HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-12-2009 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
March 12,2009
Iowa City Airport Terminal—7:00 PM
Members Present: Greg Fan-is, Minnetta Gardinier,Howard Horan,Janelle Rettig,
John Staley
Staff Present: Sue Dulek,Michael Tharp
Others Present: Harrel Timmons,David Hughes, Jay Honeck,Rex Brandstatter,
Doug Moore,Larry Bell, John Cunningham
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
DETERMINE QUORUM:
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 P.M.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Rettig made the motion to move this item to later in the agenda as Staley had not yet
arrived at the meeting,but was expected later. Rettig moved to delay Election of
Officers until Staley's arrival; seconded by Horan. Carried 4-0; Staley absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 12 AND FEBRUARY 23,
2009 MEETINGS:
Fan-is asked if there were any comments to the above-named minutes. Horan moved to
approve the February 12 and February 23,2009 minutes as submitted; seconded by
Rettig. Carried 3-0; Staley absent and Gardinier abstaining.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Iowa Concrete Paving Association-Paving Project Award Presentation—
Rettig moved to delay Items a and b until Staley's arrival; seconded by
Horan. Carried 4-0; Staley absent.
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c. Private Hangar Construction- Doug Moore - Moore addressed the
Commission, explaining that he wants to build a hangar. He is asking the
Commission for a land lease. He explained that he would be financing 100%
of the cost to build a six-unit hangar. Moore further explained how he intends
to use some of the space and stated that he would like to rent out the unused
portion. Moore continued, explaining what he would like to do in building
this hangar. He noted that his project would not require the Airport to lay out
any money or issue any bonds. He is looking for a 25-year land lease, and
noted that the hangar can always be taken apart and moved. The conversation
continued,with Members asking for some clarification of Moore's proposal.
Farris noted that the Commission would be open to further discussion of such
a project. Rettig stated that she would have no problem with a land lease,but
she does question the location of this proposed hangar on the south end of the
airport. Moore said that having the location closer to the T-hangers would be
preferable to him anyway. She added that she believes a subcommittee could
deal with such a proposal and then bring back a firm offer for the
Commission's review. The conversation continued with Moore further
explaining what his plan is and how he hopes to proceed with it. He added
that he would put together a business plan of sorts prior to next month's
meeting so the Commission has something further to review. Tharp will work
with Moore on his proposal and there will be further info at next month's
meeting.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
With Staley's arrival, Farris stated that they would open the floor for election
of officers. Horan nominated Rettig for the Chair position. Rettig noted that
having meetings on the second Thursday of the month would be a problem for
her,if she were to accept the Chair position. She asked if the Members are
willing to move the meeting date to the third Thursday of each month. After a
brief discussion,Members decided to change the meetings to the third
Thursday of each month. Rettig noted that she would be happy to serve as
Chair. Horan moved to nominate Rettig as Chair; seconded by Staley.
Carried 5-0.
The Members moved next to the Secretary position. Rettig noted that
Gardiner would be in this position if they continue to rotate as they have,but
given that she has just started on the Commission, she questioned this. Farris
noted that having been Chair,he feels they could use this position more to
help out the Chair position with meetings,etc. Dulek then noted that they
should be looking at a Vice Chair position, not a Secretary position, under the
bylaws. Rettig asked who would be interested in serving in this position,and
Horan stated that he would be happy to serve as Vice Chair,but that he is not
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interested in being in line for the Chair position later. Farris moved to
nominate Horan as Vice Chair; seconded by Rettig. Carried 5-0.
a. Iowa Concrete Paving Association-Paving Project Award Presentation—
John Cunningham from the Iowa Concrete Paving Association addressed the
Commission. He explained the award that the 7/25 runway's paving has
received. The Iowa Concrete Paving Association's awards are considered the
most prestigious in the country, according to Cunningham. He continued,
thanking everyone for their great teamwork on this project. Cunningham then
presented the award to Rettig as Chair of the Airport Commission.
b. Aviation Commerce Park/U of I Aircare Facility -Tharp noted that Peggy
Slaughter was unable to attend this evening's meeting, but that she did relay a
message that there may be possible interest in lots 17 through 13. Dulek then
noted that the land-swap deal that Slaughter had mentioned previously is still
being discussed. Gardinier asked for some further information on this, and
Rettig explained what is being proposed.
