HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-17-2014 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes J
Airport Commission
March 17,2014
Page 1
MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
MARCH 17, 2014—6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Jose Assouline, Minnetta Gardinier, Paul Hofmeyer, Chris Ogren
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp
Others Present: Philip Wolford, Turk Regenniter, Melissa Underwood, Terry Robinson,
David Hughes
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None.
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Tharp called the meeting to order at 6:06 RM. He noted that the first order of business would
be to elect officers.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Tharp noted that they first need to elect a Chairperson and he asked for nominations. Gardinier
nominated Ogren for the Chairperson position. Ogren accepted the nomination. Gardinier
made the motion to elect Ogren as Chairperson; seconded by Hofmeyer. Motion carried
4-0.
Chairperson Ogren then asked for nominations for Secretary. She nominated Hofmeyer for this
position. Ogren made the motion to elect Hofmeyer as Secretary; seconded by Assouline.
Motion carried 4-0.
Ogren noted that the next item is to convene into Executive Session. Tharp suggested that
before they do this they should move up the active agenda items so that those in attendance
can participate in those items. Hofmeyer made the motion to move Items 6, 7b, 7c, and 7g
up in the agenda; seconded by Ogren. Motion carried 4-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
b. Airport Marshaling Yard—Ash Trees—Terry Robinson addressed the
Members, noting that as of March 21, he will no longer be Superintendent of
Parks and Forestry. He stated that he wanted to share some information,
however, before his retirement that he believes to be of interest to the
Commission. He then spoke to the Emerald Ash Borer problem and how it has
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March 17,2014
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spread, killing millions of ash trees. Currently, Robinson noted, the closest areas
in Iowa are the Waterloo and Mechanicsville regions. Robinson continued,
further explaining what this insidious invader does as it continues to spread
through the state. Speaking to local concerns, Robinson noted that there are
approximately 1,500 to 2,000 ash trees in the public right-of-way in Iowa City,
with half again as many in the city parks. This number triples when you look at
private property within Iowa City. This huge volume will mean huge amounts of
debris as these trees are removed. Robinson then spoke to how various City
departments are addressing this concern. Landfill has been a major part of this
discussion, especially when looking at potential debris from not only Iowa City,
but surrounding areas as well. Robinson then explained what a 'marshaling yard'
is and how this area is staged. In looking around the city, he stated that he was
not finding good 'marshaling yard' areas within the parks. This then led him to
consider the south runway area that is not currently active. One of the important
things to consider is good vehicular access in an area that is not disruptive to a
residential neighborhood. Also of importance is being able to block off this area
so that access is limited. Robinson noted again the importance of keeping this
'marshaling yard' away from residential areas, especially with the noise and dust
associated with the work being performed. He again explained how important
the process is in getting rid of this pest, and how important the staging or
marshaling yard area will be.
Robinson continued, stating that his reason for being here this evening is to ask
the Commission to consider this, that it will be a huge service to the city overall.
He added that the debris will only be that from the public right-of-way, not private
property debris. Robinson then explained how concrete dividers would be put in,
inside the concrete area of the south runway, creating a long wall. Members
brought up their concerns with how close this might be to the active runway, and
especially the dangers of dust being pulled into airplane engines. Everyone
agreed that the further away the marshaling yard is from the current active
runways the safer it would be. Ogren asked if this runway is ever needed for
emergency landings. Tharp noted that as far as he knows it has not been
needed for this. Members looked at a map of the Airport as they tried to get an
idea of how much space this staging area would take up. Robinson then
addressed insecticide use and how that type of treatment would be handled. He
noted that this would not be done widespread but would be limited to specific
areas as it just isn't feasible over the 10-year treatment period.
Robinson then addressed Members' concerns, further explaining why this yard is
needed for the City's right-of-way and park trees. With the volume that will be
coming in to the Landfill from private and other municipalities around Iowa City,
there will not be enough room at the Landfill to accommodate all of this. By
removing the City's trees from this equation, it will take some of the load off the
Landfill. Gardinier asked what amount of time they're looking at having
something like this set up, and what type of volume there would be. Robinson
stated that he would estimate three years from the time of infestation before this
type of operation would need to take place, and that it would probably then take
around three years of operation before the need for this area would be done.
Members continued to discuss the distance from the primary runway that this
operation would need to be, as well as the height of any piles of trees. Turk
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Regenniter with Merschman Seeds also spoke to the group. He noted that in
2008 his company paid for the access to this south area, as well as paving, and
he talked briefly about the project and how this access point has been a very
positive thing for the Airport, especially during construction times. He stated that
if such an operation were to take place in this area, Merschman Seeds would not
be able to continue their operation due to the noise and dust. He added that they
would need at least 30-foot on each side of their area to be able to turn with their
equipment. Members spoke to this, noting their concerns with having the
marshaling yard at the Airport and disruption of operations, such as the
Merschman Seed plots. Regenniter noted for the record that Merschman Seeds
would appreciate it if the Airport Commission could find an alternative site for this
operation. Robinson thanked Regenniter for sharing his concerns, noting that
this is why he is starting this process now, so that there is plenty of time to find
the right spot to hold the marshaling yard. Before wrapping up, Robinson again
responded to Member concerns, reiterating the number of trees that will most
likely be involved in this infestation.
