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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 12, 2006 Agenda AGENDA CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL July 12, 2006 After determining that a quorum is present, the City Council of the City of Denton, Texas will convene in a Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 3:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 215 E. McKinney Street, Denton, Texas at which the following item will be considered: 1. Consideration of the establishment of an ad hoc advisory committee to make recommendations concerning amendments to the City Charter, including the appointment of members of such committee, a discussion of the possible scheduling of a Charter election, and other matters related thereto. 2. Consideration of the establishment of an ad hoc advisory committee to evaluate property maintenance issues and make recommendations regarding community revitalization. 3. Receive a report, hold a discussion and give staff direction regarding a recommendation on the course of action the City Council should pursue on the Wright Amendment Joint Agreement issue, including consideration of proposed federal legislation and consideration of a proposed resolution. NOTE: The City Council reserves the right to adjourn into a Closed Meeting on any item on its Open Meeting agenda consistent with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, as amended, including without limitation, Sections 551.071-551.086 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. However, the Council reserves the right to take action at the meeting regarding any item on the agenda. CERTIFICATE I certify that the above notice of meeting was posted on the bulletin board at the City Hall of the City of Denton, Texas, on the day of ,2006 at o'clock (a.m.) (p.m.) CITY SECRETARY NOTE: THE CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS ARE ACCESSIBLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. THE CITY WILL PROVIDE SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED IF REQUESTED AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE SCHEDULED MEETING. PLEASE CALL THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE AT 349-8309 OR USE TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES FOR THE DEAF (TDD) BY CALLING 1-800- RELAY-TX SO THAT A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER CAN BE SCHEDULED THROUGH THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE. AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET AGENDA DATE: July 12, 2006 DEP ARTMENT: Transportation Operations .. CM: Howard Martin, 349-8232 SUBJECT Receive a report, hold a discussion and provide a recommendation on the course of action the City Council should pursue on the Wright Amendment Joint Agreement issue, including consideration of proposed federal legislation. BACKGROUND On June 15, 2006 the City of Dallas, the City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (the "Parties") announced a Joint Statement proposing to enter an agreement ("Agreement") concerning the Wright Amendment that includes anticompetitive provisions that could harm the future development of air service for the people and businesses of North Texas. This Agreement has been attached as Exhibit 1. On June 28, 2006 the City of Dallas approved a concurrent resolution (Exhibit 2) incorporating the terms and conditions of the aforementioned Agreement into a contract between the Parties and requesting the United States Congress to enact legislation consistent with the terms of the Agreement. The City of Fort Worth has targeted July 11, 2006 for consideration of the concurrent resolution approving the contract. As outlined in the attached City of Denton Point Paper (Exhibit 3), the City of Denton is opposed to the current language of the Agreement as it relates to Section 6 and Section 7. Section 6 states that the Cities of Dallas and Fort Worth will "oppose efforts to initiate commercial passenger service at area airports within an 80-mile radius of Love Field for a period of eight (8) years." The City interprets Section 7 to indicate that all parties to the Agreement will seek Congressional action to enact legislation to "implement the terms and spirit of the Agreement." The current language of the Agreement indicates proposed legislation could restrict or otherwise limit the City of Denton's right and option to develop commercial passenger air service at the Denton Airport during an eight-year period from approval or implementation of federal legislation related to the Wright Amendment. This proposed restriction would eliminate the Denton Airport from providing unscheduled or on demand charter operations utilizing large air carrier aircraft with more than 30 seats. Though the Denton Airport is not currently in a position to provide this level of service, it is feasible the Denton Airport could facilitate this service within the proposed eight-year window. It is important to note that the University of North Texas has indicated an interest in this level of service to facilitate National Collegiate Athletic Association events hosted in Denton. Mayor Perry McNeill has held telephone conversations with Dallas Mayor, Laura Miller and Fort Worth Mayor, Mike Moncrief to clarify the intent of the language incorporated in Sections 6 and 7 of the Agreement. Both Mayor Miller and Mayor Moncrief indicated that the restrictions in the Agreement on commercial passenger service were not intended by the five principal parties to restrict non-scheduled charter passenger service, Part 139 Level IV service, within the 80-mile radius. Mayor Moncrief agreed that the City of Denton should seek to clarify that the commercial passenger air service restriction does not apply to Class IV Part 139 of the Federal Aviation Regulation in any proposed legislation. Attached, as Exhibit 4, is a summary of FAA Part 139 classification levels. A Congressional hearing has been scheduled by the House Transportation and Infrastructure - Aviation Subcommittee for 2:00 p.m. Eastern on July 12, 2006. At the time this Agenda Information Sheet was prepared, draft legislation had not been introduced or otherwise made available for review. Staff has contacted Congressman Burgess' staff and Aviation Subcommittee staff to request that the draft language be provided to the City of Denton at the earliest opportunity. In any event, City of Denton staff is recommending that Mayor McNeill submit a letter to our Congressional delegation to formally outline the City of Denton's concern with any legislative action that would limit all commercial passenger service operations at the Denton Airport. Attached, as Exhibit 5, is a draft letter addressed to Congressman Burgess requesting specific wording be introduced that will clarify any proposed legislation so that the Denton Airport may preserve the option to develop Class IV Part 139 commercial passenger service during the eight-year window. ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT The City of F ort Worth has targeted July 11, 2006 for consideration of the concurrent resolution with the City of Dallas approving the contract between the Parties. The Aviation Subcommittee of the u.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure has scheduled a hearing on July 12, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time. PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW The Airport Advisory Board has provided staff with direction to take necessary action to preserve the ability to develop Part 139 commercial passenger air service. The Mobility Committee will consider a recommendation to City Council on an appropriate course of action, to include official correspondence to the Congressional Delegation on preferred language for the proposed legislation at a Special Called Meeting of the Mobility Committee on July 10, 2006. FISCAL INFORMATION Negative economic impacts could result should federal legislation be enacted restricting Part 139 commercial passenger service operations at airports within an 80-mile radius of Love Field. EXHIBITS 1. Joint Statement 2. City of Dallas Concurrent Resolution 3. City of Denton Point Paper 4. Summary of Part 139 Classification Levels 5. Mayor McNeill Proposed Letter to Congressional Delegation Respectfully submitted: -nf~ &~ Mark Nelson. Chief Transportation Officer 2 !III 4. The City of Dallas agrees that it will negotiate a voluntary noise curfew at DLF precluding scheduling airline flights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. 