HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Mail Packet - 08/13/2024 - Airport Governance Agenda – August 12, 2024
AIRPORT GOVERNANCE
AGENDA
Special Joint Committee to discuss, evaluate, and make a recommendation regarding
alternative modes of governance at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport.
Monday, August 12, 2024
1:30-3:00PM
Cache la Poudre Training Room, Platte River Power Authority
2000 E. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins
Zoom webinar link for remote viewing: https://fcgov.zoom.us/j/93213057662
Mayors: Jeni Arndt and Jacki Marsh
Councilmembers: Troy Krenning and Julie Pignataro
City Managers: Kelly DiMartino and Rod Wensing
Others: Molly Elder, Carrie Daggett, Brian Waldes, Laurie Wilson, Amanda
Worrell, Francis Robbins, Dan Reimer, Dalton Kelley
PURPOSE:
Determine 1-3 governance models the Committee would like staff to further analyze and report
back on at next meeting.
1:30-1:40 Welcome and Agenda Review
1:40-2:40 Discussion:
- Review Governance Report provided by Dan Reimer and clarify any
related questions.
o Specific Questions from previous meeting:
Examples of the other airport authorities across
Colorado and how they function.
Would the Authority take over the real property?
Would the Authority still answer to a Board of
Directors?
Any known financing implications.
2:40-2:55 Determine timelines and future meeting cadence to achieve outcome.
Identify any potential needs for Executive Sessions for planning
purposes.
3:00 Adjourn
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AIRPORT GOVERNANCE
NOTES
Monday, July 8, 2024
2:00-3:00PM
Cache la Poudre Training Room, Platte River Power Authority
2000 E. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins
Invitees
Mayors: Jeni Arndt and Jacki Marsh
Councilmembers: Troy Krenning and Julie Pignataro
City Managers: Kelly DiMartino and Rod Wensing
Staff: Ryan Malarky, Francis Robbins, Ginny Sawyer, Brian Waldes, Laurie
Wilson, Amanda Worrell, Kate Morgan, Sarah Kane, Francis Robbins,
Katherine Morgan
2:00-2:10 Welcome and Introductions
Francis Robbins, Acting Airport Director, welcomed everyone and stated that the current
governance structure has a few problems which lead to delays in paying invoices and
encountering several improvements that need to be made but don’t qualify for federal funding,
which leads to a lengthy process to obtain the funds from both Loveland and Fort Collins City
Councils.
2:10-2:40 Discussion:
- Confirm Purpose (Reach a Recommendation to present to respective
Councils regarding the Governance Structure for the FNL Airport.)
- Review previous Airport Governance Report and identify any
outstanding questions and/or needed information.
Attendees mentioned that it’s not only a monetary issue but also lengthy timelines to gain
approvals and the lack of authority of the Airport Commission to pay bills, tap into grant funding,
state infrastructure improvements, etc. The Commission is essentially a roadblock on the way
for both City Councils to approve items, in many cases. Additionally, the Commission is
comprised of elected officials who are not subject matter experts and who turnover frequently
with elections. The goal is for the two cities to be working together to maximize funding potential
(for example, the current IGA does not allow for debt financing).
The City of Fort Collins’ Charter does not allow the Airport to be an Enterprise, however,
Loveland’s Charter does. One suggestion was to have Loveland’s Charter control in the interim,
to get to an Enterprise situation down the road. Another possible model could be an Airport
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Authority with the cities establishing the levels of involvement they have (i.e. City and County of
Pueblo). The Authority would have to craft it’s own bylaws, governance structure, etc. and the
cities would transfer ownership to the Authority and the cities would be the sponsors, pursuant
to the FAA. Another option is creating a District which would potentially require a vote.
Apparently Districts often take many years (up to 10 years for Loveland Fire Rescue) to form.
Attendees requested more information about having other jurisdictions at the table in this
conversation, such as Larimer (and Weld?) County, Windsor, Timnath, Firestone, CSU, others.
Attendees today want to ensure what would function the best for the residents of Northern
Colorado. Others mentioned it could be a large economic driver in terms of attracting high-tech
aviation businesses.
