BOARD MEETING – January 8, 2014

The Yellowstone Regional Airport Regular Board Meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m.

Board Present: Chairman Bob Whisonant, Craig Wilbur, Che’ Eissinger, Bryan Edwards, Doug Johnston, Jim Vanaman, and Jack Way.

Absent: None.

Also Present: Bob Hooper, Nancy Werner, Lori Rhodes, Bruce Ransom, Tim Wick, Bucky Hall, Todd Simmons, Bill Holder, Scott Bell, Betsy Simon, Jeremy Gilb, and Mike Witiw.

Pledge of Allegiance

Verification of Quorum: Doug Johnston verified there was a quorum.

Acceptance of Agenda: Chairman Whisonant amended the agenda to be accepted prior to Election of Board Members, and asked for a motion to accept. Craig Wilbur made the motion to accept the amended agenda. Bryan Edwards seconded the motion. All those present voted AYE. Motion carried.

Election of Board Members: Chairman Whisonant presented Bill Holder with plaque for his service to the Board. Craig Wilbur thanked Chairman Whisonant for his service as Chair, and nominated Doug Johnston as Chairman. All those present voted AYE. Nomination approved. Chairman Johnston called for nominations for Vice-Chairman. Bob Whisonant nominated Bryan Edwards for Vice-Chairman, Jim Vanaman seconded the nomination. All those present voted AYE. Nomination approved. Chairman Johnston opened up nominations for Secretary. Jim Vanaman nominated Craig Wilbur, Ché Eissinger seconded. All those present voted AYE. Nomination approved. Chairman Johnston called for nominations for Treasurer. Craig Wilbur nominated Jim Vanaman for Treasurer. Bob Whisonant seconded, all those present voted AYE. Nomination approved.

Reading / Approval of the December 11th 2013 Board Minutes: Chairman Johnston said he had reviewed the minutes and asked for motion to accept the minutes, as written. Bryan Edwards made the motion, Ché Eissinger seconded. All those present voted AYE. Minutes approved.

Review / Approval of Bills and Bank Reconciliations: Ché Eissinger reviewed and agreed with the bank reconcilliations and monthly bills, and expressed concern over increase in audit costs. Ché Eissinger made motion to approve and pay bills. Bob Whisonant seconded the motion. All those present voted AYE. Motion carried.

Committee / Tenant Reports: Chairman Johnston asked the attendees if they had anything to report or had any comments. Todd Simmons reported that Choice Aviation is no longer in Glasgow, Montana, as of December 22nd, 2013. Jeremy Gilb, with GDA Engineers, introduced new Project Manager, Mike Witiw. County Commissioner Bucky Hall welcomed new Board members. Bruce Ransom reported that no flights have been cancelled due to Cody weather. Bruce Ransom gave very positive updates on the new building, and new generator.

Airport Manager’s Report:

Bob Hooper then gave updates on the following:

·  Yellowstone Regional Airport enplanements for 2013 were at 31,009. This is the first time, on record, that the airport has exceeded 30,000. A press release to the fact has been prepared and will be released today.

·  Car Rental Report shows total rental days for December at 1019, down from last year. Rental companies attribute this to shorter vacation stays and the government shutdown. Acquisition of Trifty/Dollar Car Rental, by Hertz Corporation is complete. The Airport has received all outstanding concession fees, and a lease assignment to the new operator is in place. The operation is due to open March 1st, and Hertz is required to submit the guaranteed monthly concession fee, in the interim.

Unfinished Business:


Non-Aviation Commercial Development Property - Bob Hooper spoke with Larry Schmidt, who stated that he is on track with the project.

Snow Removal Equipment Storage Building – Bob Hooper reported that there were no payables on the project, and asked Tim Wick for an update. Tim Wick reported that the back-up generator has been installed, and technicians were on-site last Friday for start-up. Outstanding item is that half of the concrete floor has crazing cracking. Morrison-Maierle, Inc. is requesting that the contractor put diamond hardener on the floor in the spring. Morrison-Maierle, Inc. will get a Letter of Understanding and Agreement between the contractor and the airport before closing out the contract.