5. The City of Dallas agrees that it will significantly redevelop portions ofDLF consistent with the updated DLF Master Plan., including acquisition of the portions of the lease on the Lemmon Avenue facility up to and including condemnation., necessary to fulfill the obligations under this agreement. The City of Dallas further agrees to the demolition of the Legend gates immediately upon acquisition of the lease to ensure the facility can never again be used for passenger service. Southwest Airlines and the City of Dallas shall agree on a phase-in of capital projects and which party will manage construction. The City of Dallas also agrees to the modernization of the main terminal. It is agreed by the parties that a minimum investment of $150 million and up to a maximum of $200 million (in 2006 dollars) will be made by the City of Dallas and included in the cost of operating the airport as necessary and appropriate. This amount is exclusive of the acquisition and demolition of the Lemmon Avenue gates and the development and construction of the people mover to Love Field. The City of Dallas and Southwest Airlines will mutually agree on capital projects exceeding $200 million., exclusive of the Lemmon Avenue gate acquisition and the people mover. Southwest Airlines" out-of-pocket capital costs for any of the capital projects shall be credited toward the minimum and maximum requirements. The capital and operating costs for those redeveloped and modernized facilities will be included in the landing fee and space rental charges to be collected from the users of those facilities; however., the operating reserve shall not exceed one year operating costs (operating and maintenance plus debt service) during the term of Southwest Airline"s lease. These adjustments to landing fees and facility costs will be included by the City of Dallas as necessary and appropriate to cover these improvements upon enactment of the legislation. The current plan also included the retirement of existing debt and the issuance of new debt for these new improvements. All improvements shall be made by the expiration of the 8-year period. The City of Dallas will seek approval to use PFCs to fund DART access to Love Field ("people mover"). 6. The Cities agree that they will both oppose efforts to initiate commercial passenger air service at any area airport other than DFW during the eight-year period. "Commercial passenger air service"" does not include a spaceport or air taxi service as defined by Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. The City of Dallas and the City of Fort Worth agree to jointly oppose any attempts to repeal or modify the Wright Amendment earlier than the eight -year period To the extent any other airport within an eighty-mile radius seeks to initiate scheduled commercial passenger service within this eight-year period, both cities agree to work diligently to bring that service to DFW, or if that effort fails, then to airports owned by the Cities of Dallas and/or Fort Worth. 7. This agreement is predicated upon the condition that Congress will enact legislation to implement the terms and spirit of this agreement. Congress should not exempt additional states from the Wright Amendment during the eight-year period before it is eliminated. 8. This agreement shall not be modified except upon mutual agreement of all parties. 9. The Cities acknowledge their outstanding D/FW Airport bond covenants, to the extent such covenants are legally enforceable, and nothing in this agreement is intended to nor shall contravene such covenants. By the execution of this agreement, Southwest Airlines does not surrender any of its rights to operate at Love Field except as explicitly outlined in this agreement. Joint Statement Among the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW International Airport to Resolve the "Wright Amendment" Issues Page 2 of 4 10. If Southwest Airlines or its affiliate or code share partner (except for published/scheduled code share service from DFW to Midway Airport as of June 14, 2006) chooses to operate from another airport within an 80-mile radius of Love Field in addition to its operations at Love Field, then for every such gate which Southwest operates at another airport within this radius, S,outhwest will voluntarily relinquish control of an equivalent number of gates at Love Field, up to 8 gates and such gates shall be made available to other carriers. If other carriers are not interested in these gates, then they can be made available to Southwest Airlines for its use on a common use basis. This requirement to relinquish gates shall expire in 2025. 11. If American Airlines or its affiliate or code share partner chooses to operate from another airport within an 80-mile radius of Love Field in addition to its operations at DFW Airport and Love Field, then for every such gate which American operates at another airport within this radius except for DFW International Airport and Love Field, American Airlines will relinquish control of an equivalent number of gates at Love Field, up to one and one-half gates and such gates shall be made available to other carriers. If other carriers are not interested in these gates, then they can be made available to American Airlines for its use on a common use basis. This requirement to relinquish gates shall expire in 2025. 12. Each carrier shall enter into separate agreements, as appropriate, to memorialize its obligations under this proposed local solution. Similarly, the Cities shall enter into such agreements as necessary to implement the proposed local solution. All such agreements are subject to the requirements of law and to the extent legally permissible. 13. In the event that Congress passes legislation that is inconsistent with the Parties' agreement herein, or subsequently amends that legislation, and if Southwest or its affiliate or code share partner commences non-stop service to or from Love Field to a state not currently allowed under the Wright Amendment, then Southwest will voluntarily relinquish control of 8 gates and such gates will be made available to other carriers. If other carriers are not interested in these gates, then they can be made available to Southwest Airlines for their use on a common use basis. Likewise, in the event that Congress passes legislation that is inconsistent with the Parties' agreement herein, or subsequently amends that legislation, and if American Airlines or its affiliate or code share partner commences non-stop service to or from Love Field to a state not currently allowed under the Wright Amendment, then American Airlines will relinquish control of 1 and one-half gates and such gates will be made available to other carriers. If other carriers are not interested in these gates, then they can be made available to American Airlines for its use on a common use basis 14. The Parties hereby represent to the Congress of the United States, and to the Citizens of the Dallas- Fort Worth that they have approved of and support the proposed local solution. The Parties each separately covenant that they will not now or in the future, support, encourage or participate in any effort to defeat or modify or amend the legislation that is described in this Agreement. 