MINUTES
OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE INDIAN WELLS VALLEY AIRPORT DISTRICT
June 1, 2005
This meeting was tape recorded and the tape is on file at the
airport office.
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Michael Mohn called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Present: Directors Bozack, Farris, Mohn, Rosenthal and Wallum.
Also present were District Manager Nancy Bass, Assistant Manager
Scott Seymour, and District Counsel Mr. Scott Nave through telephone
conferencing. Member of the public Ms. Ruth Justis was also present.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Director Mohn led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 6, 2005 and
waive further reading of the Minutes.
B. Approval/ratification of the Payment Registers of May 4 and
June 1, 2005.
C. Approval of Financial Reports for March and April, 2005.
D. Authorization of payment to Kern County Auditor/Controller
in the amount of $6121.45 for the cost of the 2004 election.
Motion was made by Director Rosenthal, seconded by Director
Wallum, TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED. Motion
was passed by voice vote: 5 ayes.
4.A. PUBLIC HEARING/ACTION: IMPOSITION OF PASSENGER FACILITY
CHARGE
The staff report was provided to those present, including the
history of the fee, proposed use of the funds received, and requirements
for the imposition of the fee.
The public hearing was opened by the President at 7:08 p.m.,
and there was no public comment. The public hearing was closed
at 7:10 p.m.
Ms. Bozack asked for the date when the fee would take effect.
Ms. Bass replied that this depends on how soon approval is received
from the FAA, as it must be advertised in the Federal Register.
Director Rosenthal stated that the PFC is good because of the
ability to use the funds as matching funds for grants, and he
added that with the addition of jobs at China Lake the passengers
will probably increase so more revenue will be provided. Director
Mohn said this is a user fee, and this is a good way to raise
the funds for matching the grant income. Ms. Bass added that
there have never been complaints about the fee in the past, and
in fact, the passengers appreciated the fact that the funds remained
at Inyokern for use. Director Wallum asked about the amount of
revenue that will be generated. At the present passenger count,
this would be about fifty thousand dollars annually, which would
provide matching funds for a million dollars in grant money.
In answer to a question from Director Mohn, Ms. Bass explained
that the fee can be imposed by the first two airports used in
a passenger itinerary. Inyokern is always the first departure
point, so all passengers pay the fee.
The Board members had a short discussion. Following discussion,
motion was made by Director Rosenthal, seconded by Director Farris, TO
MAKE APPLICATION TO THE F.A.A. FOR THE IMPOSITION OF A PASSENGER
FACILITY CHARGE IN THE AMOUNT OF $4.00 PER PASSENGER. Motion
was approved: 5 ayes.
4.B. REVIEW/DISCUSSION/ACTION: FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006 BUDGET
The proposed budget for fiscal year 2005-2006 was submitted
by the manager. Directors Bozack and Wallum, the Finance Committee,
met and reviewed the budget. Ms. Bozack explained the possible
decrease in concession revenue as it is uncertain if the Dust
Devils will be able to continue following the airport certification.
Ms. Bass explained that the guard rails are in the Air Carrier
Movement Safety Area and they may have to be removed but it may
be possible to devise some other method of pleasing the NHRA
and the insurance carrier. Ms. Bozack explained that the water
income is actually a pass through, as the tenants are only charged
what the airport is charged. The advertising space has been in
the budget for a few years with no one purchasing any, and this
item will be removed.
Director Bozack inquired about the tax revenue as she is not
able to understand why Inyokern does not receive this. Mr. Nave
explained that the District could receive some tax revenue if
every other agency receiving funds would agree to give up a portion
of their revenues. Mr. Nave said that theoretically this is possible,
but it is actually impossible to achieve 100% agreement. Mr.
Wallum said he thinks it might be possible for the District to
have an election to see if the Valley citizens would approve
a parcel tax for the airport. Following a short discussion, Ms.
Bass said she would explore the requirements for this option.
Director Wallum explained that the fuel revenue has increased,
but the expense also increased. The profit per gallon will remain
the same.
Ms. Bass explained the cost of her vacation and sick leave
at the time of her retirement at the end of December, which could
be, with payroll taxes, as high as $16,000.00. In discussion
with Mr. Gary Cox, he suggested that an annuity would be a solution
to the large pay out, as there would be no payroll taxes and
it could be paid in monthly payments over a longer period. Ms.
Bass has agreed to this and Mr. Nave will draw up documents protecting
both the District and Ms. Bass when she gives up her rights to
the pay out. The annuity documents will be brought to the Board
for approval at a time close to the retirement date so the amount
will then be known.
The salary cost budgeted allows for Ms. Bass’ salary for six
months, Mr. Seymour becoming the new General Manager, two part
time (25 hours weekly each) maintenance/fuelers, and an Administrative
Assistant who would overlap with Ms. Bass for one month. The
two maintenance/fuelers will permit seven day a week coverage
at the airport which has been desired by the Board and will be
required by the federal airport certification.
Vehicle expense includes the sales tax and extended warranty
for the Ford Escape which is being paid with an APCD grant. Mr.
Seymour brought out that the cost of the vehicle received from
the dealer may include the tax, and if this is correct the cost
to the District will be less as the grant is for the bid price
from the dealer. This hybrid vehicle will get better mileage
than the existing District vehicles and the Bronco will be scrapped.
The election expense was discussed and there is no election
next year so no funds are budgeted. The cost of the absentee
ballots is allowable as a Mandated Cost, should the State ever
pay these funds again.
Capital projects are listed on the last page of the budget.
