Chicago Executive Airport Board of Directors

CHICAGO EXECUTIVE AIRPORT BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING 1020 S. PLANT RD. WHEELING, IL 60090 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024 6:00 PM I. Call to Order and Roll Call Chairman D. Court Harris called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call confirmed the following present: Directors Berman, Hellyer, Kearns, Kiefer, Lang, Saewert. Also in Attendance: Jeff Miller - Executive Director George Sakas – Director of Economic Development Jason Griffith – Director of Finance Andrew Wolanik – Director of Operation & Maintenance Kim Mueller – Property Accountant Carmina Esguerra – Administrative Coordinator Tom Lester – Attorney II. Pledge of Allegiance Chairman Harris led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. III. Approval of Minutes A. A motion was made by Director Kearns and seconded by Director Berman to approve the minutes from the February 21, 2024, Regular Board Meeting. The motion was approved by roll call. Ayes: Directors Berman, Hellyer, Kearns, Kiefer, Lang, and Saewert. Nays: None. B. A motion was made by Director Kiefer and seconded by Director Saewert to approve the minutes from the February 21, 2024, Budget Workshop Meeting. The motion was approved by roll call. Ayes: Director Berman, Hellyer, Kearns, Kiefer, Lang, and Saewert. Nays: None. IV. Changes to the Agenda None.  V. Public Comments None. VI. Presentations A. Airport Spotlight on David Klopfliesch Chairman Harris recognized David Klopfliesch as the Airport’s Spotlight recipient for March. Chairman Harris thanked Mr. Klopfliesch for his forty years as a flight instructor at Chicago Executive Airport. He was then presented with a Challenge Coin and certificate by Chairman Harris as a token of appreciation for his dedication and experience in the aviation industry. (Chairman Harris’ statement is included at the end of this document.) Mr. Klopfliesch shared his past experiences with the Airport and how it has developed over the years. He leaves behind a plaque of wisdom for future aviators. Mr. Klopfliesch expressed his gratitude for the airport’s time and efforts throughout the years. VII. Hearings and Reports A. Director of Finance Report Director of Finance Jason Griffith delivered the Treasurer’s Report and said February is the tenth month in the fiscal year, meaning the target percentage collected or expended is 83.33% of the budget. Year-to-date operating revenues were at 88.91% and operating expenditures were at 69.24% of the FY24 budget. B. Executive Director’s Report Jeff Miller reported on the following:  Introduce and welcome Carmina Esguerra as the new administrative coordinator. ▪ Carmina Esguerra gave thanks and stated that she hopes to learn a lot during her position here at the airport.  Operations for January 2024 were 8,166, 90% above January 2024 and 25% above February 2023. Previous 12-month ops were up 2% at 98,348, 57% above our average month of February since 2010.  Total fuel flowage for February 2024 was 641,810, 24% above January and 17% above February 2023. Previous 12-month fuel flowage rose 17% to 7,856,027, 69% above our average month of February since 2010.  50 Customs clearances in February 2024, 2 fewer than January 2024. 20 more than February 2023. Previous 12-month Customs clearances increased by 20 to 542. 11 clearances above our average month of February since 2010.  The number of noise comments totaled 27 for February 2024. There were 2.3 comments per 1,000 operations.  To date, 623 applications have been received for the Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP). Newsletter to be distributed 1st quarter of 2024.  