15. This is an agreement in principle only and is subject to definitive contracts being approved by both City Councils. This agreement in principle is also subject to final approval of the DFW International Airport Board. The parties agree that the final document memorializing this proposed local solution shall be consistent with all federal rules, regulations and laws. The Parties agree that for this agreement to be binding, it must be executed by all parties no later than July 15th, 2006. Joint Statement Among the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW International Airport to Resolve the "Wright Amendment" Issues Page 3 of 4 16. If the U.S. Congress does not enact the legislation by December 31, 2006, which would allow the Parties to implement this agreement in accordance with its terms, then the agreement is null and void unless all parties agree to extend the agreement. 17. As part of this agreement., the City of Dallas agrees to extend American Airlines' and Southwest Airlines" lease to 2028. ~> // / / '"\ --\ I ,IV" PeIJ#~1 /). ~~~ J/ Herbert D. Kelleher Daniel P. a on Chairman of the Board Executive Vice President Marketing Southwest Airlines American Airlines /r'- . /' /1 ~ /(> ;. .:)~ L 1~1~ r~ ~if(~~. F gaB C7 Chief Executive Officer DFW International Airport Joint Statement Among the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW International Airport to Resolve the "Wright Amendment" Issues Page 4 of 4 ~~~ ~ ~ .~/v' -...: ~ . . , 1" ^, - , \ ~ ~ . r ....'>~ ,""', '>:' ' f t, ' ,f<'. :::0:', ^ ' , -, ' FORT WORTH June 28.. 2006 CONTRACT AMONG THE CITY OF DALLAS, THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO., AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC., AND DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BOARD INCORPORATING THE SUBSTANCE OF THE TERMS OF THE JUNE 15, 2006 JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES TO RESOLVE THE "WRIGHT AMENDMENT" ISSUES WHEREAS, certain Members of the United States Congress have introduced legislation to either repeal or further modify the restrictions of the Wright Amendment, as amended by the 1997 Shelby Amendment and the 2005 Amendment (herein referred to as the "Wright Amendment"), or prohibit commercial air passenger service at Dallas Love Field Airport ( "Love Field"); and WHEREAS, certain Congressional leaders informed the Cities of Dallas and Fort Worth (collectively, the "Cities") that it would be preferable for the Cities to present a local solution for addressing airport issues in the North Central Texas region and particularly, in the Dallas/ Fort Worth metropolitan area, prior to any further action being taken by Congress that would directly impact aviation services in the region; and WHEREAS, in response to various pending and proposed Congressional actions that would further affect, modify, or repeal the Wright Amendment, the City Councils of Dallas and Fort Worth, on March 8, 2006 and March 7, 2006, respectively, passed a Concurrent Resolution (identified as Dallas Resolution No. 06-0870 and Fort Worth Resolution No. 3319-03-2006), requesting members of the United States Congress to refrain from taking any action regarding, or making any further amendments to, the Wright Amendment in order to allow the Cities an opportunity to work towards a local solution for addressing airport issues in the North Central Texas region, and to present a mutually agreed upon plan to the Congress for its consideration; and WHEREAS, the City of Dallas, pursuant to Resolution No. 06-0997, adopted April 6, 2006, commissioned an Impact Analysis/Master Plan Update for Love Field by DMJM Aviation, Inc., to provide updated information and analysis as to aircraft noise, air quality, traffic impact, and economic impact at Love Field if the Wright Amendment were repealed or substantially modified; and WHEREAS, the Love Field Impact Analysis Update prepared by DMJM Aviation, Inc. and GRA, Inc. found that, in the absence of the Wright Amendment, the overall impacts of operating 20 gates at Love Field under a "No Wright Amendment scenario" are the most comparable to the environmental thresholds agreed to and established in the 2001 Master Plan/Impact Analysis 32 gate scenario with the Wright Amendment in place; and WHEREAS, earlier this year, the Honorable Laura Miller, Mayor of Dallas, and the Honorable Mike Moncrief, Mayor of F ort Worth, held a series of meetings with interested parties in an effort to reach a local agreement regarding Love Field that would end the prolonged and divisive controversies between the two Cities and that would serve and protect the interests of all citizens of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including residents living in the vicinity of Love Field, as well as business, consumer, and other constituencies affected by the Love Field controversies; and WHEREAS, after investigation and analysis of the available facts and giving due consideration to the economic, environmental, and personal welfare and interests of their respective residents, the general public, and the holders of DFW Airport Joint Revenue Bonds, the Cities of Dallas and Fort Worth conferred, deliberated, and agreed to a local solution regarding the Wright Amendment and related matters that best serves such interests given the likelihood that Congress could take action to repeal or substantially modify the Wright Amendment; and WHEREAS, the Mayors, in consultation with other leaders in the two cities, first were able to reach a basic agreement between themselves and with representatives of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board ("DFW Board"); and WHEREAS, the Mayors, representatives of the DFW Board, and other governmental officials then met separately with Southwest Airlines and American Airlines to advise those airlines that the local governments would announce a local solution and recommend it to Congress and that they wanted the airlines to consent to, and endorse, the local solution; and WHEREAS, the Mayors and representatives of the DFW Board thereafter conducted certain limited negotiations separately with Southwest Airlines and American Airlines; and WHEREAS, Southwest Airlines and American Airlines concluded, separately, that the local solution reached among, and urged upon them by, the local governments would be favorably received by the Congress, and that under the circumstances presented, the airlines should support the effort of the Cities and the DFW Board and acquiesce in, and agree to support, the local solution; and WHEREAS, the City Councils of Dallas and Fort Worth, on June 28, 2006 and July 11, 2006, respectively, passed a Concurrent Resolution (identified as Dallas Resolution No. and Fort Worth Resolution No. ) and the DFW Board on , 2006 passed Resolution No. approving the Joint Statement signed by the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and the DFW Board on June 15, 2006, authorizing the execution of this Contract between the Parties incorporating the substance of the Joint Statement, and requesting the United States Congress to enact legislation consistent therewith; Therefore, the Parties agree as follows: ARTICLE I. 1. The City of Dallas, the City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW Board, (herein, the "Parties,") agree to seek the enactment of legislation to allow for the full implementation of this Contract including, but not limited to, amending section 29 of the International Air Transportation Competition Act of 1979, more commonly known as the "Wright Amendment" and ultimately effect its repeal as follows: a. To immediately allow airlines serving Love Field to offer through ticketing between Love Field and any destinations (including international destinations) through any point in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Alabama, and to market such services; Contract Among the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW Board to Resolve the "Wright Amendment" Issues Page 2 of 11 b. Except as provided herein, to eliminate all the remaining restrictions on air service from Love Field after eight years from the enactment of legislation; and c. To limit charter flights as set forth in Article II, Section 16 of this Contract. 