HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-21-2013 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes Airport Commission
November 21,2013
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MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 21, 2013—6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Howard Horan, Chris Ogren, Minnetta Gardinier
Members Absent: Jose Assouline, Paul Hofmeyer
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp
Others Present: Matt Wolford, David Hughes
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Horan called the meeting to order at 6:10 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Minutes of the October 17, 2013, meeting were reviewed first. Ogren moved to approve the
October 17, 2013, minutes as presented, seconded by Gardinier. Motion carried 3-0,
Assouline and Hofmeyer absent
Next the minutes of the November 5, 2013, meeting were reviewed. Gardinier moved to
approve the minutes as presented; seconded by Ogren. Motion carried 3-0, Assouline
and Hofmeyer absent.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Airport Commerce Park—Tharp stated that Jeff Edberg is unable to attend this
evening's meeting. He noted that they are still working on closing the latest sale.
Dulek noted that at the December meeting they will need to deal with an
extension to the listing agreement they currently have. Gardinier asked if they
could go ahead and discuss this issue at this evening's meeting, and Dulek noted
that they could. Gardinier stated that she believes Edberg is doing a good job,
especially keeping in touch with the Commission on a consistent basis. Horan
agreed, noting that he would approve an extension with Edberg as well. Tharp
stated that he too believes Edberg has been doing a good job.
b. Fly Iowa—Tharp stated that the subcommittee met recently and they made
some fundraising decisions at that time. They are currently working on getting
some letters written and sent out. Gardinier noted that she did speak with the
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artist Mary Moye-Rowley regarding her availability. Ogren questioned if they
should send out the fundraising letters before or after the holidays. Gardinier
stated that as soon as the letters are ready they should send them, regardless of
the holidays. Horan asked how many mailings they intend to make, adding that
he has found you often need to send twice as many as you think, in order to get
the response you want. Gardinier suggested they follow up in person on some of
these fundraising requests.
c. FAA/IDOT Projects: AECOM /David Hughes
i. Runway 7/25 Parallel Taxiway— Hughes stated that they completed the
punchlist on this project and gave it to the contractor. This past Monday
they revisited the list, according to Hughes, and there are still several
items left to be completed. Some of the items to be completed are
dependent on the weather conditions. Hughes then noted a complaint
about the radio-controlled lights not working, and that this issue has been
dealt with. Tharp added that they had some problems with the lights, as
well, but that this afternoon's adjustment seems to have fixed things.
Gardinier stated that she flew into the airport on Saturday evening and
the lights worked at that time. Hughes then responded to questions from
Gardinier regarding this issue, noting that there is a Task Order needed
due to the delay in completing this project. Tharp further explained how
this will cover the project delays along the way. This would extend the
contract by $29,700. Members then discussed this issue, venting their
unhappiness with how this has gone so far.
1. Consider Resolution #A13-26 Approving Task Order No. 16
With AECOM — Horan moved to approve Resolution #A13-26;
seconded by Ogren. Motion carried 3-0; Assouline and Hofmeyer
absent
ii. Roofing Rehabilitation—Hughes stated that they have gotten contracts
back from T&K Roofing and have met with the contractor to discuss
possible patching and other work to protect things until the spring, when
the project can take off.
iii. Obstruction Mitigation— Hughes stated that the light poles have been
ordered and are expected the first week in December. The contractor will
notify him as soon as they are ready to go. Gardinier asked if she could
go back to the Task Order item and ask a question. She asked if the
resolution they passed is for 30 days. Hughes responded that it is, due to
the 30-day delay in the contract. He explained that this Task Order
should get them through to the end of the project.
iv, 2014 IDOT Grant Projects—Hughes noted that the three DOT projects
are ready to move forward. He then stated that he could address each
one.
1. Taxiway B rehabilitation and overlay—
a. Public Hearing— Horan then opened the public hearing
on this issue. Hughes further explained what this project entails,
noting that this is basically the remaining section of the taxiway
that leads to the apron on either end, and has not been replaced
with concrete. They are doing an asphalt overlay on the
pavement and modifying the intake where necessary, due to the
pavement being raised about two inches. Hughes further
explained the funding sources being used in this project. Matt
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Wolford with Jet Air asked what type of closures they might expect
with this project. Hughes explained that there would be a day
closure in the specific intersection and he detailed how this will be
handled. This project will start with the spring construction
season. Members noted their concern regarding the timing of
projects like this and the Fly Iowa and other events taking place in
2014. Tharp stated that the anticipation with all three of these
projects is to have them completed before June. Gardinier asked
if they should specifically indicate in the contracts that these
projects must be completed by June 1st. Tharp and Hughes noted
that they could add wording to this effect. Hughes continued to
respond to questions and concerns, using the map to show how
planes will still be able to maneuver around the grounds during
this period. Horan then closed the public hearing.
b. Consider Resolution #A13-27 Approving Plans,
Specifications, and Form of Contract for Taxiway B
Rehabilitation and Overlay, and Requesting Bids—Gardinier
moved to approve Resolution #A13-27 as amended with a
June 1st completion date, seconded by Horan. Motion carried
3-0; Assouline and Hofmeyer absent.
