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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-16-2013 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes Airport Commission May 16,2013 Page 1 MINUTES FINAL IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION MAY 16, 2013—6:00 P.M. AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING Members Present: Howard Horan, Chris Ogren, Jose Assouline, Paul Hofmeyer, Minnetta Gardinier Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp, Wendy Ford, Adam Bentley Others Present: Matt Wolford, David Hughes, Chuck McDonald, Jeff Edberg, Deb Dunkhase RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action): None. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Horan called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Minutes of the April 18, 2013, meeting were reviewed. Ogren asked about the heading "Recommendations to Council" that is always in the minutes. Tharp explained that this stays there as a placeholder and that typically it has"none" after it. He will add that. Ogren moved to approve the minutes as amended; seconded by Hofmeyer. Motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: a. Airport Commerce Park—Jeff Edberg was present to speak to Members about lot sales within Airport Commerce Park. He stated that he has had three good prospects recently. One is a building supplier who is looking at three lots. Members briefly discussed this possibility, with Edberg then noting that a second prospect is a local auto shop business. He noted that the market is beginning to pick up again, with a projected building bubble over the next five years. Edberg also noted that the need for office space is increasing and that this is a good sign for growth. Hofmeyer asked about the lease option on these lots, and Edberg gave some background on the lease option versus the sale option. b. Fly Iowa—Chuck McDonald with the Iowa Aviation Promotion Group was present to speak to Members about the Fly Iowa event. Tharp also introduced Deb Dunkhase with Children's Museum, and Wendy Ford and Adam Bentley with the City of Iowa City. Tharp noted that one of the first issues they need to resolve is the actual date of the 2014 event. He gave Members several June dates, noting dates that would not work for them if they need to use the Fairgrounds for parking. McDonald noted that typically a Saturday date is chosen, with Sunday being the rain date if needed. Discussion turned to parking Airport Commission May 16, 2013 Page 2 issues and how much overflow they might expect, as well as how to get attendees from the Fairgrounds to the Airport. Gardinier noted that the Air Race Classic will be taking place around this time period in June, as will the Young Eagles event. With Iowa City being a stop for the Air Race Classic, she noted that careful planning would be needed. Tharp noted that a major issue will be having enough fuel for all of these events. Members continued to look at June dates, wrestling mainly with how to accommodate the parking needs for such an event. Consideration was given to empty lots in the Airport Commerce Park, as well as the Walmart parking lot and the Napoleon Park lots. Horan stated that he is for the weekend of June 14 and 15, as the Fairgrounds will be available for parking that weekend. Gardinier reiterated her concern of having two major events this close together. The amount of air traffic could be heavy. Members then discussed July dates, with Tharp noting that the 6th and 13th are open at the Fairgrounds. Ogren asked Gardinier if she had heard anything further from the Barnstormers group. She stated that they do not have a tour planned for 2014 yet, but they are open to planning something on a smaller scale. She spoke to this briefly, with the discussion then turning to whether or not they could have an air show during the Fly Iowa event. Tharp noted that they could have category 3 performers. which are basically the Stearman planes and slow-fly aircraft. He further explained how this would be handled during the event. Gardinier asked about having the City's fireworks coincide with Fly Iowa. This led to some discussion, with Bentley noting that this would really coincide with Downtown District events and the Jazz Fest. After much discussion, Horan asked non-Commission Members their thoughts are on a date. Dunkhase suggested some earlier dates — May 31, June 1 — noting that they could do kids' camps to coincide with the Fly Iowa event. Wolford suggested possible parking on the Airport grounds, and this led to further discussion among Members. Gardinier then stated that her first choice would be May 31, June 1; with her second choice being June 28, June 29. Ogren stated that June 28 and 29 could possibly be the Quad City Airshow. that they need to double check this. Horan brought up the issue of needing a theme for the Fly Iowa event. McDonald further explained what this means and how the Commission can use this theme to highlight the Airport, for example. Members discussed various ideas, such as highlighting the hospital and air care facilities that Iowa City has; the airfreight history; past and future air travel; and even some type of homecoming event. Members agreed that having a broad aviation theme that highlights the various career fields within aviation could be just the thing they're looking for. It was noted that the Governor's Council is really dedicated to helping children pick STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) careers, so having a tie-in with the diverse careers in aviation could be a perfect theme. It would also open the door