2. The Parties agree that non-stop international commercial passenger service to and from the Dallas- Fort Worth area shall be limited exclusively to DFW International Airport ("DFW Airport"). The Cities shall work jointly to encourage all such flights into DFW Airport. 3. The Parties agree that consistent with a revised Love Field Master Plan, based upon the 2006 Love Field Impact Analysis Update prepared by DMJM Aviation, Inc., the number of gates available for passenger air service at Love Field will be, as soon as practicable, reduced from the 32 gates envisioned in the 2001 Love Field Master Plan to 20 gates and that Love Field will thereafter be limited permanently to a maximum of 20 gates. a. Airlines may not subdivide a "gate." A gate shall consist of one passenger hold room and one passenger loading jet bridge supporting one aircraft parking space, and no hardstand operations, except as allowed herein, shall be permitted. Nothing shall preclude any airline from utilizing hardstands for RON parking, maintenance, training, or for irregular operations (i.e. flights that were scheduled originally for one of the twenty available gates and cannot be accommodated thereon due to weather, maintenance or unforeseen emergencies), or other uses that do not involve passenger air serVl ce. b. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines agree to voluntarily surrender gate rights under existing leases in order to reduce the number of gates as necessary to implement this agreement. During the four year period from the date the legislation as provided herein is signed into law: Southwest Airlines shall have the preferential use of 15 gates under its existing lease to be used for passenger operations; American Airlines shall have the preferential use of 3 gates under its existing lease to be used for passenger operations; and ExpressJet Airlines, Inc., shall have the preferential use of 2 gates under its existing lease to be used for passenger operations. Thereafter, Southwest Airlines shall have the preferential use of 16 gates under its existing lease to be used for passenger operations; American Airlines shall have the preferential use of 2 gates under its existing lease to be used for passenger operations; and ExpressJet Airlines, Inc., shall have the preferential use of 2 gates under its existing lease to be used for passenger operations. In consideration of Southwest Airlines' substantial divestment of gates at Love Field and the need to renovate or reconstruct significant portions of the concourses, Southwest Airlines shall have the sole discretion (after consultation with the City) to determine which of its gates it uses within its existing leasehold at Love Field during all phases of reconstruction. Upon the earlier of (i) the completion of the concourse renovation, or (ii) 4 years from the date the legislation as provided herein is signed into law, all Parties agree that facilities will be modified as necessary, up to and including demolition, to ensure that Love Field can accommodate only 20 gates for passenger service. To the extent a new entrant carrier seeks to enter Love Field, the City of Dallas will seek voluntary accommodation from its existing carriers to accommodate the new entrant service. If the existing carriers are not able or are not willing to accommodate the new entrant service, then the City of Dallas agrees to require the sharing of preferential lease gates, pursuant to Dallas's existing lease agreements. To the extent that any existing airline gates leased at Love Field revert to the City of Dallas, these gates shall be converted to common use during the existing term of the lease. Contract Among the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW Board to Resolve the "Wright Amendment" Issues Page 3 of 11 4. The City of Dallas agrees that it will negotiate a voluntary noise curfew at Love Field precluding scheduling passenger airline flights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Southwest Airlines and American Airlines shall enter into agreements with respect thereto with the City of Dallas. 5. The City of Dallas agrees that it will significantly redevelop portions of Love Field, including the modernization of the main terminal, consistent with a revised Love Field Master Plan based upon the Love Field Impact Analysis Update prepared by DMJM Aviation, Inc. ( the "Love Field Modernization Program" or "LFMP"). In addition, the City agrees that it will acquire all or a portion of the lease on the Lemmon Avenue facility, up to and including condemnation, necessary to fulfill its obligations under this Contract. The City of Dallas further agrees to the demolition of the gates at the Lemmon Avenue facility immediately upon acquisition of the current lease to ensure that that facility can never again be used for passenger service. The Parties agree that a minimum investment of $150 million and up to a maximum of $200 million in 2006 dollars (the "Spending Cap"), as adjusted for inflation, will be made by the City of Dallas for the LFMP, and that the capital and operating costs for the LFMP may be recovered through increased landing fees, space rental charges, or Passenger Facility Charges ("PFCs"). The Parties contemplate that financing the LFMP will include both the retirement of existing debt and the issuance of new debt for the LFMP. The Spending Cap shall be exclusive of the costs connected with the acquisition and demolition of the Lemmon Avenue gates and of the capital costs associated with the development and construction of a "people mover" connector to the DART mass transit system ("the Connector"). The costs for the acquisition and demolition of the Lemmon Avenue gates will be recovered from airport users, but the capital costs for the Connector may not be included in airline terminal rents or landing fees, except as expressly provided for herein below. The City of Dallas may seek approval to use PFC revenues for the Connector, and Southwest Airlines agrees to support such application. The City of Dallas shall, in addition, seek state, federal, DART, and any other available public funds to supplement such PFC funds; provided, however, that nothing herein shall obligate the City of Dallas to undertake the Connector project. Notwithstanding the preceding, in the event PFC funds are not approved for the Connector, the City of Dallas may use airport funds for the Connector; provided, however, if airport funds are used for the Connector, the City of Dallas shall be obligated to apply for, and use, PFCs to pay for PFC eligible portions of the LFMP. In any event, the combined total spending for both the LFMP and the Connector, exclusive of PFCs, shall not exceed the Spending Cap., except as provided immediately below.. In the event that PFCs are not approved for either the Connector or the LFMP., as provided herein., terminal rents and landing fees may be used for such improvements., thus exceeding the Spending Cap; provided., however., that the City shall use its best efforts to seek and use PFCs., state., federal., DART., and any other available public funds (other than City of Dallas general funds) as the only sources of funding for the Connector and to avoid impacting terminal rents and landing fees. Except as otherwise provided herein, capital costs in excess of the aforementioned Spending Cap that impact terminal rents and landing fees shall be subject to agreement between Southwest Airlines and the City of Dallas, except that, following consultation with Southwest Airlines, the City of Dallas may proceed with necessary projects required for reasons of safety, security, normal maintenance and repair, or federal mandate, and such costs may be included in terminal rents and Contract Among the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW Board to Resolve the "Wright Amendment" Issues Page 4 of 11 landing fees. The operating reserve of Love Field shall never exceed one year's operating costs (operating and maintenance plus debt service) during the term of Southwest Airlines' lease. To recover the costs of the LFMP, the City of Dallas shall negotiate amendments of the Leases of Terminal Building Premises previously entered into with Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and ExpressJet Airlines, Inc., and will also adopt City ordinances modifying the terminal rents and landing fees to be paid by airline users of Love Field. Southwest Airlines and the City of Dallas shall agree on a phase-in of the LFMP and will decide which party will fund and manage the construction of the LFMP. Southwest Airlines' expenditures for its share of the LFMP's capital costs shall be credited toward the minimum and maximum requirements. To the extent possible, the LFMP shall be completed by the expiration of the 8-year period. 