HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-18-2010 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes 1
Airport Commission
February 18,2010
MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 18, 2010 -6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Greg Farris, Minnetta Gardinier, Howard Horan, JaneIle Rettig, John
Staley (left at 7:30)
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp, Jeff Davidson
Others Present: Phillip Wolford, Randy Hartwig, Regenia Bailey, Tim Busch, John
Yeomans, Adam Henderson, Joleen Busch
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Rettig called the meeting to order at 6:02 P.M.
FY11-15 STRATEGIC PLAN:
a) Review summary of vision and mission statements and strengths and weaknesses-
Davidson noted that the last meeting went well and they were able to gather some
good information for developing this plan. He quickly reviewed the vision and
mission statements, noting the one minor revision they had discussed. Davidson
then reviewed the strengths and weaknesses that had been identified, noting how
they can work these into their goals and strategies.
b) Develop goals and strategies for FY2011-2015-Davidson stated that they are
basically ready to begin developing the goals and strategies for FYs 2011 through
2015. He suggested they use the above strengths and weaknesses to then craft
their strategic plan. Working off the tables in front of them, Davidson began going
through the list of priorities. Members discussed whether or not they would like to
have some action taken by the City Council as to the adoption of this plan. After
some discussion, it was decided that the Airport Commission will adopt the strategic
plan, and then will present it to the City Council. Davidson suggested they highlight
the Airports accomplishments during this presentation. The review continued, with
Airport management and structure being discussed next. The current management
situation and the airport specialist position were discussed, with Rettig noting that the
duties of this position are only going to grow. Members agreed that they would like
to re-evaluate the operations specialist position. The next goal discussed was
attendance at City Council meetings. Instead of monthly, Members agreed that a
presence of"at least quarterly" at Council meetings would be appropriate. The next
goal addressed was weekly meetings between the airport specialist and City staff.
Tharp noted that he does attend the weekly staff meetings at City Hall and
occasionally he talks to the City Manager's office if needed on issues. Members
suggested adding that the operations specialist"will attend weekly staff meetings"to
the strategic plan. The discussion continued, with specific wording being crafted as
Members added their feedback. Rettig noted that she would like to see them
continue communicating the capital improvement projects-both federal and state-
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Airport Commission
February 18,2010
that take place at the Airport. The review continued, with the development of
property in order to support Airport operations being discussed next. The issue of
increasing revenues for the Airport, both aviation related and non-aviation related,
was noted as a major goal. Communicate with state and federal officials about the
value of general aviation funding was suggested next by Rettig. The topic turned to
increasing the use of the Airport for aviation and other community uses, with
Davidson noting that 24-hour fueling is a major strength. Members agreed that they
need to increase marketing of the Airport and a brief discussion ensued on how they
might best address this. Rettig noted that they need to get a sidewalk installed on
Riverside Drive before they encourage too much community participation at the
Airport. The need for more hangar space and how this might best be achieved was
discussed briefly. Members next discussed how they can best capture the number
of flights- by type- in and out of the Airport, and also increase hospitality efforts.
Davidson continued working through the list of goals and objectives, with Members
giving input. Additional items covered included an annual report on Airport
infrastructure and the budgeting process at the Airport. Davidson further explained
how the operating and capital improvements budgets are approached. The
discussion turned to the enhancement of the Airport grounds and completion of the
viewing area. This includes the need for enhanced signage at the Airport. The need
for a sidewalk on Riverside Drive in this area was touched on again, with Members
agreeing that this needs to be addressed. Davidson noted that there is an unfunded
project in the City's CIP for such a sidewalk. The need for an updated emergency
operations plan was the last topic covered. Members agreed that this was best
covered under the infrastructure area. Davidson noted that he will have a draft of the
strategic plan for Members to review, after which they can work on prioritizing.
Staley addressed the commission noting that this would be his last meeting, as his term was
expiring. He stated that it has been an honor to serve with everyone on the Commission and
noted that he had another time commitment that was conflicting with the commission meeting
and that he needed to leave. Rettig thanked Staley and noted that it has been a pleasure
working with him as well. Staley then left the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
The minutes of the January 21, 2010 meeting were reviewed.
Farris moved to approve the minutes of the January 21, 2010 meeting as presented.
Horan seconded the motion.
The motion carried 4-0; Staley absent.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
John Yeomans noted that he talked with the farm operator and their rent check should arrive
soon.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
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Airport Commission
February 18,2010
a. Aviation Commerce Park-Tharp noted that Peggy Slaughter is not present this
evening.
i. VA Parking Lot Request for Proposals -Tharp next addressed the
issue that was raised last month about whether or not the Airport wanted
to look into this request for a VA parking lot. He has been looking into
this request and he shared some of the details involved. Tharp noted that
they could probably come up with around 200 parking spaces, and the
remainder could be found within Iowa City. He also talked with John
Yeomans about the possibility of using farm ground and having around
600 spaces available there. Yeomans stated that he would have to run
this by the farm operator. Tharp noted that he has upcoming meetings
with City staff to further investigate this request. Income potential could
be around $8,000 per month, according to Tharp. Members continued to
discuss the pros and cons of such a proposal, noting the types of upkeep
they could be faced with. As the deadline for this proposal is fast
approaching, Members decided that they would like for Tharp to go ahead
with a proposal for the 200 spaces.
b. FAAIIDOT Projects -AECOM -Rettig noted that Hughes is not present this
evening, and that due to the winter conditions nothing is hapriening at this time.
c. Building H - University of Iowa Hangar Expansion -Tharp noted that he has what
should be the last change order for this project. Final pricing should be in by
Monday. Dulek noted that at some point they will need to finalize some issues with
AECOM.
d. Hertz-Tharp noted that Members have a letter in their packets regarding Hertz's
desire for an early exit from their lease. They are planning to relocate this particular
branch somewhere else in the area.
