planning Committee Chair, Russ Jones, briefed on the agenda items discussed at the July 1, 2021 Meeting.
- Overview of FY21 YTD Budget
- Proposed FY22 Budget Update
-YCAA Key Strategies
-Airport Rescue Grant Program (ARGP)
-Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP)
REGULAR AGENDA
1) Mr. Mike Williams, Manager of the FAA Phoenix District Office in the Western-Pacific Region, will provide information regarding current events effecting airports to the YCAA Board of Directors.
Mike Williams, Manager of the FAA Phoenix District Office in the Western-Pacific Region, provided brief presentation to the Board regarding the nature of FAA funding over the past year and described how grant funding available from the FAA has expanded dramatically in support of Airports during the COVID-19 Pandemic. A brief discussion ensued regarding the future of capital improvement grant funding and the effect on funding decisions based on the ability of airports to obtain grants, expend the funds, complete projects and close grants. Mr. Williams emphasized that decisions on whether or not to offer an airport a grant certainly includes such consideration. He also confirmed that the YCAA has an excellent history of doing this.
2) Discussion and possible action to authorize the YCAA President, Airport Director or their designated representative to sign all necessary documents to accept two different FAA Airport Rescue Grant Program (ARGP) grants in the approximate amount of $1,797,728 for costs related to operations, personnel, cleaning, sanitization, janitorial services, combating the spread of pathogens at the airport, and the YCAA debt services and another separate grant award designated for concessions relief in the amount of $86,081 under the ARGP, contingent upon final review and approval by Airport Staff and Airport Legal Counsel.
Ms. Brown, the Airport Director, described the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319, Public Law 117-2), signed into law by the President on March 11, 2021, which included $8 billion in funds to be awarded as economic assistance to eligible U.S. airports to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
To distribute these funds, the FAA has established the Airport Rescue Grant program. The FAA has made grants available to all airports that are part of the national airport system, including all commercial service airports, all reliever airports, and some public-owned general aviation airports.
Ms. Brown further explained that these funds will provide economic relief to airports around the country affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The FAA intends to implement this program quickly to support the economic recovery of the national airport system. Ms. Brown, the Airport Director informed the Board that she had already submitted the SF-424 Grant Application for both grants in the amounts specified.
Mr. Craft, the YCAA President, called for a motion to authorize the YCAA President, Airport Director or their designated representative to sign all necessary documents to accept two different FAA Airport Rescue Grant Program (ARGP) grants in the approximate amount of $1,797,728 for costs related to operations, personnel, cleaning, sanitization, janitorial services, combating the spread of pathogens at the airport, and the YCAA debt services and another separate grant award designated for concessions relief in the amount of $86,081, contingent upon final review and approval by Airport Staff and Airport Legal Counsel. Mr. Hager so moved. Mr. Jones seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Votes in Favor:
Mr. Craft
Mr. Hager
Ms. Morgan
Mr. Jones
Dr. Cullen
Ms. Dhawan
Mr. Guzman
Ms. Torres
Votes Opposed: None
3) Discussion and possible action to adopt the Yuma International Airport 2022 - 2026 and Rolle Airfield 2023 - 2027 Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP) as presented.
Ms. Brown, the Airport Director described how the YCAA receives Federal and State grant funding in support of necessary capital improvements. The planning process necessary to obtain this funding involves the development of an Airport Capital Improvement Program (ACIP) which is reviewed and ultimately approved by each grantor agency. She described how an airports ACIP reflects its infrastructure investment plan intended to ensure the necessary resources are in place to meet its strategic goals. The Strategic Planning Committee reviewed an earlier draft of the proposed ACIP schedule which, after consultation with our grantor agencies has been revised as to form. The following schedule of estimated project costs and anticipated funding requests have been developed and are being provided for your review and consideration. Upon approval, the ACIP will be formally submitted to the grantor agencies for funding considerations.
