Airport Authority

Athens Airport Authority Meeting September 24, 2019 3:00 p.m. Athens Flight Center - Conference Room Authority: Lester Shindelman, Chair David Asman, Robert Miles, Michael Pierce Airport: Mike Mathews, Airport Director Josh Edwards, ACC Assistant Manger A. Public Comments: N/A B. Approval July Authority Minutes: Approved as submitted. C. Chairman Update: Mr. Shindelman reflected back on the progress made during the month and also reviewed the meeting agenda. D. Airport Manager Reports a. Financial Report: Mr. Mathews reviewed the monthly report as of 8/31/19. b. Operations Report: The operations report compiled with data received from the Control Tower Chief has been updated and was reviewed. c. Project Updates: Mr. Mathews reported that he has sent the work authorization to the ACC Managers for approval to begin the survey and geo-tech phase of the 3 upcoming projects (Taxiway A, Runway 2/20 and ROFA). He also noted that the Localizer Relocation Project has been approved and the contractor will begin work within the next week. d. Marketing & Outreach Activities: Mr. Mathews noted that he and Mr. Shindelman will host an informational table at the Envision Athens meeting tonight. It was also noted that the Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their mid-year meeting at the former Colvin Hangar during the first week of October. E. Old Business a. Website & FB Page Update: The website is progressing according to the project schedule. The FB page will be online before the October Authority meeting. b. SPLOST “Vote Strategy”: Mr. Miles noted that the Citizen’s Advisory Committee has been charged with community awareness concerning the vote and the projects that are on the referendum. Members will be attending many different community events in order to gain support and raise awareness. c. Lexington Corridor Update: Mr. Shindelman noted that the study that was released from the consultants included uses for the Airport’s land that fronts Lexington Road and was purchased using SPLOST funds for construction of a commercial terminal. Mr. Mathews noted that he has spoken with ACC management and has reported to them that this is Airport controlled land and is listed on the Airport’s layout plan and is federally obligated under the FAA Grant Assurance Program. Therefore, release of this land for  any purpose other than Airport use will have to receive approval from the FAA for release of land. d. Bylaws Change-Chairman Election Date: Mr. Mathews noted that the ACC Attorney reported that amending the election date will have to be approved through a change to the enabling legislation at the State level. F. Business, Finance & Planning Committee a. Strategic Plan Monitoring: Mr. Shindelman distributed a spreadsheet outlining the goals and initiatives. Discussion was held concerning the status of each G. Operations Committee a. Strategic Goal #4.3: Utilize UGA Students for Projects: Mr. Shindelman noted that he has established a contact with UGA, and they will be posting a job description for the students and also disseminating for the faculty in Grady College to assist with assembling the Airport’s Annual Report. He is also working with Terry College concerning the marketing component of the Airport. b. Strategic Goal #4.4: Athens Tech Partnership Update: Mr. Mathews noted that he has sent an email to Dr. Daniel, President of Athens Tech, but to date has not received a return response. He will continue to work to arrange a conference call or a meeting with her and her staff. It has been determined that a new school cannot be built on Airport property, it must be built on private/school property; therefore, continued discussion will be held to discern if the Airport would have an interest in proceeding if not a true direct benefit. H. Air Service Development Committee a. Strategic Goal #2.1: Recruit Scheduled Air Service SCASDP: Mr. Shindelman noted that an award announcement should be made after Thanksgiving. b. Strategic Goal #4.2: Update-Communications Plan for Community Outreach & Engagement: Mr. Shindelman distributed handouts outlining the tactics/tool summary and strategy to follow in order to develop a successful communications plan. An activities and events draft for brainstorming to market the Airport to the community was also distributed. A work session will be held after the regular October Authority meeting to discuss these events further. I. New Business: N/A J. Adjourn: 4:15 p.m. Respectfully Submitted ____________________________ Angela Dalton, Secretary