New commissioner, accolades focus of airport meeting

story by Aric Mitchell
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The Fort Smith Regional Airport Commission bid farewell to one of its own at Tuesday night’s meeting. Commissioner Ryan Carter accepted an out-of-state position and resigned his post on the Commission. The former treasurer was not in attendance.

The board voted unanimously to grant Mac McGee the vacated position. McGee also helped with assembly of the 2012 proposed budget, which was introduced at the Oct. 25 meeting.

Commissioners have until Nov. 10 to review the proposed budget and submit questions, comments and concerns. Airport Executive Director John Parker will present a new draft at the Nov. 22 meeting. From there, the Commission will review and determine whether any further changes are needed. If not, the 2012 Budget could be affirmed by vote in November.

Notable capital outlay expenditures in the 2012 budget include a $36,000 light replacement project. Parker noted that all outdoor overhead lights in the parking lot will be replaced with more energy efficient LED lamps. The new bulbs have an 80,000 hour life expectancy (approximately 21 years of use at 10 hours per day).

Other major capital outlay expenditures will include two new 15-feet Bush Hogs for a total cost of $31,000 and a replacement of the Airport 6 pickup truck for approximately $33,000.

On the topic of airport vehicles, the Commission also agreed to accept two bids from Randall Ford totaling around $77,000 for replacement of an 11-year old GMC Jimmy, and a 16-year old maintenance pickup truck. The 2011 budget projected a cost of $78,000, so the bids were lower than expected.

In other news, American Eagle will divest from American Airlines upon acceptance of the upcoming 2012 lease with Fort Smith Regional, though the lease will still be assigned to American Airlines. The agreement is still under advisement of counsel, but Parker told the Commission these agreements are “pretty standard” and he expected no complications.

One lease that will not renew for next year is that of the Runway Cafe. Parker said the current owners will vacate at the end of the year and the Airport is in talks with “other interested parties,” but there is nothing definite at this time.

With three-quarters of the 2011 budget completed, operating revenues for the Airport are at 78.4% of the budgeted amount against 80.7% from the same time last year. Operating expenses are at 68.2% against 66% from the same period last year.

Before the Commission entered into executive session, Parker wanted to thank a number of people and organizations for their “help in making the Air Show a success.” Included in Parker’s thanks were the Community Council, Chuck Fawcett, Jan Burd, the Airport Commission, the entire Airport staff, and “especially the 188th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard,” Parker said.

Col. Tom Anderson of the 188th was on hand to present the Commission with his commendation.

“On behalf of the 188th and the world’s finest aerial demonstration, the Thunderbirds, I’d like to thank you for the support you provided during the Air Show,” Anderson said. “Many of our people as well as many of the Thunderbird team commented that the treatment they received here was the best, and several of the Thunderbirds said this was their favorite air show. That really bodes well for the Commission’s leadership, Mr. Parker’s leadership, and just all the great work everyone here does.”

Following the mention, the Commission entered into executive session to review Parker’s performance as director. Following the session, acting chairman M. Scott Archer told Parker, “We find your performance to be exemplary, and really appreciate your service to this airport and to the people that you lead. We just ask you to continue doing what you do.”

The next regularly scheduled commission meeting will be held Nov. 22.