HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-2009 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes ,
MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
January 8,2009
Iowa City Airport Terminal—5:45 PM
Members Present: Greg Farris,Howard Horan,Randy Hartwig,Janelle Rettig,John
Staley
Staff Present: Sue Dulek,Michael Tharp
Others Present: David Hughes,Jay Honeck,Harrel Timmons, Phillip Woolford,
Tim Busch, Sharon Lust, Gary Lust
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Recommend to change Airport Commission term lengths to 4 years.
DETERMINE QUORUM:
The meeting was called to order at 5:47 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 11,2008 MEETING:
Farris asked if anyone had any comments. Hartwig noted that on page 2,under the
Aircare topic,that there should be some reference of Staley speaking as a University
representative,and not as a Commission Member. Others agreed. Staley moved to
approve the minutes as amended; seconded by Horan. Carried 5-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Aviation Commerce Park—Farris noted that Peggy Slaughter sent an email
stating that she would not be able to attend this evening's meeting. Tharp
added that Slaughter did note that one of her interested parties for the Aviation
Commerce Park has hired an architect to draw up plans. Tharp also noted that
he had an architect contact him regarding the Aircare facility. Staley noted,
speaking as a University representative,that this architectural firm has been
engaged to provide an estimate on building the Aircare hangar.
b. University of Iowa Aircare Facility—Included in item a. above.
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January 8,2009
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c. Dane/Larson Land Sale Request-Tharp noted that he spoke with Mr. Larson
recently and that he is needing some further clarification from the FAA on
what the extra piece of land can be used for. They have not heard back on this
issue yet. Rettig noted that this is no longer a land sale but rather a lease.
d. Airport Safety—Traffic Pattern Operations—Tharp stated that things are on
schedule. He added that information will be seen starting the first. Farris
asked if there was any further information on the segmented circle,and Tharp
noted that he does not have a definitive cost estimate,but that he did speak
with some other airports about this. The timeframe for this will be March.
e. FAA/IDOT Projects—AECOM—David Hughes
i. Runway 7/25—Hughes stated that between winter storms they
have done some survey work. They still need to do some GeoTech
work of filling in holes, and hope to have this done in the next few
weeks. Hughes noted that late yesterday they received an email
form the FAA stating that the AIP program is coming down the
line quickly and that the FAA wants to get a grant application
going with the State,prior to bids. The grant application would be
put together based on estimates, according to Hughes. Hughes
then responded to Members' questions regarding this particular
grant application. Hughes stated that he wants to set up a users'
group meeting for early February(February 5),and that he would
like this to be a special Commission meeting, if possible. This will
be to discuss the runway and the intersection. Hughes stated that
basically it is to review the impacts to the Airport because of the
construction. Members continued to discuss how this meeting will
be structured, and whether it will be an official meeting. Everyone
agreed it should be a regular Commission meeting. Hughes added
that the FAA would like this project to be ready for bid by mid-
March.
ii. South Aviation Development Study—Hughes noted that there was
some discussion at the last meeting on this,and that he has sent
information to Rettig as she requested. Farris asked if this was
going to be a 30-day turnaround, and Hughes stated that that is
what they have planed for.
iii. 2008 Pavement Rehab(North Taxilanes)—Hughes noted that due
to the holidays and the winter weather,most of the projects have
been shut down for now. He added that they are still working with
some contractors to close out projects. Rettig asked about frost
heave, and if it has been a problem. Hughes stated that they have
seen some. He explained that the old runway was built directly on
the clay surface, and when the ground freezes the runway tended to
"float." The new pavement section has a granite slab underneath,
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January 8,2009
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according to Hughes, so it is not getting the water infiltration like
the old pavement did. They are seeing the old pavement move
somewhat,but the new pavement is staying put. Hughes did add
that they have contacted a company that does grinding, and they
are set up to come out and grind the "hump"that has occurred on
the pavement.
iv. Obstruction Mitigation—See above.
v. Building H—University of Iowa Hangar Expansion—Hughes
reported that everything is ready to go for rebidding. They have
revised the documents,and the new bid date is February 5 at 2:00
P.M. Members asked for some clarification on issues related to
this rebid,to which Hughes responded. Rettig asked if they knew
when building would begin. Hughes stated that he did not have the
exact date,but would get that for her.
1. Consider Resolution#A09-01Approving Plans,
Specifications,Form of Contract, and Estimate on Cost for
the Building H-University of Iowa Hangar Expansion-
Rettig moved to Consider Resolution#A09-01,
Approving,Plans,Specifications,Form of Contract,and
Estimate on Cost for Building H; seconded by Hartwig.
Carried 5-0.
vi. Corporate Hangar L—Farris explained the status of this issue to
Members. He spoke to the City's budget and looking for funding
to be able to start this project. He spoke to budgeting issues and
the 2011 budget in particular. The hope is to fund some of these
projects with sales of the Aviation Commerce Park lots. Rettig
asked for some clarification on the matching portion of grants like
this, and Hughes explained how the grants typically are structured.
