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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-21-2011 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes f. y Airport Commission July 21,2011 Page 1 MINUTES FINAL IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION JULY 21, 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: Jeff Edberg, Matt Wolford, Philip Wolford, Eric Scott RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action): None CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Gardinier called the meeting to order at 6:08 P.M. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: The minutes of the June 16, 2011, meeting were briefly discussed. Mascari moved to approve the June 16, 2011, minutes as submitted; seconded by Crane. Motion carried 5- 0. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: a. Aviation Commerce Park—Jeff Edberg— Edberg addressed the Members, noting that they have a new reporting system. He noted that since the last meeting he has not received any additional calls on the lots, but that another broker thought he had a possibility. Edberg continued, noting that he does have a very interested party and plans are being developed for a 7,000-square foot facility for a commissary (kitchen) type business. He also noted that the dog business who is interested in a lot is still struggling with financing at this point. b. Corporate Hangar L— i. Public Hearing —Gardinier opened the public hearing. Eric Scott joined the Members at the table, noting that he has plans and specs to share with them. Tharp noted that what the Members are seeing is a modification of the previous plans. He noted that the pricing of the 62 ft. x 65 ft. hangars is just too high for their budget. Tharp continued to respond to questions and concerns about this change in the hangar plans and specs. Members voiced their concerns about the sizing of this hangar, with Mascari noting that he believes they are not ready yet to move forward with this. He believes they need to look at this a bit more. Tharp stated that with the budget they have to work with, they do have some limitations. Scott responded to Airport Commission July 21,2011 Page 2 Members' questions, as well. Mascari asked for some clarification on the funding that they do have and how much they would need to come up with. He asked if the State still offers 70% money on infrastructure projects. Tharp and Scott continued to respond to questions, explaining what led them to offer the alternative plans. The discussion centered on a hangar with various sized doors and spaces, with Members noting that they need to think about future needs and being flexible. Members continued to discuss various configurations for a hangar. Jet Air weighed in as well on what size hangars would best meet their needs. Members agreed that they would like to have Eric Scott return with a cost estimate for the alternative configuration for their review. Members continued to discuss what they would like to do, and Gardinier went around the table to get everyone's opinion. Dulek then informed the Members what they need to do in this situation. Gardinier then stated that she would like them to accept this plan as discussed, until they get the addendum or alternate option. Members decided to hold a special meeting on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 6:00 P.M. Mascari moved to continue the public hearing at the 814/11 meeting. Horan seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. ii. Consider a Resolution Approving Plans, Specifications, and Form of Contract for the Construction of Hangar L—Mascari moved to defer this to the 8/4111 meeting. Horan seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. Mascari asked if the Commission could jump to Item g.i, as he has another commitment and needed to leave the meeting early. Members agreed. [See discussion below.] c. FAA/IDOT Projects—AECOM— David Hughes i. Runway 7/25 & 12/30—Tharp noted that there isn't much to update. They are still awaiting the FAA to get through the final documentation before this project can be completely closed out. ii. Obstruction Mitigation— Nothing new to report here. ii1.7-25 Parallel Taxiway—Tharp noted that Public Works is currently doing the independent review on this. That means the resolution needs to be deferred until the next meeting. 1. Consider a Resolution Approving Agreement With AECOM for Construction Related Services for the Construction of the Runway 7-25 Parallel Taxiway Grading and Drainage—Horan moved to defer the resolution until the August 4, 2011 special meeting. Crane seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0; Mascari absent. d. FY2012 Iowa Department of Transportation Grants—Tharp noted that the paperwork has been received on one of the grants. This is for the exterior lighting, switching over to LEDs, and more electrical work on the hangars, along with security upgrades. He noted that the entire program was approved; however, funding for about$750,000 worth is still pending the Governor's signature on legislation. i. Consider a Resolution Accepting Grant Agreement 9112010W100—Horan moved to recommend Resolution#A11-18 Accepting Grant Agreement 9112010W100 as discussed. Assouline seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0; Mascari absent. Airport Commission July 21,2011 Page 3 e. 2011 Air Race Classic—Tharp noted that he put this on the agenda, as he wanted to thank the Jet Air staff for all they did during the Air Race Classic. He added that it was a good event even though they did not get the final send-off due to the weather. Gardinier noted that she received good feedback from the racers. One of the comments made at the end of the race, according to Gardinier, was that the Air Race Classic should consider places like Iowa City in the future. f. 2011 —2012 T-Hangar Rates and Charges—Gardinier recused herself from this discussion, as she has a conflict of interest in the matter. Tharp noted that it is that time of the year again to start looking at rates and fees at the Airport. He noted that Members received