It was mentioned that there is no magic bullet. Attendees asked for examples of the other 4 (?)
airport authorities across Colorado and how they function. An additional ask was for what
defines success and what are other successful models across the United States. Also, would
the Authority take over the real property? Would the Authority still answer to a Board of
Directors (i.e. Platte River Power Authority)? It was assumed that the Airport Director would be
an employee of the Authority, which would also take over payroll, etc.
Attendees discussed DIA’s announcement of a “URA-like” aviation industry surrounding the
airport. Questions came up as to all regional governments’ involvement in that process.
In summary: the group would like to look at the best way to leverage assets and funding
potential for the airport. What would the liability/risk be, and what do staffing and regional
engagement opportunities look like? What is the process and timeline? Want more information
on authority vs. utility enterprise, in the short and long term.
2:40-2:55 Determine timelines and future meeting cadence to achieve outcome.
The group would like a follow up meeting (and regular monthly cadence of meetings) to include
Dan Reimer, Special Counsel to Cities on Airport Matters (from DSR, LLC). Other entities such
as the County and other jurisdictions could be invited, even if just to listen. At this point, the
group is in a work session stage and not at the point to accept public comment, however,
stakeholders and others can reach out to the individual attendees at will. When the group is at a
decision point, then the public could be invited to provide comments.
Ryan Malarky could look at the questions about ownership, maybe considering a 5-year or 10-
year sunset provision.
Councilmember Pignataro would like to know what the group was trying to solve in 2015 when
the current Commission was created. Councilmember Krenning asked about a hybrid
authority/enterprise model. Staff will ask Dan Reimer if an enterprise structure was evaluated.
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Perhaps the existing IGA could be revised to allow for more financing opportunities in the
meantime. Mayor Marsh requested a list of capital projects, including which one generate
revenue and which don’t.
The consensus was that Loveland and Fort Collins enjoy partnership on the Airport and want it
to be good for Northern Colorado.
2:59 Adjourn
City Manager’s Office
City Hall
300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 7, 2024
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
Through: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Tyer Marr, Deputy City Manager
From: Ginny Sawyer, Senior Project Manager
Subject: Airport History Summary – Requested as Part of Airport Governance Meeting
_________________________________________________________________________________
BOTTOM LINE
The City of Fort Collins and City of Loveland co-own the Northern Colorado Regional Airport (FNL) and
are currently discussing future governance models. At the first meeting of the group a request was
made to provide context and history of the airport and historical governance. This memo provides a
high-level overview.
GENERAL BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
• Fort Collins and Loveland agreed to jointly build and operate a regional airport in November 1963. It
opened in 1964 under joint agreement and ownership. Original operating costs were shared on a
2/3 to 1/3 basis, respectively, between Fort Collins and Loveland. In 1979, the Cities formally
agreed to share these costs equally.
• In 2020, the economic impact of the airport was estimated at $161 million in output and 1,072 jobs
with an annual payroll of nearly $52 million.
AGREEMENTS
• There have been 13 Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) enacted between 1981 and 2016
addressing financing, leasing, and operations and governance.
• The following agreement milestones were noted in archived documents:
o 1981 – City of Fort Collins issues $2,000,000 in bonds for Airport improvements.
Loveland agrees to pay for ½ the cost of the annual payments on the bonds.
o 1986 – City of Loveland annexes the Airport as well as several industrial sites and
existing businesses located around the Airport property; at that time agrees to conduct a
feasibility study to look into acquiring Fort Collins’ interest in the Airport. Study
competed July 1990 by Loveland Budget Director and concludes Loveland should not
assume full responsibility for the Airport “at this or any future time.”