Horan moved to deny the formal request by Hertz to be released from the remaining term
of the concession agreement and parking agreement
Gardinier seconded the motion.
The motion carried 4-0; Staley absent
e. 2011 Air Race Classic-Gardinier noted that if the Commission is interested, the Air
Race Classic can be theirs. She briefly explained what the'start site'would
encompass if they decided to do this. There is a $10,000 fee involved, and Gardinier
touched on how fundraising could be used to cover this. The race begins on
Tuesday, June 21, 2011, which means racers would begin arriving the weekend
prior. Rettig noted that they need to find a way to cover the$10,000 fee before they
commit to this endeavor. Members discussed what they would need to do before
they could sign an agreement to host this event,with Tharp noting what he has found
out so far from Risk Management on holding such an event. Gardinier will check
with the person setting up the Air Race Classic to see when the deadline is for
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Airport Commission
February 18,2010
committing to next year's race. Members agreed that if a special meeting is needed
to address this that they will set something up.
f. Corporate Hangar"L" -Tharp noted that they are beginning the RFP for
engineering services. He needs to know the timing of this RFP, adding that he would
like to get final approval of the firm at the April meeting. Secondly, Tharp stated that
he needs to know the best way to get firms to the Commission for approval, whether
via a subcommittee or finalist pick by the entire commission. Members continued to
discuss this, debating the best way to approach this process. Horan and Farris will
work with Tharp on this proposal as a subcommittee.
g. Airport Operations: Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; Management-
Tharp responded to some of the funding questions from last month. He also
reviewed some of the repairs done recently.
i. Evaluation of Operations Specialist- Rettig asked if Tharp wanted this
to be done in a closed session. Tharp stated that it does not need to be.
Rettig noted that she met with Tharp yesterday to review this, and she
shared her scores with Members. Horan asked that they add something
to the effect of keeping a more professional office appearance, and he
shared some wording on this. The discussion continued with Members
reviewing the main goals of Tharp's position. Rettig asked that Members
use the upcoming weekend to review this and add their comments, and
then get it back to her for submittal.
ii. City naming policy -Tharp noted that the City Manager has asked for
input from the various boards and commissions regarding naming
processes and procedures. He has asked that they review the current
policy and provide any feedback they may have. The City Manager will
then compile a revised policy for the Council's review. Tharp asked that
Members bring any comments they may have regarding this to next
month's meeting. He will then forward them to the City Manager.
h. FBO Report-Phillip Wolford of Jet Air addressed the Members, noting that the
swap meet was fairly successful recently. Members briefly discussed some snow
removal issues on the sidewalk south of the airport. Rettig suggested they write a
letter to the City Manager asking for clarification of snow removal. Wolford noted
that May 21 and 22 are when they would like to hold an 'open house.' He briefly
shared what they hope to be able to do during this event.
i. Iowa Flight Training—Tim Busch shared that things are picking up for them as the
weather improves. He spoke to Members briefly about some of the new aircraft they
are seeing.
j. Whirlybirds—Adam Henderson addressed the commission stating things were
picking up as well for him. He added that Whirlybird is one of the sponsors for the
KCRG and Gazette March Madness and hope to get their name out there.
k. Subcommittees' Reports -Farris stated that when spring arrives they plan to do
whatever is necessary to get the viewing area completed. Rettig spoke to the
Friends of Iowa City Airport contribution and a possible letter to those individuals who
did contribute through this.
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Airport Commission
February 18, 2010
I. Commission Members' Reports -Gardinier is donating a flight that will be bid on
for the Riverside Theatre fundraiser. Farris spoke to some of the members of the
Friday Night Movie event, suggesting the Airport as a possible location. Rettig
thanked John Staley again for his service to the Commission. There have been two
applications received for his open seat. Rettig noted that she will need to resign from
the Airport Commission due to a change in her circumstances. She needs to write a
letter to the Council, and is considering waiting until April 1 to do so. She also noted
that this is her last meeting as Chair, and that next month a new Chair will need to be
elected.
m. Staff Report - None.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING:
The next regular meeting is set for Thursday, March 18, 2010, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport
Terminal building.
ADJOURN:
Farris moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 P.M.
Horan seconded the motion.
The motion carried 4-0, Staley absent.
CHAIRPERSON DATE
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Airport Commission
February 18,2010
AIRPORT COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2010
TERM 1121 2/18 3/18
NAME EXP.
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X
Minnetta 3/1/15 X X
Gardinier
Howard 3/1/14 X X
Horan
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X 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
— = Nota Member