HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-20-2014 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes •
Airport Commission
November 20,2014
Page 1
MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 20, 2014—6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Jose Assouline, Minnetta Gardinier, Chris Ogren
Members Absent: David Davis, A. Jacob Odgaard
Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Sue Dulek
Others Present: Matt Wolford, David Hughes, John Yeomans, Kevin Carlson, Melissa
Underwood
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None.
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Ogren called the meeting to order at 6:32 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Gardinier noted that she found a typo under the FBO/Flight Training Reports on page 5. There
was a discussion about 'Garmonizing'the planes, and she stated that this is not a real word.
Below this the word 'garmonized' was used. She added that the spelling should be 'Garmin,' a
producer of aviation navigation equipment. She pointed out a couple spots in this paragraph
where the word was used. Ogren stated that she noticed a few things, as well. Under Item E.1,
Airport Operations. The word 'forgot' should be 'forgotten.' On the next page, under
Management, #3, 'locks on the gate's issue'—she noted that there is no need for an ' after
gates. Ogren moved to accept the minutes of the October 16, 2014, meeting as amended.
Gardinier seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0, Davis and Odgaard absent
Minutes of the October 28 meeting were reviewed next. This was a brief meeting regarding the
land sale. Assouline moved to accept the minutes of the October 28, 2014, meeting as
submitted. Ogren seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0, Davis and Odgaard
absent
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Airport Commerce Park—Tharp stated that Jeff Edberg was unable to
attend this evening's meeting. In terms of updates on land sales, he noted that
the Council did approve the purchase agreements for the two sales they
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November 20,2014
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previously discussed. Closing dates are roughly on or before January 30, 2015.
One of the sales has a 30-day extender if needed, according to Tharp, but so far
everything is progressing well. Gardinier suggested they have a celebration
once the Airport's debt is paid off and invite the Council and past Commission
Members to celebrate with them.
b. Airport Master Plan— Melissa Underwood shared with the Commission
that the second meeting of the Master Plan Advisory Group was held this
afternoon. Members reviewed the user survey results and also discussed
forecasting methods for based aircraft and operations. Quantum has completed
the aerial work and Underwood expects these results to be available shortly.
c. FAA/IDOT Projects: AECOM (David Hughes)—
i. FY16 CIP Pre-Application— Hughes noted that he has been
working with Tharp and the FAA on the Capital Improvement Program
(CIP). They have made some revisions. Hughes then spoke to
obstructions and some unknowns in the area, along with lack of
easements over the property. He stated that the FAA wants to push the
obstruction mitigation out a year, to Federal Fiscal Year(FFY) 2016.
There are some environmental factors and easement issues that will
need to be dealt with first. Ogren asked if this will be a problem, and
Hughes stated that the FAA is okay with it as they are aware that the
Airport is working on the issue. Continuing, Hughes noted that the FAA
wants to split the apron project into two pieces—one the expansion and
the second being rehab to the existing apron. This is FFY17 and FFY18
in the CIP. Hughes continued, noting what FFY19 and FFY20 have
slated for them, as well, with the snow removal equipment storage
building and then the south Airport development area. Hughes noted that
the CIP is due to the FAA prior to next month's meeting. Tharp replied
that he believes it is around December 10 that it is due. He added that if
there is a consensus among Members, Ogren can sign the pages that
she needs to sign and they can then move forward with submitting to the
FAA.
ii. FY15 Obstruction Mitigation— Hughes stated that they are
putting the Task Order together and that it should be ready for the next
meeting.
iii. Runway 7/25 Parallel Taxiway— Hughes noted that they only
have a few pieces of paper yet to collect before wrapping this project up.
The work is complete and looks good, according to Hughes. He then
responded to Members' questions.
iv. Taxiway B lighting— Hughes stated that this work is 99% done.
The contractor is just waiting for a few more light fixtures.