Docusign Envelope ID: 495C8517-9DAF-4697-A32A-92B73FD89FC0
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Cc//City of Loveland; Travis Storin; Josh Birks; Drew Brooks
o May 1990 – Airport Authority, of its own volition, elects to cease to exist. Strategic Plan
notes that the Authority “…suffered with a very serious and ultimately fatal flaw. It had
the responsibility for operating the Airport but not the authority.”
o July 1990 – joint (Cities) work session for the purpose of discussing governance of the
Airport; topics included mission of Airport, priorities, budget constraints and funding,
governance models/alternatives.
o October 1990 – Intergovernmental Agreement adopted for the Joint Operation of the
Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport.
o 1994 – Intergovernmental Agreement affirming original agreement. Also adds Airport
Steering Committee consisting of the Mayors, City Managers, an Airport Liaison from
each City and the Airport Manager. Purpose of the Steering Committee is to “facilitate
communication between the cities and advise the Councils concerning Airport issues
such as general policies, land use, budget, capital improvements, and strategic
planning.”
o 2015 – Intergovernmental Agreement establishing the Northern Colorado Regional
Airport Commission.
o The FNL Planning and Development Subcommittee (PDSC) was formed in January
2018.
• Airport Manager Reporting:
o 1981 and 1990 IGAs state City Managers will appoint staff of either City to oversee
operations and supervise the appointed Airport Manager.
o 2003 IGA clarifies that airport employees adhere to City of Loveland personnel policies.
o 2007 IGA states City Managers will jointly appoint one liaison to oversee airport
operations and supervise the Airport Manager.
o 2015 IGA states the City Manager of Loveland will appoint an Airport Manager after
consultation with the City Manager of Fort Collins and the Commission.
MASTER PLAN WORK
• The FAA requires that the Airport maintain a Master Plan to guide the physical development of
Airport property. The Master Plan is a planning tool and not a decisions document.
• Masterplan History:
o 1974 first Airport Master Plan developed with FAA-assisted funding. Masterplan updates
have been completed in 1980, 1993, 2007, 2020.
• 2020 Airport Master Plan
o The plan is intended to accommodate existing and anticipated aviation activity.
Docusign Envelope ID: 495C8517-9DAF-4697-A32A-92B73FD89FC0
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Cc//City of Loveland; Travis Storin; Josh Birks; Drew Brooks
o The Master Plan is intended to provide a framework for physical development with a 20-year
lifespan.
o Focus is on identification and reservation of space for continued improvement needs of the
Airport in a manner that is financially feasible and appropriate in consideration of its
surroundings.
STRATEGIC PLAN WORK
• 1991 Strategic Plan completed by consultant Airport Corporation of America.
• 2021 StratOp process initiated. Key focus areas included: Terminal Funding, Economic
Development, Staffing, and Regional Engagement.
• 2023-24 Strategic Plan
o Focuses on the strategy for operation and development of the Airport.
o Outlines the major work priorities for the next two years (2023-24); intended to guide staff,
the PDSC, the Airport Commission, and partners.
o Key focus areas include:
Safe, Secure, & Financially Sustainable Operations
Multi-modal Transportation
Economic Development & Impact
Education, Training, & Innovation
o Key Projects
Remote Tower
New Terminal
Commercial Air Service
Hanger Redevelopment
Updated Land Use Plan and Leasing Process
Enhance/Increase Airport Staffing Support
Runway 15-33 Widening Design & Construction
Governance Study
Multimodal Links to Air Transportation Network
Community Engagement
Technology and Innovation Center
o PDSC is talking about updates to this plan now.
RECENT FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
• The City of Fort Collins City Council appropriated $1M in February 2023 (with conditions) to help
meet a local match on $21M in federal dollars for the construction of a new terminal. The City of
Loveland also contributed $1M.
Docusign Envelope ID: 495C8517-9DAF-4697-A32A-92B73FD89FC0
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Cc//City of Loveland; Travis Storin; Josh Birks; Drew Brooks
CURRENT STATE
• In November 2023, Fort Collins and Loveland appointed members to serve as representatives to a
joint committee tasked with discussing, evaluating and making recommendations regarding
alternative models of governance at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport. Dan Reimer, Special
Counsel to Cities on Airport Matters, has provided analysis and alternatives for consideration and
will be consulted and present for the second meeting of the group.
Docusign Envelope ID: 495C8517-9DAF-4697-A32A-92B73FD89FC0