HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-17-2014 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes Airport Commission
July 17,2014
Page 1
MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
JULY 17, 2014—6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Jose Assouline, Minnetta Gardinier, A. Jacob Odgaard, Chris Ogren
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp
Others Present: Matt Wolford, David Hughes
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None.
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Ogren called the meeting to order at 6:07 P.M. She first welcomed the new Airport
Commission Member Jacob Odgaard to the group.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes from the July 14, 2014, special meeting were reviewed. Assouline stated that he was
amazed at the number of people who attended Fly Iowa. Gardinier stated that the estimates are
closer to 5,000 attendees. Others agreed that a note should be made of this, that the 5,000 to
7,000 estimates were too high. Gardinier noted that the number of Young Eagles attending was
102. Assouline moved to approve the minutes of the July 14, 2014, special meeting as
amended, seconded by Gardinier. Motion carried 4-0.
Next the minutes from the June 23, 2014, meeting were reviewed. Gardinier stated that as she
was not at the meeting, she can't really speak to the minutes. Ogren moved to approve the
minutes of the June 23, 2014, meeting as presented; seconded by Assouline. Motion
carried 3-0; Gardinier abstained.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Airport Commerce Park—Due to a conflict, Edberg was unable to
attend the meeting. However, according to Tharp, there has not been any
movement with lot sales.
b. Airport Master Plan—Tharp stated that they are moving forward with
getting invitations sent out to those they hope to have in the planning group. An
initial kick-off meeting is tentatively set for August. Ogren asked if they weren't
going to have someone from the Airport Commission serve on this group. Tharp
stated that if the Members would like to do this, they can certainly discuss it and
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chose someone to serve on the planning group for the Master Plan. Ogren
asked others what their thoughts are on this and if there is someone who wants
to volunteer for the Master Plan Committee. Gardinier asked for some
information regarding this group, and Tharp responded, noting that the group will
meet roughly four times over the next year, probably an hour to two hours each
time. This planning group is a review committee, essentially, that will review
each section of the Master Plan as they work through it. Ogren further explained
what was discussed at the last meeting about having a smaller committee review
the Master Plan sections. Tharp noted that in addition to himself, other
participants they hope to include would be someone from the City Managers
office, a representative from the Community Development department,
representatives from several neighborhood associations, someone from the
Airport FBO/Jet Air, and an Airport Commission Member. Gardinier suggested
that they let those pilots who lease hangars know of this opportunity, as well.
After a brief discussion, Tharp stated that he would send an email to those
leasing hangars; and if they get more than one pilot, he can always bring it back
to the Commission for review. He did note that they are trying to keep the review
committee a smaller size, but that they do want a broad spectrum of participants.
Ogren suggested that in the letter Tharp let people know that there will be public
forums at which they can share their thoughts, as well. Ogren asked Gardinier if
she would be interested in serving on this committee, and Gardinier stated that
she would if no one else is interested.
c. FAA/IDOT Projects: AECOM (David Hughes)—
i. Runway 7/25 Parallel Taxiway—Hughes stated that the parallel
taxiway is done other than some seeding that they will complete in
August. There is also some remaining paperwork to be done, but
otherwise Hughes stated that they should be wrapping this project up.
ii. Roofing Rehabilitation—Hughes stated that the roofing is now
complete. He added that the contractor did come back out to seal around the
walkway. Hughes stated that the other leak that was found was actually tied to
the window itself. Ogren asked if Hughes knew anything further about the
window situation. Tharp responded, stating that he has had several people out
to look at it and he has one that he believes has found a solution. Gardinier
asked if they can also look at the windows on the side of the building that were
having some corrosion issues. Tharp stated that they will definitely relook this
area to make sure there are no issues. Gardinier stated that on Tuesday
evening she realized the door does not latch. Hughes noted that it has a large
sweep on the bottom of it. Tharp stated that they put a new seal on it, and that
this is probably part of the problem. He will have someone look at this.
1. Consider a resolution accepting project as complete—
Assouline moved to approve Resolution#A14-05 accepting
the roofing rehabilitation project as complete, seconded by
Ogren. Motion carried 4-0.
iii. 2014 IDOT Grant Projects: Hughes stated that he would
address the IDOT projects as a group. He stated that they basically have
the same contractor on the taxiway B rehab and the north t-hangar
pavement maintenance. There are a few punchlist items that need to be
completed on these projects. The lighting project is at this stage also
where there are just a few items to complete. Gardinier asked Hughes to
clarify what exactly needs to be completed, and he noted that they need
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July 17,2014
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to do some seeding where they had to trench in for the conduit and the
cans in the pavement, as well as around the sign bases. There is also
some pavement cleanup where the edges need to be smoothed out.