(Staley recused himself as an Airport Commission Member and participated in
this discussion as a UIHC employee.) Staley noted that they are in the process
of determining whether or not they will make an offer or a commitment to
purchase. He noted they have a few things to go through first-two
independent appraisals being one. They have a past appraisal,but are not sure
if this will stand. Then on the 26th of this month, Staley noted they would be
meeting to address these issues and hopefully move ahead.
d. Gilbert Street Land Parcel-Rex Brandstatter addressed the Commission,
noting that Larry Bell, the landowner,is also present. Brandstatter explained
to the Commission where this parcel is on Gilbert Street. He then explained
what they would like to do on Gilbert Street,noting that they would follow the
City's rules for paving and that it would be used strictly for parking. They
would like to enter into a lease agreement based on the value of the property.
The discussion continued, with Brandstatter explaining in detail how such a
possible lease might work. He noted that he needs to go back to the Planning
Commission once he knows how the Airport Commission feels about such a
lease. David Hughes with AECOM responded to Members' questions
regarding FAA rules and regulations. Rettig stated that she would like to
know what the Parks and Recreation has planned for the pond area by Hills
Bank, as well as the Highway 6/Gilbert Street intersection that the City has
discussed upgrading, as these are in the area being discussed. Horan noted
that he believes it is a good idea,as did Staley. Staley added that it is another
avenue of revenue for the Airport, something they have been discussing.
Rettig noted her concerns,noting that she would question the cost of having
an official appraisal on this land. Brandstatter noted that he did take some
Fair Market Values and worked up some numbers,which he shared with the
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Members. The "Lease Value" that he came up with is around$309 per month.
Rettig asked if Members would like to pursue this, and added that Tharp could
begin to look into the questions raised this evening regarding the proposal.
e. FAA/IDOT Projects—AECOM—
i. Runways 7/25 & 12/30 -Hughes addressed the Members,noting
that since the last time they met they had a"surprise" come up with
the FAA. He continued, noting that the FAA has designated Iowa
City as one of the three airports in the state of Iowa to receive
economic recovery funds. After this construction season, Hughes
noted they would have new pavements on 7/25 and 12/30. These
funds help to move the AIP program along by about a year. This
eliminates the closing of 12/30 next construction season. Hughes
continued, stating that with the economic recovery funds,the FAA
is requiring the project be based on bids, and that the FAA have a
grant application by May 1,2009. He further explained the FAA's
rules and regulations regarding these monies. The project would
be completed this construction season,but would not start until
later in the season. Hughes gave the Members further information
regarding these grants and how they will need to proceed with
them. Farris noted that he and Tharp have worked with the City on
moving funds around and that the City has been very responsive to
this need.
The Members continued discussing this issue,with Rettig
questioning any possible cost over-runs and the possibility of being
able to shift funds as needed. Tharp noted that they should be able
to do this should the need arise. Hughes continued, explaining
how they will need to proceed with the runway projects. Worst-
case scenario, according to Hughes, would be a July 2nd start date.
Members asked Hughes for further clarification on the closings,
and he responded with details. Jay Honeck noted that the busiest
time for air traffic is around July 25th through August 3rd. This
prompted further discussion on the closing of the runways. It was
noted that the Commission might need to hold some special
meetings in order to address some of the issues that will come up
with these projects.
1. Consider Resolution#A09-04 Approving Contract With
AECOM for Design Services for Runway 12/30
Reconstruction-Horan moved to approve Resolution A09-
04 approving contract with AECOM for design services
on runway 12/30; seconded by Farris. Carried 5-0.
