HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 1978-05-22145
City Council, Special Meeting
Police Dept. & Council Chambers Bldg.
Redding, California
May 22, 1978 12:00 Noon
The meeting was called to order at 12:00 Noon by Mayor Demsher with the
following Councilmen present; Fulton, Gard, Kirkpatrick, Pugh, and Demsher.
Absent: None
Also present were City Manager Brickwood, Assistant City Manager Courtney,
City. Attorney Murphy, Airports Manager McCall, City Clerk Brayton, and
Airports Commission Members Kennedy and Chase.
RECOMMENDATION OF AIRPORTS COMMISSION re Application of Frontier Airlines
Airports Manager McCall reviewed his memo to Council dated May 18, 1978,
re the Airports Commission meeting concerning Frontier Airline's request
to provide air service from Redding to Sacramento and East. The Commission
considered the following points: 11s
Schedule of the proposed route to be flown by Frontier Airlines
and the type of aircraft, Boeing 737.
Also, it was determined there would be enough room in the ramp area in front
of the terminal to park one DC -9 and one 737 over -night; however, Frontier
Airlines would have to provide additional terminal space (trailer for ticket-
ing and security).
Councilman Pugh asked if information was available at the Commission meeting
from Nor -Cal Aviation and Eureka Aero as to what effect Frontier Airlines
would have on their operations. Mr. McCall responded that both operations
had been notified of the meeting, but neither appeared. He stated that
they are not in favor of the application as it would cut their commuter
flight business. It will especially affect the early morning flight.
Councilwoman Gard expressed concern about loss of commuter service if the
application is approved. Mr. McCall said it is a possibility, but the
Commission felt the additional service to be provided by Frontier Airlines
justifies support of the application.
Councilwoman Gard asked what kind of investigation the Civil Aeronautics
Board conducts. Mr. McCall said he didn't know, but perhaps Mr. Carr could
explain.
Councilman Fulton asked why there was a need for the special meeting on
this matter and why it could not be handled at a regular meeting.
City Attorney Murphy said procedurally it is advantageous for the applicant
and the City to respond to the application within 10 days of filing in
Washington D.C. and the next Council meeting is more than 10 days after the
filing. He further noted that if Council wishes to respond favorably, it
should support the application of Frontier Airlines under Section 416(b)
of the Federal Aviation Act for issuace of exemption authority to Frontier
Airlines to provide service on a subsidy ineligible basis to Redding,
California, and its application for Amendment of the Certificate of Public I
Convenience and Necessity for Route 73.
James Carr, special consultant for Frontier Airlines with respect to Civil
Aeronautics Board cases, etc., noted that the application was filed on
May 18, 1978, Docket 32696, before the Civil Aeronautics Board. He stated
that Frontier Airlines had made a study of various cities with the idea
that planes held over -night in Sacramento could be utilized in service to
other cities. The study revealed that Redding was an area that needed
additional service. He presented members of Council with a brochure illus-
trating routes to be served by Frontier Airlines.
146
Responding to Councilman Fulton's inquiry as to the need for an immediate
action, Mr. Carr stated that if Council submits a reply within 10 days
after the application has been filed, then the City becomes a part of the
hearing legally. If no reply is filed within 10 days, such data is then
for informational purposes only. Also, filing within 10 days indicates a
genuine interest in the case, according to Mr. Carr. He further reported
that the Civil Aeronautics Board has been encouraging competition and has
been making decisions more rapidly. However, it would be difficult to say
when a decision would be issued.
Mr. Carr reviewed the departure and arrival times of flights to and from
Redding and stated that Frontier Airlines operates in 20 states and Canada.
He said it is estimated that 27,500 persons per year would utilize Frontier
on flights out of Redding. He commented that Frontier makes an effort to
work closely with competing airlines, especially commuter operations.
Mr. Carr reported that air -fare rates would be set by the Public Utility
Commission at hearings in which the cities could participate. He noted
that generally the Commission tries to set rates that do not discriminate
against smaller airlines.
Mr. Carr was asked if the Civil Aeronautics Board will accept information
regarding competition and data from other operators. Mr. Carr explained
that the Bureau of Operating Rights makes the investigation and said it
does accept information from all sources which is then analyzed. Such
analysis is then forwarded to the Civil Aeronautics Board for its use in
making a decision.
Jim Price, Director of Public Affairs for Hughes Airwest, appeared before
Council. He stated that he has not seen Frontier Airline's application
and, therefore, has not had an opportunity to review it. He questions
how important it is for the community to make a response in 10 days. He
stated that although Hughes is not opposing the application at this point,
if Council takes a formal position, he thinks it best if all concerned
would have an opportunity to comment on said application.
Mayor Demsher asked if Hughes Airwest could operate a route to Sacramento.
Mr. Price replied that their Certificate permits such a route.
Councilman Kirkpatrick stated that he had attended the Airports Commission
meeting last W6dnesday and from the information that has been presented and
from the standpoint of having the City legally become a part of the Civil
Aeronautics Board hearing, he favors support of the application.
MOTION: Made by Councilman Kirkpatrick, seconded by Councilwoman Gard
supporting the application of Frontier Airlines under Section 416(b) of
the Federal Aviation Act for issuance of exemption authority to Frontier
Airlines to provide service on a subsidy ineligible basis to Redding,
California, and its application for Amendment of the Certificate of Public
Convenience and Necessity for Route 73. The Vote: Unanimous Ayes
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, on the motion of Councilwoman Gard, seconded
by Councilman Fulton, the meeting was adjourned at 12:25 P.M.
APPROVED:
ATTEST: Mayor
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tit'y Clerk I