HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-17-2014 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes Airport Commission
April 17,2014
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MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
APRIL 17, 2014—6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Jose Assouline, Minnetta Gardinier, Chris Ogren
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp
Others Present: Matt Wolford, Turk Regenniter, Matthew Ferrier, Jim Sladek, John
Ockenfels, Jeff Edberg
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None.
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Ogren called the meeting to order at 6:03 P.M. She noted the passing of Member
Paul Hofmeyer over the past weekend in an accident. Ogren added that if anyone would like to
say something in memory of Paul, that they could do this during the public comment or the
commission member sections of the agenda.
At this point in the meeting, Ogren noted that they would move forward to Item 4d, Airport
Commerce Park, as Jeff Edberg has another meeting he needs to get to yet this evening.
Ogren moved to change the order of the agenda items and to move item 4d, Airport
Commerce Park, up in the agenda as discussed; seconded by Gardinier. Motion carried
3-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
d. Airport Commerce Park—Jeff Edberg addressed Members, thanking them
for accommodating his schedule this evening. Edberg expressed his sympathies
on the passing of Paul Hofmeyer, stating that it will be a big loss for the Airport.
Edberg then reported to Members what he is seeing in the real estate market.
Commercial real estate has not seen the explosion that residential has,
according to Edberg. The party that bought one lot is considering the purchase
of another lot for storage units. Edberg stated that he also spoke with another
interested party, a theater group, that is looking for a pole barn type of building
and the discussion turned to the availability of lots that could be built on.
Members continued to discuss this possibility, with Edberg noting that he will let
them know of the issues raised concerning noise and aircraft taking off and
landing in the area.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
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Minutes from the March 17, 2014, meeting were discussed. Ogren stated that the minutes had
a nice summary of the Emerald Ash Borer. Gardinier moved to approve the minutes of the
March 17, 2014, meeting as submitted; seconded by Assouline. Motion carried 3-0.
Next the April 1, 2014, meeting minutes were reviewed. Assouline moved to approve the
minutes of the April 1, 2014, meeting as submitted; seconded by Ogren. Motion carried
3-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Gardinier asked Dulek if they can bring up the issue of replacing Hofmeyer's position for
Secretary of the Airport Commission. Dulek noted that she spoke to Tharp about this and that it
didn't make this agenda, but that they can appoint a temporary secretary until the next meeting.
Ogren moved that Gardinier be appointed temporary secretary; seconded by Assouline.
Motion carried 3-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Request for use of hangar space for a special event—John Ockenfels
spoke to Members regarding this request. He leases hangar#71 at the Airport,
and would like to use this for a special Rotary event that would be the same
weekend as the Fly Iowa event. However, due to the location of his hangar,
Ockenfels would be able to use the far entrance for his guests and fence off the
areas they need for parking. The main part of the request though is to be able to
serve beer and wine at this gathering. Members asked general questions of
Ockenfels, such as how many guests he expects and the times of his various
events. Tharp noted that they still have the County Fairgrounds lined up for Fly
Iowa parking, so he believes they can work with Ockenfels' group coming on the
same weekend. Members expressed concern that the schedule suggested the
Children's Museum would tear down earlier than they were planning. Members
suggested confirming the schedule with the Museum. This led to some
discussion, with Gardinier noting that the Fly Iowa event will be running all day,
with some events in the evening. Gardinier asked Dulek what her thoughts are
on the alcohol request. Dulek replied that the Commission has their own policy
and that it is up to them to decide. Tharp shared a copy of this with the
Members. Gardinier moved to approve the request for a special event with
alcohol being served; seconded by Assouline. Motion carried 3-0.
b. Request to use part of the South Taxiway for a study project—Tharp
stated that this request is from the University of Iowa. He noted that Members
have copies of the letter and the request in their packets. As no one from the
University was present, Tharp explained what this study would entail. It would
track and view the amount of spray that comes off concrete from the salt
solutions used in the winter months, to see how it affects bridges and whether it
is speeding up the deterioration and corrosion seen on bridges. In this particular
study, the University wants to use part of the south taxiway and would be using a
water solution, no salt involved. The test would be a four to five day event, with a
week before and a week after for set-up and teardown, according to Tharp. Turk
Regenniter with Merschman Seeds joined the conversation, stating that his only
concern for the farming operation is where exactly they are going to be
conducting this study. Members discussed this issue, noting the best location for
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all concerned. Everyone agreed that they would give the University a very
specific location on the south taxiway in which to conduct their study. Jim Sladek
also spoke to the farming issue, stating that as long as the solution is only water
he also has no concerns. He also asked if the dates are hard-set and Tharp
stated that they wanted to do it later in June, but that he moved them away from
that. Discussion continued about whether they should be conducting their study
when the Air Race comes through. Members also voiced their concerns of
having this taxiway being taken up if other events are going on at the same time.