GA Ramp Rehab & Expansion Project – Bob Hooper reported that the airport is prepared to do final payment on the project. Tim Wick stated that Morrison- Maierle, Inc. will be releasing the final retainage and is in the process of preparing the closeout report, and will submit it to the airport next week. Bob Hooper requested that the board make a motion to pay AIP 31 Pay Request #6, in the amount of $21,877.60 for Morrison-Maierle, Inc., and WYDOT Grant COD 32D Pay Request #5, in the amount $69,504.75 for T&T Contracting. Chairman Johnston requested a motion to approve, Craig Wilbur made motion, Ché Eissinger seconded. All those present voted AYE. Motion carried.

Runway 4-22 Rehab & Electrical Project – Tim Wick reported that he has submitted Construction Pavement Operation Plan to the FAA. The plan is to close the runway down, after the last flight arrives, and work overnight to complete paving portion of the project prior to the next morning flight departure. The project will have three phases, upgrading and relocating lighting to high-intensity lighting, pavement marking removal, then repainting. There is concern whether new design will need to be put in place to accommodate taxiway changes, causing the cost and time of the project to increase very significantly.

New Business:

Personnel & Policy Manual Revisions - Bob Hooper requested Board consideration and approval of updates and additions to Sections 3.1, 3.1.9, 8.2 and 35 of the Personnel & Policy Manual, as detailed in the Board packet. Chairman Johnston requested a motion to approve, Jim Vanaman made motion, Bob Whisonant seconded. All those present voted AYE. Motion carried.
Financial Auditor Selection - Bob Hooper requested Board direction on whether to retain the current financial auditor, for the next three years, or to use the City of Cody financial auditor as has been the practice, previously. Bob Hooper is recommending retaining the current financial auditor, as they are familiar with the Board financial structure of the organization and have performed very well. Jim Vanaman inquired whether a bid has been requested recently. Bryan Edwards and Jim Vanaman cautioned that new audit groups are labor intensive on the part of the organization. Craig Wilbur, Bob Hooper, Bryan Edwards, and Bob Whisonant agreed that the current financial auditor is very competent and thorough. Ché Eissinger agrees that they do a good job but is concerned with increased cost, and recommended looking into the fee structure of other firms. Chairman Johnston requested a motion to either retain current firm or go out to bid. Craig Wilbur made the motion to retain the current firm, Bryan Edwards seconded. Jim Vanaman, Jack Way, Craig Wilbur, Bob Whisonant, Bryan Edwards voted AYE. Ché Eissinger voted NAY. Motion carried.

United Airlines New Service Land Fee Waiver – Bob Hooper requested Board consideration to waive the $60 per flight landing fee, to CYAir, for service provided on Sunday, non-stop flight to Chicago, for eight weeks this summer. The purpose is to incentivize the new carrier, as it will reduce the Minimum Revenue Guarantee needed to secure the flight. Bob Whisonant made the motion to waive the fee, Jim Vanaman seconded. All those present voted AYE. Motion carried.

Staff & Board Member Update:

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Looking Ahead:

v  Park County Board Procedure Training will be Thursday, February 6th, 2014, 5:30 to 9:00 pm

v  Next Board Meeting Wednesday February 12th, 2014, 8:00 am

v  WAOA will host a reception during the legislative session on February 16th, in Cheyenne. Bob Hooper invited Board members to attend.


Executive Session:

Craig Wilbur made the motion to move into Executive Session, to discuss matters of National Security regarding TSA. Jim Vanaman seconded the motion. All those present voted AYE. Motion carried. Bob Whisonant made the motion to move out of Executive Session, Bryan Edwards seconded the motion. All those present voted AYE. Motion carried

Adjournment:

Jim Vanaman made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Ché Eissinger seconded. All those present voted AYE. Meeting was adjourned at 8:57 am.


Board Workshop/Retreat:


Bob Hooper presented on certification, safety, and training requirements.

Respectfully submitted,

Lori Rhodes

Office Administration Assistant

Approved By,

Craig Wilbur

Secretary, Joint Powers Board

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