CCAA-AB Minutes 02/05/2013 W 2013 Collier County
Airport Advisory Board
Minutes
February 5 , 2013
Workshop
February 5, 2013
MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS AND AIRPORT AUTHORITY WORKSHOP
MEETING
Naples, Florida, February 5, 2013
LET IT BE REMEMBERED the Board of County Commissioners in and for the
County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 AM
in a WORKSHOP SESSION in Building "F" of the Government Complex, Naples,
Florida with the Following members present:
Chairwoman: Georgia Hiller
Vice - Chairman: Tom Henning
Donna Fiala
Fred Coyle
Tim Nance
ALSO PRESENT: Leo Ochs, County Manager
Mike Sheffield, Assistant to the County Manager
Jeff Klatzkow, County Attorney
Mark Isaacson, Director, Corporate and Fin. Man. Services
Chris Curry, Executive Director, Airport Authority
Bob Tweedie, Manager, Marco Island Executive Airport
Thomas Vergo, Manager, Immokalee Regional Airport
Debbie Brueggeman, Executive Assistant, Airport Authority
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Collier County Airport Authority
WORKSHOP
February 5, 2013
9 :00 a.m.
I. Mission and Goals
II. Organization
III. General Aviation Overview
IV. Airport Master Plans
V. Airport Funding & Grant Assurances
VI. Immokalee Regional Airport
a. Overview & Priorities
b. Economic Impact
c. Compliance Issues
d. Runway Rehabilitation Design Project
VII. Marco Island Executive Airport
a. Overview & Priorities
b. Economic Impact
c. Runway Rehabilitation Design Project
VIII. Everglades Airpark
a. Overview & Priorities
b. Economic Impact
c. Taxiway Construction Project
IX. Grant Awards
X. General Fund Transfers
XI. Strategic Alternatives
XII. Conclusions & Closing Remarks
February 5, 2013
Any persons in need of the verbatim record of the meeting may request a copy of the video
recording from the Collier County Communications and Customer Relations Department or
view online.
I. Mission and Goals
Airport Authority Members Present: Michael Klein, Chairman; James Murray; Frank
Halas; Lloyd Berhoff;• Karl Geng; Floyd Crews
Mr. Curry presented the slideshow "Collier County Airport Authority Workshop — February
S, 2013 " which outlined the agenda items listed below.
Mr. Curry outlined the Mission of the Authority:
• Operate and develop these publicly owned assets for the benefits of the citizens and
taxpayers.
• Pursue environmentally compatible projects that will contribute to the safety of these
airports and the economy of the community.
• Ensure security and safety remains preeminent concerns in the management of these
airports.
The goals of the Authority are to:
• Operate safe and efficient airports
• Strive to become more self sufficient
• Identify projects by priority to obtain grant funding
• Develop the County Airports consistent with the approved Management Plans
• Consistently improve Customer /Client Satisfaction Service
II. Organization
Mr. Curry provided an overview of the membership of the Authority.
III. General Aviation Overview
Mr. Curry reported General Aviation includes, but is not limited to the following categories
of service:
• Corporate Aircraft
• Coast Guard
• Historical flights
• Crop Dusting
• Flight Training
• Emergency Operations
IV. Airport Master Plan
Mr. Curry provided an overview of the Airport Master Plan which in part, identifies projects
eligible for construction. He reported a proposed project must demonstrate a "justification,"
including FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) concurrence before it is eligible for
funding by the Administration.
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February 5, 2013
V. Airport Funding & Grant Assurances
Mr. Curry provided an overview Airport Funding including but not limited to:
• Passenger tickets
• Cargo fees
• Fuel sales
• Rental Car fees
• Landing Fees
• Parking Fees
• Building leases
• Grants
• Hangar Leases
He provided an overview on the parameters for grant funding, including how it is subject to
39 "assurances" or "conditions."
VI. Immokalee Regional Airport
Mr. Curry provided an overview of the Immokalee Regional Airport including:
a. Overview& Priorities
Overview
• The airport property contains 1,382 acres.
