Airport Authority

Athens Ben Epps Airport Authority Meeting March 26, 2024, 3:00PM Minutes Live Stream on ACCGOV YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/live/5Y2p7xQVEfI?feature=share In attendance: Mike Mathews, Jeff Benjamin, Grant Tribble, David Asman, Keith Sanders, Craig Westwood, Niki Jones, Davin Welter, Andrew Bolin (RS&H) Apologies: Diane Napier Note-taker: Davin Welter 1) Chair Update and announcements: Mr. Tribble welcomed the participants and previewed the agenda. 2) January Meeting Minutes: Mr. Tribble called for a vote on the January minutes since we did not meet in February. He noted that February financials were sent by email even though we did not gather in person. The January minutes were approved as submitted, per unanimous vote. Mr. Westwood moved and Mr. Sanders seconded to approve the minutes. 3) Airport Manager Reports a) Financial & Operations Report: Mr. Mathews reported that our financials continue to look good. b) Capital Improvement Project Updates: Mr. Mathews reported that the Mayor has signed the contract for the Self-Serve Avgas Unit installation which should begin next week. All of the contracts are signed for the Taxiway Alpha project and that project should begin at the beginning of May. Mr. Mathews reported that we are on the GDOT list for refurbishing Taxiway Bravo but he stated that he is working to switch it for the parking lot project. The final inspection of phase one of the fencing project was held and it passed. The 2-20 project had about $200,000 leftover and GDOT is allowing us to use it to continue the fencing project. The parking lot project will add about 70 spaces. The major issues with this project is going to be the earth work. Mr. Bolin provided further information on the Taxiway Alpha project which will begin on May 6. All seems to be on track and construction will take about 138 days which would have the project ending in mid- September. The tower project continues to be a reality but may take more time than expected. The beacon replacement will occur when the new tower is constructed. Mr. Asman reported that the work that was done to brighten the beacon seems to have made a difference. c) Marketing & Outreach: Mr. Welter reported that we continue to give tours to schools and have one this week. 4) Old Business a) None 5) New Business a) None 6) Standing Committees: Issues & Updates a) Business/Finance: Mr. Sanders had no updates b) Operating: Mr. Asman had no updates. c) Air Service Development/Marketing: Report on Mead and Hunt Conference. Mr. Mathews reported that he and Mr. Welter had one-on-one meeting with American, Breeze, Avelo, and Allegiant. The pilot shortage continue to impact the industry. Mr. Mathews is hopeful that  commercial service with American is still a strong possibility. Mr. Mathews hopes to make a trip to American headquarters in Dallas in the next four to five months. American is still very interested in using regional jets to provide regional service. Charlotte is also a key hub for American and they are expanding this hub. Mr. Mathews and Mr. Welter also had a good meeting with the US Department of Transportation official. 7) Other Business: a) The next meeting will be held on April 30, 2024, 3-5 p.m., in the conference room in the Flight Center Building. The reason for the change is because Mr. Mathews and Mr. Welter will be at the Association of Georgia General Aviation Airports conference in Columbus. b) Mr. Mathews reported that we are going to have a Mass Casualty Event on Tuesday, April 22 to help train the entire community to deal with a potential emergency. Mr. Mathews also said that we are looking at a company to implement a landing fee which would not impact based customers or smaller aircraft. 8) Adjourn: 3:47 PM Mr. Asman made a motion and Mr. Benjamin seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously. Minutes Approved, DATE: Grant Tribble, Authority Chair Davin Welter________________________