The farming operation should not see any impact, according to Sladek and
Regenniter, if kept in a specific location on the taxiway. Gardinier stated that she
would like to confirm the actual dimensions, including the berms, that the
University is requesting. Ogren stated that her motion would include: at least
50-feet remain on each side of the study area; that it is indeed only water being
used; and that this study not conflict with the Air Race Classic or Fly Iowa.
Ogren moved to approve the University of Iowa's request for space on the
south taxiway for a special study as specifically noted; seconded by
Assouline. Motion carried 3-0.
c. Airport Farming Operations:
1. Consider a Resolution approving an amendment to access
way lease with Merschman's Seeds, Inc.—Tharp stated that this is
essentially extending the agreement with Merschman's to allow them to
access the Airport and get onto the field to do their test plots and
arrangements. This would be a one-year extension. Gardinier asked
how long they have had a lease with Merschman's. Dulek noted since
2008. Tharp briefly explained how this arrangement works and what they
have been doing since it began. Gardinier moved to approve
Resolution#A14-01 as discussed; seconded by Ogren. Motion
carried 3-0.
e. Airport Master Plan:
1. Consider a Resolution approving an agreement with Bolton &
Menk for the Airport Master Plan update—Tharp stated that they have
taken the Commission's comments and direction from previous meetings,
including the split-year agreement, and put this into the Master Plan.
Final sign-off from the FAA is the only thing they are waiting on at this
point. Assouline asked what the major changes will be from this plan and
the previous one. Matthew Ferrier responded, noting that the biggest
thing will be the business component or the financial analysis, and then
working with the obstructions. He also briefly explained how important
the public component will be in this plan, as well. They have begun to get
their 'team' together—those that will work with them on addressing each
step of the plan. Gardinier asked for some clarification of what the FAA
has to do, and Tharp responded, noting how they will approach the grant
and what they may run into with the new calendar year's entitlements.
Discussions continued, with Tharp and Ferrier responding to Members'
questions regarding the Master Plan process and what all must be done
to verify costs for the FAA's approval. Gardinier moved to approve
Resolution#A14-02 as discussed; seconded by Assouline. Motion
carried 3-0.
f. Fly Iowa—Tharp noted that the last time they met they talked about a
program guide and the performers they might have at the event. Since that time
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he has confirmed everyone who will be performing, and is just awaiting
paperwork before final confirmation. In regards to insurance, Tharp noted that he
is awaiting prices from the City on this. He has also met with Matt Wolford of Jet
Air to discuss the best way to arrange things on the field and how to structure the
layout of the event in general. Tharp stated that he envisions the air show box
being aligned with 7/25 so that all of the performances will be in alignment with
7/25. He asked if anyone had any issues or concerns with this. Some of the
issues still needing to be addressed include transportation to and from the
County Fairgrounds where parking will be; vendors; table and chair needs; and
port-a-potties, to name a few. Gardinier stated that if everyone is in agreement
about having HyVee set up that they should probably go ahead and contact them
about the dates. Gardinier asked if perhaps they shouldn't increase the
frequency of their Fly Iowa planning meetings as they move closer to the actual
event. Others agreed, and Gardinier asked if they could keep them on Tuesdays
at the same time,just more frequently as the event approaches. Members briefly
discussed meeting schedules, with the next meeting being set for Monday, April
21st at 5:30 P.M.
