April 17--Kerrville Aviation's contract as the fixed-based operator at the Kerrville-Kerr County Airport got blessed for another five years Monday by the board that governs the local airfield.
"I look at us as a partner with the airport," said Joey Kennedy, owner of Kerrville Aviation. "We're kind of an ambassador to anyone that comes to the airport, whether they buy anything from us or not."
The contract has been in effect since 2007 and includes terms of leased property inside the terminal building and services the FBO is expected to provide. Those services include weather equipment, wireless Internet, televisions for public viewing, cleaning services, vending machines and coffee for guests.
The contract rent amount paid to the airport is $1,321 per year with an annual adjustment based on the consumer price index.
The current contract expired March 31 but continued after the airport board tabled the extension at last month's meeting. Board members said they wanted time to look at the contract before extending it for another term.
One of the changes to the contract approved Monday was a 60-day termination period suggested by board president Stephen King. The termination clause gives either the airport board or Kerrville Aviation a way to end the contract for any reason.
"I do not like to sign a five-year contract ... without some kind of get-out-of-jail thing," King said.
King said there was no problem with the job Kerrville Aviation has done and that he felt like the airport and Kennedy had a symbiotic relationship.
"We feel like we need you and you need us," he said.
In addition to approving the contract extension, the airport board discussed several ongoing issues including reappointments to the board in June. The terms of three board members -- Tom Moser, Mark Cowden and Corey Walters -- expire this summer.
Cowden has said he will not serve another term, and Walters has indicated he would be interested in being replaced. Moser said Monday he would serve another term, but he also is seeking the Republican Party nomination for county commissioner in the May 29 primary election. If elected to the commissioner's seat, he would have to resign from the airport board.
No action was taken on the appointments, but airport manager Bruce McKenzie said the airport would begin advertising for applicants willing to serve on the board. King asked that Cowden continue to serve until a replacement is found and indicated he would visit with Walters, who was absent Monday, about remaining on the board.
"We usually get a lot of applications for this high paying job," King joked.
Airport board members receive no compensation.
Copyright 2012 - Kerrville Daily Times, Texas
