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CITY OF MERCED
REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS TUESDAY
MERCED CIVIC CENTER March 16, 2021
678 W. 18TH STREET
MERCED, CA
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Michael Bodine called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
B. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Michael Bodine, Travis Colby, Bill Rudd, Robert Scoble Members Absent: Cuauhtemoc Diaz, two vacancies.
Staff Present: Martin Pehl, Karen Baker and Frank Quintero C. WRITTEN PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATION
None.
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. AIRPORT AUTHORITY MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 15, 2020 AND
FEBRUARY 2, 2021.
M/S/C-Colby/Scoble motion to approve and file.
F. REPORTS
1. RESTROOM PROJECT AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORT
Authority Member Scoble reported that he attended one gathering regarding placement of the restroom. Airport Manager Pehl spoke to the City Engineer regarding placement and it needs to be placed near utilities, which the area by the tower has. Chairman Bodine suggested it be closer to the runway but was told that it would become a parking blind spot. Director of Economic Development Quintero stated that he is going to request that this restroom project become an independent project rather then part of the Parks and Community Services' 10 restroom project. The restroom will be built on revenues generated by cost savings due to the Cares Act.
2. MARKETING/NAME CHANGE PROJECT AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORT Airport Manager Pehl reported that the Merced City Council signed the Resolution to change the Merced Regional Airport to Merced Yosemite Regional Airport, in addition, staff is creating a Request for Proposals for Marketing.
Authority member Scoble suggested that branding, new logo, and new website should be furthering the new brand image. Authority member Colby stated that in speaking with YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation Service), the route from Merced to Yosemite is known as the All-Weather Route, and we should market the seamless trip from LAX or SAC to Yosemite by utilizing YARTS. Colby added that he is interested in brightening up the terminal with a mural to state "Welcome you are here". ". Mr. Colby wants the Airport to be sustainable and to be the gem of the Central Valley. Mr. Scoble stated that he wants the terminal cleaned and dressed up so that visitors feel safe and comfortable. Mr. Colby spoke to the Mayor and he was receptive to making the terminal attractive by adding a feature that guests would remember, such as the sequoia trees in the Fresno Yosemite Airport, adding that Stockton Airport has a video showing their ease of use. Mr. Bodine would like the Airline to have signage at the Airport, and Mr. Scoble would like the Airline to advertise in the City of Merced. Economic Development Manager Quintero added that there is excitement from Developers at Campus Parkway and other projects regarding the name change.
3. AIRPORT MANAGER'S REPORT
Airport Manager Pehl went over the MCE 2020 Passenger and Cargo report.
Packages are up and passengers were down due to the Pandemic. He provided pictures of Jack Smith's Hangar Construction. Authority Member Rafael Valarde submitted his letter of resignation, so he stated the need for recruitment for RAA members. It does not have to be a pilot-we want the board to reflect the community. Mr. Colby reiterated that RAA members do not need to live in the City Limits because the Airport is a regional airport. In conclusion, Pehl reported that the Merced EAS RFP is out, three airlines have been in touch. The due date for the RFP is 4/6/2021. The new Agreement and Airline will be up and running on 8/1/2021. Chairman Bodine stated that he would like the RAA to interview each airline that submits a proposal.
H. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Michael Bodine adjourned the meeting at 7:37 P.M. until the next Regional Authority meeting on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers at 678 W. 18TH Street, Merced, CA 95340, in the Merced Civic Center.
M/S/C-Rudd/Colby motion to approve the meeting adjournment until the next scheduled meeting.
Michad Bodine
Michael Bodine, Chair
Regional Airport Authority