Members continued to discuss this issue,noting that they have
immediate space concerns. The discussion centered on what the
main concerns are for the Airport,and just what they may be able
to get built sooner rather than later. Rettig stated that she would
like to see them talk with the State about funding this differently,
to which Tharp stated he doubted the State would agree to
something like this, considering how their process is set up. Farris
noted that they could attempt to run this by the State. Hartwig
brought up the possibility of adding on to an existing hangar,since
they have these funds. Rettig came back to her idea of contacting
the State versus this grant situation.
Staley asked Hughes what current prices are being seen on current
bids for building hangars. Hughes responded that he recently bid a
storage building in Waterloo,and that it was estimated at about
$45.00 per square foot. It was noted that this would be a good time
for the Airport to move forward on a project like this. Farris asked
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the Members what their priority would be on this. Horan stated an
80 by 80 hangar with insulation, and possibly a small office area,
and the ability to house various size aircraft would be optimal.
Something with a lot of flexibility would be best. The FBO joined
into the discussion,noting that there is a definite need for space at
the Airport.
The discussion came back to hangar I and any possibilities there,
using the money that they know they have. Members agreed that
once they have this number,they can work backwards to see how
big of a building they could build. Farris noted that they would
move forward with this, seeing if they can work with the State, and
seeing what the City budget holds for them.
Hartwig then asked about the University hangar,their temporary
building, and where they are with that. Tharp stated that so far
there has been a little conversation about it,but other than that
nothing has transpired.
Staley then asked Hughes if he believes they might see lower bids,
given what he saw in the Waterloo instance. Hughes responded
that given the dollars they are talking, a 60 by 60 building would
be about right for that price. Staley asked if there is anything they
could possibly put off on a building such as this,something they
could complete at a later date. Otherwise he suggested they go for
a bigger building with less "extras." Hughes noted that the biggest
part of the cost is the flooring,the concrete, and the door.
f. Airport"Operations"; Strategic Plan-Implementation;Budget;Management—
Tharp noted that their strategic plan runs through 2010,and that perhaps they
should form a subcommittee to work on a new five-year plan. He added that
everything on the current plan has been met. Staley suggested they contact
Jeff Davidson at the City Planning department as he worked with them before
on this. Farris asked who would like to participate in this subcommittee.
Rettig and Staley stated that they would meet with Tharp to begin the process.
The budget was discussed next. Rettig began the discussion asking about
boiler repairs. Tharp responded,explaining what the repairs consisted of.
Rettig then noted on page 3,under"Expenses,"the "Building Repair and
Maintenance Service," of which"Cleaning" is under,has already eaten up
86% of the budget,and that there are six months yet to cover. She also
questioned "Income," on page 1,a reimbursement of$7,100. Rettig stated
that Tharp was to let the Commission know what this was for,and that they
had not heard yet what this entailed. Tharp stated that he spoke with Kevin
O'Malley in City Finance and this is a reimbursement from the expenses
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January 8,2009
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incurred to put the utilities in at Commerce Park. As the lots sell,
MidAmerican reimburses the City for their cost of the initial infrastructure.
Tharp added that with the sale of lots 2,3 and 4 they could expect another
reimbursement from MidAmerican. Rettig also asked about the budget
carryover, and Tharp stated that it is in the works at City Hall. The carryover
comes to around$44,000. Rettig suggested not performing any of the
pavement work budgeted and together with the carryover amount using that as
a local match offer to the state.
g. 2008 Annual Report—Janelle asked about the human element, suggesting a
paragraph regarding the flood work and the involvement of the airport. Such
as the rides to the local officials and the use by the President of the United
States. Tharp noted that he would like to be able to present this at the
operations budget meeting with city council on the 28`s.
