The following were discussed:
1)The Wetlands Mitigation Preliminary Report. The contractor reported the airport wetlands were "in bad shape" but they could be fixed; and are a viable site for a mitigation bank. The "service area" would stretch north past Daphne, south to Orange Beach, east to Fish River and west to Theodore. The contractor recommended the next step: taking his findings to the Army Corp. of Engineering for their input (yea/nay/maybe).
A lengthy discussion followed about the County's plan to improve drainage culverts under CR 32 and it's potential effect on the airport property/ proposed wetland mitigation bank--downstream.
Further consideration was deemed necessary and no action was taken by the Authority.
2) A "Mission Statement" for the Authority was adopted--as directed by the City Council. One member suggested it be modified "later" to be more "ecologically friendly."
3) Establishing an Aviation Vocational Academy was discussed. There was to be a meeting tomorrow--8:30AM, Nix Center-- with the County School Board and other interested parties. The Academy would primarily serve high school students; but the "problem is funding, as usual"--according to one Member present.
4) The proposed new General Aviation Terminal was discussed. According to Chairman Zunk, it would cost between $600K to $1.6 million; but some matching funding possibly could be obtained from the FAA/state.
One Member expressed concern--given current national economic conditions-- the Authority would not be able to take over the nearly $500,000 yearly debt service the City is currently funding for it --within the agreed to (remaining) 3.5 year time frame; and worried about any more spending by the Authority (Zunk essentially concurred).
5) A financial report was given by Chairman Zunk. The checking account contained $159K, $245K was in the construction fund, and $200K in a CD-- for a grand total of $445K (end of Jan.). The authority was "tracking on budget" according to Zunk.
(6 Chairman Zunk revealed the Mayor will nominate Howard Hadley--CEO and President of Segers Aero. Corp.--to fill a currently vacant seat on the Authority; and that his own term as Chairman will expire this Sept.
Segers Aero. Corp. owns property/real estate near the Airport--currently the location of its North American Headquarters--according to earlier media reports.
legitimate corrections appreciated
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