HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-15-2012 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes s.
Airport Commission
March 15, 2012
Page 1
MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
MARCH 15, 2012 — 6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Jose Assouline. Minnetta Gardinier, Howard Horan, Rick Mascari
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp, Jeff Davidson
Others Present: Matt Wolford, Philip Wolford, David Hughes.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action): None
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Gardinier called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Horan began by nominating Rick as Chair and Joe as Secretary. Gardinier asked if Mascari
was interested in this position. He stated that he has mixed feelings about it. Mascari added
that he also has no intention of renewing his position on the Commission when his term expires.
Gardinier noted that over the past several years the Members have chosen pilot and non-pilot
chairs alternating years. She stated that with this natural progression, she would suggest Joe
serving as Chair and Rick as Secretary. The discussion continued, with Assouline giving his
thoughts on this nomination. Horan moved to nominate Mascari as Airport Commission
Chair and Assouline as Airport Commission Secretary. No second made to this motion;
motion died.
Mascari moved to nominate Assouline as Chair of the Airport Commission. Gardinier
seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Horan moved to nominate Mascari as Secretary of the Airport Commission. Gardinier
seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Chairperson Assouline took over the meeting at this point. Mascari moved to approve the
minutes as submitted; seconded by Horan. Motion carried 4-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
Airport Commission
March 15,2012
Page 2
a. South Aviation Development—Jeff Davidson, Director of the Planning Department,
was present to help the Commission in planning for possible future development in the
area south of the Airport. Mascari began by explaining what the Commission had
discussed so far. Davidson shared some diagrams from the Comprehensive Plan for
the area and gave Members some history of land use issues in the area. He laid out
what the Commission needs to consider, adding that there are three basic things that
need to be done in order to develop property—and that is to put in a sewer line, a water
line, and a road. This area already has these 'basics' and is therefore well suited for
development, according to Davidson. Members asked questions of Davidson,
specifically what other development plans are in the works for areas surrounding the
Airport. He spoke about the Riverfront Crossings area and what is expected to develop
there. The discussion turned to traffic counts for the south area and whether counts are
high enough to attract high-traffic type uses. Mascari stated that he would like to see
this development handled differently than the north area was, more specifically the
financial aspect of it. Members began discussing what they would like to see done in
this area, with Horan sharing his ideas of what they might see develop here. Davidson
noted that if Members are interested in making this development a priority they should
identify it as such, in order to get it on the Council's radar. Projects that have an
economic development side to them are typically seen as positive, according to
Davidson.
Mascari stated that he would like to do some research first and look into what other
airports around the country are doing to be self-sufficient. Assouline brought up the
close proximity of the Riverfront Crossings development area and the South Aviation
area. Davidson agreed, adding that the Council has identified the corner of Riverside
Drive and Highway 6 as a potential redevelopment site, as well. The discussion
continued with Members debating what the next step should be. Davidson suggested
the Commission find a developer that could do some layout alternatives for them to
consider. This could help Members move forward on this issue. Davidson then
responded to Members' questions regarding development in the adjacent areas.
b. Airport Commerce Park—Tharp stated that Jeff Edberg is not present this evening, nor
has he heard from him recently. The only update that Tharp is aware of is on the Deery
Brothers' sale. This sale should be closing by the end of the month, according to Tharp.
c. Terminal Building Brick Repair—Tharp noted that the brick repair started earlier in the
week, with the initial phase being a grinding out of the old joint mortar work. He added
that it has created quite a bit of dust. By using the salvageable bricks from the planter,
damaged bricks can be replaced, according to Tharp. Mascari publicly thanked Jet Air
staff for their work during this 'dusty' phase, as they have had to do continual cleaning.
Tharp then responded to Members' questions regarding this project.
d. Hangar L—Tharp stated that he is recommending they defer this item until a special
meeting can be held. This is in part because the lot sale has not been completed yet.
Discussion went back and forth on a date, with Gardinier wanting to get this item done in
a 30-day timeframe. Others did not find this to be an issue. Dulek responded to
questions from Members regarding this.
Mascari moved to defer the two resolutions to the meeting on April 5, 2012, at 7:30
A.M.
Gardinier seconded the motion.
.
Airport Commission
March 15, 2012
Page 3
Motion carried 4-0.
e. Iowa DOT— FY2013 Aviation Grant Program —Tharp stated that applications are due
May 7 this year. The Commission will then be approving this at the April meeting. Tharp
reviewed projects for this program, noting that the Hangar L Phase 2 portion will
definitely not be done for a while. He noted that without the local funding portion, they
would be unable to complete such a project. Some projects that could be considered for
the grant program include various pavement projects around the Airport, for example.
