4A Wichita Falls Economic Development Minutes - 09/22/2016MINUTES OF THE
WICHITA FALLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
September 22, 2016
PRESENT:
Dick Bundy, President
Reno (mandarin
Leo Lane
Damon Leger
Dave Lilley
Glenn Barham, Mayor
Brian Hooka, Councilor, District
Stephen Sanctions, Councilor, District
Jesse Berion, candidate for Councilor,
Dimat4(unopposed)
Jim Dockmy, Deputy City Manager
Jt Kinley Beacon, Jr., City Attorney
John Burrus, Director of Aviation, Traffic &
Transportation
John WaltFac Airports Administrator
Linda Merrill. RewNing Secretary
Henry Florshelm, CEO
Kevin Pearson, VP, Economic Development
Ann Arnold-0gdm, Marketing Director
Travis Hagga d, V.P., BR&E
sr FEDC Members
§ Citystaff
§ Chamber ot'Commerce and ltMostry
§
§
I. Call in Order
Dick Bondy called fin meeting to enter at 1158 a.m-
A Approval of Minutes (ARguat 31, 2016)
Ice lave armed to ath mve the minutes. Seconded by limo Gustafson. the motion carried.
3. Airport Update
John Bwus thanked the Board for meeting at the Airpoq and thanked Mr. Gustafson for
providing Iwch.
Khios poo Airport
They are winking with TxDOT on the first phase of the apron expansion to the A3
connection by Cobra Kai, and extending south along the private row of hangam. This phsae will
else address a drainage issue. Phase 2, which is 2-3 years away, will complete the taxiway, and
effectively complete the pavearwt projects at that airport.
ReemalAirpmf
The Taxiway C project lamming Mhmdby aboutfowmmuhs. Thummect superintendent
w
as replaced in early August, and things are now picking tP speed. The project should be
completed by the who oPlhe year.
1 w pmjcars are sill contemplated, but not underway due to lack of muds:
(1) Concrete recommended of the entry on Advancing Drive, with illumination (emimated
two years ago at a sea of $800,000).
(2) Reconstruction ofgenvrl aviation apron (cog of$2 million; local match would be$1.2
million).
Capital toads would typically go to fund these types of pr jects, but those are currently
being used to pay down the debt service.
Second Carrier
There has been a lot of interest in having a second airline carrier a the airport. The
infrastructure Is available at the impar, but It world romme a significant amount of money and
positive enplanement data.
A Southwest Airlines representative said Wichita Falls would have to have eight flights a
day, or 600,000 passengers a year. Wichita Falls correnay has 45,000 passengers a year. He and
Damon Lcikv met with Suet Consulting about a year ago, and was told any airline would respond
a guaranteed revenue of $1 to $2 million,
Airport operating funds could not be used, as the FAA requires they be reinvested back
into capital propects. Darton Ladeor said it isn't es enjust about the money; the economy has to be
growing and enplmements have to be inureasmg. Mr. Boards said local =placement numbers are
down 5%, but the numbers are dawn at non -hub airports across Texas by a higher percentage.
Dave Lilley taken about the possibility of going to another destiuntlon, anther then simply
happened mother carrier to the Memories. He suggested contacting Frontier Airlines for a more to
Denver. Mayor Barham said there would be many people N this community who would love to
have a Eight to add form Denver a couple ofdays aweek Mc Perot said them would still len the
coverage requirement; until Can City has the money in hand, no airline would be interested.
He added that American Eagle has really stepped up its efforts same he, the Mayor, and
Mr. Felker me with them. They have been doing a much Evanston of ground handling. the biggest
complaint had Even in -bound baggage time, and they now haw a success tae of 92-93% in the
10-20-mimmrrange.
Minwuiugthe economic effect ofthe reduced enplanemmts is thechatterbusiness, which
is hnprowing monthly. Them are most charters: San Comlry, Alleglant, name, mM Repuldie, that
provide usimo package flights. People come from the Metroplex and Oklahoma, ohm staying in
Wichita Palls the night before the flight. They me looking to expand destinations m perhaps
Brinson and Disney World.
Mr. Peeper said the airport has the unfimnded reputation of having the highest cancellation
rate of my non -hub airport. Mr. Bmrvs agreed that it is not rue; rather, it is in the ballpark with
all other airports at about 3%,40%. About 2-3 years ago, there were ATRairaall at me airport that
had bean brought in from the Caribbean. They flew well In warm weather, but net In the cold. At
that point, the cancellation rates were over 20'Aa, add that reputation for high cancellation razes
lingers. Only Abilene has abe0erperformance rare, as deet, have an onsite repair and maintenance
facility.. Building amaimenwce repair fadlitymight be a good way to get a secondary sulme here
Mr. Boom said Sheppard AFP xadthe Chymr oy avert, good relati0 nuip. Alotofreaso is
the City bas been able to do what it has done is due to its relationsldp with Sheppard A Ira of The
work hoomaken by Sheppard, such as airfield maintenance, lighting, mowing, lire and rescue,
would orherxdse face to come out of local pockets a a tate of about $450,000 to $1 million per
year. Jim llockery said the good news is that the airport is designated as a military airport, which
opens the door to some grants.
Mr. Brody said Gowned on the Fly has become a destination restru ant. He thanked Jobn
Borzus and his stuff for their hospitality, rod Rom, Gustafson for providing beach,
5. Rxeeutive Session
W. Bandy adjourned the meeting into weeminve session at 12:30 p.m. pumowt to Terns
GOV2RNNmNT CODE section 551D87. He announced the cleating back into regular session at 1:25
p.m. The subjects posted in the Notice of Meeting were deliberated and no action was talent on
these items in executive session.
no cowl meding was scheduled for October 19 at 1130 am. The location is to be
deternindl.
b. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
nick 6 � y. resiadnt