2. Taxiway B lighting—
a. Public Hearing—Horan opened the public hearing. He
suggested they amend this resolution in the same way, with a
completion date being added. Hughes briefly detailed what this
project entails, noting that they are not going all the way into the
hangar area with these lights. Horan then closed the public
hearing.
b. Consider Resolution #A13-28 Approving Plans,
Specifications, and Form of Contract for Taxiway B Lighting,
and Requesting Bids—Ogren moved to approve Resolution
#A13-28 as amended with a June 1st completion date,
seconded by Horan. Motion carried 3-0; Assouline and
Hofmeyer absent.
3. North T-hangar pavement maintenance—
a. Public Hearing— Horan opened the public hearing.
Hughes explained what is involved in this project. This project will
also repair the drainage issue on the access road. Gardinier
asked what type of closure time they can expect with this project
and whether there will be any alternatives for plane storage.
Tharp stated that they will work with Jet Air on this issue, as well
as use any open hangars at that point. Horan closed the public
hearing.
b. Consider Resolution#A13-29 Approving Plans,
Specifications, and Form of Contract for North T-Hangar
Pavement Maintenance, and Requesting Bids— Horan moved
to approve Resolution#A13-29 as amended with a June 1st
completion date, seconded by Ogren. Motion carried 3-0;
Assouline and Hofmeyer absent
d. FY2015 FAA Pre-Application—Tharp stated that this is the application they will
submit via the State. He briefly explained the process and how they will
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lay out the Airport's five-year plan associated with what their goals are.
Once the State reviews these applications, they send the appropriated
funding to the FAA for distribution. The next major project, according to
Tharp, will be the Airport's Master Plan. This entails 14 projects, the first
one being obstruction mitigation. Next the projects move to the parking
apron at the terminal building, snow equipment, and storage building, to
name a few. Tharp continued to respond to Members' questions.
Gardinier asked to go back to the apron expansion project, noting that it is
earmarked for 2016. Tharp noted that this project would cover the north
half essentially. Gardinier continued to ask for some clarification of the
apron project. Tharp explained how the various projects will be
addressed and what formulas the FAA uses in the grant process.
Tharp was asked if he needed a formal motion on this matter and he
noted that he basically needs the Commission's consensus to send the
applications to the FAA as required and at the appropriate times. Horan
stated that he agrees they need to move ahead with what has been
recommended.
e. Airport"Operations"—
i. Strategic Plan—Implementation—Tharp noted that Members have a
draft of the annual report in their packets. He asked that they let him
know by the December meeting if they have any questions regarding this.
Gardinier asked that he send them all a Word document of this
information so they can easily review it and make suggestions. Gardinier
suggested they add some pictures of the improvements made in the past
year.
ii. Budget—
1. FY2015 Budget—Tharp noted that he and Horan have met with
the Finance Director and the City Manager's office to discuss some of the
preliminary budget numbers. Basically what the Members have is a copy
of a report that was done following these discussions, summarizing the
budget discussions thus far. One thing that has changed, according to
Tharp, is that the final budget has been zeroed out, as opposed to the
usual $4,000 to $5,000 balance the Airport normally had. Another
change is in the General Levy, which has been lowered to $68,000.
Tharp then responded to Members' questions and concerns, noting that
there are several issues at play here. The conversation continued on the
General Levy support from the City and how it has been changing
gradually over the past few years. Tharp stated that there should be
some further discussion between the Commission and the City, to let
them know that they are okay with the $72,000 for now but that they need
to discuss this issue further, before the General Levy amount is too low.
Several suggestions were made for how they might word this discussion
and how they need to state their case for keeping the General Levy
subsidy at a reasonable level. Gardinier stated that she would like to see
it at $70,000. The discussion continued on this issue, with Tharp
explaining the need for this subsidy and the history of changes along the
way. He and Horan shared with Members what they discussed with the
City Manager and Finance Director's office, and the direction that the City
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appears to be heading as they set the upcoming budget. Gardinier asked
that they not accept the$68,000, that they approach the City again and
ask that the General Levy support be put at$70,000, with a commitment
of something like three to five years too, so they know they can rely on
this support from the City. She continued, stating that by having this
commitment, they could make long-term plans and know what to expect.
