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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-17-2011 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes � 1 Airport Commission February 17,2011 Page 1 MINUTES FINAL IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION FEBRUARY 17, 2011 —6:00 P.M. AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING Members Present: Jose Assouline, Steve Crane, Minnetta Gardinier, Howard Horan, Rick Mascari Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp Others Present: Matt Wolford, Jeff Edberg, John Yeomans, Tim Busch, Eric Scott, Toby Myers; Bob Libby RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action): CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Horan called the meeting to order at 6:02 P.M. TOUR OF CARE AMBULANCE OFFICES: Members were given a tour of the Care Ambulance office by Director, Bob Libby. Libby discussed the operation of Care Ambulance and how they work with Jet Air on medical flights. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Minutes from the January 20, 2011, meeting were reviewed. Crane moved to approve the minutes of the January 20, 2011, meeting as submitted; seconded by Assouline. Motion carried 4-0; Gardinier not present for vote. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: a. Aviation Commerce Park—Jeff Edberg addressed the Members. He stated that they have been able to distribute some marketing materials regarding the Commerce Park, and there are large signs in the Park, as well. Edberg continued, stating that he has an interested party in Lot 17. Before they make an offer, however, they are looking into building costs and financing. Mascari asked why the material does not state "lease," in addition to the "for sale." Edberg stated that he would be sure to emphasize the "lease" opportunity, as well. b. Airport Farm Management—John Yeomans noted that the Airport's rent check will be cut by Farmers National Company on March 1. He briefly explained to the newer Members what Merschman Seeds does on the leased farmland. Yeomans then spoke to the Members about the possibility of either farming or haying the extra land area. He suggested they do an agreement with the current operator, letting him take care of this Airport Commission February 17,2011 Page 2 area. Yeomans and Tharp responded to Members' questions regarding this plot of land, and what can and cannot be planted there. c. Iowa Aviation Promotion Group—Tim Busch with Iowa Flight Training spoke to the Members as President of the Iowa Aviation Promotion Group. He described what IAPG's objectives are and what they hope to accomplish. Busch shared various aviation statistics with Members, noting that Johnson County has been losing pilots. He briefly went through the information packets that he gave Members, adding that he would like to see the City of Iowa City join the group, in addition to individual pilots. He explained some of the activities that IAPG has taken part in, noting that educating people about aviation is key. Last year alone they had 20 camps with 450 kids attending. Busch continued, stating that student pilot numbers are up. He briefly described some of the different initiatives that the IAPG is taking on. By getting press releases out, Busch stated that they hope to increase awareness of these events. Busch then responded to Members' questions regarding the IAPG. Gardinier stated that she would like to move that the Commission join at the Corporate level. Mascari noted that he believes they should join at the Charter level, since they are the fourth largest airport of this type in the state. After a brief discussion, Members agreed to the Charter level. Tharp suggested they decide who from the Commission will be the representative for the IAPG. Everyone agreed that the Chair should hold this position. Mascari moved that the Airport Commission join the IAPG at the Charter Membership level; Crane seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. d. FAA/IDOT Projects—AECOM —Tharp noted that David Hughes is unable to attend this evening, but that he did send an email update. i. Runway 7/25 & 12/30—The FAA still has the closing documentation on this project. ii. Obstruction Mitigation — Hughes is sending the necessary paperwork on this project. iii. 7-25 Parallel Taxiway— Hughes is working on the plans for this. A planning session meeting needs to be set up, with March 10th being suggested by Hughes. After a brief discussion, Members agreed to meet around 5:00 P.M. Tharp will check with Hughes on the time. Tharp then responded to Members' concerns about some pooling of water by the t- hangars. Gardinier then asked Tharp for his opinion on where the federal funding will be this year. e. 2011 Air Race Classic— Gardinier noted that the web site now shows the pre-race list, and to date there are 29 teams listed. She noted that the Children's Museum has come up with a flyer regarding the race and these should be distributed soon. f. Corporate Hangar "L"— Mascari asked for some clarification from Tharp on the funding for this project. Mascari then stated that in these economic times, he feels they should consider being more fiscally responsible. He continued, explaining that by this comment he means they should pay down some of the debt they already have. Dulek interrupted, noting that the grant has already been signed and cannot be changed. This led to the group discussing how they should approach their policies regarding the paying down of debt. Airport Commission February 17,2011 Page 3 i. Consider Resolution #A11-03 Approving Engineering Services Agreement with Foth Infrastructure and Environment, LLC —Tharp introduced Eric Scott, one of the engineers with Foth Infrastructure and