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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-21-2010 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes 1 Airport Commission January 21,2010 MINUTES FINAL IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION JANUARY 21, 2010-6:00 P.M. AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING Members Present: Greg Farris, Minnetta Gardinier, Howard Horan, Janelle Rettig, John Staley Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp, Jeff Davidson Others Present: Phillip Wolford, Randy Hartwig, Tom Schnell, Peggy Slaughter, Regenia Bailey RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action): None CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Rettig called the meeting to order at 6:06 P.M. FY11-15 STRATEGIC PLAN: a) Review and Update of Airport Operations and Facilities Sections- Davidson noted that he thought the last meeting went well. He quickly reviewed where they are currently, and what he hopes to accomplish yet this evening. Davidson asked Tharp to quickly review the changes that he currently made. Tharp noted that most of his changes were more 'technical' in nature, under the Operations Facilities section. He briefly explained these changes and responded to Members'questions. Davidson then addressed Members regarding the "givens"of the plan, on page 2. These include: Iowa City will have a general aviation airport; that it will be at the existing location of the Iowa City Municipal Airport; and that the airport will be approximately the size of the existing site. Members agreed unanimously that these items are not up for debate. Members talked about adding "two hard-surface runways"to the givens list, and the issue of a grass runway was briefly discussed, as well. In the end they opted to not add "two hard-surfaced runways"to the givens list. b) Airport Vision and Mission Statements- Davidson noted the importance of these two items in the strategic planning process. He then read the current verbiage to the Members, asking if they wished to make any changes. Staley noted what the atmosphere was when they crafted these items some five years ago. Discussion ensued from here, with Members debating the addition of a glossary of terms used in this plan. The Commission agreed to keep the vision statement as is. On the mission statement, Gardinier suggested some minor wording changes (...to support the strategic goals of the City of Iowa City, and ...to meet the needs of its stakeholders). Members continued to discuss the wording of the Mission Statement, agreeing to Gardinier's suggested wording. c) Summary of Public Input Process- Davidson noted that Members have received a summary of the public comments received to date on the Airport's strategic planning. Rettig brought up the public comment regarding having a Committee Member from the county, noting that they just recently voted on this. 2 Airport Commission January 21,2010 d) Strengths and Weaknesses Exercise- Davidson noted that what this exercise entails is coming up with the strengths and weaknesses of the Airport. He added that once they identify both the strengths and the weaknesses, they will need to prioritize them. This will be used in developing the goals and strategies then for the next five years. Strengths were addressed first, with Davidson taking notes as the Members threw out the strengths they see in the Iowa City Airport. Next the group turned to prioritizing the strengths list. After this was completed the group moved on to listing weaknesses of the Airport and then prioritizing those, as well. Davidson thanked everyone for their work this evening, noting that he will start preparing for the next meeting. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Farris moved to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss matters with Counsel that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent Horan seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1; Staley absent. Executive Session ran from 7:20 P.M. to 7:25 P.M. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: The minutes of the December 17, 2009 meeting were reviewed. Horan moved to approve the minutes of the December 17, 2009 meeting as presented. Staley seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0; Farris and Gardinier absent PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Minnetta Gardinier spoke as a member of the public at this point. She stated that today she was contacted by one of the organizers of the Air Race Classic, indicating that the Airport has the race start site for the June 2011 race if there is a desire to pursue this. There is a fee of $10,000 to do this, and Gardinier suggested they obtain funds through various private organizations and groups and/or corporate donations. She stated that Rockwell Collins is one corporate entity she plans to contact. Members agreed to add this to next month's agenda. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: a. Aviation Commerce Park-Peggy Slaughter addressed the Members, stating that there is an RFP due out from the V.A. Hospital for five acres of land for parking. This has generated a ton of calls from local contractors requesting information on Aviation Commerce Park. Slaughter noted that her biggest concern is whether or not this would be a good location for such a project. She asked Members for their input on this issue, asking if they know of a better location. Rettig noted that she saw this request from the V.A. as well, and that she sent the information to Tharp. Slaughter fielded questions from Members, noting that these RFPs can be quite lengthy and difficult. She added that she talked to the City Economic Development office today 3 Airport Commission January 21,2010 regarding a possible project, questioning if there is a way for the City to meet with the V.A. to address their needs. A discussion ensued regarding this, with Members talking about whether or not a large parking project would work at the Airport or in Commerce Park. Slaughter stated that the official RFP packet is expected out in the next week. Members agreed that they would need to see if the V.A. was agreeable to making such a lot available several times a year for Airport activities, typically held on weekends. They also agreed that the North Aviation Commerce Park is a poor land use for a large parking lot. The area by Building H was discussed as a possible location. Members looked at the possible opportunity and talked