HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-16-2013 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes Airport Commission
May 16,2013
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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
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May 16, 2013
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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.
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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
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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
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May 16, 2013
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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.
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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
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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