h. Maintenance Agreement with Jet Air—Farris noted that there have been
several conversations and that Tharp had emailed copies of the agreement to
members. Farris noted that he and Tharp had spoken to the Assistant City
Manager and that he was supportive and didn't see anything initially wrong
with the plan. Farris noted there were some insurance issues that had come up
late that needed to be resolved before the commission could enter into the
contract. Rettig asked about the dates of the agreements noting they ended at
different times. Tharp responded the intent of both agreements was to run
concurrently. Rettig also noted that the"Operations Specialist"was referred
in several different manners and that they should all be cleaned up and
referred to as"Operations Specialist." Rettig also suggested adding a direct
reporting line to define who Jet Air is working for. Horan asked about the
conflicts with the insurance policies. Farris responded that as of yet they did
not know what the conflicts were, and noted that the information has
previously been contained in previous management agreements, and had been
accepted. Horan asked about the oversight of the agreements and Jet Air
regarding the system and the issues involved into entering into such an
agreement with the operator on the field. Rettig responded that is why the
hierarchy should be known,and that the maintenance contractor,whoever
they are,work for the commission, and the commission's authority to manage
the agreement have been delegated to the Operations Specialist and the
Commission has direct control over that employee. Rettig moved to
authorize the chair the sign the maintenance agreement with Jet Air Inc
with the discussed changes upon confirmation from the City Attorney
that the liability issues have been resolved. Seconded by Horan. Motion
Passed 5-0
Cleaning Contract—Rettig asked about the cleaning contract and confirmed
the end date for December 31,2009. Rettig commented on item 3.ii which
said that Jet Air would remove trash to the dumpsters,and wanted to insert 'or
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recycling facilities.' Rettig asked about the end of the current agreement and
Tharp noted that things were in place to move the contract on February 1st
Staley moved to approve the agreement as amended. Seconded by
Hartwig.Motion Passed 5-0
i. Jet Air/Iowa Flight Training-Flight Instruction—Timmons addressed the
commission stating that the goal of Jet Air was to work its way out of the
flight instruction business. Timmons related that some of the charter
operations now require$50 million coverage and that had forced Jet Air into
dealing with 2 insurance companies to provide coverage of both the charter
and instruction businesses. Timmons introduced Tim Busch to members and
described his background and that Busch ran Iowa Flight Training out of
Cedar Rapids and Vinton. He stated that with this partnership and ultimately
new arrangement,that scheduling,and bill paying,and other items would be
online making it easier to access by the customer base. Farris asked about
staffing and Timmons stated they would still need staff to sign out the aircraft
among other things. Rettig asked about the requirements of the FBO
agreement. Farris commented that there were 2 agreements in play,one was
the FBO agreement which required Jet Air to supply flight instruction in order
to qualify as an FBO. The second one was the minimum standards which
stated that commercial entities needed permission to operate on the airfield.
Horan asked about the ultimate goals of the arrangement, and Timmons
responded that Jet Air's goal was to be out of the flight instruction business by
the beginning of July. Rettig responded that this appeared to be a win-win
situation, and that the airport would be getting an FBO with a focus on the
charter aspects of operations,and a Flight Instruction provider whose whole
motivation is to provide flight instruction. Horan commented that many of Jet
Air's current charter pilots several were flight instructors for Jet Air and asked
if that would continue. Timmons responded that many of the charter pilots
had come through the Jet Air system, and would expect that to continue as
they are more aware of the training, and skills of the pilots. Rettig asked
about the space needs and Timmons responded that most of the items are
covered by online operations. Farris commented that once things are more in
place the commission would look any requests by the FBO to change
agreements.
j. Airport Commission Terms — Rettig moved that item i. FBO Staff Report
be moved up in front of item h. Horan seconded the motion and it
carred 5-0
k. FBO Staff Report—Timmons reported that this has been another harsh winter
for operations. He noted the Galesburg airport had lots of ice and that
operations were shut down for about a week. Timmons noted that at Iowa
City they've received a lot of snow and some mixed precipitation. He noted
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January 8, 2009
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that he was pleased with the snow removal and that they've been open more in
Iowa City than elsewhere. Timmons discussed some of the issues of flying in
ice noting that one of the jets was damaged by ice that had come loose causing
substantial damage to a fan in the engine. Timmons noted the previously
discussed lip on the runway and that he and Tharp had taken a look at it.
Timmons noted that at Burlington,they had recently bid a project for a hangar
and that the low bid came up to about$486,000 and that 6 contractors had bid
on it. Rettig commented about the private ownership opportunities for
hangars,and that if they fit into Jet Air's plans, a long term lease on a piece of
land to construct a building could be possible.
1. Airport Commission Terms—moved to follow FBO Staff Report. Farris stated
that he asked Tharp to add this to the agenda. He commented that he has been
seeking people to apply for the upcoming position that is opening and most of
the feedback he's getting is that people aren't comfortable with a 6 year
commitment. Hartwig noted that part of the thoughts with 6 year terms is that
it takes some time to get used to the airport area and the aspects of
management. Rettig commented that the 6 year term caused her to think
about the commitment, but that ultimately she chose to apply, but that there is
indeed a 2 year learning curve. Horan asked about terms in the past being
staggered. Farris noted there could be staggered terms. Farris moved to
change terms 4 years if able to amend the upcoming term. Seconded by
Rettig. Motion Passed 4-1. Horan Negative
m. Subcommittees' Reports—Farris noted that there was one subcommittee
formed.
n. Commission Members' Reports— Horan asked if the REILS (runway end
identifier lights) stayed on all the time. Hughes commented that they do turn
off, but there is a timer set to keep the lights on approximately an hour after
dark. Farris noted that the 15th they speak on the CIP budget with city
council. Farris noted that at the end of the December the switch to the .75
Operations Specialist occurred.
o. Staff Report— None.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: February 12, 2009 at 5:45 P.M.
ADJOURN: The meeting adjourned at 7:42pm
.3//2/05
CHAAISON DATE
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January 8, 2009
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2009
(Meeting Dates)
TERM 1/8 2/12
NAME EXP.
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X
Howard Horan 3/1/14 X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X
John Staley 3/1/10 X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
OLE= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
— = Not a Member