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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-10 STAFF REPORTS SS1A City Of Palm Springs ROBERT H. ELSNER, CHAIRMAN Comicil/Cabinet Meeting �t,f;r p a Palm Springs International Airport Commission May 10, 2006 if , C:; P;1LP'd SPfi1 1f,'. ;, I. Staff Reorganization—Realign d„staIT with operational requirements and future growth. This action r I .1U . was the 6th Amendment to t to 4 1pcaf`on Positions and Compensation Plan for 2005 —2006, resulting in the elimination of one (1) Assistant Director of Aviation position, reclassifying the one (1)remaining Assistant Director of Aviation position, reclassifying the Manager, Contracts & Leases position to Asset Manager and lastly creating one (1) additional Airport Operations Specialist position. This action did not result in an increase to the current authorized staffing level and further, the Airport realized a budget savings this year of approximately$47,000. APPROVED BY THE PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL ON MARCH 22, 2006. II. Commence "Hold Room" Project—Contract with the lowest responsive/responsible bidder was executed May 1, 2006. Demolition of the existing"gate 19"was accomplished/completed in January, 2006 and the new apron (5-acres)was completed April 28, 2006 with final close-out expected by end of May 2006. A notice to proceed (NTP) for the new regional terminal construction is expected to be issued by June 1, 2006 and with an anticipated completion date of May 2007. All construction has been/will be accomplished with Federal Grants. III. Complete"Security/Screening Lane" Expansion Project—This project was completed in January 2006 and commenced operations in February 2006 with a certificate of occupancy issued April 4, 2006. IV. Bond Re-Financing—Over the course of the past two years, staff has worked diligently to re-finance approximately$12.1 in in PFC backed bonds driven by a need to release the City from a restrictive covenant and to cure the city from technical default of the bonds (an outgrowth of expending reserves as a result of the events of September 11). The sale was scheduled for and successfully sold on or about April 18, 2006, subsequently the bonds were signed on April 27, 2006. V. Continued Progress Toward"ATCT" Funding—A funding request/award to build/relocate the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower(ATCT-TRACON) at PSP was initiated in 2005. Through the efforts of Coingresswoman Bono, PSP received an"ear-mark" of$2.3 in. in 2006 via HR 3058. Working cooperatively with the Congresswoman's staff, PSP continues to pursue the remainder of the anticipated requirement (approximately$17 in.). Toward that end and regarding the expenditure of the $2.3 in. award, The Office of Management &Budget(OMB) is in the process of developing a priority list for national expenditures. PSP is awaiting the publication of the list. VI. Airport 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan—As required by the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACID)program for federally assisted airports. The total 5-year request, plus the previously authorized$3.6 in in entitlement funds equal $44,450,000. The plan incorporates necessary airfield maintenance projects but primarily focuses on a 5-year(multi-year) grant encumbering the airports entitlement funds (approximately$3.6 m/year=$18 m) toward the build-out of the airports domestic ticketing wing and construction of a fully automated remote explosive detection system (EDS) building. VII. 2006 Airport Improvement Grant(Discretionary) -Airport Improvement Program (All?) Grant 40, Staff has requested from the FAA a$7.4 million dollar grant for the FFY06-07 budgetary cycle. At 95% fimding, the Airport's cost sharing will be $370,000. This grant will be primarily used for greatly needed airfield improvements. ��At ,4-201- 'r0n144_ ai6 Page 1 of 2 . A I City Of Palm Springs ROBERT H. ELSNER, CHAIRMAN Council/Cabinet Meeting Palm Springs International Airport Commission May 10, 2006 I ! VIII. Develop/Implement Minimum Standards—Over the course of 2005, staff has developed a set of minimum standards for the Palm Springs International Airport. The Minimum Standards, a set of standard operating procedures and minimum requirements primarily established to control general aviation operations at an airport, were completed in December 2005 and submitted for internal/attorney review. Review was completed in February 2006 and ordinance preparation commenced. The new City ordinance (Section 16) will be presented to the Airport Commission and City Council in June, 2006 toward implementation by not-later-than July, 2006. IX. Develop/Implement New Lease