• It houses 2 runways, 5000 feet in length and 150 feet wide.
• It is open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with after hours service if necessary.
• It is home to Enterprise Rent -a- Car, the Balloons Over Paradise Festival, a
turbine jet testing facility.
• A lighting rehabilitation project was completed to improve safety for nighttime
operations.
Priorities
• Design, Bid and Reconstruction of Runway 9/27.
• Purchase a Jet Refueler.
• Terminal Building Security updates.
• Rehabilitation of Runway 18/36.
• Rehabilitate Taxiway A.
b. Economic Impact
Based on a 2010 Florida Economic Development Study, the annual economic impact of
airport operations was determined to be $7.7M, with a 2013 estimate of $ l OM.
c. Compliance Issues
Mr. Curry reported on FAA non - compliance issues including:
• The Immokalee Regional Raceway.
• South Florida Water Management District: eight open permits dating back to
1995.
• Airport Hangar Use.
• Unapproved Grass Landings.
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February 5, 2013
d. Runway Rehabilitation Design Project
Mr. Curry noted a 2011 Florida Department of Transportation Study rated the runway
surfaces "36 out of a 100" possible grade. The Airport does not currently meet Federal
Safety Standards and a design has been developed to upgrade the runways.
Tom Vergo, Airport Manager, provided an overview of the design plans which include
upgrading the surface, decoupling the existing runways and relocating the thresholds.
Sergio Lopez, FAA, South Florida Flight Standards District Office, introduced
himself to the Commissioners and Staff and reported if he can be of any assistance in any
matters, do not hesitate to contact him.
VII. Marco Island Executive Airport
Mr. Curry provided an overview of the Marco Island Executive Airport including:
a. Overview& Priorities
Overview
• The airport is located on 67.4 acres and has a 5000 foot runway.
• It primarily provides service for corporate airplanes and the Civil Air Patrol.
• A taxiway improvement, and apron expansion/relocation project was completed
in December of 2010.
Priorities
• Mitigation Monitoring and Maintenance.
• Design, Bid and Rehabilitation of Runway 17/35 North and Northwest aprons.
• Construction of Runway 17/35 North and Northwest aprons.
• Construct Avgas Fueling facility.
• Amend Marco Shores PUD.
b. Economic Impact
Based on a 2010 Florida Economic Development Study, the annual economic impact of
airport operations was determined to be $20M.
c. Runway Rehabilitation Design Project
Bob Tweedie, Airport Manager reported a 2011 Florida Department of Transportation
Study rated the runway surfaces "36 out of a 100" possible grade. He provided an
overview of the design for improving the surface of the runway.
VIII. Everglades Airpark
Mr. Curry provided an overview of the Everglades Airpark including:
a. Overview& Priorities
Overview
• The airport is located on 29 acres and has a 2400 foot runway.
• There is one business entity, a tour operator.
• It supports 5000 annual operations.
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February 5, 2013
Priorities
• Final Design, Bid and Construction of the South Taxiway.
• Mitigation Maintenance and Monitoring.
• Environmental Mitigation and Recon and widening of Runway 15/34.
• Design, Permit and Bid Runway Reconstruction Widening.
• Replace Avgas self - service fuel system.
b. Economic Impact
Based on a 2010 Florida Economic Development Study, the annual economic impact of
airport operations was determined to be $933K.
c. Taxiway Construction Project
Mr. Curry provided an overview of the Taxiway Construction Project designed to
enhance safety at the airport.
IX. Grant Awards
Mr. Curry reported the Authority has received $9.3M in Grants since 2008 with $13M
expected next year for the Immokalee and Marco Island airports' runway rehabilitation
projects.
X. General Fund Transfers
Mr. Curry reported historically, General Fund Transfers have decreased, while operation
expenses increase. In FY 2006, there was $596K of transfers with $528 slated for FYI 3.
