HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-17-2015 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes September 17,2015
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MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 17, 2015—6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Jose Assouline, Minnetta Gardinier, A. Jacob Odgaard, Chris Ogren
Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Eric Goers
Others Present: Carl Byers, Philip Wolford, David Hughes
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None.
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Gardinier called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes from the August 20, 2015, meeting were reviewed. Ogren stated that she noticed two
items. One on page 2 of the minutes, where it states that Ames is the only other city dealing
with the issue—she would suggest adding that they are the only other city 'in Iowa' dealing with
this issue. Then on page 5, at the end of the strategic plan area, where it says "Gardinier stated
that she would be and Odgaard." She suggested adding 'interested' or something to that effect.
Others agreed with these changes. Ogren moved to accept the minutes of the August 20,
2015, meeting as amended per the discussion. Odgaard seconded the motion. The
motion carried 4-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Unmanned Aerial Systems -
i. Discussion —Tharp stated that following last month's meeting, he
updated the policy per the Commission's discussion. He added
that in the last 30 days the FAA has put out an update to their
policy for such systems. He further explained how this will be
incorporated into the Airports policy. Tharp also spoke about the
University's Operator Performance Lab and the desire on their
part to eventually move some of these types of operations to the
Airport field. He then responded to Member questions regarding
this. Ogren noted that she believes the policy should be more
specific, that it needs to say something other than 'carry a radio.'
This led to some discussion by Members on whether or not they
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need to add more information to this policy with regard to
responsibilities that are expected. Under the fourth bullet point,
Tharp suggested adding 'and comply with' or at the end add 'the
Letter of Agreement will...". Gardinier agreed with the first
suggestion, 'to comply with FAA regulations.' Members agreed
that this would further clarify this point. Discussion continued
regarding the Iowa City Aerohawks field and how to incorporate
this into the policy. Gardinier stated that they need to be more
consistent throughout the document when referring to the'
Airport's reference point,' to use ARP throughout after defining it at
the beginning of the document. She then reviewed each bullet
point, noting the need to clarify things a bit more.' The discussion
then turned to 'conditional approval' and what this means. Tharp
further explained how this applies to the OPL. Gardinier
suggested adding 'all operations must be approved by the
Operations Specialist,'which led to further discussion. Members
shared their concerns with the OPL bullet of the policy and asked
that Tharp clarify this specific issue. Having the OPL sign a Letter
of Agreement for such use was also discussed. Tharp attempted
to clarify what he would be comfortable with in regards to such
usage at the Airport. Members, however, asked that this specific
issue be clarified in the policy, and that a proposal of some type be
presented by the OPL. Tharp stated that in terms of restrictions,
the Commission does have the prerogative to add these.
Gardinier stated that the Members need to know what OPL may
want to do before they can address the Airport's policy. She used
the current situation where the individual came in and explained
how he would be using the airspace, thus giving the Commission
a clear picture of what to expect. They are unable to do this with
the OPL, as they have no idea what uses may be requested.
Ogren stated that she believes they should remove this bullet
point altogether. Others agreed and discussion continued on the
OPL's current usage and whether requests for drone usage may
be forthcoming. Gardinier asked Odgaard if he, as a pilot, would
be comfortable with drones being used on active runways.
Odgaard agreed that he would not be comfortable with this, both
using the term 'active runways.' Tharp asked what they consider
to be an active runway, as he considers it to be which one is
favoring the wind. The discussion continued, with Members
asking questions of Tharp on just how this policy would be
handled and what changes or additions they would like to have
made to it. Tharp tried to clarify what the FAA regulations are on
these types of operations and how every safety policy would be
carried out during such events. Ogren expressed her concerns
regarding the wording of the OPL bullet point and how she
believes they need to be very clear in their policy. Goers stated
that he could work with Tharp on the wording, having listened to
the Commission's discussion this evening, and try to clarify those
points that appear to be under scrutiny.
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ii. Consider a resolution adopting the UAS policy—Assouline
moved to defer approval of the UAS policy as discussed.
