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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-30-2015 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes Airport Commission April 30,2015 Page 1 MINUTES FINAL IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION APRIL 30, 2015—5:30 P.M. AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING Members Present: Jose Assouline, Minnetta Gardinier, A. Jacob Odgaard, Chris Ogren Members Absent: David Davis Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Eric Goers Others Present: Matt Wolford, David Hughes, Carl Byers, Jeff Edberg RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action): None. DETERMINE QUORUM: Chairperson Gardinier called the meeting to order at 5:35 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Gardinier opened with a review of minutes from the March 19, 2015, meeting. Ogren moved to accept the minutes of the March 19, 2015, meeting as presented. Odgaard seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0. Next minutes from the April 7, 2015, meeting were reviewed. Gardinier moved to accept the minutes of the April 7, 2015, meeting as presented. Ogren seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: a. Airport Commission Meeting Schedule—Tharp noted that when the Commission met for their special meeting on April 7th they discussed scheduling at that time. It was noted that several members may have some conflicts during the next few months, and therefore the Commission asked to put this item on their agenda. He added that Davis had wanted to be part of that conversation, but that he is absent this evening. Assouline stated that he would move to select a specific day and time, as they have done before, and to not have it moving around. Those present noted that they would prefer this, that having a regularly set meeting—third Thursday of the month—is easier to deal with. Ogren noted that Davis had stated that he has taken on another Thursday commitment. Gardinier asked the Commission what the consensus is on this, and those present stated that they would like to stay with 6:00 P.M. on the third Thursday of Airport Commission April 30,2015 Page 2 each month. Gardinier asked what other issues they need to address, and Tharp noted that mainly it was to see what everyone's schedule is going to be for the summer meetings, and whether there will be any problems in having a quorum. Ogren asked if they could address this again at the May meeting, that perhaps by then people will have a better idea of their summer schedules. Tharp noted that it appears they will have a quorum for the May meeting. Gardinier asked if Davis will be unable to attend the Thursday meetings. Tharp responded that he does not have an answer to that. He added that the impression he got from the April 7th conversation was that Davis was not going to be able to attend meetings for the next couple of months. Gardinier asked that everyone pay attention to their calendars and to let the Commission know in advance of any absences. She noted that June will be a conflict for her. b. Airport Commerce Park—Jeff Edberg noted that the lot#7 sale will be closing in the next few weeks. He added that he just heard this morning that on lot numbers 11, 12, and 13 the builder and the buyer are now ready to move forward. Once plans are finalized, they will be ready to close on this sale. Ogren asked about the FAA situation. Edberg stated that this was a contingency, but is not considered to be a real issue. He noted that he has discussed this with Sue Dulek, from the City Attorney's office, and that all contingencies are being released. i. South Commerce Park— Edberg then spoke to the South Commerce Park area of the Airport. He shared with Members some ideas of how they might develop this area. One would be to find an aviation-related use that did not compete with Jet Air. Things like hangars or radio shops would not be in competition, for example, but Edberg stated that what he would like to find is something like an aircraft leasing company that needs an acre under roof. Edberg then noted that the City would like to build a training facility for the Fire Department, as well as storage for the Police Department. He noted that he has found them temporary space at this time, but that they definitely need more space. Ogren asked where this issue stands with the FAA, and Tharp noted that the initial response to the study by the FAA was to wait for the completion of the Master Plan. The concerns initially were the height of any buildings, and any smoke-producing events at the training facility. Members then discussed these ideas, noting their concerns. Tharp spoke to the needed dredging of the creek in this area, noting that it is one of those projects that needs to be done for flood mitigation here. Edberg stated that at this point they could begin slowly, find out if there would actually be any aviation-related uses interested. Assouline spoke to additional runways and whether this would be possible if they begin to develop this area. Tharp stated that in the past they have discussed grass landing strips and the feasibility of these. At the time, the land use study did show that this would be possible. Gardinier noted that she is not enthusiastic to lose what was the end of 18-36. She believes it provides a safety runway if somebody needs to land, and that they have been protecting and maintaining this area as such. Members continued to discuss the South Commerce Park area, noting their concerns with development here. They asked Matt Wolford with Jet Air what his Airport Commission April 30,2015 Page 3 thoughts are on this area. He noted aviation-related businesses that do painting and interiors of aircraft as possible ideas. Gardinier noted a need for an avionics shop, as well. Edberg agreed, stating that he believes a radio shop would be at the top of the list. He then spoke to how the Commission could lease land