HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-15-2015 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes a
Airport Commission
January 15,2015
Page 1
MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
JANUARY 15, 2015—6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: David Davis, Minnetta Gardinier, A. Jacob Odgaard, Chris Ogren
Members Absent: Jose Assouline
Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Eric Goers
Others Present: Matt Wolford, David Hughes, Melissa Underwood
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None.
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Ogren called the meeting to order at 6:02 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Ogren asked if everyone had had a chance to review the minutes. Odgaard moved to accept
the minutes of the December 15, 2014, meeting as presented. Ogren seconded the
motion. The motion carried 4-0, Assouline absent.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Airport Commerce Park—Tharp stated that the two land sales are
progressing. One is due to close by the end of this month, and the other has
asked for a 30-day extension.
b. Airport Master Plan—Melissa Underwood gave Members a quick
update. She stated that today she sent everyone the draft document of chapters
1 through 3. These sections have also received the FAA's comments. The next
meeting will be the first week of February, where the first public open house will
be planned, and hopefully held mid-to late-February. Underwood asked that
Members send her emails if they have questions or comments they would like to
share. Tharp noted that they will get the word out through every means possible
so that the public is well aware of the open houses they plan to hold. Ogren
suggested they have a Member or two present at these open houses. Gardinier
asked if the number of commercial respondents is too low for the survey.
Underwood stated that typically they see a 10 to 12% response and she thinks
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January 15,2015
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the response here is good. The conversation turned to the upcoming open
house and how it will be laid out. Members also discussed the various
departments at the University and what their uses are, or could be, at the Airport.
Gardinier suggested they get feedback from these users as well.
c. FAA/IDOT Projects: AECOM (David Hughes)—
i. FY15 Obstruction Mitigation—Hughes stated that they have
been working with the FAA the last few months as to the scoping on the
basic EA for the environmental assessment. Ogren asked for some
clarification on the 'part 77 surface' noted in the report. Hughes
responded, stating that it is the approach surfaces to the Airport and is
defined by a federal regulation. Basically it is the 'imaginary surfaces off
the end of the runway,' according to Hughes. Hughes continued to
explain this item and responded to Members' questions. Tharp stated
that there will be more discussion regarding the obstructions once they
get to that part of the process. The issue of landings and approaches at
the Airport was also discussed at some length, with Gardinier
recommending that they post clearly what is expected of pilots at this time
due to the obstructions they are dealing with. Gardinier asked if they
could approach the FAA with the issue of nighttime approaches, which
impacts traffic at the Airport, and try to get things moved along faster.
Hughes and Tharp both noted that once the environmental assessment is
done, they can do just this. Tharp further detailed for Members how they
will handle the obstructions on private property and how things have
typically been handled in the past.
1. Consider a resolution approving contract with AECOM —
Gardinier moved to consider Resolution #A15-01, approving
contract with AECOM. Odgaard seconded the motion. The motion
carried 4-0, Assouline absent.
ii. Runway 7/25 Parallel Taxiway—Hughes stated that since the
December meeting they have received the necessary paperwork from
Metro Pavers. Gardinier asked if there will be checking of the pavement
on a regular basis. Tharp stated that he will put a formal plan in place,
and that he himself has been out there at least every other month taking a
look around. Gardinier asked that they make this something formal.
Gardinier asked how long the maintenance bond is for. Hughes and
Tharp both thought it was a 10-year period. Tharp stated that he will find
the exact wording for Gardinier, however, before the next meeting. She
asked that they summarize this at the next meeting and include this
information.
1. Consider a resolution accepting work as complete—Ogren
moved to consider Resolution #A15-02, accepting work as complete.
Gardinier seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0, Assouline
absent.
iii. Taxiway B lighting— Hughes stated that the contractor has
ordered some parts for this and once they arrive, this project will be ready
for completion, as well.
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January 15,2015
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Gardinier asked if there wasn't a project they were going to be working up
bids for, something early in the spring. Hughes stated that early on in the
spring they have some state projects, and he briefly described those.
d. Airport Operations—
i. Strategic Plan- Implementation —
1. Review of Strategic Plan—Tharp began a review of the
strategic plan, noting that it is a five-year plan that basically takes
the Master Plan, and some of the things that have happened with
the Airport before, and creates a more 'digestible chunk of goals
and objectives.' He noted that this plan was put together with the
help of Jeff Davidson with the Economic Development office at the
City. Tharp gave Members a brief history of the plan and how
they got to this point. In relation to the first goal of communication
with City Hall and the Council, Members spent some time on the
topic of having Council Members visit the Airport. Tharp explained
that they do invite the Council to various events and make an
effort to get them out to the Airport.
The second goal of looking at funding and developing adequate
funding for the Airport was discussed next. Tharp stated that he
often shares this information, that when he first arrived at the
Airport the debt was around $3.5 million, and the operating levy
was about$170,000, with an operating budget of about$400,000.
This past budget cycle, Tharp noted that the operating levy was
$29,000, debt is $600,000 before the pending land sale purchase
agreements, and the operating budget is still around $400,000.
So in terms of about a decade, Tharp noted, operating budget and
expenses have been streamlined and have remained flat for 10
years. During this time they have been able to put money back
into the buildings with new flooring and new restrooms in the
Terminal, and improved maintenance in some of the buildings.