Ogren asked what needed to be done at the north t-hangars, and Hughes
stated that some sealant leaked onto the pavement and needs to be
cleaned off. There is also an area that was not sealed and needs to be,
according to Hughes. Hughes noted that the drainage at the gate area
appears to be working okay now. Odgaard asked what was done in this
area, and Hughes noted that they raised the road elevation here and put
intakes on either side to catch the water.
1. Taxiway B rehabilitation and overlay—
2. Taxiway B lighting—
3. North T-hangar pavement maintenance—
d. Fuel System Storage Maintenance—Tharp stated that he put this on
the agenda so that he could give the Members some information on cost and
possible contingency plans if the State grants don't come through. Tharp added
that they are at a point where they need to do something. There is material in
the sumps and things are only getting worse. Tharp stated that what he is
proposing to Members is that they move forward with the lining of the low-lead
tank and then if they are able to get the State grant, they can then do the painting
and some of the pipe replacement. Assouline asked if there is any indication of a
problem inside the tank. Tharp stated that it is difficult to trace the source of the
problem. Several months ago they did a process on the tank where the sediment
was removed from the tank bottom. It yielded some, but it did give them the
opportunity to get some pictures of the inside of the tank. Tharp noted that it did
not show any significant issues. By lining the tank, they will increase its longevity
and make maintenance better, and they will also solve their contamination issue.
If they are still getting contamination issues after the lining is installed, Tharp
stated that they can then start to replace piping. Odgaard asked if they can tell
from the sediment itself where the contamination is coming from. Tharp stated
that they are not able to pinpoint the source, whether it's from the tank itself or
the piping.
Gardinier asked how old the fuel tank is. Tharp stated that it is approximately 20
years old. Members continued to discuss the fuel tank issues, with Tharp
responding to questions regarding the State grant and what it will cover with this
project. Tharp also further explained what all this project will encompass once it
gets started. Wolford with Jet Air also explained to Members what they can
expect and the plans they are trying to put in place before this project even
begins. Members continued to discuss the State grant process and how this
year's delay in the process may put projects on hold. Tharp stated that his
concern is that if they don't move forward with this project, they could end up with
a major issue and have no fuel at all. Ogren stated that she agrees with
Gardinier, that they should wait until the State's August meeting to see if the
funding comes through at that time. If it doesn't, they can then revisit the issue
and decide what to do. The bottom line is that whether the grant funding comes
through or not, this issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Gardinier
stated that she is not opposed to them moving ahead with temporary measures,
such as a storage tank to use in the meantime.
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Members continued to discuss the fuel tank issues, with Wolford responding to
questions regarding Jet Air's fuel truck capacity and how they might approach
these issues on a temporary basis. Odgaard asked if Tharp has talked with other
airports about problems such as this. Tharp stated that he has talked to others
about the repainting of their fuel tanks, but no one has had contamination issues
like these. Wolford stated that the issues here have gotten exponentially worse
over the past six months. Assouline suggested they have a plan "B"—such as
an extra storage tank, so that they can be prepared for whatever may happen.
Tharp stated that he would like to go ahead and begin the actual planning
process on this, get some pricing on the various components, and bring that back
for Members' review. Tharp reminded Members that they applied for this grant
last year and were denied. The Commission agreed that Tharp needs to move
ahead with the planning work at this point. Dulek asked if the Commission would
want to have a special meeting after the State's decision is made in three weeks,
so that they can decide how to proceed, or they can decide this evening to give
the Chair the authority to proceed. Gardinier moved to give the Chair the
authority to sign the grant if approved, seconded by Assouline. Motion
carried 4-0.
e. Gilbert Street Land Lease— Dulek gave Members some background on
this lease agreement. The owner of this property has now sold the land and
wants to end this lease agreement. Dulek added that it is a 10-year lease at
$300 per month. It is the Commission's decision to end the lease early or not.
Members discussed the issue, with Dulek responding to questions. Assouline
asked how many years are left on this agreement. Tharp noted that it began in
2009, so there are five years left on the lease. Assouline suggested they split the
difference with the owner. The discussion continued, with Members asking
Tharp if this land could be used for anything else. He noted that it is not very big.