for these types of uses, noting that there are over 40 usable acres. Members agreed that Edberg should continue researching possible uses. Edberg then shared a guidebook that is for'developing, leasing airport property,' noting that he looked through it and did find some interesting sections in it. Gardinier suggested that all of this information become part of the Master Plan process. Tharp noted that the Master Plan will give a basic footprint on how to develop the southern area. c. Airport Master Plan —Carl Byers noted that Melissa Underwood would be unable to attend this evening but that she gave him a brief summary to share with Members. He noted that it states that the 'aeronautical obstruction survey' has been completed, that the data has been forwarded. The next Advisory Group meeting is in the process of being scheduled for late May. Byers stated that the purpose of this meeting will be to go through the data and discuss what the alternatives are for either improving or getting more instrument approaches. The group will also focus on facility requirements that the Airport needs, based on the user survey responses and input from the open house. Underwood will also demonstrate what can be looked up online and what you can do with this data. Byers then spoke to the southern area of the Airport, the South Commerce Park. He noted that one of his first projects as an engineer was the rehab of runway 18-36 back in 1989. Speaking to an earlier comment, he noted that they may need to decide if they want to reclaim this part of runway 18-36 as an actual runway, instead of just an emergency one. He also spoke to several airports that have fire service training facilities on their airfields. The restrictions, of course, relate to building height, as well as any smoke generated, but that it appears with planning, these uses work out quite well on the airfield. Tharp was then asked to comment more on the possible flood mitigation needed in this area. He stated that a study was done several years back regarding this and he noted some of the options that could be used to mitigate the flood plain. At the time it was estimated to be approximately a $2.2 million project. Tharp noted that a project like this would be a 50/50 split with the FAA. Assouline stated that he believes they need to have a better understanding of costs associated with such projects, to get some real numbers as far as costs and also revenues. Members continued their discussion, agreeing that they would like Tharp to meet with Edberg and Wolford to further discuss these issues, and to see what type of interest there might be in this area. d. FAAIIDOT Projects: AECOM (David Hughes)— i. FY15 Obstruction Mitigation—Hughes stated that they are continuing to work on this and have a conference call tomorrow to discuss it further. They need to identify which parcels will be impacted and then begin the coordination process. Airport Commission April30,2015 Page 4 ii. Fuel Tank Rehabilitation— Hughes stated that he will discuss the fuel tank rehab and the north t-hangar electrical project together as they comprise the 2015 State projects. There were pre-construction conferences on both of these projects today. The fuel tank rehab project painting should take place in August, according to Hughes. Wolford is trying to coordinate a couple of tanker trucks that they will need while the tanks are being painted. Members briefly discussed this, noting that they do not like to see it being pushed out so far. Tharp added that they could shut the system down and have nothing, but what they are trying to do is maintain fuel sales at the Airport during this rehab. As for the north t- hangar electrical projects, Hughes stated that they plan to start on this at the end of May. This will be a two-to three-week project and the impact will probably be one or two days of no electrical service. Hughes stated that they will give everyone as much advance notice as possible on this. iii. North T-hangar Electrical Service & LED lighting —(see above) iv. FY2016 IDOT Grant Application — Hughes turned this over to Tharp, who noted that Members have a memo on this in their meeting packet. He noted two specific projects—retrofit hangar A doors to electric versions, and begin phase one of a joint and crack sealing program in order to maintain the runways. Continuing, Tharp noted that at the Aviation Conference there was a lot of push-back on what was deemed 'routine pavement maintenance,'where the Office of Aviation again stated that they would not approve pavement maintenance. None of the applications were approved last year, according to both Tharp and Hughes, and the intention is to not approve pavement maintenance this year either. Tharp stated that the State is going to be capping the grant awards for what they consider'general aviation vertical infrastructure,' which is what the hangar door project would fall under. The discussion turned to possible phasing of this project, with three or four doors being done per year. Gardinier spoke to having different categories of hangars —some with electrical doors, some without—which could have different rental prices. Members continued to mull over how they might accomplish these projects, in light of funding declines. Tharp responded to Member questions and concerns. He then spoke to the LED lighting that they have been working on over the past few years, noting that a big piece of this project will be building F, the shop, as well as some airfield signs. Gardinier stated that she would like to find out whether they should be performing maintenance on pulley doors, and if so start doing it. Members continued to discuss the issue, with Odgaard pressing for upgrading to electric doors. Gardinier stated that she believes it will be more cost effective to do the LED lighting upgrades. Tharp noted that the pot of money they are trying to tap into is only $750,000 total, which is why the State will be capping