The PFC funds listed are already in hand for use in the completion
of the security project. The new PFC funds are not listed, as
they will probably not be spent in this fiscal year anyway.
Ms. Bozack asked if the amount for advertising could be increased
in order to advertise for the new positions in large publications.
It was explained that this would be very expensive and it is
unlikely that anyone would relocate for a part time job that
pays only eight dollars per year. Ms. Bozack also suggested advertising
the airport vacant spaces in aviation publications. There is
no guarantee that the ads would bring response. Ms. Bass said
that these ads are exceedingly expensive. Ms. Bozack said if
the advertising expense is increased, the income figure for rents
and lease should be increased. Mr. Wallum said that there is
not a strict correlation between the advertising expense and
revenues. He believes the budgeted revenue for lease/rent should
be based on existing leases. Following a short discussion, staff
said they would look into this. Mr. Mohn said that this is somewhat
off the agenda item for discussion and said that the marketing
committee can look into this if they so choose.
Ms. Bozack then asked for the computer expense to be increased
to cover a new computer. Ms. Bass said that staff has determined
that they need other items more urgently and purchase of new
office equipment is a staff decision. Mr. Mohn stated that Ms.
Bozack’s comments are good, but staff should be permitted to
decide whether they need a new computer. Ms. Bass said that if
necessary, contingency funds can be used.
Motion was made by Director Rosenthal, seconded by Director
Wallum, TO APPROVE THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006 AS
PRESENTED. Motion was approved with 5 ayes.
4.C. REVIEW OF MISSION STATEMENT, GOALS, AND MARKETING PLAN.
Director Mohn, with the concurrence of the other Directors,
continued this item to the July meeting.
4.D. PERSONNEL: EMPLOYEE POSITIONS
All the Directors agreed that it is good to finally have seven
day employees at the field.
Director Bozack said that she believes it would be good to
have a Technical Support employee position added to the Administrative
Code. After discussion by the Directors it was decided that if
computer technical support is needed, it would be covered under
outside service. Director Wallum pointed out that he recently
was manager of a District with a large number of employees, and
they saved money by hiring a consultant as needed. Director Rosenthal
stated that somebody to do an occasional upgrade does it very
quickly, and it is cheaper to hire the expert occasionally with
outside service funds.
5. DISTRICT COUNSEL - no report.
6. DISTRICT MANAGER
- The District received a thank you letter from the RAF and they
also sent a photograph as a thank you.
- The Fire Department is doing training almost daily, all the
local stations, and they will have an emergency drill following
the completion of the training. There will be a ribbon cutting
on June 23.
- The audit is July 18th and the PFC application will
be prepared this month and submitted.
- The Airport Certification Manual is also completed and submitted
but we anticipate some revisions. The consultants wanted $50,000.00
for this job which was done in-house, saving the consulting fees.
- Mr. Wallum’s picture is now on the wall.
- Mr. Seymour is doing the work for the fuel facility replacement,
and he is checking into a loan for the matching funds for the
grant, which will probably be a million dollars. The new facility
will be at the south fuel tank location and the old asphalt can
be replaced within the grant for that job. The old tanks, both
north and south, will be removed. The new tanks will be above
ground and must be in place by 2008. Mr. Mohn asked about a central
fueling location, and Mr. Seymour is looking at that for convenience.
Ms. Bass pointed out that the price of asphalt depends on the
price of oil, so concrete may be as economical and far more practical
in the desert environment. Mr. Seymour added that there may be
some remedial environmental clean-up when the tanks are removed,
also included in the grant project.
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS
FINANCE AND PERSONNEL: The committee reported above during
the budget discussion.
AD HOC COMMITTEE – TOUR OF KERN VALLEY AIRPORT AND BISHOP
AIRPORT
Director Mohn provided written comments on the tours
and said how much the participants enjoyed them. There is a
tour of California City Airport tentatively scheduled for June
17th, which is a flex Friday. Mr. Seymour will check
with California City about this date. The participants could
meet for lunch and then tour the airport.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Justis, for the Daily Independent, said that the paper is
working on an article regarding the increase in local population
with Base expansion and they will want some information about
possible increase in air service. Ms. Bass said that Skywest
Airlines has been advised of the possible increase in passenger
traffic, and they can add airplanes to their schedule if needed.
Ms. Bass added that they just got some new equipment and the
new boarding ramp is very impressive. Ms. Justis also asked about
the destination, which is only LAX, and the number one final
destination is Washington, D.C. Ms. Bass added that the passengers
like to depart from Inyokern as they don’t have to go back through
security at LA and there is no charge for parking at Inyokern.
9. BOARD COMMENT
DIRECTOR MOHN: Mr. Mohn repeated that the airport tours
are excellent, both fun and informative.
DIRECTOR WALLUM: Mr. Wallum agreed with Mr. Mohn’s remarks
about the tours.
DIRECTOR BOZACK: Ms. Bozack stated that the Fly-in
in April was just great. Ms. Bozack also mentioned that there
is a luncheon on June 11 in Bakersfield with Assemblyman McCarthy
about the potential implications from the increase at China Lake.
Ms. Bass informed the Board that there is a meeting scheduled
in Ridgecrest at Supervisor McQuiston’s office regarding this
and the District plans to participate in that meeting.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Director Wallum, seconded by Director Rosenthal, TO
ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF INDIAN
WELLS VALLEY AIRPORT DISTRICT OF June 1, 2005 at 8:20 P.M. Motion
was approved by voice vote: 5 ayes
Submitted by:
Nancy Bass, Executive Secretary
|
