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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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