Ogren seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0.
b. Airport Master Plan—Tharp stated that there was a Master Plan group
meeting last night and that there is an open house planned for September
30 at 5:30 P.M. This will allow for public comment and input, and then
allow the group to put a final document together that can then be
presented to the Commission in October for their approval.
c. FAA!DOT Projects: AECOM (David Hughes)
i. FY15 Obstruction Mitigation—Hughes addressed the
Commission, sharing a summary with them regarding the survey
results. This data was presented to the FAA, and Hughes noted
their response. Trees and vegetation will have to be cleared now
and will no longer be allowed to be lit up to achieve the desired
result. He further explained the various levels of risk and
responded to Member questions regarding the obstruction
mitigation plan. Hughes noted that he and Tharp will be attending
the upcoming conference and hope to review some of these
issues with the State for their input. He added that he would like
to meet with the planner on these issues, as he believes they can
rectify this situation in a better manner than removing all of the
identified trees. Members continued their discussion, voicing their
concerns for removing trees from established neighborhoods.
ii. Fuel Tank Rehabilitation—Tharp then spoke to the fuel tank
rehab project. He stated that they are still having a problem
getting fuel into the low-lead tank. There appears to be a problem
with the valve, according to Tharp, and they have a few things
they are supposed to try in order to get this to work correctly. If
things go as planned, things should be up and running by the end
of next week.
iii. North T-hangar Electrical Service & LED lighting —Tharp noted
that this was deferred from last month. Hughes stated that the
work has been completed now and everything is done and ready
for the Commission to accept as complete.
1. Consider a resolution accepting project—Ogren
moved to approve Resolution #A15-14, accepting the
north T-hangar electrical service and LED lighting
project as complete. Assouline seconded the motion.
The motion carried 4-0.
d. Airport Commission attendance—Tharp noted that this was just an
oversight and was merely a carryover from last month.
e. Airport Operations—Tharp noted that they have installed a new wind
sock, as had been requested at last month's meeting. This wind sock is
higher than the previous one, according to Tharp, though it is still not lit
up at night. Gardinier asked if they could use a solar light to do this, and
Tharp responded that the FM would not consider that official.
i. Strategic Plan-Implementation—
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ii. Budget—Tharp noted that budget data will be due to the City
Finance Director soon and that it would be helpful to have the
subcommittee meet to discuss projects and items to consider for
the next budget.
iii. Management—Tharp reminded members of next week's FAA
conference that he will be attending on Monday and Tuesday.
f. Airport Commission By-Laws—Tharp noted that this is a follow-up from
last month's meeting regarding attendance language in the by-laws.
I. Consider a resolution amending by-laws—Ogren moved to
approve Resolution M15-15 amending the Airport
Commission By-Laws. Odgaard seconded the motion. The
motion carried 4-0.
g. FBO/Flight Training Reports
i. Jet Air—Phil Wolford addressed Members regarding monthly
reports. He briefly reviewed what has been going on, noting that with the
fuel situation the last few months, they have spent a great deal of time on
that. Regarding charters, Jet Air has been keeping very busy. The flight
training side is also progressing, with the search for a full-time instructor
still on. Gardinier asked about the entry for'jet canopy' being listed twice.
Tharp explained what the replacement, maintenance issues were on this.
Odgaard asked about the asphalt project shown and Tharp noted what
this entailed. Gardinier noted a rusting door on the far hangars, asking if
this could be painted. Tharp stated that they would add this to the list.
She asked that they perhaps look around for other items like this.
Members discussed briefly the window updates, asking questions of the
project, to which Tharp responded. He noted that the window dressings
still need to be installed, and he further explained what Members can
expect to see.
h. Commission Members' Reports—Ogren asked how Sertoma went.
Tharp stated that it was foggy until almost 10:30 that day. Gardinier
asked if Tharp had had a chance to check with Sertoma on the rumor that
they are not going to be hosting Sertoma at the Airport any longer. He
stated that he had not yet had a chance to do so, and Members briefly
discussed the issue. Gardinier noted that she attended the Dubuque Fly-
In breakfast recently.
i. Staff Report—Tharp noted that he would be leaving Sunday for the FAA
conference being held in Kansas City on Monday and Tuesday.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
Ogren asked if this date works for everyone, in light of needing to have a quorum at the
meetings. The rest of the Members stated they would be available. The next regular meeting of
the Airport Commission will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2015, at 6:00 P.M. in the Airport
Terminal Building.
ADJOURN: Gardinier motioned to adjourned, seconded by Assouline. Motion carried 4-
0. Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm
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Gardinier moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 P.M. Assouline seconded the motion.
The motion carried 4-0.
CHAIRPERSON DATE
Airport Commission
September 17,2015
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2015
TERM o o o 0 o o a a a a
s r. to A A cn of V CO 10 0
-a -a ..a 0 W N N a N
NAME EXP. N to to -4 0 a N m 0 V CJD
a m a m N o N N N cn a
Minnetta 03/01/19 X X X X X X 0/ X X X
Gardinier E
Jose 03/01/16 0/ X X 0/ X X XX X X
Assouline E E
Chris 03/01/18 X X X X X X XX X X
Ogren
A.Jacob 03/01/18 X X X X X X X 0/ X X
Odgaard E
David 03/01/17 X0 X X 0 X 00 N N
Davis M M
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
0 = Absent
0/E =Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time