Ms. Brown, the Airport Director explained that Rolle Airfield Airport has its own Masterplan and infrastructure planning process. Since the airport does not qualify for FAA funding, the following ACIP is proposed for ADOT funding purposes only. Due to the Authority’s status as the County’s agent managing the license agreement, in addition to the remaining term which does not have more than 20 years remaining, the YCAA is not eligible to accept grants at this time in accordance with grant assurances. The staff has been working for over 2 years on this situation with Yuma County and Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to establish a new license agreement between the YCAA and BOR. The YCAA will not accept any future grant awards without this new agreement in place.
Mr. Craft, the YCAA President, called for a motion to adopt the Yuma International Airport 2022 to 2026 and Rolle Airfield 2023 to 2027 Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP) as presented and any minor revisions as discussed with the FAA and ADOT during the review process. Mr. Jones so moved. Dr. Cullen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Votes in Favor:
Mr. Craft
Mr. Hager
Ms. Morgan
Mr. Jones
Dr. Cullen
Ms. Dhawan
Mr. Guzman
Ms. Torres
Votes Opposed: None
4) Discussion and possible action to authorize the President, Airport Director or their authorized representative to execute a Second Amendment to Airport Sublease and License Agreement between the YCAA and Vereit Real Estate, LP (Formerly ARC FEYMAAZ001, LLC) which formerly recognizes the Lessee’s intent to exercise their option to extend the agreement through May 31, 2040 and to reduce the Premises by 6,000 square feet to allow land on the South side of 40th street North of the FedEx facility, for the development of a wastewater lift station by the City of Yuma.
Mr. Hinkle, Chief Financial Officer, explained the City of Yuma has communicated the need for a significant expansion of a small sewer lift station on the South side of 40th Street North of the Fed Ex facility on land controlled by the Authority and leased to a third-party developer for the operation a FedEx cargo operation. The City has requested a perpetual easement of 6,000 square feet on the site which includes property currently identified as the “Premises” but utilized as a retention basin.
Mr. Hinkle explained the proposed lift station will 100 feet wide and 60 feet deep with two 24-foot gates facing 40th Street. This investment will improve sewer services to the area. The County will act on the easement depending upon our support.
Mr. Hinkle further explained how the tenant has agreed to give up the property which is currently being utilized as a retention basin with the understanding that at the City’s sole cost and expense:
-The City will make the necessary improvements to the remaining retention basin to meet capacity requirements per code.
-The City will relocate the FedEx sign to maintain visibility.
Mr. Hinkle described the Tenant has also requested to exercise one of the options contained in the existing agreement, extending the term to May of 2040. The YCAA will negotiate an easement with the City that will ensure compliance with the tenant’s concerns and provide financial relief against future impact fees in an amount commensurate with the property’s value.
Mr. Craft, the YCAA President, called for a motion to authorize the President, and or the Airport Director or their designated representative to execute the Second Amendment to Sublease and License Agreement with Vereit Real Estate, LP as proposed, for the purpose of extending the termination date to May 31, 2040 and reducing the Premises by 6,000 square feet, contingent upon final review and approval by Airport Staff and Airport Legal Counsel. Ms. Morgan so moved. Mr. Guzman seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Votes in Favor:
Mr. Craft
Mr. Hager
Ms. Morgan
Mr. Jones
Dr. Cullen
Ms. Dhawan
Mr. Guzman
Ms. Torres
Votes Opposed: None
5) Discussion and possible action to adopt and approve the proposed FY22 budget as presented by the Finance Committee and Airport Staff.
Ms. Brown, the Airport Director, briefed the Board on the overall numbers contained in the Proposed FY22 Budget. The Proposed FY22 Budget contains almost $5.55 Million of revenues expenses. She also described how the Proposed FY22 Budget underwent a detailed review and received a consensus from the Finance Committee to recommend it be adopted by the Board of Directors. The proposed FY22 Budget was formulated based on a combination of historical performance, trending and fiscal planning necessary to achieve the objectives of the Authority.
