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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-17-19 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes January 17,2019 Page 1 MINUTES FINAL IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION JANUARY 17, 2019—6:00 P.M. AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING Members Present: Warren Bishop, Minnetta Gardinier, Derek LaBrie, Christopher Lawrence, Robert Libby Members Absent: Staff Present: Eric Goers, Michael Tharp Others Present: Matt Wolford, Carl Byers, Ron Roetzel, Jared Wingo, David Hughes, Doug Schindel, Carol Freeman, Mike Fagle, Matthew Wilke, David O'Loughlin, Melissa Underwood, Bob Cohrs, Shawn McMahon, Paul Anderson RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action): None. DETERMINE QUORUM: The meeting was called to order at 6:09 P.M. 2019-2023 ENGINEERING RFQ INTERVIEWS: Tharp noted that this evening will consist of them interviewing the finalists for the engineering RFQ. This would be for the consultant who would be doing the engineering and design services for Airport projects, both State and federally-funded projects. Continuing,Tharp explained what the schedule is for each consultant to give their presentation. He added that they do have three firms participating in this process. AECOM: Presentations began with AECOM and David Hughes. He stated that AECOM has been with the Airport for 15 years and that they would really like to continue in this role. Hughes then introduced AECOM team members Doug Schindel, Carol Freeman, Mike Fagle, Matt Wilke, and David O'Loughlin, adding that this is the team that would be involved in the work at the Airport. In his presentation, Hughes stated that he will show why AECOM should remain In the engineering role, especially with their In-depth knowledge of the Airport and its facilities. Sharing some history about AECOM, Hughes noted that they are the second-largest engineering company, with 87,000 employees worldwide in 150 countries. The AECOM team has regional airport experience, as well as both national and international airport experience. Hughes stated that AECOM has had several name changes over the years, but that their experience has only grown stronger, developing such entities as the Aviation Design Center in Des Moines. Hughes then spoke to the various areas of expertise within their organization. He January 17,2019 Page 2 also spoke to various projects in the Midwest that they have worked on, from O'Hare Airport to Des Moines. Speaking to airport design experience, Hughes noted the Waterloo Regional Airport and various projects they have worked on there. Along those same lines, he listed many of the projects that AECOM has been a part of over the past 15 years. AECOM's knowledge of both FAA and DOT requirements is a positive factor, as well. Hughes continued, stating that AECOM Is committed to providing quality services. He then spoke further to some of the most important projects that have occurred at the Iowa City Airport—obstruction mitigation, runway rehabilitation, apron reconstruction and expansion, and taxiway improvements. Hughes wrapped up his presentation, reiterating that AECOM is committed to providing quality engineering services to the Iowa City Airport. Hughes then opened it up for questions from the Commission. Member Bishop asked for some clarification of AECOM's role in the Airport seeking FAA grants. Hughes explained how he works directly with Tharp on the various grants, using adopted plans, such as the master plan and the layout plan, for guidance. Libby then asked what type of vision AECOM has for the Airport. Hughes responded that projects like lengthening runways would give the Airport even more growth, for example, as would more hangars and paved areas. Gardlnier then spoke, thanking AECOM for all of the work they have done for the Airport. She brought up how five years ago when they were doing these same type of interviews, she was the one who really questioned AECOM and the work they were doing. She asked Hughes what he feels they have done differently over the past five years in terms of improving AECOM's service to the Airport. She added that what she felt was problematic over this time were the pavement issues and the issue of a 5,000-foot runway that came to light during the master plan process. She questioned why AECOM was not aware of this Issue and why they did not bring it to the Commission's attention if they did know. Hughes responded by giving some background information on why the runway issues played out the way they did. He explained the battles they faced with the FAA in getting funding. He stated that at the time the Airport was a Category C airport and the runway extension became a safety Improvement, thus allowing approval by the FAA. Hughes also addressed the issue surrounding the pavement problems and how this was resolved. Another question asked revolved around projects that have gone over budget or over the expected completion date, and how they can work together to prevent these things from happening in the future. Hughes addressed this, noting that AECOM has the knowledge and expertise to work with the Commission in all of these important areas. Several other AECOM representatives also spoke to their in-depth knowledge