Dulek noted that these are annual budgets and that it would be doubtful
to have a five-year commitment like that, as amounts are reviewed
annually.
Tharp continued to share how they have handled the budget process in
the past. He stated that he agrees with Gardinier that they should ask for
the subsidy to go back up to $70,000, but that he is not necessarily
agreeable to asking for a five-year commitment on this. He added that he
does believe they need to use this issue when they talk to the City about
future funding. Tharp also explained how the portion once set aside for
the Economic Development Coordinator made a change in their subsidy.
Since that time, changes have been made due to budgetary issues at the
City level. Members questioned how they should address this now, in
light of the possibility that the subsidy will be further reduced in the future.
Gardinier moved to ask for an adjustment to$70,000 on the General
Levy amount,with a three-year commitment to the Airport. The
discussion continued, with Gardinier stating her reasoning behind why
she believes they need to ask for more money from the City, along with a
three to five-year commitment. Others noted that they don't necessarily
agree with this tactic. Tharp noted that as Dulek pointed out earlier,
getting a three to five-year commitment is not going to happen. However,
asking for a higher subsidy could be used as the conversation starter for
how this General Levy subsidy is going to go in the future and what type
of support the Airport might expect. Horan then seconded the motion
made by Gardinier. Motion carried 3-0; Assouline and Hofmeyer
absent. Horan asked that Gardinier be on the subcommittee to craft the
letter asking for this adjustment and subsequent commitment from the
City. She readily agreed to this. Ogren asked if she should be a part of
this, as well. Horan stated that they could discuss this further, and
Members quickly discussed the timeframe for getting this letter written up
and sent off to the City.
iii. Management—Tharp noted that this is something that has come up with
the new software system and how payments are processed. He briefly
described how this process was handled previously and what changes
have been made. Currently the Operations Specialist can approve
invoices up to $2,000. Members continued to discuss how this has been
handled previously and how they would like to progress. Tharp explained
that this would give him authorization on something that the Commission
has already approved. After some discussion it was decided to defer this
until the December meeting. Gardinier noted that she would like more
information on how other entities, such as the Library, handle this before
they make a final decision.
1. Consider a resolution authorizing the Operations Specialist
to approve vendor payments based on approved contracts.
•
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Horan moved to defer this issue to the December meeting,
Seconded by Ogren. Motion carried 3-0; Assouline and
Hofmeyer absent.
f. FBO/ Flight Training Reports –
i. Jet Air– Matt Wolford with Jet Air addressed the Members, noting that
they are checking on the light issue right now. Wolford shared the
October maintenance items, things such as light replacement, pothole
repairs, and some downspout issues. November has brought winter
maintenance issues and getting ready for snow plowing. Ogren asked
about the door issue on Care Ambulance's hangar. Wolford stated that it
was popping the breaker every time they used the remote. This ended up
being a motor issue. Wolford then turned to FBO news. He stated that
last month they had two fairly large planes land. He shared with
Members some of the stories of these flights. Wolford also shared how
business has been for Jet Air, noting that things continue to be quite
busy. Wolford then shared that he became engaged in this exact room
about a month ago and he shared the story with Members.
ii. Iowa Flight Training – None.
g. Subcommittee Reports -
i. For November— Events (Gardinier, Hofmeyer, Tharp) Gardinier
noted that with regards to the Air Race Classic, there is a woman in Des
Moines who is interested in helping out with this event. Tharp stated that
they will need to discuss this further so he has a better idea of what they
are looking for as a 'stop over site.' Gardinier will keep him informed with
what she finds out.
ii. For December– None.
h. Commission Members' Reports– Horan stated that he did not do anything
aviation related this past month. Ogren shared that she flew a commercial flight
to Nashville and back. Gardinier stated that she flew her plane to Nashville and
back just this past weekend. She shared what her experience was like with 50-
knot winds most of the trip.
I. Staff Report– Dulek stated that there is a new City Council Member coming on-
board. Members noted that they should invite him to visit the Airport.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
The next Fly Iowa subcommittee meeting is December 3, 2013, at 5:30 P.M. The next regular
meeting will be Thursday, December 19, 2013, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport Terminal building.
ADJOURN:
Horan a rned the meeting :10 P.M.
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