for Rental Car Agents—Anticipate new leases to go to City Council by not-later-than June in anticipation of a July 1, 2006 start date. The Airport originally anticipated a 5% to 10% (increase in rent and how we define gross revenue) increase over 2006 budgeted for an increase of approx. $185,405 to $370,811. However and upon bid opening, the Airport can now expect an increase of approximately$1 m over the previous fiscal year! X. Develop/Implement"Customer Facility Charge"—A provision contained within the new Lease for the Rental Car Concession at the Airport is the implementation of a Customer Facility Charge (CFC). This "charge"is a transaction fee of$10 for the express purpose of construction of a consolidated rental car facility. Toward that end, the Airport is required to provide the rental car companies with a 60-day notice prior to implementation. Prior to this, the Airport must first secure Airport Comrnission/City Council approval of CFC implementation. The Airport, working with the City Attorney, is constructing the necessary framework for this charge to be levied. The Airport anticipates implementation by not- later-than 4`h quarter 2006. XI. Develop/Implement"Comprehensive Airport Concession Program"—The plan will be completed by May 31, 2006. Anticipate Airport Commission/City Council review/adoption by June/July 2006. If the Rental Car Concession bid is an indicator of the increase the Airport may realize...it will be a very good year for the Airport and the City of Palm Springs. XII. Secure Federal Funding for Master Plan/Part 150/Environmental Assessment(2007)—As part of the Airport's 5-year ACIP, submitted request to the Federal Aviation Administration, for FFY 2007, for $2 in to provide for a new Master Plan/Part 150/Enviromnental Assessment commencing in 2007. The FAA will advise as to the availability of funds by not-later-than first quarter of 2007. XIII. Parking Structure Feasibility Study—Preliminary study to be completed by June 1, 2006. XIV. Taxi "Starter" Pilot Program—Memorandum illustrating"3'a party" implementation provided to City Manager 05-04-2006. Year one costs estimated to be $77,000, costs would be covered by raising the "per-trip" fee from $1.00 to $2,50. XV. Air Service Development- In 2004, the Airport surpassed 1,300,000 total passengers served for the first time ever. In 2005, the Airport beat that record having served in excess of 1,400,000 passengers. As of the first Is`quarter of calendar year 2006, the Airport again bested all previous years I't quarters by an average of 3.8%. Page 2 of 2 2005-2006 Mnna,�enuent overview: Viilagcfest is a profitable business That is a major weekly attraction for both a local and tourist audience. It is caurently managed as an administrative task within the harks and Recreation Department_Ali event is produced each,week from an operational perspective with little tirnt or expertise available for managing it as the market drives opporn:7,nity it can be. It is cmTently run by a part time cutsourced acting administrator under the direction of the Director of L aii s and Recreation. appelC anN, o , Villagefest needs sustained efforts towards revitalization of the events to keep it fresh,new and exciting for both tourists and locals,which vvill drive trafnfnc, increase revcnnre via fees and sales tax.io the city and create an opportunity for attracting high qualit`j vendors. ®armi cD�ipetive�: Run Villagg est as a➢rusimess,plan, create, execute a professionally well thought out revenue and expense budget, and monitor both on a monthly basis.. Short- term objective is a twenty percent grolem(one to two years) with a seven-figure opportunity long terari(three to five years.) Resolve and execute €i-Of re or?-aakntion. Filling the vacant position of Coordinator to administrate and run the event weekly, foster vendor relations, administrate billing,payment receipts,visual merchandising execution and to execute tasks assigned . Find a sours° for marketing, sales deveto- ent, financial planning and execution, short and Hong tcrrn planning. Advertising and sales promotion planning and execution. This project may be outsornrced-to one or more individuals as independent contractors... Increase attendance. Draw and entertain Palm Springs, Coachella(Valley residents and attract large numbers of tourists as amajor entertainment attraction in Palm Sprhigs by increasing the breath of merchandise, food and entertainment. Create a nrograw to excLte,iutcerest z hgviAve enistin verndorsa Identify those vendors vve want to keep through, recognition,training, vendor meetings, communication, sub committees and incentives._ Revelon n mreaefive new vendor reera3itment prow air to increase the quantiL�r