at length about what improvements would need to be done to the area in order to meet the RFP requirements. Slaughter reiterated that she would like to see the official RFP before making any final decisions. Tharp agreed, stating that once they see the RFP they can better determine the various options available, whether it's the Building H area or the Guard area. Slaughter continued, stating that she has had two other interested parties in North Aviation Commerce Park. Tharp asked if there have been any inquiries in the area now that Walmart is moving forward with its Supercenter. b. FAAIIDOT Projects -AECOM -Hughes was not present. The discuss turned to the various projects, such as parallel taxiway and an equipment building, that the Commission may want to prioritize or move around in view of funding options. Tharp noted that the State aviation grant is due out around the first of April. He then responded to Members' questions about the process. The discussion turned to the entitlement funds for the Airport. Tharp explained how the FAA looks at entitlement funds and just how these funds are handled. Members agreed that an equipment building is a priority, and they will discuss this further under Airport Operations. c. Building H - University of Iowa Hangar Expansion -Tom Schnell from the University of Iowa thanked the Commission for working with them on this project, noting that they are almost done. He briefly gave Members a rundown of the problems they have run into during construction, and noted that they currently have a leak in the roof, as well. Schnell stated his dissatisfaction with AECOM during this project. Dulek noted that if Schnell has concerns with the agreed upon amounts in their contract, he needs to talk with George Hollins, who in turn can speak with Dulek about it. She added that there was a communication about a week ago and at that time Hollins was ready to sign the agreement. She reiterated that Schnell needs to talk to Hollins about his concerns. The discussion continued, with Schnell voicing his concerns about items not done properly. Rettig stated that she believes he is getting a good deal on this building, and if he can find a better deal somewhere else then perhaps he should consider it. Tharp reviewed what is left to be done, noting that things should be wrapped up by the end of the month. d. Airport Operations: Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; Management- Tharp stated that on January 8 he attended the CIP meeting with the Council. Horan and Gardinier were at the meeting on the 14th. Tharp added that he did distribute the annual report at that time. Members again discussed how they might want to approach a hangar project. They would need to consider whether or not they will be able to find a tenant willing to pay what they would need to charge for rent. Rettig then spoke to page 7, expenditures, where they have carried over for several years a balance that is now at$76,000. Tharp added that he believed the consensus from previous discussions that the funds were going to be added to the upcoming 4 Airport Commission January 21,2010 pavement rehabilitation contract being done with state grants. Discussion continued, with Members noting which items are of utmost importance to complete, such as pavement and fencing improvements. Members agreed that they should use the funds for the pavement projects, and then any remaining funds can be used to cover other projects. Horan suggested they put this on an upcoming agenda so they can further discuss specifics. e. Jet Air/Iowa Flight Training/Whirlybird -Phillip Wolford of Jet Air gave the Members a copy of the monthly activity summary he turns in each month. It was noted that the radio has been repaired. Wolford spoke briefly to what has been going on, adding that it is pretty seasonal to be slow this time of year, but that the economy is also a factor. He noted that the group from Sweden is expected in tomorrow. f. Subcommittees' Reports -Tharp noted that they received $2,000 plus from the Friends of Iowa City for the viewing area. He has been in contact with a couple of different people regarding the displays in the area. Rettig noted that they need to do a picture and press release to bring more attention to the project. Farris added that they plan to look at the cost of a raised platform for this area, as well. g. Commission Members' Reports -Farris spoke about a general aviation movie called "One Six Right"that came out a couple of years ago and suggested Members watch this if they get the chance. Horan stated that he put out the idea of leasing Airport ground as a funding mechanism when he was at the Council meeting. Rettig noted that Staley's term on the Commission is almost up. Tharp added that it is being advertised for, and Staley stated that one person has called him expressing interest. Rettig stated that in the past they had decided to rotate the Chair position at this time, and she questioned how they should do this. This will need to be addressed at the next meeting. Farris added that the 31st of January is the RC Swap Meet at the Airport. h. Staff Report-Tharp spoke briefly to the upcoming aviation conferences, noting that it will be important for a couple of the Members to attend this year. Dulek reminded Members that the Council will be taking up the issue of Commissioners needing to be Iowa City residents at the upcoming meeting. She handed out the proposed ordinance and the agenda item for their review. Rettig stated that she will make plans to attend the Monday meeting. SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING: The next regular meeting is set for Thursday, February 18, 2010, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport Terminal building. 5 Airport Commission January 21,2010 ADJOURN: Horan moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:08 P.M. Farris seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0. Titt ie'" 4123k CHAIRPERSON DATE 6 Airport Commission January 21,2010 AIRPORT COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD YEAR 2010 TERM 1/21 2/18 NAME EXP. Greg Farris 3/1/13 X Minnetta 3/1/15 X Gardinier Howard 3/1/14 X Horan Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X John Staley 3/1/10 X NAME TERM EXP. Greg Farris 3/1/13 Minnetta 3/1/15 Gardinier Howard 3/1/14 Horan Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 John Staley 3/1/10 KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E= Absent/Excused NM= No meeting = Not a Member