of the Airport and their ongoing ability to help them grow and expand. Bolton & Menk, Inc.: Tharp introduced Ron Roetzel, Carl Byers, and Jared Wingo with the firm Bolton & Menk. The presentation began with Roetzel speaking to Bolton & Menk's history. Byers then spoke to his background, noting that he has attended several of the Airport Commission meetings. Wingo then introduced himself, noting that he would be the Planner for the Airport. Roetzel addressed Members again, speaking to their corporate philosophy of'client first, client focused, and for the long-term relationship.' Bolton & Menk has a strong presence in Iowa, serving 60 municipalities and 15 airports. Byers then spoke to pavement projects at the Airport, and he shared an inspection report, a pavement condition index, which shows that there are no serious problems detected. With the regular inspections that are done, he believes they can then use those FAA- funded projects when maintenance issues arise. Speaking to the ongoing obstruction mitigation project, Wingo gave a brief history of where Bolton & Menk come from. He spoke to the GIS capabilities they have and how this web GIS could benefit the Airport greatly. Continuing, Byers then spoke to the goal of the Airport with the obstruction mitigation project—to get more runway January 17,2019 Page 3 and better approaches. He pointed out ways to do this, speaking to the thresholds and how they could make changes there. Wingo then spoke to a key area—the ability to coordinate with 'flight procedures.' He stated that Bolton & Menk would propose they utilize Wingo's experience as an instrument procedure specialist, as well as his FAA contacts, to get Into that queue and start looking Into the actual project that would be needed to achieve such a goal. He continued, giving further detail on how they would tackle such a project. Byers continued from here, noting how important the approaches are for the Airport and how they could possibly move forward in 2020 with such a project. He added that being pilots themselves, they completely understand the impacts such issues can have on an airport. Byers wrapped up by telling the Commission that Bolton & Menk would really like the opportunity to work with them and he thanked everyone for their time. Members then asked questions of the Bolton & Menk team, starting with their progress on the Le Mar's project. Wingo and Byers responded, detailing what was accomplished before the weather turned, adding that the government shutdown has also hampered progress here. The importance of'flight procedures'and a PAPI was reiterated, with Wingo and Byers answering Member questions. Both brought up the importance of communication with flight checks. Gardinier asked for some clarification on such a project and what type of costs might be associated with it. Byers spoke to the typical requirements when relocating an approach and where the costs usually lie. The Bolton & Menk team continued to speak to the importance of a PAPI being in use. Flexibility was another key element that the team touched on, speaking to the changes that will be coming in the future of aviation. They wrapped up by responding to questions on the web GIS system and the various uses of it. Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH) Inc.: Tharp introduced Melissa Underwood and her team from SEH and they began their engineering presentation. Bob Cohrs began, giving a brief history of SEH and his career to date. He noted that he is also a pilot, with his expertise in planning and environmental issues. He introduced each team member, as well as Paul Anderson from MMS Consulting,who would be overseeing the surveying and construction inspection portions. Underwood then spoke to Members. She noted that she has 16 years'experience in the planning and aviation field. She noted that she was part of the team that worked on the Airport's master plan a few years ago. She too is a pilot and has worked on general aviation airports all over Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas. Shawn McMahon spoke next, noting that he has been with SEH 11 years now. He served as a pilot in the Air Force on a C-17 aircraft. Paul Anderson with MMS Consulting then introduced himself. He stated that they would be the local contact for the team, if they are chosen for the contract. Some history of SEH was then shared with the Commission. They work in six different markets—transportation being one of them, which Includes aviation. SEH has served over 120 airports through the years. The SEH team continued, giving the Members a more in-depth history of their organization and the breadth of their organization's expertise and knowledge. Underwood then spoke to the master planning process and the various steps they worked through to come up with the completed product. Referring to the Airport's CIP, Underwood spoke to how they would suggest moving through these important projects. McMahon also spoke to the CIP projects, again noting how SEH would move through these to completion. Underwood wrapped up her presentation by stating that SEH is very dedicated to being the consultant for the Iowa City Airport. Members then asked questions of the team, with the first centering around the minimization, or elimination, of downtime on runway 