Hughes then noted what next year's projects include: lighting on the
north T-hangars, fuel tanks, and power service replaced for the north T-
hangars. He added that they will get bids for these projects this winter
and then be able to start on them in the spring.
d. Airport Minimum Standards—Tharp gave Members some background
information, noting that they also have a memo in their meeting packet. He
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November 20,2014
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noted that these standards were last updated in 2002 and were originally written
in 1998. During a review of these standards, it was noted that there are some
discrepancies. Tharp stated that he would like to get the Commission's input on
the flight training requirements section (page 26 of the .pdf). As part of the
minimum standards, it states that 'a flight instruction operator will have at least
two aircraft—one capable of instrument flight instruction.' Tharp stated that the
recommendation is to replace this paragraph with 'a single aircraft at minimum
that is IFR capable.' It is believed that this will maintain the intent of the
Commission, that IFR training be available as part of the flight training operations
at the Airport. Discussion ensued on this recommendation, with Members asking
for clarification from Tharp on what the original intent truly was. Gardinier stated
that in the case of only one aircraft, if it is down for maintenance then all flight
training stops. She noted her own personal experience when receiving flight
training. She stated that she would not support having just one aircraft be the
minimum. Matt Wolford of Jet Air asked if this would cover helicopters, as well.
Tharp responded that they could do a sub-section for helicopters if they decide to
pull this out of the section. He asked Dulek about this issue and she referred the
Members to the definitions section to see what it shows. Members continued to
discuss the issue, with Tharp noting that this is an opportunity for the
Commission to reaffirm what their intentions are so that moving forward, the
necessary changes can take place. He stated that from the discussion it appears
that Members would prefer to keep the minimum of two aircraft, one IFR rated,
and to split out the helicopter section to allow for a VFR operation.
i. Consider a resolution amending the Airport Minimum Standards—
Gardinier moved to approve Resolution#A14-10, amending the
Airport Minimum Standards as discussed. Assouline seconded the
motion. The motion carried 3-0, Davis and Odgaard absent
e. Airport Operations—
i. Strategic Plan-Implementation—Ogren asked if they should
hold off on this discussion until they have a full Commission. Tharp
agreed, stating that he currently does not have any updates for them
either.
ii. Budget—Tharp stated that he and Ogren met with the City
Manager's office and the Finance Director recently. He stated that they
had a fairly lengthy conversation regarding the budget. A 'side effect' of
having their debt paid off, according to Tharp, will be a decrease in their
levy. He stated that there was discussion about changing the Airport
support to somewhat of a block grant-type setup, where the City would
give the Airport a certain amount of money. The Airport would then have
to budget and control this set amount. In terms of what was presented for
the next fiscal year, Tharp noted that their budget looks good. Tharp also
spoke to what they might do with the extra funds they will have after their
property sales and debt pay-off, for example updating snow removal
equipment. Assouline asked if they have considered lighting up the plane
that sits out by Riverside Drive. Ogren and Tharp both noted that they
would need to do some work to this area before lighting it up.
Continuing, Tharp noted that the window replacement is moving forward.
The first week of December is when things should start. Tharp spoke to
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November 20,2014
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the issue of blinds, noting that it will be around $3,000 to put in shades
and he briefly described what he is referring to. Assouline asked if the
window replacements will be similar to the current ones, and Tharp
responded that they will be.
Tharp noted that John Yeomans was present to talk about the farm
agreement. He shared that there will be a bit of a reduction in rent paid,
about 6%, as commodity prices have changed. Yeomans noted that the
biggest change, other than a bit less rent, will be that the farmer, Jim
Slotick, has agreed to go around this winter and cut brush. This is
something that was not done in the spring. Tharp noted that everything
else will remain the same in the agreement.
iii. Management— None.