Mr. Craft, the YCAA President, called for a motion to adopt and approve the Proposed FY22 Budget as presented. Mr. Jones so moved. Ms. Torres seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Votes in Favor:
Mr. Craft
Mr. Hager
Ms. Morgan
Mr. Jones
Dr. Cullen
Ms. Dhawan
Mr. Guzman
Ms. Torres
Votes Opposed: None
6) Discussion on the current key strategies and business plan to accommodate future growth and the forming of partnerships at the Airport.
Ms. Brown, the Airport Director read The YCAA Key Strategies as they currently exist:
1. Expand aviation related business (MCAS, general aviation, government, etc.), maintaining full service fixed base operators, and air freight business opportunities by partnering with existing businesses or attracting new businesses.
2. Stay abreast of community growth and needs by partnering and/or leading with our community for economic development.
3. Market the airport throughout the local and surrounding communities to promote air service, availability of aviation facilities, encourage general aviation, and capabilities for future expansion opportunities.
4. Promote international airport status and seek international flights.
Ms. Brown explained how the Strategic Planning Committee came to a consensus on suggesting that the Board of Directors consider altering item #4 from; “Promote international airport status and seek international flights” to “Promote the international aircraft clearance capabilities and partnership with cross promoting international flights with neighboring airports.” This was recommended due to increased flights at Mexicali airport promoting the desirable Cancun flights and future destination opportunities.
While no action was necessary, the consensus of the Board was to direct staff to adjust Item #4 as recommended by the Strategic Planning Committee.
7) Monthly report by Chief Financial Officer on current financial status.
Mr. Hinkle, Chief Financial Officer briefed the Board on our current financial status.
MILITARY LIAISON
Colonel Charles Dudik, USMC, Commanding Officer, provided updates at MCAS Yuma.
8) Presentation and update regarding current construction projects, associated contracts, grant status, general aviation, marketing efforts, terminal improvements, aviation conferences, meetings and items of interest with the city and county or other federal or state agencies. This will include, but is not limited to, additional information, FAA and ADOT grant updates, an overview of projects underway, airport operations, Rolle Airfield, airline recruitment and retention efforts, general aviation, future events, and other Airport business
Ms. Brown, Airport Director, provided a presentation on the status of airfield operations to include the runways and taxiways, American Airlines updates along with the load capacities and schedule, TSA update which included the screening throughput numbers, TSA Stakeholders quarterly engagement report, Airport parking lot, Rent Car update, Brewers restaurant update, DBIDS update, new Airport Attorney engagement, Rolle Airfield update, marketing and community outreach over the past month to include social media.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Craft, the YCAA President, called for a motion to enter into executive session for discussion and/or consideration regarding the performance evaluation and existing employment contract of the Airport Director, and related personnel matters under the provision of A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(1). Mr. Jones so moved, Mr. Hager seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Votes in Favor:
Mr. Craft
Mr. Hager
Ms. Morgan
Mr. Jones
Dr. Cullen
Ms. Dhawan
Mr. Guzman
Votes Opposed: None
Mr. Craft excused the Public and Airport Staff at 5:19PM so the Board could enter into an Executive Session.
The Board remained in Executive Session from 5:25PM until 5:40PM.
RECONVENE REGULAR BOARD SESSION
The Board reconvened to regular session at 5:44PM.
Mr. Craft, the YCAA President, called for a motion to approve the direction provided in executive session regarding the Airport Director’s financial compensation as discussed. Mr. Guzman so moved. Ms. Morgan seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Votes in Favor:
Mr. Craft
Mr. Hager
Ms. Morgan
Mr. Jones
Dr. Cullen
Ms. Dhawan
Mr. Guzman
Votes Opposed: None
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
There were no Public Comments.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board the meeting adjourned at 5:45 PM
// Approved //
Russell Jones
2nd Vice President Yuma County Airport Authority; Strategic Planning Committee Chairman | |
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