Phase 1: o Pre-construction meeting was held 3/8/24 o Construction start date 3/11/24 o Planning product reorder  Phase 2: o April 8th – Phase 2 Design Starting o Request to FAA for the multi-family waiver submitted. o Tentative designs early April: 9 multi-family units and 23 single-family homes  Updates to construction projects include: o Storm Water Master Plan – Working on a potential increase to the contract with the State of Illinois o ALP Exhibit A – Final comments coordinated with IDOT-IDA o East Quad Apron Expansion Project (Rebuild Illinois funds) – Plote finalizing drawings, certifications and materials testing o Northeast Quadrant New Aircraft Tie Down Area – 80% plans pending o Village of Wheeling Watermain project – FAA Concurrent Use determination pending o 2024 Airfield Repairs – Airfield review 3/22/24 o MWRD Sewer Lining construction planned for March-May 2025  Other Projects o Staff conducted an Air Traffic Control Tower and Aviation Academy tour to the new District 214 Superintendent Dr. Scott Rowe o Airport RFPs/RFQs:  ▪ Janitorial services: seven responses received. Staff recommendation at the April meeting ▪ A/V IT Vendor: four responses received. Staff recommendation at the April meeting ▪ Staff recommendation for audit firm Lauterbach – Sole submitter: decrease of $591 per year total cost $19,700 o Interviewing Summer Ops and Admin intern candidates o Market rent study presentation in April o Run the Runway 5K ▪ 207 registered ▪ Sponsorship strong ▪ Seeking volunteers  Federal Affairs Update o Funding expiring midnight on Friday. The White House has said a deal has been reached in Congress. o The White House has proposed a 384% tax increase on jet fuel for corporate aviation, increasing from 21.9 cents to $1.06 over 5 years  State Affairs Update o Coordinating with airports across the state on SB3699 and SB2734 o Illinois Public Airport Association State Legislative Day April 11th  Public Relations o CEA hosted two successful tours for Ohio University and Aviation Explorers o Director George Sakas and Director Andrew Wolanik attended NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in Fort Worth, TX.  Upcoming Meetings and Events o CEA office will be closed on Friday, March 29th in observance of Good Friday o The next Board of Directors meeting is on Wednesday, April 17th C. Board Member Comments • Director Berman congratulates and thanks Dave Klopflisech. • Director Kearns welcomes Carmina Esguerra and hopes to get to know her more in the upcoming months.  • Director Saewert echoes Director Kearns welcome to Carmina Esguerra and stated she will learn a lot from the Chicago Executive Airport team. Director Saewert reminisces memories with Dave Klopfliesch and offers his congratulations. D. Correspondence and Chairman’s Comments • Chairman Harris welcomes Carmina Esguerra, and thanks Dave Klopfliesch for his comments and his duty to the airfield. VIII. New Business A. Resolution 24-005 – A Resolution Authorizing the Payment of Claims A motion to approve was made by Director Saewert and seconded by Director Kearns. The motion was approved by roll call. Ayes: Directors Berman, Hellyer, Kearns, Kiefer, Lang, Saewert. Nays: None B. Resolution 24-006 – A Resolution Recommending Approval of the FY 2025 Budget for Chicago Executive Airport A motion to approve was made by Director Lang and seconded by Director Saewert. The motion was approved by roll call. Ayes: Directors Berman, Hellyer, Kearns, Kiefer, Lang, Saewert. Nays: None C. Resolution 24-007 – Amendment to Contract for Professional Noise Mitigation Program Consulting Services A motion to approve was made by Director Kearns and seconded by Director Kiefer. The motion was approved by roll call. Ayes: Directors Berman, Hellyer, Kearns, Kiefer, Lang, Saewert. Nays: None D. Resolution 24-008 – A Resolution Approving a Contract for Financial Auditing Services A motion to approve was made by Director Berman and seconded by Director Kiefer. The motion was approved by roll call. Ayes: Directors Berman, Hellyer, Kearns, Kiefer, Lang, Saewert. Nays: None E. Resolution 24-009 – A Resolution Amending Resolution 22-032 and Approving an Updated Scope of Work with RS&H Engineering for an Environmental Assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) for the Decommissioning of Runway 6-24 and Relocation of Taxiway A motion to approve was made by Director Kearns and seconded by Director Lang. The motion was approved by roll call. Ayes: Directors Berman, Hellyer, Kearns, Kiefer, Lang, Saewert. Nays: None F. Appointment of Officers Director Kearns nominates Director Hellyer for Vice-Chairman. A motion to approve made by Director Kearns and