for some possible financial help. Rockwell Collins would be a good corporate sponsor to approach on this theme, as well. Airport Commission May 16, 2013 Page 3 Members agreed that they would give some thought to this and can clarify it further at the next few meetings. Horan then noted that they will need some type of steering committee as plans unfold. Gardinier noted the page in their handouts where there is a checklist of sorts. It notes who is typically on such a steering committee. The discussion continued, with Members reviewing the various participants that they will need for this committee. McDonald further clarified what some of the important positions will be in bringing this event together. He also responded to Members' questions regarding how the show itself is set up. Tharp noted that he was under the impression that this would be a one-day event. but that after hearing some of the conversation, it sounds more like a two- day event. McDonald further clarified the youth camp idea and how this can still be a part of the Fly Iowa event. He shared that he has a full syllabus and guidelines on running this portion of the event, and offered to share it with the Members. Horan asked what other issues they need to address this evening, and Tharp noted that they need to decide who is in charge of fundraising. John Ockenfels was again suggested as someone they might want to contact for help, especially in the fundraising area. McDonald stated that once the group has raised $5.000, they can receive the $5,000 match from the IAPG. Gardinier stated that she would be willing to help write a grant for this event, as she has experience in doing this in the past. Members continued to discuss how much money the Airport itself could add to this budget, and whether they could get any funds from the City. The discussion then turned to how they might be able to get the Convention and Visitors Bureau interested in this event. Gardinier shared that she tried this before the Air Race Classic and basically did not get much response. At this point Horan asked how everyone feels about the information covered so far this evening. McDonald quickly ran through some budget scenarios for the Members, noting some of the typical costs. Advertisement issues were also discussed briefly, with Bentley noting the City Channel 4 and also PSA slots with Mediacom to help get the word out. He also suggested having a brochure printed up. which would generate some advertising revenue. Tharp asked if Members wanted to continue planning the Fly Iowa event during regular Commission meetings, or whether they wanted to have additional meetings set. McDonald suggested they keep Fly Iowa on their regular agenda from now until the event, just to help keep things moving along. Gardinier suggested they put together an actual committee for the event, so that they can start meeting at least once a month, as well. Horan asked for volunteers for the subcommittee, and Gardinier. Ogren, and Hofmeyer offered to do this. Due to the State open meeting law, subcommittees can only have two people at a meeting. They will work with this by rotating through meetings with only two members present. c. FAA/IDOT Projects: AECOM / David Hughes 7/25 Parallel Taxiway Paving & Lighting — Hughes noted that things have been moving along and they are pretty much on schedule. They did find a buried fuel tank and this has created some delay. Once they are able to remove Airport Commission May 16, 2013 Page 4 this tank, things should move along quickly. He added that it may have been associated with the former United hangar that was demolished. The project inspector for this project showed up at this point in the meeting and helped to clarify where they are currently on this project. ii. Airport Electrical Rehab — Hughes stated that he met with the electrician on this project and he is currently going through his punchlist. iii. Roofing Rehabilitation — Hughes noted that they are in the process of redesigning roofs right now and are trying to see what they can come up with to stretch dollars. He noted some of the poor conditions with these roofs and the problems they have run into during their inspections. Tharp and Hughes then responded to Members' questions concerning this project. d. Airport Operations - i. Strategic Plan — Implementation — Tharp noted that he doesn't have any updates for this. Horan stated that they are following their strategic plan by making the community aware of the Airport; by working on their grant applications; and by taking care of their infrastructure. ii. Budget— Tharp noted that they only have about six weeks of the 2013 fiscal year left at this point. iii. Management— Ogren asked that communications normally sent to all hangar tenants also go to the Airport Commission Members. Gardinier stated that this information is typically in the newsletter as well. Tharp briefly reviewed what the tenant letter said and also responded to Ogren's questions. He then reviewed phase four of the runway project and the impact it is having and will continue to have. Gardinier noted that this was never really made clear to begin with, that these are major impacts on being able to use the Airport. She asked that they speak with Hughes regarding the scheduling of these projects. At this point in the meeting, Hughes returned to the meeting. He addressed the Members about their concerns. noting that this was originally discussed during the design phase with the Commission at that time. He clarified the connections that were made to the runway in order to alleviate these types of concerns. Horan asked that he