Authority Members Present:
Rick Homans, Chairman
Jerry Hanks representing Lt. Gov. Diane Denish
Jim Manatt
Toots Green
William Loomis
Casey Luna (conference call)

Authority Members not present:
Ben Woods
Richard Holdridge

Motion: Toots Green moved to approve the agenda. William Loomis seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Motion: Jim Manatt moved to approve the minutes from the NMSA meeting held on March 20, 2007. William Loomis seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

Chairman’s Report
Rick Homans
Chairman Homans commented on the Gross Receipts Tax that passed in Dona Ana County. He thanked all who assisted and supported the tax and stated that this marked a huge stepping stone in the spaceport project. He also stated that during the special legislative session, GRIP II funding passed which includes the $10 million for spaceport transportation infrastructure and the other $15 million will be introduced at the next legislative session in 2008.

Project Coordinator’s Report
Mike Holston – Procurement Solutions
Mike Holston advised that the preliminary programming for the spaceport project is complete and being edited to incorporate NMSA and Project Coordinator’s comments. The final report is due on April 30, 2007. He stated that test wells will be installed beginning next week as well as site topographic surveying and geotechnical investigations.
Discussion followed on some of the concerns that were brought up at the last meeting with the programming and design. Mike Holston advised that he has reviewed these and has a matrix available with the concerns and answers and comments to these, which he will send out to the Authority members to review.

He continued discussing the design phase in which the design competition will begin next week. The first phase is open to all and 3 finalists will be selected to submit a concept design and the target award date being July 26, 2007. Chairman Homans asked that one authority member be appointed to participate in the RFP process for the design. Mike Holston stated that at the next meeting he will give a briefing on a man camp project that will be required. He also stated that temporary road improvements will be coordinated with NMDOT, BLM and Sierra County. Mike Holston advised that DMJM has appointed new management personnel and they are located in Albuquerque which will provide more convenience. They will be providing briefings to construction companies about the project.

He advised that the MOU with Virgin Galactic has been signed and lease negotiations are in process.

He discussed the many needs that have been identified for a ranch management plan, these will be included in discussions and planning. Chairman Homans stated that NMSU will be assisting and also SLO will be included in the discussions of this plan.

He continued with a discussion on the FAA site license. He stated that all FAA comments have been incorporated and the application is close to completion. A formal submittal date is set for May, 2007 with an expected license date of early 2008.

Discussion followed on an explosive site plan. Mr. Holston advised that NMSU PSL is working on this plan.
Mr. Holston advised that the EIS process is on schedule and all field work is now complete. A draft EIS is expected to be submitted on 4/27/07.

Mr. Holston and Chairman Homans continued with a discussion on cooperating agencies and how these relationships are very positive. Supporting letters from BLM and NPS have led to a resolution signed by CARTA. Mr. Holston advised that an advisory committee with agencies such as National Park Service, BLM, WSMR, Sierra County, CARTA, SLO and National Trust for Historic Preservation will be established to work together as issues arise.

Mr. Holston stated that a marketing plan is being developed in order to have certain strategies and procedures in talking with new customers.
Mr. Holston advised that UP Aerospace will be launching from Spaceport America on April 28, 2007. This launch will have payload that includes the cremains of actor, James Doohan and mercury astronaut L. Gordon Cooper. He also reviewed the logistics for the upcoming launch.

Jerry Larson of UP Aerospace reported that preparation has begun for the launch and payload is on site. He also stated that all approvals are in place and there will be a dress rehearsal on Wednesday. The launch is scheduled for 8:30am on Saturday.

Mr. Holston reported that FY09 consultant and contractor needs and requirements are being reviewed and he will be reporting on this issue at the next meeting. Discussion followed with Jim Manatt questioning the use of contractors from other states. Chairman Homans stated that sometimes the urgent expertise needed is not available with NM contractors but the ultimate goal is to stay within NM.

Jim Hayhoe reported on the Community Advisory Committee stating that the cities that have committed a representative are Las Cruces, Alamogordo, Deming, Hatch, Mesilla, and TorC is currently pending. The counties that have joined are Luna and Sierra. They are planning on having the first meeting in May after the Spaceport Authority meeting. Plans for the agenda will include information on tourism impact, and putting together an informational packet for the public.

Comment: Gordy Hickson a citizen from the City of Socorro advised that he would propose joining the Community Advisory Committee at the next City Commission Meeting. Jim Hayhoe will follow up with a letter to the City of Socorro.

Comment: Chairman Homans requested help in getting letters of support for appropriations for the spaceport project from local governments.

Executive Director’s Report
Rick Homans
Rick Homans advised that there is current work on a figuring out a process of engaging some of the large aerospace companies in the spaceport project. He also reviewed the operating budget appropriations and the Spaceport Authority contract budget. He advised that there is still a lot of work to be done on policies and procedures. He also reported that a summer intern from NMSU (Rebecca Armstrong) will report to work May 15, 2007.

The memorial resolution for Lonnie Sumpter was passed around for signatures with the corrected copy of the signature page.

Public Comments:
Steve Traver commented on the importance of keeping the Spaceport America web page updated. He suggested that all presentations from meetings be put on the web page.

Galen Garcia and Rick Homans discussed the process of receiving the gross receipts tax which will begin in January 08. Rick Homans advised that the Authority members will be informed of the procedures taking place with the gross receipts tax.

Executive Session:
Personnel Matters: The Chair stated he would entertain a motion to enter into executive session pursuant to 10-15-1 (1)-(2) of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussion of limited personnel matters including the selection and compensation of an executive director.
Roll Call Vote:
Chairman Homans - yes
Toots Green - yes
William Loomis - yes
Casey Luna - yes
Jim Manatt - yes
Jerry Hanks representing Lt. Gov. Diane Denish
Back in Open Session: The Chair entertained a motion to enter back into open session pursuant to 10-15-1 (1)-(2) if the Open Meetings Act. The Chair stated that no action was taken in the matters discussed in the closed session and were limited to those specified in the motion for closure.
Chairman Homans turned the Chair over to Board Member Green.
Jim Manatt moved that the Spaceport Authority endorse Rick Homans request that he be hired as the Executive Director of the NM Spaceport Authority for a period to be determined between Mr. Homans and the NM Spaceport Authority at his current salary and benefits package. William Loomis seconded the motion.
Discussion followed with Mr. Homans explaining that he is moving from his position as Cabinet Secretary of the Economic Development Department to being full time Executive Director of the NM Spaceport Authority beginning on May 1, 2007. He explained that this would allow him to focus full time on the spaceport project. This will also allow time for finding the right permanent Executive Director who has the technical qualifications to serve in that position as we get closer to having an operational spaceport.
The motion was passed unanimously.
Toots Green announced that Holloman Air Force Base will be hosting the first air and space show and will include the XPrize Cup. This event will take place on October 26 -28, 2007.
Motion: Jim Manatt moved to adjourn the meeting. Toots Green seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 12:40pm.