09/09/2025

Meeting Minutes for:
September Board Meeting
Yuma International Airport, Conference Room
Tuesday, September 09, 2025 at 04:00 PM

    Call to Order:

    The Yuma County Airport Authority, Inc. (YCAA) Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors was called to order at 4:00PM on September 9, 2025, in the Yuma International Airport Conference Room, 2191 E. 32nd Street, Suite 218, Yuma, Arizona 85365. The Presiding officer was Bill Craft, President.

    YCAA DIRECTORS PRESENT WERE:
    Bill Craft, President
    Dean Hager, 1st Vice President
    Juan Guzman, 2nd Vice President (joined the meeting via Zoom and exited the meeting at 4:46PM)
    Stanley Gourley, Treasurer
    Dr. Brian Cullen, Secretary
    William Fox, Director
    Ken Scott, Director
    Eric Saltzer, Director
    Daniel Hann, Director (joined the meeting via Zoom)

    YCAA DIRECTORS ABSENT WERE:
    Reetika Dhawan, Director
    Jenny Torres, Director

    ALSO PRESENT WERE:
    Gladys Brown, Airport Director
    Andrea Lopez, Executive Assistant
    Silvia Gunderman, 1st Bank Yuma
    Ryan Hart, Million Air Yuma

    CALL TO THE PUBLIC
    There were no Public Comments.

    APPROVAL OF MINUTES
    Mr. Craft, the YCAA President, called for a motion to approve the minutes of the August 12, 2025, Regular Board Meeting. Mr. Gourley so moved. Mr. Hager seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

    Votes in Favor:
    Mr. Craft
    Mr. Hager
    Mr. Guzman
    Mr. Gourley
    Dr. Cullen
    Mr. Fox
    Mr. Scott
    Mr. Hann
    Mr. Salzer

    Votes Opposed: None

    COMMITTEE REPORTS
    1) Election and Personnel Committee Chair, Reetika Dhawan will provide a summary on the August 18, 2025, Meeting.

    Due to Committee Chair, Reetika Dhawan’s absence, Ms. Brown, Airport Director provided a summary on the August 18, 2025, Meeting and also stated the minutes for the meeting were provided in the Board packet.

    - Upcoming Elections
    - Airport Director Evaluation (this will be discussed in Regular Agenda Item #7)

    2) Executive Committee Chair, Bill Craft, will provide a summary on the August 20, 2025, Meeting.

    Executive Committee Chair, Bill Craft, explained that since the Meeting Minutes were provided, there is no need for a briefing, and these topics will be addressed in Regular Agenda Items #1 and #7.

    - Airport Director’s Proposed Employment Contract (this will be discussed in Regular Agenda Item #1)
    - Airport Director Evaluation (this will be discussed in Regular Agenda Item #7)

    3) Strategic Planning Committee Chair, Dean Hager, will provide a summary on the August 27, 2025, Meeting.

    Strategic Planning Committee Chair, Dean Hager, stated the detailed meeting minutes were provided for the August 27, 2025, Meeting.

    - Runway 17/35 Update, Approach and Planning
    - Air Service Development (this will be discussed in Regular Agenda Item #4)

    The Committee recommended that the Airport Director be authorized by the Board of Directors to expend up to $155,000 in “Off Budget” resources over the next three years to engage Volaire for Air Service Development professional services.

    4) Public Relations Committee Chair, Juan Guzman, will provide a summary on the September 3, 2025, Meeting.

    Public Relations Committee Chair, Juan Guzman, provided a summary on the September 3, 2025, Meeting and commended the Airport staff on the job well done for the newly designed coin, the coin tray and historical information. The minutes of the meeting was provided to the Board for review and reference.

    - Airport 60th Anniversary

    REGULAR AGENDA
    1) Discussion and possible action to authorize the President to enter into an employment contract with Gladys D. Brown, CM, CAE for the purpose of extending her employment as Airport Director through November 30, 2033.

    Members of the Board were provided with the proposed Employment Agreement, which includes the Airport Director’s job description as reviewed, discussed, and negotiated over the past five (5) months.

    Ms. Brown, the Airport Director, explained the only minor revision appears under SECTION 3. Compensation and Employee Benefits, subsection C. The Employment Agreement was provided to members of the Board for review. All revisions were incorporated as directed by the Board and reviewed by the YCAA Legal Counsel.