c. Airport Master Plan—Melissa Underwood addressed the Members
regarding the master plan. She stated that they sent the Scope to Scott Tenor at
the FAA and he reviewed it. After some questions were answered for the FAA,
she noted that Tenor approved it. On the funding side, she explained how the
FM sees possible entitlement funding and how this may affect projects needing
to take two years in order to get the full funding amount, or waiting for the two-
year period to elapse in order to get the full funding amount. Underwood
responded to Members' questions on how projects would be handled under
either scenario. Tharp also addressed concerns, noting what they typically can
expect with multi-year projects. He asked if the Commission would be
comfortable with this. Hofmeyer asked what their options are, if any. Tharp and
Underwood responded, noting that the Airport would have to either find State
grants to make up the difference or pay this difference themselves if they were to
lose this funding. Tharp stated that he basically just needs to know if the
Commission is agreeable to this, and if so they will continue the process. At the
next meeting they should have a Master Plan Contract for review and execution.
g. FBO / Flight Training Reports
i. Jet Air— Philip Wolford with Jet Air addressed the Members next.
He noted that Matt, who normally does the monthly review, got married this past
weekend and is on his honeymoon. Wolford apologized for not having a list of
the activities that Jet Air has performed in the past month, but added that he will
get one together. With the weather starting to improve, he hopes to see flights
increasing. Wolford then spoke about the sublease on building D that they have
with Care Ambulance. He stated that they are at the point where they need more
room for their staff. Due to this, Wolford stated that the options are either to
move to a different location, or to do some renovations in the hangar in order to
achieve the needed space. Wolford reiterated that the goal would be to keep
Care Ambulance here at the Airport, as it is a great benefit to the community.
Members spoke to this issue, agreeing that whatever Care Ambulance needs to
do to this space, at their expense, is fine with them. Tharp noted that anything
done to the hangar will be inspected by the City via their normal process.
Wolford then spoke briefly to the marshaling yard idea, noting that the dust and
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debris issues are serious things to consider and he questions having it at the
Airport. Members thanked Wolford for his input.
At this point, Members considered a motion to adjourn into Executive Session, under Iowa
Code, Section 21.5(1)(c)to discuss strategy with Counsel in matters that are presently in
litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or
disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation. Hofmeyer made the
motion to adjourn to Executive Session; seconded by Ogren. Motion carried 4-0.
Ogren moved to adjourn the Executive Session and return to the regular meeting;
seconded by Assouline. Motion carried 4-0. The Commission adjourned into Executive
Session at 7:30 and returned to open session at 7:57.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Chairperson Ogren first reviewed the February 20, 2014, meeting minutes. Hofmeyer moved
to approve the February 20, 2014, meeting minutes as presented; seconded by Ogren.
Motion carried 4-0.
The March 4, 2014, meeting minutes were reviewed next. Tharp is already aware of a typo in
the minutes where "January" needs to be changed to "March? Ogren moved to approve the
March 4, 2014, meeting minutes as amended; seconded by Assouline. Motion carried 4-
0.
The March 11, 2014, meeting minutes were then reviewed. Assouline moved to approve the
minutes of the March 11, 2014, meeting as presented; seconded by Ogren. Motion
carried 4-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION (cont.):
a. Airport Commerce Park—Tharp stated that he did not get Jeff Edberg
updated on the new meeting date. There have not been any new leads,
according to Tharp.
d. Fly Iowa— Hofmeyer noted that he met with Jenny Becker from Rockwell
Collins to discuss grant issues and the $5,000 grant for Fly Iowa. Members
briefly discussed the need to increase fundraising efforts and to get in touch with
any other organizations that can be of help in this matter. Ogren noted that she
was in contact with the Credit Union and their response was that they would
donate $100 to Fly Iowa and nothing more. Tharp shared that he has a couple of
meetings set up for the end of the month with the Corridor Business Journal to
see if they can get any help there.
e. FAA/IDOT Projects: AECOM/ David Hughes—
i. Runway 7/25 Parallel Taxiway— Hughes spoke to Members,
noting that until the weather breaks they are still shut down with
construction projects. They have been processing paperwork in order to
get contractors ready to go when the weather does break. The DOT
projects all have a June completion date on them.
ii. Roofing Rehabilitation—
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March 17,2014
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iii. Obstruction Mitigation—The light poles have been replaced in
the dealership lot. Now they are just awaiting the owner's return to town
to get the finalization on this.
Hughes then noted that they have started the initial survey on the 20 to 1
approach. Most of the survey is done, so they are working to finalize this
and get it back to Members as soon as possible. Hofmeyer asked if there
is anything Hughes can share preliminarily. Hughes noted that he hasn't
had a chance yet to review some final information on the elevations so he
would prefer to wait until all of the information has been gathered.