the awards. The discussion continued, with Members trying to decide which projects should be part of this grant submission. Tharp stated that if they did the door replacement with a 25% match, and the others at the minimum match levels, they would have enough for all three projects—apron expansion, electrical, and doors. This would come at a cost of$110,000 to the Airport. The topic of Airport Commission April 30,2015 Page 5 upgrading old hangars versus building new was also discussed. Hughes noted that many airports upgrade their hangars as the cost of building them is quite high. Spending the money to upgrade would be money well spent. Odgaard asked if the money they are counting on as a 'match'will disappear if they don't spend it. Tharp stated that he is unsure, that once the money has been allocated to the Airport, it is theirs to use. However, since the money is tied to a certain scope of projects, he is not sure if what they are proposing would be covered. Members continued to discuss priorities in which projects should be addressed once funding is known. Tharp stated that he is hearing consensus for applying for all three projects. Members asked Tharp and Hughes for further information on the pavement part of this project. Hughes noted that it is extending the existing apron. Tharp further explained what this would entail, noting that they need to start this process in order to preserve the apron they have. Hughes noted that they will do some research on the pulley doors, per their conversation this evening. e. Airport Operations— i. Strategic Plan- Implementation—None. ii. Budget—Tharp stated that the Budget Committee will need to convene in the next month or so to briefly go through where they are currently. iii. Management—Tharp noted that he received Gardinier's email about newsletter edits. He hopes to get this out by tomorrow afternoon. Ogren asked about the window issue, and Tharp noted that the contractor is behind in a different project, therefore putting him behind in this one. Ogren suggested that Tharp get more aggressive with the contractor, in order to move the project forward. f. FBO/Flight Training Reports— i. Jet Air—Matt Wolford with Jet Air shared the monthly maintenance reports with Members. He noted that they have been able to paint more rooms recently, including his office and the women's restroom. There has been a lot of spring cleanup, as well, such as picking up branches and sticks, and trash. He noted that they have put up signs regarding the gate codes. Wolford added that they did purchase a push mower, to help with some of those areas that the riding mowers can't reach very well. Wolford then spoke to the FBO side, noting that they suffered a major loss with Brett, their shop manager, going to Rockwell Collins. He will still be helping out in the evenings and on weekends, however. Wolford noted that another employee, Elwin Stutsman, will be stepping up to help out until a replacement is found. Wolford noted that he also attended the Aviation Conference this year, and he shared his experiences there. He stated that they were able to sell a Citation to a Des Moines customer. He added that they have had an increase in sales lately, selling two of their Skyhawks, a Piper Saratoga, a 421C, and a Citation Ito a customer Airport Commission April 30,2015 Page 6 in South Korea. He then responded to Member questions regarding what other aircraft Jet Air has in its fleet. Tharp then explained where they are with needing to approve the Maintenance Agreement and the Janitorial Services Agreement with Jet Air. He explained the City's policy on such services and how Jet Air still offers them a lower price than if they were to open this up. Also, with Jet Air's expertise at the airfield, there is a safety issue with opening up such services to outside firms. 1. Consider a resolution approving Maintenance Agreement—Ogren moved to approve Resolution #A15-08, Maintenance Agreement with Jet Air. Assouline seconded the motion. The motion carried 4- 0. 2. Consider a resolution approving Janitorial Services Agreement—Ogren moved to approve Resolution #A15-09, Janitorial Services with Jet Air. Assouline seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0. g. Commission Members' Reports—Assouline stated that he saw the airport in Aspen, Colorado. He noted that it is a small airport. Gardinier stated that she flew down to Venice, Florida, and saw their nice little airport. She added that she always thought they should have a cafe at the Airport. Ogren stated that she was with a group where a young child was talking about the Airport, and she suggested they get the word out even more about the Airport and all that happens there. h. Staff Report—Tharp noted that the week of June 11th he will be out of the office on Friday and in Des Moines that weekend. Gardinier asked Tharp if he has heard anything further on the Young Eagle Flight. He stated that he did send an email. SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: The next regular meeting of the Airport Commission will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2015, at 6:00 P.M. in the Airport Terminal Building. ADJOURN: Gardinier made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 P.M. Ogren seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0. A -"41111r CHAIRPERSON DATE Airport Commission April 30,2015 Page 7 Airport Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD 2014-2015 TERM m 0 o i o w o N w a a N IQ NAME EXP. -• 03 o o N cn CO m Of m W 0 A A a a a to to N to Or N to N N Minnetta 03101/19 X X O/ X X X X X X X X X X Gardinier E Jose 03/01/16 X X O/ X X 0/ X X/ O/ X X O/ X Assouline E E E E E Chris 03/01/18 X X X X X X X X X X X X X Ogren A.Jacob 03/01/18 X X X O/ X X X X X X X X X Odgaard E David 03/01/17 O/ X X 0/ X X 0/ X X O/ X X 0/ Davis E E E E E Key: X = Present X/E = Present for Part of Meeting 0 = Absent 0/E =Absent/Excused NM = Not a Member at this time