6. The Cities agree that they will both oppose efforts to initiate commercial passenger air service at any area airport other than DFW Airport (and Love Field, subject to the provisions contained herein) during the eight-year period. "Commercial passenger air service" does not include a spaceport or air taxi service as defined by Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. The Cities agree to jointly oppose any attempts to repeal or further modify the Wright Amendment earlier than the eight-year period. To the extent any other airport within an eighty-mile radius of Love Field seeks to initiate scheduled commercial passenger service within this eight-year period, both the Cities agree to work diligently to bring that service to DFW Airport, or if that effort fails, then to airports owned by the Cities of Dallas and/or Fort Worth. 7. The continuation of this Contract beyond December 31, 2006, is conditioned on Congress having enacted legislation prior thereto, allowing the Parties to implement the terms and spirit of this Contract. It is the position of the Parties that Congress should not exempt additional states from the Wright Amendment during the eight-year period before it is eliminated. 8. This Contract shall not be modified except upon mutual agreement of all of the Parties. 9. The Cities acknowledge their outstanding DFW Airport bond covenants, to the extent such covenants are legally enforceable, and nothing in this Contract is intended to nor shall contravene such covenants. By the execution of this Contract, Southwest Airlines does not surrender any of its rights to operate at Love Field except as explicitly outlined in this Contract. 10. If Southwest Airlines or its affiliate or code share partner (except for published/scheduled code share service from DFW Airport to Midway Airport as of June 14, 2006) chooses to operate passenger service from another airport within an 80-mile radius of Love Field in addition to its operations at Love Field, then for every such gate which Southwest Airlines, its affiliate or code share partner, operates or uses at another airport within this radius, Southwest Airlines will voluntarily relinquish control of an equivalent number of gates at Love Field, up to 8 gates and such gates shall be made available to other carriers. If other carriers are not interested in these gates, then they can be made available to Southwest Airlines for its use on a common use basis. This requirement to relinquish gates shall expire in 2025. This provision shall not apply to a code share partner not operating under Southwest Airlines' or its affiliates' code at an airport within this 80-mile radius. Contract Among the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW Board to Resolve the "Wright Amendment" Issues Page 5 of 11 11. If American Airlines or its affiliate or code share partner chooses to operate passenger service from another airport within an 80-mile radius of Love Field in addition to its operations at DFW Airport and Love Field, then for every such gate which American Airlines, its affiliate or code share partner, operates or uses at another airport within this radius except for DFW Airport and Love Field, American Airlines will voluntarily relinquish control of an equivalent number of gates at Love Field, up to one and one-half gates and such gates shall be made available to other carriers. If other carriers are not interested in these gates, then they can be made available to American Airlines for its use on a common use basis. This requirement to relinquish gates shall expire in 2025. This provision shall not apply to a code share partner not operating under American Airlines' or its affiliates' code at an airport within this 80-mile radius. 12. Each carrier shall enter into separate agreements and take such actions, as necessary or appropriate, to implement its obligations under this Contract. Similarly, the Cities shall enter into such agreements and take such actions, as necessary or appropriate, to implement the Contract. All such agreements and actions are subject to the requirements of law. Such agreements shall include amendments to: (i) American Airlines' Love Field terminal lease; and (ii) Southwest Airlines' Love Field terminal lease. The City of Dallas shall develop a revised Love Field Master Plan consistent with this Contract. 13. In the event that Congress at any time, enacts legislation that repeals the Wright amendment sooner than the eight years identified in paragraph l.b. of Article I herein, or authorizes service (except for through ticketing service as contemplated by paragraph l.a. of Article I herein) between Love Field and one or more domestic or international destinations other than those currently allowed under the Wright Amendment during the eight year period, and if Southwest Airlines or its affiliate or code share partner commences non-stop service to or from Love Field to a destination not currently allowed under the Wright Amendment, then Southwest Airlines will voluntarily relinquish control of 8 gates and such gates will be made available to other carriers. If other carriers are not interested in these gates, then they can be made available to Southwest Airlines for their use on a common use basis. This provision shall not apply to a code share partner not operating under Southwest Airlines' or its affiliates' code. Likewise, in the event that Congress at any time, enacts legislation that repeals the Wright amendment sooner than the eight years identified in paragraph l.b. of Article I herein, or authorizes service (except for through ticketing service as contemplated by paragraph l.a. of Article I herein) between Love Field and one or more domestic or international destinations other than those currently allowed under the Wright Amendment during the eight year period, and if American Airlines or its affiliate or code share partner commences non-stop service to or from Love Field to a destination not currently allowed under the Wright Amendment, then American Airlines will voluntarily relinquish control of half of its gates and such gates will be made available to other carriers. If other carriers are not interested in these gates, then they can be made available to American Airlines for its use on a common use basis. This provision shall not apply to a code share partner not operating under American Airlines' or its affiliates' code. 14. The Parties hereby represent to the Congress of the United States, and to the Citizens of the Dallas- Fort Worth area that they approve of and support the local solution as set forth in this Contract. The Parties each separately covenant that they will support, encourage and seek the passage of legislation necessary and appropriate to implement the terms and spirit of this Contract. The Parties each separately covenant that they will oppose any legislative effort that is inconsistent with the terms of this Contract. Contract Among the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW Board to Resolve the "Wright Amendment" Issues Page 6 of 11 15. The Parties agree that the final documentation to implement this local solution shall be consistent with all federal rules, regulations and laws. The Parties agree that for this Contract to be binding, it must be executed by all parties no later than July 15th, 2006. 