Tharp noted that this year the DOT is putting caps on the grant awards. For new
awards, for example, they are putting the cap at $150,000; for rehab the cap is at
$75,000. Tharp stated that at next month's meeting he plans to have a list of
recommended projects for the Members to review. The conversation continued, with
Members suggesting various smaller projects and upgrades that might be good
candidates for the Iowa DOT grant program.
f. FAA/IDOT Projects — AECOM/David Hughes
i. Obstruction Mitigation — Hughes stated that he really doesn't have any updates
on the obstruction mitigation project at this time.
ii. 7/25 Parallel Taxiway — Hughes noted that on the 7/25 parallel taxiway project
that things are moving forward. By the end of May, Hughes stated they hope to
go to bid on this. In regards to questions raised at a recent meeting, Hughes
stated that he has further information. One question was about LED fixtures and
the cost impact of those. They have been testing a unit on the field. Hughes
also shared information from vendors and pointed out the LED fixtures with
heaters on them. Hughes further explained how these fixtures work and how the
weather conditions will play into this. He shared a spreadsheet with the
Commission that showed the overall capital costs for the LED heated fixtures
versus the regular fixtures. The discussion continued, with Members asking
questions of Hughes regarding the use of LED lights and the estimated cost of
switching over to such a fixture. Hughes then further clarified where the access
road will be, showing Members the specifics on a map of the airfield. Members
shared their concerns, with Hughes responding. Gardinier stated that she would
like to see something more detailed, to get a better idea of what the proposed
access will look like. Hughes then turned the discussion to the remainder of this
project. Jet Air staff gave some input on the runway closure, as well. Members
noted that they would like to keep closures at a minimum and suggested two
work shifts in order to minimize downtime.
g. Airport "Operations" —
i. Strategic Plan — Implementation — None.
ii. Budget— None.
iii. Management—
1. Airport Operations Specialist Position —Tharp noted that Gardinier, as
previous Chair, was to complete the evaluation for his position. Gardinier
stated that she is almost done with this and plans to finish it yet today.
She will forward it to Tharp then, who in turn will forward it to the rest of
the Commission.
h. FBO/Flight Training Reports —
Jet Air/ Care Ambulance — Jet Air addressed the Members next. Matt Wolford
stated they have been looking for more mechanics for their shop due to the
workload. Wolford continued, noting that the meeting room has been painted, as
has the office downstairs. Tharp shared the list of projects completed in the past
month. He stated that he will be meeting with a painter soon on the stairway
Airport Commission
March 15, 2012
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project. Philip Wolford stated that they will be extending their hours soon.
probably within the next 30 days or so. They are working on having one phone
system for their three locations, as well. Wolford continued, stating that Jet Air
recently purchased a hangar and will be deciding which of their locations will get
it. They need this hangar mainly for storage. Members discussed with Jet Air
where this hangar could possibly be placed. Wolford further explained what Jet
Air would like to do in this situation, with Tharp noting that a subcommittee has
looked into this and come up with some preliminary numbers.
1. Consider a resolution on amending FBO Agreement—Tharp noted
that the resolution is to amend the agreement concerning the swapping of
offices as previously discussed with the Commission. Gardinier stated
that she will not vote for this as she believes it limits the Airport's
flexibility, and that the Operations Specialist should have a more
prominent office. Tharp then made a request for new office furniture,
stating that he has been looking into this and should be able to find funds
to cover this.
Mascari moved to consider Resolution #12-09 amending the FBO
Agreement as discussed.
Horan seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-1; Gardinier voting in the negative.
ii. Iowa Flight Training — None.
i. Subcommittee Report—
i. For February — Budget (Chair, Secretary, Tharp) — None.
ii. For March — Community Liaison (Assouline, open, Tharp) — Tharp stated that
the subcommittee did not meet in March. Gardinier suggested they relook at the
sub-committee assignments and review this at next month's meeting. Assouline
stated that he would be willing to sit in on any planning sessions the City has for
development in the Riverfront Crossings area, to see how this might fit into the
South Aviation development area. Assouline and Gardinier both volunteered to
meet with Jeff Davidson to further explore their options for development.
j. Commission Members' Reports — Horan shared where he is with his flight training.
Gardinier thanked Tharp for working with her during her time as Chair. Assouline
thanked Gardinier for her time and efforts as Chair. Gardinier then added that she
believes they should continue to make an appearance at City Council meetings.
Mascari noted that he will have a report for next month's meeting.
k. Staff Reports —Tharp reminded Members that the Iowa Aviation Conference is next
month in Des Moines.
I. Consider a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss the purchase of
particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably
expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that
property.
Horan moved to adjourn to closed session at 8:20 P.M.
Mascari seconded the motion.
Motion carried 4-0.
Airport Commission
March 15, 2012
Page 5
The Commission returned to open session at 8:45 pm.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
The next regular meeting will be Thursday, April 19, 2012, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport Terminal
building.
ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 8:46 P.M. Horan made the motion to adjourn the meeting;
seconded by Mascari. Motion carried 4-0.
CHAIRPER 0 DATE
Airport Commission
March 15,2012
Page 6
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2012
TERM o N w oa
0
NAME EXP. 2 cri CT
N) M M
Ti N N N
03/01/13 X X X
Rick
Mascari
03/01/14 X X X
Howard
Horan
Minnetta 03/01/15 X X X
Gardinier
Jose 03/02/12 O/E X X
Assouline
Key:
X = Present
)UE = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time