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Home My WebLink About02-05-2009 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes % t MINUTES FINAL Iowa City Airport Commission February 5,2009 Iowa City Airport Terminal—5:45 PM Members Present: Greg Farris,Howard Horan,Randy Hartwig, Members Absent: Janelle Rettig,John Staley Staff Present: Michael Tharp Others Present: David Hughes,Jay Honeck,Mary Honeck,Toby Myers,Phillip Woolford,Dan Yeager, Minnetta Gardinier DETERMINE QUORUM: The meeting was called to order at 5:48 P.M.by Chairperson Farris. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: Runway 7-25 and 12-30 Reconstruction Planning Meeting - Farris introduced David Hughes, those present introduced themselves. Hughes described the agenda for the evening stating that he wanted this to be a working session and a chance for those that were being impacted to provide input on the schedule. Hughes described the work stating that the project calls for the continuation of reconstruction work on 7-25 and the northern section of 12-30 which includes work in the intersection of the 2 runways. Hughes noted that Runway 12-30 was being planned to be replaced at 75 feet wide as detailed in the airport layout plan developed several years ago. Hughes commented that along with the pavement work there is some subdrain work that will be completed. There is no electrical work associated with this phase of the project. Hughes described the current condition of the pavements noting that there have been several alternatives examined in terms of overlay vs. replacement, and that it wasn't economical to shut the airport down for an overlay then have to come back and 4- 5 years and do it again for the replacement. Hughes noted the current status of FAA funding. Hughes noted that FAA has indicated the initial grant from the FAA will contain the state apportionment funding and the local entitlement which leaves a nearly$600,000 shortfall to be covered by discretionary funding once it is made available. Hughes noted that with the work in the intersection the airport would be effectively closed. He noted that they have a potential timeframe for this work and want to be as efficient as possible to minimize the closure time. Hughes estimated a 3 to 4 week closure of the intersection and that they would put into the contracts language to accelerate the work time in the area. Hughes commented that he is ` Iowa City Airport Commission February 5,2009 Page 2 of 4 also working with staff to provide language for liquidated damages for any delays with reopening the airport following intersection work. Hughes noted that part of that equation was the loss of income to affected parties which included fuel flowage fees. Hughes commented that not only did they want to talk about the intersection work but also the phasing of the work as it related to the 2 runways. Hartwig asked about a possible schedule of construction. Tharp responded that with commission meetings occurring as regularly scheduled contracts could be awarded during the May meeting. Mary Honeck noted that even though the Oshkosh weekend had been listed the hotel begins seeing bookings several weeks prior to the event. Yeager asked about the time frame for each of the sections, to which Hughes responded that its estimated to be a 90 calendar day contract. Horan asked about the limitations of the shorter runway being the first to open. Woolford commented that 3900 feet was just over the minimum requirements for the citation jet. Woolford asked about the possible reduction of the runway 12-30 length. Hughes described the residential area northwest of Runway 12-30 and that the FAA was implementing new TERPS [Terminal Instrument Procedures] requirements that would affect the runway in the future and that as seen with the 7-25 work, FAA would seek to mitigate obstructions on the approaches with the rehabilitation of 12-30. Hartwig commented that the choice had appeared to be which runway section to follow intersection work. Hughes stated that this may affect how some of the work is completed. Mary Honeck stated that she and Jay would prefer to see the intersection closed April and May instead of any time during June, July or August. Farris asked about closing the airport, and could helicopter traffic still use the airport. Honeck followed that up with a question about landing in the grass areas adjacent to the runways. Hughes commented that it would just be the Runways that were closed. He commented that he'd need to review some of the regulations but the helicopter traffic should be able to use the airport. Woolford commented that trying to set up a temporary runway or other arrangements would increase the risk to the airport and state that given the recent accidents in the last year perhaps the airport shouldn't invite that risk. Mary Honeck asked about what other possible events could impact the closure timeline. Hughes stated that the big one was weather, but that they've had good contractors that have been completing projects within the allocated time. Horan stated that this is why the liquidated damages are going to be highlighted in the contract and that the figures are something that will be upheld in the court system. Jay Honeck commented that he's received comments, and also would like to ask about rent during the closure and if the airport commission would provide some relief. Yeager asked about the bidding environment, and how the perceptions were, and asked to clarify the funding. Hughes stated the bidding environment looks good, ` Iowa City Airport Commission February 5, 2009 Page 3 of 4 and that the first part of the funding is projected to be available in March, with the second part coming later. Woolford asked about an incentive to complete the intersection, Hughes stated that incentives aren't reimbursement but that the contract will have language to provide the anticipated schedule. Horan asked about grooving the runway, Hughes responded that 7-25 would be grooved with this project. Hughes asked about other dates shown in the agenda, and if they were missing any. Jay Honeck responded that Blakesburg occurred on Labor Day. Horan asked if accelerating the meeting schedule would help complete the intersection work. Hughes commented that they might be able to shave 2-3 weeks off, but thought a May construction beginning was realistic. Gardinier had asked to include the Air Race classic from June 23-26th. She commented she was planning to promote the Alexis Park Inn as a fuel stop point for those coming from the southeast. Mary Honeck asked about how many days before the intersection was complete and reopened would a definite opening date be able to be set. Hughes responded that approximately 7 days before they'd most likely be able to anticipate an opening date. Jay Honeck asked about the remainder of 12-30. Tharp responded that it was the next FAA grant planning phase, and that it should rank high for potential stimulus grants. Yeager commented about how the closure would be worded, that if you close the airport then all traffic stops, but if you close the runways, then helicopter traffic should be able to continue. Horan provided that the direction to David should be to do the intersection first, followed by the rest of 7-25, then the work on 12-30. Hughes commented that if work begins on the intersection followed by the rest of 7-25 that gives the longest runway available sooner. Horan asked about working with the schedules to meet 3 times in February, or March, and could have bids the first of April. Hughes commented that even with accelerating schedules, he didn't believe FAA would be ready prior to March for bids. Horan suggested that as a commission they should plan on extra meetings to accelerate the schedule as necessary. ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned 6:48pm CHAIRPERSOI'�) D TE Iowa City Airport Commission February 5, 2009 Page 4 of 4 Airport Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD YEAR 2009 (Meeting Dates) TERM 1/8 2/5 2/12 NAME EXP. Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X O/E John Staley 3/1/10 X O/E KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E= Absent/Excused NM= No meeting --- = Not a Member