    Mr. Craft, the YCAA President, called for a motion to authorize the YCAA President to enter into an employment contract with Gladys D. Brown, CM, CAE for the purpose of extending her employment as Airport Director through November 30, 2033. Mr. Gourley so moved; Mr. Scott seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

    Votes in Favor:
    Mr. Craft
    Mr. Hager
    Mr. Guzman
    Mr. Gourley
    Dr. Cullen
    Mr. Fox
    Mr. Scott
    Mr. Hann
    Mr. Salzer

    Votes Opposed: None

    2) Discussion and Possible Action to authorize the YCAA President, the Airport Director, or their designated representative to sign lease agreement GS-09P-LAZ03538, a five (5) year agreement with the one (1) renewal option for an additional five (5) year term with the US Government for 1,077 square feet of airport terminal office space for the Transportation Security Administration for the first five (5) years at $78,976.41 per year and the additional five (5) years thereafter for $91,555.77 per year, contingent upon final review by staff and airport legal counsel.

    Ms. Brown, the Airport Director, explained this agreement will commence upon the termination of the existing lease on February 15, 2027. The initial term will extend by five (5) years, with a single option to renew for an additional five (5) years. If the renewal option is exercised, the agreement will terminate on February 14, 2037. The lease agreement was included within the Board packet for review and reference.

    Mr. Craft, the YCAA President, called for a motion to authorize the YCAA President, the Airport Director, or their designated representative to sign lease agreement GS-09P-LAZ03538, a five (5) year agreement with the one (1) renewal option for an additional five (5) year term with the US Government for airport terminal office space for the Transportation Security Administration for the first five (5) years at $78,976.41 per year and the additional five (5) years thereafter for $91,555.77 per year, contingent upon final review by staff and airport legal counsel. Mr. Scott so moved; Mr. Gourley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

    Votes in Favor:
    Mr. Craft
    Mr. Hager
    Mr. Guzman
    Mr. Gourley
    Dr. Cullen
    Mr. Fox
    Mr. Scott
    Mr. Hann
    Mr. Salzer

    Votes Opposed: None

    3) Discussion and Possible Action to authorize the YCAA President, Airport Director, or their designated representative to lease 1,580 Sq. Ft. of office space in the Quimby Aviation Center from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2030, contingent upon final review and approval by Airport Staff and Airport Legal Counsel.

    Ms. Brown, the Airport Director, briefed the FAA has a Facilities team that has leased office space in the Quimby Aviation Center for many years. The current agreement expired in September 30, 2024, and has been continued via “hold-over” ever since. The FAA has always performed these functions “in-house” resulting in significant delays. The proposed lease reflects the YCAA’s 12-month long effort to initiate and finalize the terms contained within the proposed lease. The proposed lease rents reflect 3% increases over the term that have been annualized, providing fixed monthly payments over the term. The lease includes $1,000 monthly for “Dark Fiber” which will allow them to implement a data feed. The lease agreement was provided to the Board for review and reference.

    Mr. Craft, the YCAA President, called for a motion to authorize the YCAA President, Airport Director, or their designated representative to lease 1,580 Sq. Ft. of office space in the Quimby Aviation Center from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2030, contingent upon final review and approval by Airport Staff and Airport Legal Counsel. Mr. Saltzer so moved; Mr. Hager seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

    Votes in Favor:
    Mr. Craft
    Mr. Hager
    Mr. Guzman
    Mr. Gourley
    Dr. Cullen
    Mr. Fox
    Mr. Scott
    Mr. Hann
    Mr. Salzer

    Votes Opposed: None

    4) Discussion and Possible Action to authorize the YCAA President, Airport Director, or their designated representative to enter into a professional services agreement with Volaire to provide air service development consulting services using “Off- Budget” resources not to exceed $155,000 over a three-year period.

    Ms. Brown, the Airport Director, described the YCAA is considering engaging a new Air Service Development Consultant to reinvigorate efforts aimed at increasing enplanements and pursue additional destinations. The contract along with the presentation from Volaire presented in person by Jack Penning was provided for Board review. Ms. Brown explained Volaire does NOT take on contracts in which they do not believe has opportunity. She stated the YCAA staff did have a meeting with another airline consultant as well as past experience with another used for over 10 years on a case-by-case basis. The presentation was provided to the Board for their reference during the meeting. Ms. Brown did explain the immediate need to address the cost per ticket and flight frequencies for the airport and this was one of the two priorities once the contract is signed with Volaire.

