At the monthly meeting of the Savannah Airport Commission, officials of the federal Transportation Safety Administration presented Chairman Sylvester Formey, Executive Director Gregory Kelly and the Commission with a First in Service Award. The award was presented by Tim Burke, Federal Security Director for Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Savannah, and three members of his senior staff. The award recognizes the high level of cooperation and between TSA and Savannah Airport – a longstanding partnership. The award read:

“A Partnership Award in recognition of an industry partner whose accomplishments and excellence in performance and collaboration distinctively advance our mission to protect the nation’s transportation system while significantly enhancing the ability to achieve our strategic goals, TSA presents this award to the Savannah Airport Commission.”

The Commission also presented Length of Service Awards to two management employees. Mr. Kim Arnsdorff, manager of airfield operations, was recognized for 30 years of service to the airport, making his length of service second only to the Chief of Airport Police, Earl Wilkins, with 34 years. 

The Commission also:

• Approved a sublease of 40,000 sq. ft. airplane hangar on 4.257 acres, currently leased by Hangar & Associates to Gulfstream Aerospace.
• Amended a land lease agreement with Gulfstream for an additional two acres across from Hangar Partners for parking for the Hangar Partners facility.
• Approved the installation of new, energy-efficient induction lighting in the Economy Parking Garage at an estimated cost of $66,500. The contractor is Graybar Electric.
• Approved the acquisition of a 150KW power generator at an estimated cost of $54,800 from TAW Power Systems in Pooler.
• Approved Super Saver Parking Rates and Charges in the amount of $5.00 per day and expansion of lot from its current 109 spaces to 750 spaces.
• Approved procurement of services for a P2000 Access Control System Panel Upgrade From Johnson Controls, costing $41,932.
• Approved Taxiway C Light Replacement at an estimated cost of $288,984 from Kobo Electric.
• Approval of two variable speed cooling drives for the Airport’s number 1 & 2 cooling towers, from JCI, at a cost of $240,410. This purchase will entitle the Airport to a $25,000 energy-efficiency rebate from Georgia Power Company.
• Approved the expenditure of a 2014 budget item to upgrade sprinkler heads in the Airport’s fire suppression system as advised by the Airport’s insurance company, at a cost of $65,245.
• Approved a letter of financing assurance (Comfort Letter) for HARSRAJ, LLC, d/b/a Sam Snead’s Tavern. Snead’s is refinancing the Grill & Tavern restaurant.
• Approved a letter of financing assurance (Comfort Letter) for ROUNDS, LLC, who intends to construct the Blue Coral Restaurant across the street from Sam Snead’s.
• Denied approval of a request for a second, no-cost extension to Country Inns & Suites for a parcel of land adjacent to the hotel for a conference facility, which expired September 13. A $3,000 extension fee will be assessed by the Airport. 
• Approved a 1 year agreement with Woodward & Associates for $36,000 to help secure FAA grant funding.