go through the phasing of this project, especially where pilots would have to back-taxi around the Airport. Hughes attempted to further clarify that during the phase three work area, there will be no access from the south. Members continued to ask questions regarding this, with Gardinier stating that she is sure there was no discussion regarding this back-taxi situation. Wolford joined the conversation, stating that although it is somewhat inconvenient right now, once the work is done it will be extremely nice. At this point Hughes shared the contractor's schedule with Members, giving them a better idea of disruptions at the Airport. He noted that the current schedule shows six weeks of work in the area in question. He added that he could talk to Metro about their schedule and see if there is anything that can be done to accelerate it. Members continued to discuss the length of time and the disruptions it will cause. Many shared their unhappiness at the length of time this phase will take, noting how these disruptions are occurring during peak flying season. Gardinier stated that Airport Commission May 16, 2013 Page 5 she believes they need to get a clear message out to the aviation community regarding these disruptions so that there aren't any surprises. She reiterated her concerns for the safety of those using the Airport during this timeframe, noting that they need to somehow let the aviation community become aware of these changes. Hofmeyer suggested the wording of— Due to construction on the Airport grounds, runways are more frequently used as taxiways. Be advised. Caution. Some type of wording would let pilots know of the ongoing construction. Tharp stated that he would work on this immediately and get back to Members. Gardinier continued to state her concerns with the back-taxi situation, asking for some type of temporary solution during these six weeks. After continued debate, Members agreed that Hughes should check with the contractor on this six-week timeframe and see just what can be done about this schedule. Members thanked Hughes for his return to the meeting and for going over their concerns. He stated that he will get back to them once he has met with the contractor and has a better idea of the overall schedule. e. Airport Zoning —Tharp stated that this is something he brought up about a month ago, and what this entails is the proposed draft of the Airport Zoning Code changes. The goal is to work with the City and others on these changes to make sure that developments can occur and that zoning matters can be resolved in a timely manner. Tharp further explained some of the details of this and responded to Members' questions regarding the Airport's involvement. Dulek helped to further clarify what the zoning changes will entail. She noted that the FAA has a part in such zoning issues, as well. Members then discussed some of the zoning issues in the downtown area and how the FAA reviews height restrictions, for example. Horan gave some history on such issues, noting that if the FAA says something should not be built, the City will follow that recommendation. Horan added that they still need to find individuals to serve on the Airport Zoning Commission. Members did not object to the proposed amendment. f. FBO/Flight Training Reports - i. Jet Air—Wolford spoke to Members next, sharing his monthly reports with them. He noted that the maintenance activities for April involved a lot of springtime cleanup. The rain has kept them inside quite a bit, and once it stops they are outside mowing. He then responded to Members' questions. Gardinier asked if the self-serve fuel pump is working. Wolford responded, noting that it currently is working and that it has a hand reel on it as they continue to look into the cause of the problem. He added that Jet Air has been doing quite well lately and that they are still in need of mechanics. ii. Iowa Flight Training — None. g. Subcommittee Reports - i. For May: June 8`'' is the Young Eagles' event from 9:00 to 12:00. ii. For June: The Infrastructure Committee h. Commission Members' Reports — Ogren shared that they were able to install the engine and landing gear recently on their plane. Gardinier shared that she flew Bob Powers to Flippin, Arkansas recently. Horan shared that he added one more CFI to his logbook when he flew to Decorah. Airport Commission May 16, 2013 Page 6 i. Staff Report—Tharp shared that he had a good presentation at the Aviation Conference last month. He noted that they now have a new picnic table and grill at the Airport. He hopes to start with the Young Eagles' event and have some type of summer grilling event. SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: Gardinier reminded Members that she will be absent for this meeting. The next regular meeting will be Thursday, June 20, 2013, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport Terminal building. ADJOURN: Horan adjo ned the meeting :40 -.M. CHAIRPERSON DATE Airport Commission May 16,2013 Page 7 Airport Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD 2012-2013 TERM o 0 o o co —1 o o 0 0 0 01 0) ` CD Ij 0 - N —s N CO a 01 1.NAME EXP. O mi Ci o - N 0 8 3 —N N 3 N N N N N N co 0) W CO CO 03101/13 X X X X X X X 0/ Rick O/E X NM M M Mascari 03/01/14 Howard X XXX X X X X X X X XX Horan Minnetta 03/01/15 X 0/ X X 0/ X X 0/ O/ X X X X Gardinier E E E E Jose 03/02/12 O/ X XXX X X X X X O/E X X Assouline Chris 03/01/15 NM M M X XX XX X X X X X XX Ogren Paul 03/01/15 N N Holme er NM M M NM NM NM NM NM NM X X X Y Key: X = Present X/E = Present for Part of Meeting O = Absent O/E =Absent/Excused NM = Not a Member at this time