Richland-Lexington Airport District

The meeting included an executive session to discuss proposed contractual agreements with Paradies and Carolina Concessions. Following the executive session, the committee agreed in principle to both proposals received, subject to final contract acceptance by staff and the attorney, with both contract terms limited to ten years. The Chair noted his dissent, favoring the standard industry practice of issuing an RFP for concessions every seven to ten years to assess market options and innovations.

The Commission Meeting involved several significant actions. The Commission approved the appointment of Lynne Douglas as the Commission Secretary, following the resignation of Ms. Ferguson. The September 2021 Financial Report noted that Year to Date Enplanements were at 302,692, with significant CARES funding drawdown, and projected total annual enplanements potentially hitting 412,000. Key committee reports included the Operations Committee recommending the Wildlife Mitigation Policies and Procedures document for executive review, and the Finance Committee discussing the proposed sale of Site 15 (approximately 70 acres) to Magnus Development Properties, with further inquiry pending regarding leasing options. The Finance Committee also recommended approval of the conservative FY 2022 Budget Proposal, which projected 501,000 enplanements compared to 235,000 in the prior year's budget. Staff reports highlighted increasing enplanements and the return of the Delta nonstop flight to LaGuardia. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to review the Executive Director and General Counsel contracts, resulting in an accepted salary change for the Executive Director and a revised hourly rate of $400 for the General Counsel.

The meeting included approval of the overall agenda. Key discussions focused on the Finance Committee's recommendation to counter an offer for Site 11A (Cason Development Group) with a price of $245,000, down from the initial $290,000 offer. The January 2023 Financial Report highlighted an increase in cash due to a CRSSA reimbursement draw and noted changes in debt structure, including the retirement of bonds related to terminal remodeling. Air service updates included American Airlines adding daily nonstop service to Chicago, returning seasonal service to Miami, and beginning service to New York/LaGuardia. American Airlines will also upgrade service to Dallas. Staff reported on early engagement with SkyDrive regarding electric Vertical Take Off and Landing vehicle technology and provided an update on the completion of the CIBS Project. The Commission Chair discussed planning for an upcoming Commission retreat in April. In public comments, a representative from Carolina Express I, LLC, raised concerns regarding ground transportation operations and fees, which were referred to the Operations Committee for briefing by Chief Martin. Additionally, a concessionaire expressed excitement to move forward with construction after contract signing.

Key discussions included the Finance Committee's recommendation to accept the bid from McClam & Associates for the Apron Project, contingent upon legal review, and to proceed with the TSA Checkpoint Expansion Architectural Design Project, also pending legal approval. The committee also addressed a request from Paradies for a ten-year contract extension involving planned capital expenditures. The Commission accepted the 2021 Audit, which resulted in an unmodified audit opinion with no internal control deficiencies. The May 2022 Financial Report highlighted strong enplanement growth compared to the previous year and 2019, noting heavy capital expenditures for the in-line baggage project. Staff reports covered strong passenger numbers but noted potential impacts from rising fuel costs. The Director reported on competing for over $200 million in Airport Terminal Program funding for projects like TSA Checkpoint enhancement and Customs facility upgrades. A sub-committee was appointed to review the Governance Manual.

Key discussions included the recommendation and subsequent approval of Bri Ferguson as the Commission Secretary, following queries regarding her role and potential impact on Affirmative Action initiatives. Commissioners were reminded to submit their annual Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Forms. The financial reports for November and December showed strong cash-on-hand (325 days), with revenues and expenses under budget. Discussions clarified the use of remaining CARES Act Funding to offset operational costs, with approximately $8.0M remaining for 2021. The Finance Committee recommended accepting the financing terms offered by Ameris Bank for the In-Line Baggage System funding ($10.8M plus contingency), which the Commission unanimously approved. Chairman's report highlighted a significant decrease in passenger enplanements (around 58% overall) but an increase in air freight (up 10% due to FedEx and UPS growth), and noted the achievement of GBAC Star Facility Accreditation. Staff reported on the installation of new escalators and the ongoing need for funding for the 302 Connection Beautification Project. The Commission entered Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter and subsequently approved extending the employment agreement for the Director, Mr. Gula, through May 22, 2024.