16. If the u.s. Congress does not enact legislation by December 31, 2006, that would allow the Parties to implement the terms and spirit of this Contract, including, but not limited to, the 20 gate restriction at Love Field, then this Contract is null and void unless all parties agree to extend this Contract. 17. As part of this Contract, the City of Dallas agrees to grant American Airlines and Southwest Airlines options to extend their existing terminal leases until 2028. ARTICLE II. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS 1. SUBJECT TO FEDERAL GRANT ASSURANCES., ETC. Nothing in this Contract shall require the City of Dallas, the City of Fort Worth or the DFW Airport Board to take any action that would result in (i) the loss of eligibility for future Federal airport grants for either city or the DFW Airport Board or (ii) FAA disapproval of any Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) application for either city or the DFW Airport Board, or (iii) either city or the DFW Airport Board being found to be in non- compliance with its existing obligations under Federal aviation law. 2. FUNDING. Any capital spending obligations of the City of Dallas under this Contract for airport projects that require the expenditure of public funds or the creation of any monetary obligation shall be limited obligations, payable solely from airport revenues or the proceeds of airport revenue bonds issued by or on behalf of the City of Dallas, such revenue bonds being payable and secured by the revenues derived from the ownership and operation of Love Field. In order to satisfy its obligations hereunder~ the City of Dallas agrees to use best efforts to issue and sell revenue bonds in such amounts and on terms that are commercially reasonable in the credit markets. Southwest Airlines and American Airlines hereby each agree to enter into such additional agreements that are necessary to facilitate the issuance of such revenue bonds, provided, however, nothing herein shall obligate either airline to be an obligor or guarantor of such bonds. Neither the obligations under this Contract nor the obligations with respect to such revenue bonds shall constitute a debt of the City of Dallas payable from, or require the payment or expenditure of funds of the City of Dallas from, ad valorem or other taxes imposed by the City of Dallas. 3. VENUE. The Parties agree that in the event of any litigation in connection with this Contract, or should any legal action be necessary to enforce the terms of this Contract, exclusive venue shall lie in either Dallas County, Texas or Tarrant County, Texas. 4. NON-LIABILITY FOR OTHER PARTIES' OBLIGATIONS., COSTS., AND ATTORNEYS FEES. Each Party hereunder shall only be responsible and liable for its own obligations, costs, and attorneys fees in connection with the performance of this Contract, or any dispute or litigation that may arise in connection with this Contract. 5. APPLI CABLE LAWS AND REPRESENT A TI ONS. This Contract is made subj ect to the provisions of the Charter and ordinances of the cities of Dallas and F ort Worth, in existence as of the date hereof, and all applicable State and federal laws. Each City, as to itself only, represents and warrants that its existing Charter and ordinances do not preclude such City from executing this Contract Among the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW Board to Resolve the "Wright Amendment" Issues Page 7 of 11 Contract or performing its obligations under this Contract in accordance with its terms. American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and the DFW Board, each as to itself only, represent and warrant that it has the full power and authority to enter into this Contract and perform its obligations under this Contract in accordance with its terms. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Parties agree that (i) Sections 1,7,8,9, 14, 15, and 16 of Article I and all Sections of Article II shall take effect as of the last date of execution of this Contract by any of the Parties and (ii) the remaining Sections of Article I shall take effect on the date that legislation that would allow the Parties to implement the terms and spirit of this Contract is signed into law. 7. NON-SEVERABILITY. (a) The terms of this Contract are not severable. Therefore, in the event anyone or more of the provisions contained in this Contract shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, then this Contract shall be considered null and void and unenforceable, except as otherwise may be agreed to by all Parties. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph ( a) hereof, each Party shall use its best efforts to restore or replace the affected provisions so as to effectuate the original intent of the Parties. 8. COUNTERPARTS. This Contract may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and constitute one and the same instrument. 9. CAPTIONS. The captions to the various clauses of this Contract are for informational purposes only and shall not alter the substance of the terms and conditions of this Contract. 10. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS~ SUBLESSEES. This Contract shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Further, the Parties agree that any sublessee or other entity who subleases or uses either American Airlines' or Southwest Airlines' gates at Love Field is subject to and bound by the terms of this Contract, including, but not limited to, paragraph 13 of Article I. 11. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. The provisions of this Contract are solely for the benefit of the Parties hereto; and nothing in this Contract, express or implied, shall create or grant any benefit, or any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim hereunder, contractual or otherwise, to any other person or entity. 12. NOTICES. All notices required or permitted under this Contract shall be personally delivered or mailed to the respective Parties by depositing same in the United States mail, postage prepaid, at the addresses shown below, unless and until the Parties are otherwise notified in writing of a new address by any Party. Mailed notices shall be deemed communicated as of five days after mailing. If intended for the City of Dallas: With a copy to: City Manager, City of Dallas City Hall, Room 4EN 1500 Marilla Street Dallas, Texas 75201 City Attorney, City of Dallas Dallas City Hall, Rm. 7CN 1500 Marilla Street Dallas, Texas 75201 Contract Among the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW Board to Resolve the "Wright Amendment" Issues Page 8 of 11 If intended for the City of F ort Worth: City Manager, City of Fort Worth 1 000 Throckmorton Fort Worth, Texas 76102 If intended for the DFW International Airport Board: Chief Executive Officer DFW International Airport Board P.O. Drawer 619428 3200 E. Airfield Drive DFW Airport, TX 75261-9428 If intended for American Airlines, Inc.: Chief Executive Officer American Airlines, Inc. 4133 Amon Carter Blvd.., MD 5621 Fort Worth, Texas 76155 If intended for Southwest Airlines Co.: Chief Executive Officer Southwest Airlines Co. 2702 Love Field Drive Dallas, Texas 75235 With a copy to: City Attorney, City of Fort Worth 1 000 Throckmorton Fort Worth, Texas 76102 With copy to: Legal Counsel DFW International Airport Board P.O. Drawer 619428 3200 E. Airfield Drive DFW Airport, TX 75261-9428 With copy to: General Counsel American Airlines, Inc. 4133 Amon Carter Blvd.., MD 5618 Fort Worth, Texas 76155 With copy to: General Counsel Southwest Airlines Co. 2702 Love Field Drive Dallas, Texas 75235 13. PARTIAL WAIVER OF GOVERNMENTAL IMMUNITY. The Cities and the DFW Board, by signing this Contract and to the extent permitted by law, waive their respective immunity from suit by the Parties, but only with respect to a suit to enforce this Contract by a Party seeking a restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunctive relief, specific performance, mandamus, or declaratory relief. The Cities and the DFW Board do not waive any other defense or bar against suit available to the Cities or the DFW Board. 