HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-25-2011 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes Airport Commission
August 25,2011
Page 1
MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
AUGUST 25, 2011 —5:00 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, David Hughes, John
Yeomans, Kumi Morris, Darryl Smith, Chuck Meardon
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action): None
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Gardinier called the meeting to order at 5:08 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
The minutes of the July 21 and August 4, 2011, meetings were briefly discussed. Mascari
moved to approve the July 21, 2011, minutes as submitted; seconded by Crane. Motion
carried 5-0. Mascari moved to approve the August 4, 2011, minutes as submitted;
seconded by Assouline. Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Corporate Hangar L—Tharp noted that on Tuesday bids were opened for this project.
He added that the bids came in very high. There were six bids in total. Tharp briefly
reviewed the bids, and Gardinier explained what the various bids entailed. Members
discussed the situation, asking for clarification from the consulting engineer. Members
voiced their concerns regarding the disparity in costs for this hangar. Gardinier noted
that she would like to get a response from Scott on the 30% discrepancy in numbers.
After lengthy discussion, Members decided to reject these current bids, as there is a
$200,000 gap. Tharp noted that Members will need to decide if they want to do a re-bid
on this project. He added that he would like to rework the numbers to see if they can still
get this project accomplished. Tharp continued, stating that he would like to report back
in two weeks and tell the Members where they stand on this project before completely
letting it go. Members also voiced their concern at the possibility of having to return the
grant money on this project. A decision was then made to have Tharp report back to
Members on this at the next regular meeting, September 15.
-g Nit
Airport Commission
August 25,2011
Page 2
i. Consider Resolution #A11-21 Accepting Bids and Awarding Contract
—Gardinier moved to reject all bids; seconded by Mascari. Motion
carried 5-0.
b. Terminal Building Brick Repair—Tharp introduced Kumi Morris from Public Works and
Darryl Smith with VJ Engineering, noting that he asked them to attend this evening's
meeting so they could hear what the Members are looking for in design ideas.
i. Consider Resolution #A11-22 Approving a Contract With VJ
Engineering for Design and Construction Engineering Services—
Mascarimoved to consider Resolution #A11-22; seconded by Crane.
Motion carried 5-0.
c. Ruppert Land—Tharp spoke to Members regarding this parcel. He noted that the
Ruppert family would like to sell this land to the Airport. An appraisal would need to be
done first, among other things, according to Tharp. Assouline moved to authorize an
appraisal of the Ruppert parcel; seconded by Horan. Motion carried 5-0.
d. Airport Commerce Park—Jeff Edberg addressed Members next, stating that he just
received a call about a lot and that he is still working with the other party, who has
narrowed their search down to either the Iowa City Airport lot or one in Coralville.
Edberg noted that he has talked with both city managers, to see if there are any financial
incentive programs available for such a venture. Edberg stated that he also let the
interested party know that a lease may be a possibility, as well.
e. Airport Farming / Farmer's National Agreement—Tharp stated that it is time again for
the Commission to decide if they want to continue this agreement or not, as it will renew
automatically. He added that they also need to decide what to do with the farming
leases they have. John Yeomans noted that Merschman Seeds is interested in
continuing their lease. He added that they have a new product line coming out and
definitely want to keep their plots at the airport. Members began a brief discussion on
raising rental rates, and Tharp noted that he would like to add some other areas for
upkeep and maintenance into the farming agreement. A discussion ensued regarding
the areas that need some attention.
f. FAA/IDOT Projects—AECOM—David Hughes -
i. Runway 7/25 & 12/30—Hughes noted that there is still one grant open
on this.
ii. Obstruction Mitigation—Hughes noted that they are also working with
the FAA on this project, mainly regarding what can and cannot be done in
approaching a property owner. He will get the draft letter to Dulek for her
review.
iii. 7-25 Parallel Taxiway— Hughes noted that the FAA's grant on this has
been delayed due to the earthquake on the east coast. They do expect to
have it in the mail next week, however. He added that construction
should begin in September.
