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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-19-2015 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes November 19,2015 Page 1 MINUTES FINAL IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION NOVEMBER 19, 2015—6:00 P.M. AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING Members Present: Jose Assouline, Julie Bockenstedt, Minnetta Gardinier(arrived at 6:07 P.M.), A. Jacob Odgaard Members Absent: Chris Ogren Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Sue Dulek Others Present: Matt Wolford, David Hughes, Karim Malek, Omar Ahmad, Gary Milavetz RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action): None. DETERMINE QUORUM: Secretary Odgaard called the meeting to order at 6:04 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the October 15 meeting were reviewed first. Tharp noted that there is a minor addition to the minutes, on page 5. He will add the motions and times that the Commission entered into Executive Session, as well as exited. Odgaard noted that there is a typo under Item a, fourth line. This should be 'changes' instead of'changed.' He also suggested that the first place where the 3700 and 3800 plans are mentioned be further clarified. Odgaard moved to accept the minutes of the October 15, 2015, meeting as amended. Assouline seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0; Gardinier and Ogren absent. Gardinier arrived at this time. Next Odgaard reviewed the minutes from the October 29 meeting. Assouline moved to accept the minutes of the October 29, 2015, meeting as presented. Gardinier seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0; Ogren absent PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: a. Iowa City Auto Club Request to use Airport grounds—Tharp stated that the Iowa City Auto Club is present in order to speak to the Commission regarding a possible use at the Airport. Karim Malek first introduced himself and the other members of the Auto Club to the Commission. He stated that Tom Schnell, also from the University of Iowa, is the person who recommended they speak with the Airport • 3 November 19,2015 Page 2 Commission. The request centers around an auto-cross activity and Malek further explained what this entails. He noted that there is no location in the Iowa City area for such racing activities at the present time. Malek stated that the Club would be okay with paying to use unused runway space at the Airport, if necessary. He reiterated that this Club is seeking to have a community-based relationship, one where they can share their activities. He also spoke to insurance matters, noting that typically there is general liability and participant coverage, meaning that the Airport would not incur any risks for these types of activities. Malek continued his presentation, noting how many events the Club would expect to host during a year. These events would be held during the weekend and after-work hours the majority of the time. Malek pointed out the specific location they are considering for these activities, showing Members where on the unused runway events would be held. Odgaard asked how Des Moines' arrangement would be different from what Malek is requesting. Malek responded that from what he can tell, there is an agreement between the auto club there and the airport allowing the club to host such events. Gardinier stated that she would like more details on this arrangement—a) more details on how other airports manage these types of requests, and b) with a farming operation on the Airport grounds, she would need to know that this type of activity would not interfere with that. She also noted that the maintenance of this runway would be a concern for her. Malek stated that he would be happy to speak with the farming operation management, if need be. Assouline asked for further clarification of time period, and Malek stated it would be a six to eight month period with upwards of 20 events during those months. Assouline asked about some of the items being proposed for use, such as concrete blocks, and if these would become permanent. He reiterated Gardinier's concerns about the farming operation and their use of this area. The discussion continued, with Malek attempting to clarify the Club's usage of the unused runway area. Bockenstedt stated that she thinks it is a good idea, one that could bring more people to the Airport, but that she too questions any risks the Airport could take on. Tharp reiterated that they are currently working with the farm management on a new contract, but he suggested they clarify with them their use of this area. This could help them as they consider the Auto Club's request. Assouline asked Dulek about the Airport's risk for such events and she noted that the Auto Club obtaining such insurance would be very doable. Odgaard agreed that publicity for the Airport would be good, but that he too needs further clarification of these issues. Gary Milavetz then spoke to Members, noting that typically these events have less than 20 people attending. He also spoke about typical practice sessions, in addition to community events. Gardinier reiterated that they first complete the farm operation contract before considering the Auto Club request. Malek asked what this revenue amount is and Tharp stated that they receive about $30,000 in cash and $10,000 to $15,000 in land management services. Assouline stated that he personally does not believe there will be a problem with this request and the farming operation. Gardinier stated that November 19,2015 Page 3 she believes this is somewhat double-dipping on the land use, thus diminishing the farm operation contract. Also the wear and tear on this runway is of great concern to her. Assouline asked about the autonomous car use request and if this would interfere with that. Tharp stated that he has not heard anything further there, but that he does suggest the Commission discuss these issues. Bockenstedt asked if anyone in the car club are pilots. Assouline stated that he believes they should look into this request further. Gardinier stated that she sees conflicts on many levels, and that she would need to see how other airports handle such requests. The other Members agreed with this. Tharp stated that it appears to him that Members do need further information before considering this particular request. He agreed that the farming operation contract is of major importance. For now he will continue to gather more information for Members to review. b. Airport Master Plan—Tharp stated that Underwood would not be present this evening , but that she did note that she will have updates ready for the Master Plan group by the end of the month, with an update for the Commission at the December meeting. After this, the plan will head to the FAA for their