14. NO INDIVIDUAL LIABILITY. To the extent allowed by law, no officer, agent, employee, or representative of any of the Parties shall be liable in his or her individual capacity, nor shall such person be subject to personal liability arising under this Contract. 15. LIMITATION OF REMEDIES. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL ANY PARTY BE LIABLE TO ANY OTHER PARTY HEREUNDER, IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT, FOR MONETARY DAMAGES RESULTING IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR ANY BREACH BY SUCH PARTY, WHETHER NEGLIGENT OR WITH OR WITHOUT FAULT ON ITS PART, OF ANY Contract Among the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW Board to Resolve the "Wright Amendment" Issues Page 9 of 11 PROVISION OF THIS CONTRACT. PROVIDED, HOWEVER, (AND IN EXCHANGE FOR THE FOREGOING SENTENCE), IN THE EVENT OF ANY SUCH BREACH OR THREATENED BREACH BY ANY PARTY, ALL PARTIES AGREE THAT EACH NON-BREACHING PARTY WILL BE ENTITLED TO SEEK ALL EQUITABLE REMEDIES INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DECREES OF SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE, RESTRAINING ORDERS, WRITS OF PRELIMINARY AND PERMANENT INJUNCTION AND MANDAMUS, AS WELL AS DECLARATORY RELIEF, TO ENFORCE THIS CONTRACT. PROVIDED, FURTHER, AS A PREREQUISITE TO THE FILING OF ANY LAWSUIT BY ANY PARTY, ALL PARTIES SHALL IN GOOD FAITH SUBMIT ANY DISPUTE TO NON-BINDING MEDIATION, WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM THE DATE NOTICE REQUESTING MEDIATION IS COMMUNICATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12. OF ARTICLE II. OF THIS CONTRACT. 16. LOVE FIELD GENERAL A VIATION~ U.S. GOVERNMENT FLIGHTS AND CHARTER FLIGHTS. Nothing in this Contract is intended to affect general aviation service at Love Field-,- including, but not limited to, flights to or from Love Field by general aviation aircraft for air taxi service, private or sport flying, aerial photography, crop dusting, business flying, medical evacuation, flight training, police or fire fighting, and similar general aviation purposes, or by aircraft operated by any agency of the U.S. Government or by any airline under contract to any agency of the U.S. Government. Charter flights at Love Field shall be limited to destinations within the 50 United States and the District of Columbia and shall be limited to no more than ten per month per air carrier except as otherwise permitted by Section 29 (c) of the Wright Amendment. All flights operated by air carriers that lease terminal gate space shall depart from and arrive at one of those leased gates. Charter flights operated by air carriers that do not lease terminal space may operate from non-terminal facilities or one of the 20 terminal gates. For the purposes of this Contract, "charter flight" shall have the meaning currently given in 14 C.F.R. 212.2 (2006). This limitation shall remain in effect permanently. 17. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Contract embodies the complete agreement of the Parties hereto relating to the matters in this Contract; and except as otherwise provided herein, cannot be modified without written agreement of all the Parties, to be attached to and made a part of this Contract. EXECUTED as of this the = day of July, 2006. CITY OF DALLAS, TEXAS APPROVED AS TO FORM: Mary K. Suhm, City Manager Thomas P. Perkins, Jr., City Attorney Contract Among the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW Board to Resolve the "Wright Amendment" Issues Page 10 of 11 CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY: Charles R. Boswell, City Manager David L. Yett, City Attorney DALLAS/FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BOARD APPROVED AS TO FORM: Jeff Fegan, Chief Executive Officer Gary Keane, D/FW Legal Counsel AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. Gerard J. Arpey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Herbert D. Kelleher, Executive Chairman [ 6/28/06] Contract Among the City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW Board to Resolve the "Wright Amendment" Issues Page 11 of 11 Anti-Competitive Impacts of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Parties Agreement regarding the Wright Amendment City of Denton - Denton Airport Request The City of Denton respectfully requests support to oppose the anti-competitive restrictions on air service for North Texas and to ensure that these restrictions do not become part of any legislation concerning the Wright Amendment. Summary . The City of Denton has not aggressively sought commercial passenger air service (Part 139) at the Denton Airport, however, the City has always planned and embraced projects that facilitate or otherwise maintain the option to initiate Part 139 service at the Airport. . In recent years, some focus has been given to developing limited Part 139 service or Class IV Part 139 service, which would allow for charter operations at the Denton Airport utilizing aircraft with seating capacity of more than 30 passengers. This strategy or focus is based on the opportunity to engage in charter passenger operations to facilitate Division I collegiate sporting events hosted by the University of North Texas. . The Problem: On June 15, 2006 the City of Dallas, the City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (the "Dallas/Ft. Worth Parties") initiated a Joint Statement proposing to enter an agreement ("Agreement") concerning the Wright Amendment that includes anticompetitive provisions that could harm the future development of air service for the people and businesses of North Texas. . Under Sections 6 and 7 of the Agreement, Dallas and Ft. Worth will work together for the next eight years to oppose new commercial air service at any airport within 80 miles of Love Field and the two cities will seek federal legislation to implement this plan. Denton Position Points . The Denton City Council understands the important role that the Denton Municipal Airport plays in this region and to the economic development of our community. . In the past eight years, the City of Denton, TxDOT and the FAA have substantially invested in the Airport making significant improvements to enhance the quality of air transportation service for the community and region. . Though the Airport is not currently serviced by commercial passenger air service, the City of Denton desires to maintain the right and option to develop commercial passenger air service should the opportunity present itself. . Dallas and Ft. Worth may be entitled to work together to develop air service at Love Field or DFW. However, their agreement to oppose any new air service within 80 miles of July 3, 2006 Page 1 of 2 Love Field should not be the subject of Federal legislation that would place other Texas communities at a competitive disadvantage. . The City of Denton opposes any attempt by another community or entity to dictate or otherwise negatively impact economic development opportunities in our community. Actions . Staff has contacted Congressman Burgess' Transportation Legislative Assistant, Kim Reasoner, to discuss the parameters of the Agreement and to determine Congressman Burgess' position on the issue. Congressman Burgess has not yet established an official position other than embracing a local solution to the Wright Amendment rather than a Congressionally imposed solution. . Dallas City Council passed a joint resolution on June 28, 2006 approving the Agreement. Fort Worth City Council is scheduled to consider the joint resolution approving the Agreement on July 11, 2006. . Mayor McNeil has visited with Dallas Mayor Miller and Fort Worth Mayor Moncrief and has been assured that the intent of the Joint Agreement was not to limit Class IV Part 139, non-scheduled, commercial passenger service within the 80-mile radius. Rather the intent was to limit or restrict scheduled passenger service within the 80-mile radius. . The Aviation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has