Dulek noted that this parcel is paved with asphalt and has served no other
purpose. Tharp stated that he agrees with Assouline's suggestion of 50%—or
he suggested pay for a year and get out of the remaining four years. Others
stated that they would agree to 50%. Members also spoke about the need to
watch this parcel to make sure no one is parking on it if there is no longer a lease
on the property. Assouline suggested they talk to realtor Jeff Edberg about
finding someone to lease the property again. Dulek will move ahead with letting
the current leasee know what the Commission's conditions are to ending the
lease agreement.
f. FRO/ Flight Training Reports—
i. Jet Air—Matt Wolford first reviewed the monthly reports. Mowing
has been a major portion of the maintenance for the month, as has
weeding, mulching, and picking up sticks and branches from some of the
storms that have swept through. Wolford also responded to Member
questions regarding the monthly reports. He noted how busy everyone
has been with the various events at the Airport.
ii. Iowa Flight Training—Ogren noted that Odgaard works as a
flight instructor for IFT. It was noted that a request has been made of IFT
for some type of reporting at least twice a year. Gardinier stated that she
would like to make this request again. Tharp responded that he will send
a message to IFT.
g. Airport"Operations:"
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i. Strategic Plan-Implementation—Tharp stated that they expect
to get their fifth member next month. Once everyone is seated they will
do a refresher on the strategic plan. Tharp added that the current plan
runs through 2015, therefore, they will be working on a new five-year plan
in the near future.
ii. Budget—Tharp noted that the new fiscal year began with July.
The budget process for FY16 will begin sometime in September.
Gardinier asked if they had much money left at the end of the fiscal year.
Tharp responded that they did not spend much of their capital
improvement money as they were awaiting grants. Gardinier asked about
the security pad on the gate, and if this is money they could use to do
that. She added that there is no functional latch at this time. Wolford
asked if they want this done to the gate nearby, as well, and Gardinier
stated that they could put a lock on that one at night. Odgaard agreed
that adding these security features shows that the Airport is conscious of
their security. Wolford stated that he would like to talk about this gate
issue more, that he questions having the gate locked. Others spoke to
this briefly, noting that people can come when the Airport is open and will
be able to access these areas then. When the Airport is closed, however,
the gates should be locked. Tharp stated that he will look into their
options to see what they can install that would keep everyone happy.
iii. Management—Tharp reminded Members that he will be on
vacation the next few weeks, and that Chris will be out of town, as well.
He asked Gardinier if she would be okay with being the contact person
should something arise. She asked if he has a checklist of sorts of what
to do in his absence, should something arise. Others agreed, and Tharp
stated that he can write this up before he leaves.
h. Subcommittee Reports—Ogren stated that as she has said the past
several meetings, she believes they should have ad hoc subcommittees instead
of the standing ones they have. Continuing, Ogren noted that they had talked
about having a Security Subcommittee, which met a couple of years ago once.
Nothing else ever happened with that committee. She believes they should get
this subcommittee going again, and set up a meeting with Iowa City emergency
responders once a year so that everyone is ready for anything that could happen
at the Airport.
i. For July— None
ii. For August— Budget—Ogren stated that this committee will
need to meet prior to the August meeting.
i. Commission Members' Reports—Ogren spoke about Fly Iowa and all
of the work that everyone put into it. Assouline agreed, stating that it was a good
event. Gardinier noted that she did the Air Race Classic, but did not make it to
Iowa City. She shared that she heard only good things though from those who
did. Gardinier also stated that Fly Iowa was a successful event. She shared that
she flew back from New Orleans this past week, and that there is a really great
lakefront airport there. She shared some pictures with Members. Ogren asked
Odgaard if he is keeping busy with flight lessons, and he stated that he is and in
fact he has a student waiting downstairs for him. He stated that on Saturday they
will be doing a search and rescue exercise in Boone, Iowa. The Air Force will be
there to evaluate this exercise, according to Odgaard.
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j. Staff Reports —Tharp welcomed Odgaard to the Commission. Odgaard
thanked everyone, adding that it looks exciting to him and he looks forward to
being a part of the Commission. He stated that he would like to see the Airport
get the appreciation it deserves.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
The next regular meeting of the Airport Commission will be held on Thursday, August 21,
2014, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport Terminal Building.
ADJOURN:
Assouline made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 P.M.; seconded by Gardinier.
Motion carried 4-0.
_XL} ///5//S
CHAIRPERSON DATE
Airport Commission
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2014
TERM o o o o o o o o o o o o o
N N CO A CA 0) V CO
NAME EXP. J A a) a o A o i i CA N.) i
A A A A A A A A A A A A a
03/01/14 X X X X X X X NNNNN
Howard MMMMM
Horan
Minnetta 03/01/15 XX X X X XXX X X O/ X
Gardinier E
Jose 03/01/16 XX X X XXX X X X XX
Assouline
Chris 03/01/14 X X XXX XXX X X XX
Ogren
Paul 03/01/17 XX XX XXX X NNNN
Hofmeyer M M MM
A.Jacob 03/01/17 NN NN NNNN NNNX
Odgaard MM MM MMMM MMM
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time