SUBJECT:
Title
AEDAB and Staff Recommendation on Airport Contracts
Body
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
Department
PRESENTER(S): Todd Fessenden, Public Works Director
Paul Houghtaling, AEDAB Chair
First Name, Last Name, Title
TIME ESTIMATE: 30 minutes
only required for non-consent items
POLICY ISSUES:
The Town of Erie has a stated goal of transparency and clear structures in how it conducts operations, including its operation of Erie Municipal Airport (EIK). The existing contract for management of the Airport and Fixed Base Operation (FBO), though it may have served the Town well for many years, needs updating to better define roles and create a clearer financial picture. In addition, the Federal Aviation Authority, which retains oversight of EIK, prefers to see airport management and FBO contracts separated so one can be changed or terminated without affecting the other.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff and the Airport Economic Development Advisory Board (AEDAB) will make a joint recommendation to the Board for preferred path forward.
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
The Town of Erie entered into an agreement with ABS Aviation Consultancy, Inc dba Airport Business Solutions to review the airport management and FBO services agreement as well as various fee structures and approaches. The Board of Trustees and AEDAB are seeking input on contract structures that would better define the two functions and clarify the arrangement.
Staff engaged ABS in April to make various recommendations in line with best industry practices and meet the Town’s stated goals. ABS attended an AEDAB meeting in August and a Board of Trustees Study Session on Sept. 19 and again on Oct. 10 to gather input from the Board and provide a recommendation. AEDAB meets on Oct. 19 and will discuss and determine a recommendation to the Board, as well as proposed next steps.
Option 1 - Extend/Renegotiate Existing Contract
Option 2 - Town-employed Airport Manager with a Separate FBO Operator/Agreement
Option 3 - Contracted Airport Manager with Separate FBO Operator Agreement
Option 4 - Conduct RFP or Sole Source Airport Management and FBO Operations (Single Entity)
BOARD PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
ü Attractive Community Amenities
ü Prosperous Economy
ü Well-Maintained Transportation Infrastructure
ü Effective Governance
ATTACHMENT:
1. Chapter 8 - Strategic Business Plan and Rate Study