seconded by Director Lang. The motion was approved by voice vote. Ayes: Directors Berman, Hellyer, Kearns, Kiefer, Lang, Saewert. Nays: None. Director Hellyer nominates Director Berman for Secretary. A motion to approve was made by Director Hellyer and seconded by Director Lang. The motion was approved by voice vote. Ayes: Directors Berman, Hellyer, Kearns, Kiefer, Lang, Saewert. Nays: None. Director Kearns nominates Director Kiefer as Treasurer. A motion to approve was made by Director Kearns and seconded by Director Lang. The motion was approved by voice vote. Ayes: Directors Berman, Hellyer, Kearns, Kiefer, Lang, Saewert. Nays: None. Director Kiefer thanks Director Saewert and Director Kearns and appreciates the work they have done over the years. IX. Executive Session Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (5), (11), and (21) to discuss the sale or lease of property owned by the public body and review the minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act. At 6:32 pm a motion was made to move into Executive Session by Director Berman and seconded by Director Saewert. The motion was approved by roll call. Ayes: Directors Berman, Hellyer, Kearns, Kiefer, Lang, and Saewert. Nays: None. X. Action Taken from Executive Session The Board reconvened in open session at 7:02 p.m. A motion to approve was made by Director Saewert and seconded by Director Hellyer. The motion was approved by roll call. Ayes: Directors Berman, Hellyer, Kiefer, Lang, and Saewert. Nayes: None. A motion to approve but not release Executive Session meeting minutes from February 2023, March 2023, May 2023, and January 2024 was made by Director Kearns and seconded by Director Saewert. The motion was approved by roll call. Ayes: Directors Berman, Hellyer, Kiefer, Lang, and Saewert. Nayes: None. XI. Adjournment At 7:12 pm a motion was made by Director Kiefer and seconded by Director Berman to adjourn the meeting. The motion was approved by voice vote. Ayes: Directors Berman, Hellyer, Kiefer, Lang, and Saewert. Nays: None. Respectfully Submitted: Steve Berman Secretary  Dave Klopfleisch Airport Spotlight Celebrating more than 40 years as a flight instructor and 30 of those at Chicago Executive Flight School, Dave Klopfleisch has helped hundreds of students learn the art of flying, from hobbyists to those pursuing professional careers. Klopfleisch’s aviation career began in the 1960s where he earned his pilot license while in high school. “I have always loved aviation, it felt like a natural fit for me,” Klopefleisch said. Prior to becoming a flight instructor, Klopfleisch served in the Navy and flew the TA-4 single engine attack jet. He was an aviation electrician’s mate for two years of active duty before moving to the Reserves. After leaving the Navy, he became an auto mechanic. He competed as a racecar driver in the 1980s, then became a crew chief for a team in the Daytona 24-Hour Race. While he enjoyed his time working with racing cars, he found his way back to aviation. Klopfleisch holds numerous certifications as a flight instructor, including a CFI (certified flight instructor), MEI (multiengine flight instructor) and is a Part 121 flight dispatcher. Klopfleisch works 5-6 days a week as a flight instructor at CEFS, averaging 20 students per month. He has taught everyone from neurosurgeons to homemakers, along with many who used flight school to begin their career in the Navy. His most memorable student was a young woman who was beginning to lose her eyesight from an eye disease. Before losing her sight completely she wanted to achieve a life goal to learn how to fly. Klopfleisch worked with her for three lessons, and during her final lesson she successfully landed a plane on the runway. “It was a really wonderful moment to be part of, she was so incredibly happy and proud to safely fly and land a plane,” he said. For his dedication and experience in aviation, Klopfleisch was awarded the “Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award” in 2022 to mark 50 years of safe flying. “The most rewarding part of my career has been using my experience to teach future pilots how to not only fly a plane, but how to fly safely,” he said.