Environment. Scott spoke to Members briefly, stating that he is excited to be working with them on this project. He then responded to Members' questions, noting that Foth did the recent work at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids. Scott noted that they have come up with some alternative ideas for this project, since construction costs are down currently. The estimated time needed to complete this project will be three to five months, according to Scott. Gardinier moved to approve Resolution A11-03 as discussed; seconded by Crane. Motion carried 5-0. g. Airport"Operations": Strategic Plan Implementation; Budget; Management— Tharp noted that he received a response from Finance on the question of how interest is figured and where the Airport's investment money comes from. All of the City's investments are pooled, with the Airport retaining their proportionate amount for the City investments. Dulek added that the State has strict laws regarding this issue. Crane asked for clarification on page 28, regarding hangar rentals being down by 27%. Tharp clarified this and responded to Members' questions. Members asked Tharp to start numbering the budget portion of their packet, to aid in finding things easier. Horan noted that they need to do Tharp's annual review, and he asked that Members email him any comments they may have. i. Joint Meeting with City Council—Tharp noted that the two possible dates for this are February 28 or March 21, and neither has worked out for everyone yet. He asked the Members to decide which would work better for them, as they need to decide. After a brief discussion, Members agreed to meet with the Council on February 28 at 7:00 P.M. Members set a special meeting for Monday February 21 to discuss the Commission's actions. ii. Terminal Brick Repairs—Tharp stated that this has turned into a much bigger project than was initially anticipated. He added that he has been working with the Public WorksDepartment, and they feel that they need to get a consultant out to do a facility study on the brick in order to come up with a price point for all of the repairs. Tharp noted that he would need the Commission's approval to go ahead with this plan. Members agreed that this is necessary. h. US Army Reserve Lease—Tharp stated that he has temporary agreements from the Army. He explained that the lease expired about a year ago, but that the Army has continued to pay the monthly rental. Tharp continued, stating that what he is recommending is amending the original lease, and starting the process for a new lease. Currently the rent is $238 per month. Tharp then fielded Members' questions. Dulek reminded Members that their discussion tonight is on the original lease— not the new lease, as a public hearing will need to be set on the new lease. i. Consider Resolution #A11-04 Approving Supplemental Lease Agreement—Mascari moved to approve Resolution A11-04; seconded by Assouline. Motion carried 4-1; Gardinier in the negative. Airport Commission February 17,2011 Page 4 ii. Consider Resolution #A11-05 Setting Public Hearing for Lease with United States Army Reserve— Mascari moved to approve Resolution Al1- 05; seconded by Gardinier. Motion carried 5-0. i. Firearms Policy—Mascari noted that since the City has already made a policy regarding this issue that it should apply to the Airport as well. Dulek noted that the Airport and Library were both excluded from that policy and that they need to have their own policy. Gardinier stated that she would be in favor of aligning with the City's policy. Myers from the audience noted that they often have hunters traveling through the Airport and he asked if that would be a problem. Dulek noted that they can address this in the Airport's policy. She added that if the Members want to give her some information regarding this, she can put a policy together for them to review. Tharp added that they need to keep in mind the 'noisemaker' guns that they use to get rid of birds. j. FBO/ Iowa Flight Training/Whirlybird Reports— Matt Wolford with Jet Air noted that they have been finishing up the Care Ambulance space. He spoke about how quick the last snow removal was. A brief discussion ensued regarding snow removal, and Gardinier questioned if the Airport could use the large snowblower to clear the areas a little better after deep snowfalls. Members also discussed the use and cost of pre- treaters to keep the runways clearer. Tim Busch of Iowa Flight Training spoke next. He reiterated what Jet Air said, that any new hangar space will go quickly as the interest is high. He added that IFT has a new ground school beginning this coming Monday at 5:30 P.M. He also shared with Members some changes in personnel. k. Subcommittees' Reports—None. I. Commission Members' Reports— None. m. Staff Report—Tharp reminded Members that the Aviation Conference is April 20 and 21. If anyone is interested in attending, they need to let him know. SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING: A special meeting was set for Monday, February 21, 2011, at 6:00 P.M. in the downstairs office. The next regular meeting will be Thursday, March 17, 2011, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport Terminal building. ADJOURN: Horan asked for a motion to adjourn. Gardinier made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 P.M.; seconded by Crane. Motion carried 5-0. p _ / -/ Chairperson Date I Airport Commission February 17,2011 Page 5 Airport Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD 2011 TERM ro N3 O V NAME EXP. s 03/01/13 X X Rick Mascari 03/01/14 X X Howard Horan Minnetta 03/01/15 X X Gardinier Jose 03/02/12 X X Assouline Steve 03/02/14 O/E X Crane Key: X = Present O = Absent O/E =Absent/Excused NM = Not a Member at this time