and quality of vendors.Especially-in-the fine arts crafts, ciahy fwA rerrif1_ d far aers rnarket and_estertainment categories. Focus on better, wider product mix. Use on site recruitment, direct trail, special event publications and association, and current vendors. Make an all out effort to create a viable Certified Farmers Market to add cachet, interest and traffic. ]aenease a vamntem, attendnnec with enryent and n2vv aapsea9e visitors trhrar tlwertisin and sales promotion. Television, PTSBT co- op print advertising programs, small space ads featuring leading and new vendors in local publications and an on going PR campaign. Promote and foster co-op advertising and sales promotion programs vvith co-op ads, special events, direct mail, and tourist events with merchants, °SBT, convention center, art museum etc. Hotel concierge program Sales promotion materials at airports, hotels,restaurants Special events calendar apsitgn and execute a standardized v snit tneY claim lac nfatii® Enerease variety and anpeal oft entertainment for jQs,hens and adults vvitl!F,ti monthly calendar, staged setting and local talent. J According to the United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service,Farmers markets can be a boon for communities. Revitalizing downtown areas, supporting local economy and creating a sense of Community. At a time when local downtowns give way to shopping malls, big box chains, and pedestrian filled streets and gated communities , markets are becoming local gathering places and bring customers to downtown areas, generating revenue for market vendors and nearby businesses. For consumers, farmers markets provide a richer and more meaningful shopping experience that a standard supermarket:. As a shopper walks down the farmers market aisles she may chat with friends, have opportunity to get to know who grew her food, learn where it was grown. The number one reason for her to shop at a CFM is Quality. She may meet people from diverse backgrounds. A farmers market also provides a satisfying feast for the senses, with bright colors of produce and flowers and the tantalizing tastes of just picked produce. Farmers markets give customers a sense of connection with farmers, neighbors and the community. California leads the nation in selling it's agricultural bounty through farmers markets. CA farmers particapate in more than 350 year round markets. California has over 400 CFM plus many non-certified markets. There are over 400 communities whith certified farmers markets and the numbers are growing each year. There is a boom in farmers markets nationwide, since 1994 their numbers have grown almost 80% with more than 4,000 in operation in 2002. 19,000 farmers sell their produce exclusively at Farmers Markets. This growth is in response to increased consumer demand, not increased supply, for both fresh and processed products, grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and meats. Sales in natural foods stores approached 3.3 Billion in 1998, double what it was in 1995. Sales of organic and certified produce have also grown in convertional supermarkets, to the tune of 576% in Houston, 300% in Baltimore, 210 in Boston. It is expected that growth rate will be 20 to 24% annually well into the next decade. Farmers Markets not only benefit communities, competition from large corporations put small family farms at a disadvantage because the large convertional corporations enter and dominate the distribution channels. Small family farms and community markets like Palm Springs, are a natural partnership. A certified farmers market concept is an effort to re-establish the traditional line between farmers and consumers and CA CFM are the "real thing" where genuine farmers sell their crops directly to the consumer. Small community Farmers Markets achieve success in large part through emphasizing customer service and developing strong personal relationships with buyers. A distinct advantage to a small city downtown. In San Diego County more than 6,000 farmers work to make agriculture a billion dollar industry in that county. Many operate small family farms with 65% harvesting new acres or less. Today there are 125 CFM in the South Coast region, 80 in Los Angeles, 33 in San Diego and 50 in the south eastern region including Desert Hot Springs. A total of almost three hundred in surrounding southern California. Only one in the Coachella Valley. What makes CFM/Organic markets unique is that the cusumers it serves judge food not only by the taste, price and appearance, but also by the social and environmental benefits it represnets. To Quote the local newspaper, How lucky will all of us be when there are two official farmers markets in the valley, VERYI