Matt Wolford with Jet Air mentioned a company out of Cedar Rapids called Fuel
Inc. that does PR-type of work and is owned by a pilot. He added that they do a
lot of work pro bono. Ogren suggested they could have an ad in the program
guide for their work. Wolford volunteered to contact them for the next meeting if
Members are agreeable. Tharp stated that he and Wolford met with them a few
weeks ago. He stated that they basically do a lot of public relations work, from
setting up and organizing, to figuring out what the event will include, all the way
through to organizing activities and promotional items. Members briefly
discussed this and whether they want to bring another party in to help with
planning at this point in the process. Tharp reiterated that they are more than
welcome to invite the company to one of their meetings, just to hear what they
have to offer. Gardinier stated that she would be okay with having them at a
meeting, although not necessarily the next Fly Iowa planning meeting. She
suggested the following one, once they've had a chance to iron out some more of
the details. Gardinier added that she still needs to contact the group regarding
the balloon portion of the activities. Gardinier and Tharp then reviewed some of
the aircraft that plan to be part of the event. Wolford added that with the more
performers being scheduled, they are going to want hangar space, and with
limited space, he doubts they will be able to do something like a pancake
breakfast or evening dance inside one of the hangars. Members continued to
discuss these issues, noting that with poor weather they would definitely need
some indoor space. The issue of allowing vendors to set up was also briefly
touched on. Gardinier asked Tharp if he has spoken with City Transit about a
possible bus to help with getting visitors back and forth between the County
Fairgrounds and the Airport. He stated that he has started this conversation, but
has not yet received a firm commitment. Gardinier suggested he also speak with
Cambus about this. It was also suggested that the School District may be able to
provide buses, as well.
The discussion turned from the parking and transportation issues to traffic control
in the area during the event. Tharp noted that with Sertoma they don't see much
change in vehicular traffic. Gardinier stated that this will be different, with visitors
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coming to the Airport in their own vehicles, not aircraft. She asked if they should
speak with the City about the possible need for traffic control. Tharp stated that
he will add this to his conversation with the City and Transit. Gardinier noted that
she, and probably other tenants of the Airport, would be glad to donate her
hangar space during the show so that they have enough hangar space for what
they want to do.
g. FAA/IDOT Projects—AECOM/David Hughes—Tharp noted that
Hughes will be unable to attend this evening's meeting.
i. Master Engineering Agreement—Tharp asked that the
Commission defer this item to next month's meeting so they have time to
review it more thoroughly.
1. Consider a Resolution—Ogren moved to defer the
resolution approving an agreement with AECOM for a five-
year Engineering Services to the next meeting; seconded by
Assouline. Motion carried 3-0.
ii. Runway 7/25 Parallel Taxiway—Tharp noted that Members
received an email from Dulek on this issue and that he would not be
adding anything further.
iii. Roofing Rehabilitation—Tharp stated that the project has
started and they are almost done with the Care Ambulance roof, before
moving on to the next part of the project.
iv. Obstruction Mitigation—Tharp stated that they did receive the
information back from Hughes and the survey. There won't be much else
to do here until they have their large obstruction mitigation project.
Gardinier asked how many items they would be looking at as far as
obstruction mitigation. Tharp stated that there are probably 13 or 14
items, and that they range from different ends of the Airport, mainly trees
and light poles.
v. 2014 IDOT Grant Projects—Tharp stated that they had their pre-
construction conference today. This project—the taxiway overlay,
lighting, T-hangar maintenance—should all be wrapped up by the first of
June.
1. Taxiway B rehabilitation and overlay
2. Taxiway B lighting
3. North T-hangar pavement maintenance
vi. FY2015 Iowa DOT Grant Application—Tharp stated that this
grant application is due May 9"'. He noted the three projects that are
being recommended for this application. Gardinier asked about the gate
issue. Tharp stated that these run $12,000 to $15,000, and wouldn't be
appropriate as application projects. They would need to find some extra
money to cover such replacements, or make the gates part of a broader,
overall security project, including fencing, for example. The discussion
continued about various projects that the Airport needs to address in the
coming months, with Tharp responding to Members' questions and
concerns.
Gardinier then asked if they could get a new latch on the gate that gives
entry to the ramp area, and also consider putting a keypad on this gate.
She added that currently the latch is bent and is no longer functional.