approval process. c. FAA/IDOT Projects: AECOM (David Hughes) i. FY15 Obstruction Mitigation— Hughes stated that they have begun pulling the report together and hope to have a draft ready in early December. Once this has been reviewed, they will plan to submit it in January for it to become a public document. Wolford asked about the bird situation with this mitigation and Hughes responded. He further clarified the process and how long it actually takes before trees are removed, due to the times of year that this can be done safely in order to not disturb the birds and bats in the area. Members continued to discuss this issue, with Hughes responding to questions and concerns. Tharp stated that he would suggest a subcommittee to deal with some of the background issues for this process, so that they can be ready to move forward once the FAA gives their blessing. Members agreed that Tharp, Gardinier, and Bockenstedt would serve on this subcommittee, along with a City attorney. ii. Fuel Tank Rehabilitation—Hughes stated that they are attempting to close this project out. They are working with the contractor on the final documents at this time. The pump problems from last month have been resolved, according to Hughes. Wolford stated that the last week and a half have seen everything working well. iii. FY16 Apron Expansion—Hughes stated that the plan is to still get this out for bid this winter. They will then be ready for a spring start date on this project. Gardinier asked how long the project is expected to take, and Hughes noted that it could be upwards of 60 days. Hughes then responded to Member questions regarding this upcoming project. iv. FFY17 FAA AIP Pre-Application—Tharp spoke to this issue, noting that they have taken projects from the Master Plan as they November 19,2015 Page 4 have been completing the pre-application. He spoke to some of these projects, noting what is expected for 2018 and 2019. Hughes then clarified what some of these projects will entail. He also responded to Member concerns regarding the FAA's possible response to their application requests. Hughes and Tharp both clarified what can be expected if the FAA does not award them much. Hughes continued, further explaining the projects that are included in their pre-application. Gardinier noted that one thing missing is the addition of approach lighting off of 7, and that to her this is more valuable and likely than the stop-way. Hughes noted that this is not something the FAA would participate in funding. Tharp stated that if everyone is okay with this as discussed, he will move forward with submittal to the FAA. Odgaard moved to allow Chairperson Gardinier to sign the pre-application per discussion. Bockenstedt seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0; Ogren absent. d. Airport Operations— i. Strategic Plan-Implementation—Tharp noted that he is working through a hangar lease which he hopes to have for the Commission's review at the December meeting. He added that there should be a review after the first of the year on the strategic plan, and that they should plan to do another five-year plan at that time as well. ii. Budget—Tharp noted that he and Gardinier met with the City Manager and Finance Director recently. There is nothing new here, other than a concern over reduced revenues for the City. iii. Management—Tharp stated that he is planning vacation time during the Christmas holiday, as he typically does. e. FBO/Flight Training Reports Jet Air—Matt Wolford addressed the Commission next, sharing the monthly maintenance reports. Tharp introduced Wolford to Bockenstedt at this point. Wolford then briefly explained what he reports on each month. He reviewed what Jet Air staff completed over the past month, noting that they are continuing to work on the fuel tanks. Staff also worked on replacing the hangar door that Gardinier had brought up recently. She then asked about the fire extinguisher door by her hangar, noting that it has not been replaced. Tharp stated that they will look into this, that they had been working with Hawkeye on these replacements. Wolford continued, noting the various maintenance issues addressed. Tharp and Wolford also spoke to some of the empty hangars and how they have been using them lately and what plans are for them. The discussion briefly touched on snow removal and what amounts determine snow removal to begin. Wolford then spoke to how Jet Air is doing. He stated that they have been quite busy with charters, with last month setting a record for them. Earlier this week, he noted that five of their planes left for charter flights. He added that they recently hired November 19, 2015 Page 5 another mechanic and he gave some background on him. The recent Hawkeye game brought quite a bit of traffic to the Airport, according to Wolford. Odgaard then asked for an update on the flight training side. f. Security Subcommittee Report—Gardinier stated that she asked Tharp to add this to the agenda as she would like to update Members on the issue. She has three documents —a checklist, the emergency plan, and the security plan. She will get these to Tharp soon. One of the recommendations that came out of the review would be to have an annual review coincide with when the Chairperson position changes. g. Commission Members' Reports — Bockenstedt stated that she recently went to the Air Safety Institute seminar at the John Deere hangar. She shared what took place, adding that she was impressed with the information given. Gardinier stated that she will be flying to Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday. h. Staff Report— None. SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: The next regular meeting of the Airport Commission will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2015, at 6:00 P.M. in the Airport Terminal Building. Bockenstedt will not be able to attend this meeting. Tharp will check with Ogren to see if she plans to attend. ADJOURN: Assouline moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 P.M. Odgaard seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0; Ogren absent. CHAIRPERSON DATE Airport Commission November 19,2015 Page 6 Airport Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD 2015 TERM 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 a _ N i a NAME EXP. e1 m m - o a - CI o - at m a a C a a a a a a a a a a X71 N a a a a a a a a o a a Minnetta 03/01179 X X X X X X O/E X X X X X Gardinier Jose 03/01/16 O!E X X O/E X X X X X X X X Assouline Chris Ogren 03/01/18 X X X X X X X X X X X O/E A.Jacob 03/01118 X X X X X X X O/E X X X X Odgaard Julie 03/01117 NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM X Bockenstedt David Davis 03/01/17 X 0 X X 0 X 0 0 NM NM NM NM NM Key: X = Present X/E = Present for Part of Meeting O = Absent O/E =Absent/Excused NM = Not a Member at this time