1. Consider Resolution #A11-23 Approving Agreement with
AECOM for Construction Related Services for the
Construction of the Runway 7-25 Parallel Taxiway Grading
. v
Airport Commission
August 25,2011
Page 3
and Drainage— Horan moved to approve Resolution#A11-23;
seconded by Mascari. Motion carried 5-0.
g. Airport"Operations": Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; Management—
Mascari asked about some charges on page 4 of 21, Building Repair and Maintenance
Services, to see what they are spending on maintenance, outside of what Jet Air does
under their contract. Tharp explained what the charges consist of, noting that Jet Air is
who provides this service. The other charge, according to Tharp, was for glass
replacement. Mascari also brought up some concerns that a tenant discussed with him.
The idea of a "comment box"was also brought up. Gardinier agreed that this is a good
idea.
i. Airport Operations Specialist Position—Gardinier asked that Members
read Tharp's letter and provide feedback on this. She will then meet with
the City Manager in the next month to discuss this. Mascari brought up
the idea of some type of incentive system for Tharp, noting that they
could use this comment box to gauge how things are going. Assouline
noted that he does not necessarily agree with this idea. Horan stated that
he would agree to some type of incentive program, but that the comment
box is not it. Gardinier then weighed in on this issue, noting that some of
these comments could be inaccurately pinned on Tharp. The
conversation continued, with Mascari noting that if they make this a full-
time position, he believes that Tharp should be considered the Airport
Manager. He continued, explaining his stance on this. Assouline stated
that he believes the Commission, as a body, should use the annual
reviews for this position to handle pay increases, versus incentives
throughout the year. Mascari continued to make his point, reiterating that
he believes job performance should be considered here when looking at
not only a normal raise, but also some type of bonus. Gardinier again
asked that Members send her an email with their suggestions, comments,
as she would like to move this forward in the next month.
h. FBO—Iowa Flight Training/Whirlybird Reports—Matt Wolford of Jet Air addressed
the Members next, noting that the Sertoma event is this weekend. They have been
catching up on weeds and various maintenance things in preparation. The Wolfords
also noted that with the change in the fuel supplier, to Shell, they are seeing some nice
fuel incentives for pilots. There will also be some advertising perks with this change.
Gardinier asked if IFT and Whirlybirds ever have anything new to share. Tharp stated
that if the Commission would like them to attend once in a while, he can relay that
message to them.
i. Subcommittees' Reports— Budget Commission—Tharp noted that he and Crane met
to discuss last year's budget. They then discussed next year's budget, with Tharp noting
that budget materials won't be out for another month or so. Some of the ideas include
updating Tharp's office, and the IT fiber optic and computer equipment. Once the
materials are received for next year's budget, Tharp stated that they will bring this to the
Commission for review. Gardinier asked if the Commission would like a synopsis of the
ideas being tossed around for next year's budget. This would allow Members to give
feedback to the subcommittee.
Airport Commission
August 25,2011
Page 4
j. Commission Members' Report— Mascari noted that with five members on this
Commission, they have five different opinions. He asks that Members view ideas and
suggestions with an open mind, and that they be more open to making some changes.
Gardinier encouraged everyone to come out to the Sertoma event this weekend, and the
following weekend to the Tri-Motor event.
k. Staff Report—Tharp reminded Members of the FAA conference in Kansas City next
month.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING:
The next regular meeting will be Thursday, September 15, 2011, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport
Terminal building.
ADJOURN:
Gardinier made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 P.M.; seconded by Horan.
Motion carried 5-0.
1=122,0//
CHAIRPERSON DATE
4 / Airport Commission
August 25,2011
Page 5
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2011
TERM N N w a a cn ° -4 Cu Co
N N — N j :13-•
N
rn
NAME EXP. o j o a C3)
03/01/13 X XXX X X X X X/E X X
Rick
Mascari
03/01/14 X XXX X X X X X X X
Howard
Horan
Minnetta 03/01/15 X XXX X X X O/ X X X
Gardinier E
Jose 03/02/12 X X X X O/ O/ X X X X X
Assouline E E
Steve 03/02114 O/E X X X X 0/ X X X X X
Crane E
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
0 = Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time