Title
Gainesville-Alachua County Regional Airport Authority (GACRAA) - Request to Transfer Title of Properties (NB)
The Gainesville-Alachua County Regional Airport Authority has requested that the City transfer property to the airport. The Community Development Committee and Audit and Finance Committee have considered the issue and are making a recommendation back to the City Commission.
Explanation
On August 22, 2005, the City Commission referred to the Community Development Committee the Gainesville-Alachua County Regional Airport Authority's request to transfer title of properties to the airport. On November 3, 2005, Rick Crider, Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority, explained the Authority's request for transfer of City lands, and the Community Development Committee discussed the request. The Airport's position is that when the Airport implements its Master Plan, ownership of the property by the Airport would allow it to function more effectively as a public body and make better use of public resources.
On January 5, 2005, there was a joint meeting of the Community Development Committee and Audit and Finance Committee. A number of issues were further discussed. The City provided a cash match to acquire the Gumroot property. The City provides fire protection under contract with the Airport, and costs related to overtime and training run in excess of the amount reimbursed. The airport pays the costs of police protection.
The Committees questioned the benefit of the transfer. The Committees suggested that the City create a liaison and actively participate in Airport issues.
Fiscal Note
None at this time.
Recommendation
The Community Development Committee and Audit and Finance Committee recommend the City Commission: 1) not go forward with the transfer of land to the Airport Authority; 2) direct the City Manager or City Attorney to designate a liaison to work with the Airport Authority; and 3) remove this item from the referral list.