Macon County Airport Authority Minutes of the Regular Meeting on April 29th, 2008 The Macon County Airport Authority met on April 29th, 2008, in its office at 1241 Airport Road, Franklin, North Carolina. Member Schmitt was absent. All other members were present. Also present were Monty Beck, AA Legal Counsel; Teresa McDowell, Macon County; Neal Hoppe and Peggy Milton, airport FBO; Steve Walker, WK Dickson; Mark S. Davis-NC DOT-Environmental Officer; Brian Burch, DOT; Wesley Grindstaff, DOT; Tony Wheeler, Macon County News; Narell Kirkland, citizen. MINUTES: Upon a motion by Member Corbin, seconded by Member Haithcock, the minutes of the meeting held February 26th, 2008 and March 25th, 2008 were unanimously approved. AGENDA ITEM #3: ROAD MOVING PROJECT UPDATE: Mr. Grindstaff spoke to the issues the AA is experiencing in connection with the road moving project. Mr. Grindstaff stated that the Corp. of Engineers will need to be involved based on wetland indicators in the vicinity of the proposed road way. Mr. Davis stated that the new road alignment meets all the criteria for wetlands. Purpose and need documentation indicating the justification for the roadway movement will be necessary. The project will then have to be permitted for construction to begin. There is a tentative delay of 120-180 days for delineation, before permitting. These issues will have to be addressed and incorporated into the EA, which in turn will slow down the EA process for the runway. Member Jenkins suggested that the roadway project be delayed based on the complications that have developed, as well as the related, possible delay of the runway project. Chair Gregory stated that the AA feels comfortable with delaying the road moving project until more information is provided by the engineers. AGENDA ITEM #4: W.K. DICKSON CONTRACT DISCUSSION: Steve Walker of W.K. Dickson presented a letter of explanation/scope change in connection with the Macon County Airport Environmental Assessment (NCDOA Grant #36237.1.5.2). The letter involves a reallocation of project funds in order to complete the EA. After a discussion, Member Corbin made a motion to approve the amendment as presented. Member Jenkins seconded and it passed by unanimous consent. (See Attached) AGENDA ITEM #5: AIRPORT ASSOCIATION MEETING ATTENDANCE: The Airport Association meeting, scheduled for May 14th, 15th, and 16th will be attended by Chairman Gregory and Member Haithcock. Macon County Airport Authority Minutes of Regular Meeting Held 4/29/2008 Page Two AGENDA ITEM #6: OTHER BUSINESS: Member Haithcock presented the Operational Budget for 2008 for approval. After a discussion, Member Jenkins made a motion to approve the budget as presented. Member Corbin seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous consent. Member Haithcock will forward the budget document to Macon County’s Finance Director. (See Attached) After a discussion, Member Haithcock stated that he thinks approximately $5,000.00 will be available, in the Operational Budget, for landscaping for 2008. He suggested that the Authority ask for bids and appropriate funding. Member Corbin made a motion to authorize the Chair to receive bids of up to $5,000.00 for landscaping purposes. Member Haithcock seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous consent. Chair Gregory stated that Dean Blanton from King Electric has stated that all obstruction lights have been repaired with the exception of one. Repairs will be done to the remaining light on April 30th, 2008. This particular light was struck by lightning, and Member Haithcock suggests that the Authority see if insurance will cover the resulting repairs. Member Haithcock stated that the airport tug has been taken for necessary repairs, and should be repaired and returned in the near future. Narell Kirkland presented a proposal to construct a wind power/solar power prototype, 25 feet in height, on the far end of the airport property. Ms. Kirkland stated that they wanted to test the prototype, and that it would be readily disassembled upon testing completion. Chair Gregory stated that the Airport Authority will take this proposal under consideration. Upon motion by Member Jenkins, seconded by Member Corbin and upon unanimous approval, the Authority convened to executive session at 4:52 to discuss the progress of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Airport Authority and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. After a discussion, Member Jenkins made a motion to return to open session at 5:05 pm. Member Corbin seconded the motion, which was approved by unanimous consent. Upon reconvening in open session, Chair Gregory stated that no action was necessary regarding the executive session discussion. There being no further business, Member Jenkins made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:13. Member Corbin seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous consent. Respectfully submitted __________________________________________ Pete Haithcock