a memo from him laying out the background on this matter. His recom- mendation is to raise rates based on the inflationary factor. Tharp responded to Members' questions concerning hangar rates. Members also discussed the waiting list numbers with the commission. Gardinier commented from the public that she felt renters at the airport were paying a premium to have their aircraft here. Gardinier then asked about the status of the waiting list to which Tharp responded. Wolford commented that the construction of the new hangars would also impact the list. Tharp noted that leases expire in September. Members looked at several different scenarios and came to the agreement that a 2.5% increase is what they would like to go with. Tharp stated that they will be using the same lease agreement, as this has not changed. Horan moved to increase all rents by 2.5%. Crane seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0; Gardinier recused herself and Mascari absent. g. Airport"Operations": Strategic Plan Implementation; Budget; Management— i. Airport Operations Specialist Position (This item was discussed earlier, following Item bit, as noted above.]— Mascari noted that he would like to review the Operations Specialist position. He continued, stating that he believes they should change this position from part-time status to full-time. He explained his reasoning for this, adding that if they were to lose Tharp to another airport it would be a huge loss for the Commission. He would like to see this change made in order to protect their interests of having a full-time Airport manager. Gardinier noted that she would support such a change. Gardinier asked Tharp to draft a rationale with specific goals for how the additional time would benefit the Airport and the Commission. A discussion ensued, with Members agreeing that this position should be full time. The history of how this position developed was also discussed. Gardinier noted that she would like to speak with the City Manager regarding the amount the Airport puts toward the Economic Development Coordinator position. This amount would help them in bringing the Airport position up to full time. (Mascari left the meeting at this point.) ii. Gardinier asked if anyone had anything regarding Airport operations. Tharp noted that they are now in the new fiscal year. He stated that they ended with about $70,000, but the parking lot overlay is still needed and that is around $40,000. This leaves around $30,000 from last fiscal year. Tharp noted that he was notified of a "homeless" encampment on some Airport property recently. He added that it will take some time to clean up this area and that everything needs to be removed. This will take some tractors that are able to knock down large brush. Tharp stated that he is working with Carol Sweeting from City Hall on this issue. The discussion continued, with Tharp noting that there were two areas with about 5 or 6 tents. Airport Commission July 21,2011 Page 4 Gardinier stated that she believes the police should be watching this area more closely if there are that many camps being kept. Tharp will let Members know what he finds out from City staff. Gardinier stated that she believes they should get some estimates on cost for removing this brush. Tharp added that he wants to see what Carol Sweeting can come up with as she is suggesting volunteer help. Tharp noted that he and Gardinier have been working on the accelerated hangar debt repayment agreement. He noted that the current agreement distributed to them is from the City Manager's office. He briefly explained the idea behind this 70/30 split, with 70% of sales proceeds paid directly to the City and with 30% of sales proceeds retained by the Commission if needed for airport expenditures. This will maintain the current status quo policy of the City matching funds. Tharp added that if the Members are in agreement, they can move forward with this. Horan moved to approve the agreement regarding hangar debt repayment and lot sales, per the City Manager's agreement. Crane seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0; Mascari absent. h. FBO / Iowa Flight Training /Whirlybird Reports — Matt Wolford of Jet Air addressed the Members, stating that they were really happy with the Air Race Classic turnout. He noted that they have still been mowing a lot and keeping bushes trimmed. Philip Wolford spoke next, stating that they will be switching fuel vendors in the near future, sometime between August 15 and September 15. They will be going with Shell once the change is made. He added that this brings his three locations under one fuel vendor and ordering system. Philip also noted that Pat Sheridan's last day was the last day of the Air Race (June 21) and that he has moved to Colorado for a job. i. Subcommittee Report— None. j. Commission Members' Reports — Horan asked that Members check the Facebook page for the Airport, adding that he put some photos up. k. Staff Report—Tharp reminded Members that the FAA Airports Conference is coming up in Kansas City, September 27-28, 2011. He added that if anyone would like to join him to please let him know. SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING: A special meeting will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2011, at 6:00 P.M., and the next regular meeting will be Thursday, August 18, 2011, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport Terminal building. ADJOURN: Gardinier made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 P.M.; seconded by Horan. Motion carried 4-0; Mascari absent. - 2-0 1-V ? */// CH IRPERSON DATE Airport Commission July 21,2011 Page 5 Airport Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD 2011 NAME TERM EXP. o P- ro v (o N (oV CO N N t+) V V U) (O ICO CO Rick 03/01113 X X X X X X X X XIE Mascari Howard 03/01/14 X X X X X X X X X Horan Minnetta 03/01/15 X X X X X X X O/E X Gardinier Jose 03/02/12 X X X X 0/E 0/E X X X Assouline Steve 03102/14 OlE X X X X O/E X X X Crane Key: X = Present X/E = Present for Part of Meeting O = Absent O/E =Absent/Excused NM = Not a Member at this time