Increasing use of the Airport for aviation and other community
uses—Tharp noted that one of the big things the Airport did from
the last Master Plan was to increase part of the length of the
runway, giving better take-off distances. This Master Plan is
working on landing distances and trying to reclaim some of that
area. The jet fuel 24-hour system was installed, thus eliminating
the overnight phone calls, according to Tharp. Continuing, Tharp
noted that the Airport still offers use of the conference room to the
public. Odgaard asked if the public is aware of this, and Tharp
noted that it is on the Library's web site as an alternate site. He
added that they have not done any overt marketing of it though.
Increasing usefulness of the Airport for economic development—
Tharp noted that this addresses things like building hangars,
building facilities that people will use. He noted that they have
hosted such groups as the Chamber of Commerce with a
luncheon. Members also spoke to having a flight tracker screen
V
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January 15,2015
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put up in the Terminal building. Tharp then spoke to the idea of
marketing 'hangar lots' at the Airport, and having a hangar model
designed beforehand that they would work from.
Upgrading taxiways, runways, Airport infrastructure—Tharp stated
that they are working with the state in their pavement condition
index program. This occurs every three years and was last done
in 2011. Tharp stated that they are working with both the state
and the FAA on grant opportunities as they become available. He
also noted the HVAC system upgrades, and budgeting for hangar
maintenance. Lighting has been increased on the airfield, and
there is now 24-hour access to the Terminal building. Odgaard
asked how pilots would know this, and Wolford and Tharp
responded. This led to a discussion about noise abatement, as
well, and how to get this information out to the flying community.
Lastly, Tharp covered 'curb appeal, looks of the Airport,' noting
that at one time a viewing area was being developed, and a
shelter and sidewalk were installed. He stated that he
occasionally does see people using the space. Members briefly
discussed some of the plans that had been discussed in previous
years, such as adding some educational pieces to the viewing
area. Odgaard suggested they collaborate with the City's Parks
and Recreation department to make the entire area an attractive
recreational area. Tharp stated that he will check with Jeff
Davidson to see if he can walk the Airport Commission through
this process again. He will try to get something set up over the
next few months.
Gardinier asked Underwood how the strategic plan plays into the
Master Plan at this point. She asked if it would be better to have
them further along with the Master Plan before they embark on
another five-year strategic plan. Underwood responded that
actually it would be best to have them both in draft form together,
as they can then play off each other. She noted the difference
between a strategic plan and a master plan, in terms of the FAA.
Gardinier asked how far behind they are in updating the strategic
plan, noting that the minutes at the end of the plan are dated
December 2009. Tharp noted that they are somewhat behind, but
that the plan is referring to fiscal years, not calendar years.
ii. Budget-
1. Annual Report—Tharp noted that he did do the budget
presentation for the Council recently. He talked about what is
happening at the Airport, and he noted that the Council was happy
to hear about the land sales in the commerce park and the
lowering of the Airport's debt. He noted that there are no
anticipated changes to the budget from what was presented.
Tharp stated that a draft of the Annual Report was ready for
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January 15,2015
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review. He asked members to review the report for comments by
February 12th.
iii. Management—Tharp stated that his annual evaluation is due
next month. He will need to meet with the Chair to begin this process.
e. FBO/Flight Training Reports—
i. Jet Air—Wolford addressed the Commission next. He shared the
monthly reports with Members, noting some of the highlights. One of the
bigger projects has been replacing light bulbs in various buildings and
hangars. January brought snow removal, with drifting becoming a
problem at times. Wolford noted that fuel prices continue to drop. He
stated that Jet Air is now an official '145 repair station.' Flight training is
up and going well already, according to Wolford.
f. Commission Members' Reports—Odgaard asked about the lock issue
on the gates, and Tharp noted that he did follow up with the fencing
contractor, but has not yet heard back. He also asked about the door to
the Terminal building, and Tharp noted that this has been fixed. Gardinier
stated that she hasn't flown since November, but hopes to fly this coming
Sunday. She also spoke to an email received regarding the Girl Scouts.
She stated that she would like to do something to participate in the World
Aviation Day for Girls event. Tharp stated that he can respond to this
email to let them know of their interest to participate. Gardinier further
explained what typically takes place on this particular day at participating
airports. Ogren noted the Children's Museum's interest, as well.
g. Staff Report—Ogren asked about the status of the new blinds. Tharp
stated that he needs to follow up on this, but that it will be happening
soon. Another project is a partnership the City has with the University,
the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities. As part of this, the
Airport will be part of the class study, and Odgaard is one of the mentors
in this project. Tharp further explained how the goal will be to look at the
flood mitigation for the south area, and come up with a newer, revised
concept plan for this area. Odgaard stated that he will probably bring
about five students to the Airport for Tharp to give them an update on
where things are and what they are looking at doing.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
s
meeting the Airport Commission will be held on ThursdathiFebrumeeting.
g 19 2015eatMnext r
ng
in the Airport Terminal Building.
ADJOURN:
Odgaard made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 P.M. Ogren seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0, Davis and Assouline absent.
•
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January 15,2015
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3 //
CHAIRPERSON DATE
Airport Commission _
January 15,2015
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2014-2015
TERM Ili ? o
m o
• li
N
EXP. ;r‘,3
A a
X X OIE X X X
Minnetta Gardinier 03101119 X O/E X X O/E
03/01/16 X X X X X O/E X
Ma
Chris Ogren 03/01/18
X X X X X X X X
A. Jacob Odgaard 03/01117 NM NM X X X X O/E X X
David Davis 03101/17 ® NM NM 0/E X X O/E X X
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
p = Absent
O/E =AbsentlExcused
NM = Not a Member at this time