tentatively scheduled a hearing on the Agreement for July 12, 2006 in Washington. Options . Oppose the agreement and proposed legislation seeking language to clarify whether Section 6 of the agreement applies to Class IV Part 139 service at Denton. . Oppose the agreement and proposed legislation seeking language to limit the scope of Section 6 to only restrict Southwest Airlines and American Airlines from introducing Part 139 service within the 80-mile radius. . Officially register opposition of the agreement and proposed legislation with Congressman Burgess and not seek any amendments to the agreement. Request/seek funding for other needed improvements on the Airport (Radar, Security Fencing, funding for west side development, funding for an aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) unit or other infrastructure enhancement). July 3, 2006 Page 2 of 2 FAA PART 139 CLASSIFICATION LEVELS Type of Air Carrier Operation Class Class Class I II III Scheduled Large Air Carrier Aircraft (30+ seats) X Unscheduled Large Air Carrier Aircraft (30+ X X seats) Scheduled Small Air Carrier Aircraft (10-30 X X X seats) Part 139 Airport Certification - Selected Definitions 1. Air Carrier - a person who undertakes directly by lease, or other arrangement, to engage in air transportation. This includes an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint-stock association, governmental entity, and a trustee, receiver, assignee, or similar representative of such entities. 2. Air Carrier Aircraft - an aircraft that is being operated by an air carrier and is categorized, as determined by the aircraft type certificate issued by a competent civil aviation authority, as either a 1. large air carrier aircraft - if designed for at least 31 passenger seats or 2. small air carrier aircraft - if designed for more than 9 passenger seats but less than 31 passenger seats. 3. Class I Airport - an airport certificated to serve scheduled operations of large air carrier aircraft that can also serve unscheduled passenger operations of large air carrier aircraft and/or scheduled operations of small air carrier aircraft. 4. Class II Airport - an airport certificated to serve scheduled operations of small air carrier aircraft and the unscheduled passenger operations of large air carrier aircraft. A Class II airport cannot serve scheduled large air carrier aircraft. 5. Class III Airport - an airport certificated to serve scheduled operations of small air carrier aircraft. A Class III airport cannot serve scheduled or unscheduled large air carrier aircraft. 6. Class IV Airport - an airport certificated to serve unscheduled passenger operations of large air carrier aircraft. A Class IV airport cannot serve scheduled large or small air carrier aircraft. 7. Scheduled Operation - any common carriage passenger-carrying operation for compensation or hire conducted by an air carrier for which the air carrier or its representatives offers in advance the departure location, departure time, and arrival location. It does not include any operation that is conducted as a supplemental operation under 14 CFR Part 121 or public charter operations under 14 CFR Part 380. 8. Unscheduled Operation - any common carriage passenger-carrying operation for compensation or hire, using aircraft designed for at least 31 passenger seats, conducted by an air carrier for which the departure time, departure location, and arrival location are specifically negotiated with the customer or the customer's representative. This includes any passenger-carrying supplemental operation conducted under 14 CFR Part 121 and any passenger-carrying public charter operation conducted under 14 CFR Part 380. ,.. . x · l, .,.. , ~, ..... 4t\rfl,........::::.L: ;..~; .:.~...-...~; .. ~..~~,/ .. ~:.. . , .... I ' Y\ ~ ~t: ~4 ~~ . ~' 'it ~ 215 E. McKinney Street Denton, Texas 76201 (940) 349-7717 FAX (940) 349-8596 OFFICE OF THE MAYOR - DRAFT - July 13, 2006 The Honorable Michael Burgess United States House of Representatives Washington DC 20515-4326 VIA MAIL & FACSIMILE: 202-225-2919 Dear Representative Burgess: The City of Denton is glad to see that the City of Dallas, the City of Fort Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and DFW International Airport have reached an agreement on the "Wright Amendment" issue. We feel that the agreement will continue to strengthen the economic vitality of the North Central Texas region. However, we do have concerns with Sections 6 and 7 of the "Joint Statement" agreement signed by these parties. These sections state: 6. "The Cities agree that they will both oppose efforts to initiate commercial passenger air service at any area airport other than DFW during the eight-year period. "Commercial passenger air service" does not include a spaceport or air taxi service as defined by Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. The City of Dallas and the City of Fort Worth agree to jointly oppose any attempts to repeal or modify the Wright Amendment earlier than the eight-year period. To the extent any other airport within an eighty-mile radius seeks to initiate scheduled commercial passenger service within this eight-year period, both cities agree to work diligently to bring that service to DFW, or if that effort fails, then to airports owned by the Cities of Dallas and/or Forth Worth. 7. This agreement is predicated upon the condition that Congress will enact legislation to implement the terms and sprit of this agreement... . Wright Amendment Issue Page 2 of 2 The vagueness of the wording in these sections concern us because without a clear definition of what is and is not considered "commercial passenger air service," the Denton Airport could be prevented from seeking Class IV Part 139 commercial passenger air service, as defined by the Federal Aviation Regulation, during the eight-year window. The City of Denton has not aggressively sought commercial passenger air service at the Denton Airport, however in recent years some focus has been given to developing Class IV Part 139 commercial passenger air service. This type of service would allow for charter operations at the Denton Airport, utilizing aircraft with seating capacity of more than 30 passengers. Our strategy is based on the opportunity to engage in charter passenger operations to facilitate Division I collegiate sporting events hosted by the University of North Texas. In an attempt to determine the intent behind these two sections in the "Joint Statement," I spoke with both Dallas Mayor Laura Miller and Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief. They told me that the five principal parties that signed the "Joint Statement" did not intend restrictions of Part 139 service. They agreed that inclusion of restrictions on Part 139 commercial passenger air service was in fact an "unintended consequence" of the agreement. Mayor Moncrief also stated that we should seek to clarify the commercial passenger air service restriction definition in any proposed federal legislation. The Denton City Council understands the important role that the Denton Airport plays in this region and to the economic development of our community. In the past eight years, the City, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have substantially invested in the airport, making significant improvements to enhance the quality of air transportation service for the community and region. Though the Airport is not currently serviced by commercial passenger air service, the City of Denton desires to maintain the right and option to develop commercial passenger air service should the opportunity present itself. We therefore request your assistance in including wording in any proposed legislation that clarifies that the "commercial passenger air service" restriction does not include Class IV Part 139 commercial passenger air service as defined by the Federal Aviation Reg u lation. Please let us know if you have any questions or need any additional information. Sincerely, Perry McNeill Mayor