XI. Strategic Alternatives
Strategic Alternative:
• Management by the Board of County Commissioners as the Airport Authority
• Public Private Partnerships
• Transferring Ownership of Everglades City Airport
• Combining all airports (City and County) under 1 Authority
Short term considerations:
• To increase jet based traffic.
• Promote aeronautical business types (flight training schools, aircraft maintenance
facilities, etc.).
• Promote non — aeronautical business types (non- aviation business opportunities,
leasing oil and mineral rights, etc.).
• Forming business partnership (Seminole Casino, Marco Island Marriot, Hilton Hotels,
etc.).
• Improve customer relations.
Long Range Opportunities:
• Service of Air Cargo overflow from Miami International Airport.
• Future trade opportunities with Cuba.
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February 5, 2013
Break. 10:00 am.
Reconvened: 10: 05 a.m.
XII. Conclusions and Closing Remarks
Chairman Hiller reported remarks should center on the general direction foreseen for the
County's airports, goals of the individual airports and privatization of the airports.
The Authority Members noted:
• The purpose of the Authority is to maintain airport operations into the future to
benefit the residents of the County.
• If any airports are privatized, the County will lose control of the facilities, levels of
service may decrease, and grant funds previously obtained may need to be paid back.
• Public airports are an essential fabric of society, which may not turn profits, but
return direct and/or indirect social and economic benefits to the public.
• In order for the Immokalee airport to reach its full potential economic benefit, overall
transportation infrastructure must be improved such as the I -75 bypass.
The BCC discussed with Staff the status of the grass landing areas at Immokalee Airport, the
feasibility of outsourcing some airport operations and the status and/or requirements for
repayment of the $20M loan.
The BCC, Staff and Authority discussed:
• The downfall in the concept for utilizing FAA funding wherein, in order to obtain
funding for improvements, a demand for the improvements must be demonstrated. In
many cases, the improvements must be in place to attract potential businesses that
will serve the public or private sector.
• The need for funding through public /private partnerships wherein both parties can
benefit from improved infrastructure or services (Arthrex, Immokalee Casino, etc.).
Chairman Hiller recommended any Commissioner who wishes to further advance any
items, bring them forth as formal action items for consideration by the Board of County
Commissioners.
Speakers:
Immokalee Regional Airport
Marvin Courtright expressed concern on general airport operations.
Kristina Kulpa expressed concern on the status of leases at the airport.
Gregory Shepard expressed concern on the status of leases at the airport.
Larry Fox expressed concern on an "unfriendly" business environment at the airport
Mike Schumann, expressed concern on the current design for the runway improvements in
relations to expenses and FAA requirements.
Harold Weeks, Collier County NAACP, supports the work undertaken by Chris Curry.
Jim Kalbach, resident, has experience in public airport authorities and offered assistance.
Duane Truitt, reported current airport operations fulfill his need as a private pilot.
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February 5, 2013
Marco Island Executive Airport
Robert Dellaert, Air Expeditions/Marco Aviations, Inc. reported he is now operating a
Sea Plane tour business out of the facility.
In response to public comments, the Board discussed:
• The perception the Immokalee Regional Airport is "business unfriendly."
• The status of leases at the airport.
Mr. Curry reported, there is a standardized lease template available for tenants, however
they are altered based on the tenants and County's needs. The format and current rate
structure contained in some existing leases may not be approved under current FAA
standards. Some tenants have continued under a "month to month" format.
Under BCC discussion, the following was noted:
1. Any interested parties, if they so desire, may submit recommendations on how to make
the environment at Immokalee Regional Airport more "business friendly. "
2. Staff/The Authority may not have clear direction from the BCC on their expectations
for the airports. This should be addressed by the Board to ensure there is an
established set of goals with related policies to be implemented to guide Staff as they
manage day -to -day operations.
There being no further business for the good of the County, the Workshop was
adjourned by order of the chair at 12:20 P.M.
BOARD OF COUNTY
Georgia Hiller
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These minutes apprgved by the Board/Committee on Z i Z O I!>
as presented ✓ or as amended
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