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
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April 30,2015
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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