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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- 2 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: 3 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 4 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. • i 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 6 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