f. FBO/Flight Training Reports—
i. Jet Air— Matt Wolford with Jet Air reviewed the monthly reports
with Members. All of the snow equipment has been checked out and has
been used already. He noted that they also painted a yellow box around
the self-service pump so pilots can see this better at night. Gardinier
stated that she called in about the fire extinguisher box by her hangar—
the door to it was lying on the ground. She noted that it looked like the
door had been replaced but that the glass had not been. Wolford stated
that he would check into this. Gardinier also spoke to the collection of N
numbers, asking if they are downloading the data periodically. Wolford
responded that the data is downloaded every night. She added that in
terms of the annual report, the idea was to run these N numbers so they
could identify where aircraft are coming from. Wolford stated that he will
find out what reports he is able to get from the data. Continuing, Wolford
reviewed the maintenance reports, noting that the screen on the self-
service pump had to be replaced recently.
Wolford then spoke about Jet Air's business, stating that they have been
receiving quite a few requests for new airplanes on the field, increasing
the need for more hangar space. He shared that they are subleasing
space at this time, and that things are filling up. He shared that their
maintenance shop is in the process of becoming a 'repair station,'with an
FAA inspection coming up soon. Jet Air's flight training business is up
and running, according to Wolford, with one full-time instructor currently
and plans to hire several more in the next year.
ii. Iowa Flight Training—Tharp stated that he received a letter from
Tim Busch yesterday, stating that Iowa Flight Training will be
discontinuing operations in Iowa City. With Jet Air's instruction program
now up and running, it should not be a problem as this still meets the
FRO requirements. Members briefly discussed the issue, noting that they
were somewhat surprised, as Busch appeared to be agreeable to stay at
the last meeting.
g. Ad Hoc Committee Discussion—Ogren spoke briefly to the
discontinuation of subcommittees and how they can create Ad Hoc committees
as issues arise. The Budget subcommittee will remain a standing committee.
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November 20, 2014
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Tharp agreed that he currently does not see a need for any subcommittees
either. Gardinier stated that they may want to create a subcommittee to deal with
the viewing area and some possible upgrades there.
h. Commission Members' Reports—Gardinier stated that she flew to
Virginia and back recently. She shared that she hit some of the worst turbulence
she has ever experienced during this flight. She also flew to Oklahoma City a
few weekends ago.
i. Staff Report—Tharp stated that with the upcoming holiday the office will
be closed Thursday and Friday. Next month, Tharp stated that he may consider
taking off the time between Christmas and New Year's, depending on how things
are going.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
The next regular meeting of the Airport Commission will be held on Thursday, December 18,
2014, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport Terminal Building. Tharp noted that Odgaard has already
noted that he will not be able to attend, and Assouline has also shared that he cannot attend the
December meeting. Gardinier stated that she will be available to attend, as will Ogren. Tharp
will check with Davis to see if he was able to attend.
ADJOURN:
Assouline made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 P.M. Ogren seconded the
motion. The motion carried 3-0, Davis and Odgaard absent.
//-5
CHAIRPERSON
CHAIRPERSON DATE
Airport Commission
November 20,2014
Page 6
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2014
TERM o 0 on o 0 o o o o o o o 0 1 -•
Ni N) W A C)1 0) J CO CD O -+ N)
NAME EXP.
0 N -4 Na N CO 0) o cn
J ? 0) a 0) A O V J CM CO V N
A a a a A a A A a A A a A A A A A
03/01/14 X X XXX XXNNNNNNNNN
Howard Horan MMMM MMMMM
Minnetta 03/01/15 X X X XX XXX X X 0/ X X X O/ X
Gardinier E E
Jose Assouline 03/01/16 X X X X X X X X X X XX XX O/ X
E
Chris Ogren 03/01/14 X X X X X X - X X X X XXXXXX
Paul Hofineyer 03/01/17 XX XXX XXX N N NNNNNN
M M MMMMMM
A.Jacob Odgaard 03/01/17 N N NN N N NN N N N X X X X 0/
MM MMMMMM MMM E
David Davis 03/01/17 N N NNN NNN N N N N O X X O/
MM MM M M MM M M MM E
Kew
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
0 = Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time