Tharp noted that in reference to DOT projects, the call letter has been
sent out for grant applications for next year. The application deadline is
May 9th, so Tharp asked that Members let him know as soon as possible
of any other items to add to this list. Members briefly discussed a few
issues, such as drainage, that might need attention. Hofmeyer asked if
there were some basic maintenance issues that need attention. Tharp
noted that they have discussed this and have a few issues they're looking
at as they ready for the construction season. Gardinier asked about
upgrading the second gate at the north end and Tharp responded to this.
He stated that they could look into upgrading all of the gates to a key card
type of set up.
Hofmeyer asked if he could go back to the Fly Iowa issue real quick. He
asked if anyone had been in touch with the Cedar Rapids' Airport
manager about Fly Iowa. Tharp responded that he had not. Hofmeyer
noted that the people at Rockwell Collins had suggested this, noting that
they had been helpful with Fly Iowa in the past. Tharp stated that he
should get in contact with them, if for no other reason than advertising
about the event. Hofmeyer then asked if anyone grabbed the banner at
the Children's Museum when they were there for their tour. Ogren
suggested they have Deb bring this to the next meeting.
iv. 2014 IDOT Grant Projects
1. Taxiway B rehabilitation and overlay—
2. Taxiway B lighting—
3. North T-hangar pavement maintenance-
f. Airport Operations—Tharp stated that he doesn't have much to share on this
section this month. Basically he is gearing up for a lot of projects coming up this
summer—paving, roofing, lighting —all before June 1. The Air Race Classic will
also be coming through.
i. Strategic Plan—Implementation—
ii. Budget—Members spoke briefly again to the Fly Iowa event and their
lack of funding. Tharp noted that he has asked the City for$5,000 towards this.
Gardinier stated that they may not be able to afford any of the air shows.
Assouline asked how much they are talking about, and others replied that they
would need $50,000 at least for air shows. Wolford suggested they use less-
known acts, that they can get these for much less. Tharp asked for any
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information on these acts, stating that they can look at the local acts as well.
Ogren stated that at their April 1 meeting they need to really strategize how they
are going to move forward with this aspect of Fly Iowa.
iii. Management-
h. Subcommittee Reports—Ogren noted that she printed out the subcommittee
list and that she would like to raise the question of having these. She suggested they
have a Budget Subcommittee, and then go to having ad hoc subcommittees as needed.
Assouline suggested they have some coaching in some of these areas, such as
community liaison, in order to know what they could be doing. Ogren suggested they
think about having the subcommittees be part of the strategic planning process.
Gardinier responded that these are what came out of the last strategic plan, that having
these ongoing subcommittees would ensure that they were addressing the elements of
the plan. Tharp suggested they add this to the agenda at a future meeting for further
discussions. Dulek suggested they look at their strategic plan on a more regular basis,
in order to review their goals and whether they are addressing these issues. Members
agreed that they need to start doing this.
i. For March —Community Liaison —
ii. For April — Economic Development—Gardinier spoke to the need for a
brochure of some type for the Airport, one that they could have available in the
lobby, for example. This could help in promoting the Airport and what it has to
offer. The same with a web site, Gardinier stated that she would like to see
some expansion of what they have. Members briefly discussed the issue of an
expanded web site and what type of costs would be associated with this. Tharp
responded to their current situation within the City's main web site. He
suggested they add this item to next month's agenda, as well. Assouline
suggested Tharp use his PowerPoint presentation in creating a web site and a
brochure.
i. Commission Members' Reports—Hofmeyer shared that he did some touch
and gos on Monday.
j. Staff Reports—Tharp noted that if anyone is interested in joining him, April 22nd
and 23rd is the Aviation Conference. Wednesday would be the best day to
attend. Ogren stated that she may be able to attend on Wednesday, as may
Hofmeyer. Dulek noted that the deadline for the Airport Commission application
is March 26, 2014, at 5:00 P.M.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
The next Fly Iowa subcommittee meeting is April 1, 2014, at 5:30 P.M.
The next regular meeting will be Thursday, April 17. 2014, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport
Terminal building.
ADJOURN:
Ogren made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:53 P.M.; seconded by Assouline.
Motion carried 4-0.
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March 17,2014
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CHAIRPERSON DATE
Airport Commission
March 17,2014
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2013-2014
TERM o o o > > o o 0 o O O o 0
C (\O O Q. > - - -. - - -. i N N W
> > > \ > \ -S O > > > > -s N
NAME EXP. N to 0 t N m .i 1a rn ? rn A o
> o > W W 0 > > > > > > > > >
03/01/14 XXX XX X X X X X X X X X X NM
Howard Horan
Minnetta 03/01/15 XX O/E X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Gardinier
Jose Assouline 03/01/16 XXX X O/E X O/E X X X X X X X X X
Chris Ogren 03/01/14 XXX X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Paul Hofineyer 03/01/17 XX O/E X X X O/E X X X X X X X X X
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time