2-5 with respect to approaches with the PAPIs being moved, etc. The SEH team responded, briefly outlining how such a project would proceed. January 17,2019 Page 4 They also spoke to similar projects that they have been a part of, noting that weather-related delays tend to be the biggest concern. Gardinier asked how they navigate using drones to check for cracks in pavement without causing flight disruptions. The SEH team responded and further explained how they use the GIS system to keep this type of information up-to-date. Tharp stated that the Commission can make the decision tonight if they wish, or they can defer to the next meeting. Gardinier stated that she is open to making the decision this evening and others agreed. Members began their discussion, with Lawrence asking for some history on the projects that AECOM has overseen in the past. Gardinier responded, stating that she did like tonight's presentation by AECOM; however, in remembering the last time they went through this process, she again questions using their services. Giving some history to the newer Members, she stated that the negatives for her are that AECOM is almost too large of a firm and that the Airport is often 'not in their sights.' She believes there have been some gaffs in certain projects, oversights on what was done or not done. Gardinier also spoke to the runway issue, where the master planning process showed how the runway could be extended. Other Members agreed that fresh eyes might be Just what they need. After further discussion, Members agreed that the preferred consultant is Bolton & Menk, Inc. Goers reminded Members that they have not yet addressed the financial side of such an agreement. He therefore recommended that the motion not reflect certainty in who gets the contract, but rather who they are choosing as their preferred consultant. LaBrie moved to have staff move forward in negotiating a master agreement with Bolton &Menk, Inc., as their preferred consultant. Lawrence seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes from the December 20, 2018, meeting were reviewed by Members. Bishop moved to accept the minutes of the December 20, 2018, meeting, as presented. Gardinler seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: a. FAA/IDOT Projects: AECOM/David Hughes I. Obstruction Mitigation— Hughes stated that the revisions have been made in the contract and that It was signed about a week ago. Ii. Terminal Apron Rehab— Tharp noted that they need to set the public hearing now on this, another DOT-funded project. 1. Consider Resolution #A19-01, setting a public hearing on plans, specifications, and form of contract—Lawrence moved to consider Resolution#A19-01 to set a public hearing. LaBrie seconded the motion. The motion carried 5=0. b. FBO/ Flight Training Reports i. Jet Air— Matt Wolford began with the monthly maintenance reports. Gardinier asked about the light bulbs needing to be replaced after crews have cleared snow on the runway. Wolford responded to questions and concerns, noting that most of the tasks have been routine this past month. January 17,2019 Page 5 Wolford stated that with a slowdown in business this time of year, they have been sprucing things up and doing some cleaning. c. Airport Operations i. Management—Tharp stated that he will be out of the office on January 31st for the Transportation/Aviation/Rail/Transit Day on the Hill in Des Moines. He also spoke to the City budget process, noting that he went through the operations budget on January 5th and then through the CIP earlier this week with the City Council. He felt his presentations went well. Speaking to a recent request that he received, Tharp noted that there is a corporate hangar coming open soon that Tom Snell would like to obtain. Tharp explained how he would like to handle such requests. ii. Events—Tharp stated that there are currently no events planned at the Airport. In regards to events this summer—the Young Eagles will be sometime in June. Tharp added that he is working with other City departments regarding the possibility of having the Monarch (butterfly) Festival at the Airport this summer. In previous years, it was held at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. d. Commission Members' Reports—None. e. Staff Report—None. SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: The next regular meeting of the Airport Commission will be held on Thursday. February 21, 2019, at 6:00 P.M. in the Airport Terminal Building. Tharp reminded Members of the public hearing at this meeting and therefore they will need to be present. ADJOURN: Lawrence moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 P.M. LaBrie seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. 03/26/2019 CHAIRPERSON DATE January 17,2019 Page 6 Airport Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD 2018-2019 TERM o m o o Co 0 K11 N + + N + .a a. NAME EXP. e = CO Q' �' L' `= o CO CO CO CO CO CO ' CO CO CO Warren 06/30/22 N N 0/ Bishop M NM NM NM M E X X X Minnetta 07/01/19 01 Gardinier X O/E X X X X X E X Robert 07/01/20 0/ 0/ Libby X X X X EEX X X Christopher 07/01/21 Lawrence X X X X XXX X X Derek 07/01/22 N 0/ LaBrie M NM X X X X X E X Key: X = Present X/E = Present for Part of Meeting 0 = Absent O/E=Absent/Excused NM = Not a Member at this time