    The Strategic Planning Committee has reviewed the proposed scope of work and recommends engaging Valaire to provide these services over a three-year period. Funding will be provided from Off-Budget resources, with costs not to exceed $155,000. The contract was provided to the Board for review and reference, it was noted that if there as any issues or the need to cancel the contract, there is a 30-day clause for termination of the agreement. Ms. Brown shared her experience and interactions with Volaire and their approach for our market is the right fit for the airport and community.

    Mr. Craft, the YCAA President, called for a motion to authorize the YCAA President, Airport Director, or their designated representative to enter into a professional services agreement with Volaire to provide air service development consulting services using “Off- Budget” resources not to exceed $155,000 over a three-year period. Mr. Scott so moved; Mr. Gourley seconded the motion. After some discussion the motion passed unanimously.

    Votes in Favor:
    Mr. Craft
    Mr. Hager
    Mr. Guzman
    Mr. Gourley
    Dr. Cullen
    Mr. Fox
    Mr. Scott
    Mr. Hann
    Mr. Salzer

    Votes Opposed: None

    5) Monthly report by the Airport Director on current financial status.

    Due to Mr. Hinkle’s absence, Ms. Brown, Airport Director, briefed the Board on current financial status. Ms. Brown also provided an update on operations by the airport’s Rent Car Agencies, Airport’s Parking Lot and Brewers restaurant.

    MILITARY LIAISON
    There was no Military Liaison in attendance.

    6) Presentation and update regarding current construction projects, associated contracts, grant status, general aviation, marketing efforts, terminal improvements, aviation conferences, meetings, and items of interest with the city and county or other federal or state agencies. This will include, but is not limited to, additional information, FAA and ADOT grant updates, an overview of projects underway, airport operations, Rolle Airfield, airline recruitment and retention efforts, general aviation, future events, and other Airport business.

    Ms. Brown, the Airport Director, provided updates on IGSA projects, continued hangar light replacement, Pappy Boyington Hangar roof patches, storm damage to include the tree removal and Martha Taylor damaged vent replacement due to the storm, AZ Air Service Development Consortium, American Airlines load capacities, Million Air Yuma Ground Support, marketing and community outreach over the past month to include social media.

    7) Discussion and possible action regarding the performance evaluation of the Airport Director. Possible executive session for discussion and/or consideration of the performance evaluation of the Airport Director, and related personnel matters under the provision of A.R.S. §§ 38-431.03(A)(1)-(7).

    The Airport Director, Ms. Brown, provided information regarding the need to provide clarification regarding the performance evaluation process as stipulated in the Airport Director’s employment agreement and actions taken in the August Board meeting. This evaluation, performed by the Board of Directors as a whole, involves the utilization of an evaluation form which was previously submitted and reviewed by the Board. President Craft asked the Board if they felt necessary to enter into executive session to further discuss the evaluation. The Board agreed further discussion was necessary.

    Mr. Craft, the YCAA President, called for a motion to enter executive session for discussion and/or consideration of the performance evaluation of the Airport Director, and related personnel matters under the provision of A.R.S. §§ 38-431.03(A)(1)-(7). Mr. Gourley so moved; Hager seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

    Votes in Favor:
    Mr. Craft
    Mr. Hager
    Mr. Guzman
    Mr. Gourley
    Dr. Cullen
    Mr. Fox
    Mr. Scott
    Mr. Hann
    Mr. Salzer

    Votes Opposed: None

    Mr. Craft excused the Public and Airport Staff at 4:46PM so the Board could enter Executive Session.

    The Board began Executive Session at 4:49PM after excusing Ms. Brown and remained in executive session until 5:28PM.

    RECONVENE REGULAR BOARD SESSION
    The Board reconvened its regular session at 5:29PM.

    Mr. Craft, the YCAA President, called for a motion to approve the direction agreed to in executive session regarding the Airport Director’s financial compensation. Mr. Scott so moved. Mr. Saltzer seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

    Votes in Favor:
    Mr. Craft
    Mr. Hager
    Mr. Gourley
    Dr. Cullen
    Mr. Fox
    Mr. Scott
    Mr. Hann
    Mr. Salzer

    Votes Opposed: None

    CALL TO THE PUBLIC
    There were no Public Comments.

    ADJOURNMENT
    There being no further business before the Board the meeting adjourned at 5:31PM.



    // Approved //
    Dr. Brian Cullen
    Secretary, Yuma County Airport Authority
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    Person IconWed Aug 27, 2025 -- Strategic Planning Committee
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