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She would like to add the keypad to increase security. Tharp stated that
he can look into the cost of this.
h. FBO/ Flight Training Reports:
i. Jet Air—Matt Wolford of Jet Air addressed the Members
regarding the monthly maintenance and cleaning issues. He noted some
of the snow issues still going on in early March. Trash pick-up was a
major chore once the snow melted. Repainting of the wind-T was another
maintenance item that Wolford discussed. As for Jet Air's business,
Wolford noted that they recently added a Director of Operations, David
Michael, to the administrative staff. Traffic has definitely increased at the
Airport, according to Wolford, with much of their hangar space being full
on a consistent basis.
ii. Iowa Flight Training
i. Airport Operations:
i. Strategic Plan—Implementation:
1. Review of Strategic Plan—Tharp noted that Members
have received a copy of the plan in their packet. However, he
asked that they hold off on reviewing this at this point in time, due
to the decreased number of members currently on the
Commission, and revisit it once they have filled those positions.
ii. Budget—Tharp noted that there are approximately two months
left in this budget year. Gardinier asked if there is a sense of any money
that needs to be spent. Tharp stated that the money they are holding on
to is for the fuel tank repainting, in case they don't secure the State grant
to cover it. He added that there may still be some dollars left that they
can use on T-hangar maintenance.
iii. Management
j. Consider a Motion—Ogren moved to adjourn to Executive Session
to evaluate the professional competency of individuals whose
appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when
necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individuals'
reputations and those individuals requested a closed session; seconded
by Assouline. Motion carried 3-0. (7:57 P.M.)
i. Evaluation of Airport Operations Specialist—Gardinier moved
to adjourn the Executive Session and return to regular session; seconded
by Assouline. Motion carried 3-0. (8:21 P.M.)
k. Subcommittee Reports:
i. Discussion of subcommittees—Tharp noted that Members had
wanted to discuss the issue of subcommittees. Everyone agreed to defer
this to next month, so that they can have a chance to review the list of
subcommittees that they currently have. Tharp will get this information to
Members.
ii. For April—Economic Development
iii. For May— Events
I. Commission Members' Reports—Gardinier spoke about the head of
Urban and Regional Development at the University having approached her about
internships. She noted that there is a portion in the course where they discuss
aviation-related things, and this person reportedly teaches a course where they
talk about master plans for airports. She questioned if they might want to
consider an internship with this program. Tharp agreed, asking that she get him
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more information on whom to contact. Gardinier also spoke about the viewing
area and some ideas she saw put to use at other airports. Gardinier shared that
she certainly misses Paul Hofmeyer and that it will be a big loss for them. Ogren
thanked Gardiner for the note she sent to the Friends of the Airport and to
Chapter 33 in Paul's remembrance. Ogren agreed that she also misses Paul,
adding that he was a very thoughtful person. Tharp stated that he has a card,
and he stated that Members can decide if they want to do something as a whole,
or individually. He will have the card for a few more days if they would like to
have time to decide. Ogren suggested they acknowledge Paul too in the Fly
Iowa program, and others agreed. Gardinier shared that she spoke with Paul's
mother after the services, and that they plan to open a fund for Paul's children
but that she has not heard further on this. Dulek shared that at Tuesday night's
City Council meeting, Mayor Hayek opened the formal meeting with mention of
Paul's passing and his contributions to the community.
m. Staff Report—Tharp reminded everyone of the upcoming Aviation
Conference. He also stated that he will be taking a few days off the first part of
May, and then again in July.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
The next Fly Iowa subcommittee meeting is Monday, April 21, 2014, at 5:30 P.M.
The next regular meeting will be Thursday, May 15, 2014, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport Terminal
building.
ADJOURN:
Gardinier made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 P.M.; seconded by Ogren.
Motion carried 3-0.
/7
1/3
CHAIRPERSON / DATE
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2014
TERM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 N N co A a
NAME EXP. eo co -9 a rn a rn a o
W 0 co 0 0 W a a a A a A a A A A
03/01/14 N N 0/
X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Howard Horan M M E
Minnetta 03/01/15 0/ X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Gardinier E
Jose Assouline 03/01/16 X X O/ X OX
E/ X X X X X X X X X X
Chris Ogren 03/01/14 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Paul Hofmeyer 03/01/17 0/ 0/ X N
E X X X E X X X X X X X X X M
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
0 = Absent
0/E =Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time