2. Hangar Rent Reimbursement(Farris and Gardinier recused
themselves due to a conflict of interest-they are both hangar
tenants.) Tharp brought everyone up to date on this issue,
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noting that due to the upcoming closures, some tenants may
not be able to use their hangars/planes, and therefore may
have to go elsewhere during the down time. He shared
information with the Members, showing what the rental rates
are for all of their tenants, and he broke this down into a per-
day rate, as well as various weekly rates. Tharp stated that
the discussion for the Commission would be whether they
want to issue credits to some tenants, and also the need to
think about the two major enterprises that use the Airport-
namely Jet Air and the University- and how their operations
on the airfield will also be affected. The discussion
continued,with Hughes explaining how they would pursue
damages should an unforeseen problem make the closure
longer than anticipated. Gardinier(as a member of the
public)asked if this would include all tenants,or just those
who would actually be affected during this period. The
Commission continued to discuss the situation,with Rettig
noting that they do not have anything budgeted for this,that
they would have to delay a project in order to reimburse
tenants. Tharp noted that there are 13 hangars possibly
affected, according to the letter they received. Horan
suggested that they offer a half a month at no charge. Harrel
Timmons shared with the Members how he would see this
from an individual hangar lease standpoint versus Jet Air's
business. He stated that he believes they will be able to keep
some of their maintenance business going during this
downtime,and if they can't, they will have to lay off some of
their employees. He added that the fuel sales would be a big
hit for the Airport. Timmons stated that Jet Mr isn't
necessarily looking for any payments,but they would
certainly expect some time of relief for loss of income during
the closure period. Discussion continued,with Gardiner
stating that some individuals will incur a loss,and with Rettig
stating that she agrees with Staley-they are not contractually
obligated to do this. Rettig stated that she does not see any
way possible for the Airport to afford to do these
reimbursements. Staley asked Hughes if there is any feasible
way to have the intersection portion completed within a two-
week time period. Hughes stated that there would be no
possible way to do this, with four weeks being optimum. He
explained that this has to do with not only curing the concrete
appropriately,but also just how many workers can be
working at one time. With too many parts of the project
going on at one time,workers would end up tripping over
each other trying to get their portion done. Staley noted that
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the best thing they can probably say to the tenants requesting
reimbursement is that they understand their concerns;
however,the Airport just does not have the financial
resources to meet this request. The best thing to do is to
minimize the downtime as much as possible,without
affecting the overall project. Discussion continued about
other down time at the Airport including bad weather and if
this proposal could lead to other reimbursement requests
during other closures. After much discussion, Rettig stated
that they would not be able to provide reimbursement of
hangar rentals. Staley noted that the letter's writers have
asked that the Airport Commission present this request to the
City administrators. Horan suggested that this request be
taken to the City Manager for his input. Staley agreed,
stating that he believes they should at least get the City's
input on this request. The majority of the Airport
Commission agrees that they do not have the financial ability
to do this,but they would at least like to get the City
Manager's opinion on this matter.
ii. South Aviation Development Study—Hughes stated that he would
like to combine the remaining issues, and would also like to
address runway 7/25 again in light of the discussions taking place.
The paving and lighting contract-they have prepared the fmal
change order for the contractor and it is being processed right now.
Once this is returned they will get the final paperwork to the FAA.
Hughes stated they anticipate closing this project at the April
meeting. He noted that the Airport layout plan,that was part of
this grant,has been submitted to the FAA for review. Hughes
continued, stating that the Phase 1 reconstruction that was this past
summer in the eastern portion of runway 7/25 is being finalized
with the contractor, and he hopes for a May closure on this one.
The South Aviation study has been sent to the FAA for their
review. However,Hughes is not sure how long this will take for
the FAA to get back with them.
iii. 2008 Pavement Rehab(North Taxilanes)—Hughes stated that as
soon as they get some good weather they plan to fix the spot on
this taxiway. After that they will be able to close this project out.
iv. Obstruction Mitigation—Hughes stated that they are still awaiting
documentation from the contractor who did the United hangar
demolition. He added that Mediacom still has to get some final
documents in, as well.
v. Building H—University of Iowa Hangar Expansion—There was a
pre-construction meeting today,according to Hughes. He stated
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that this project is moving forward. The completion date is set for
October.
vi. FY2010 State Aviation Program Grant Application-Hughes noted
that the State application is due May 5th. He stated that he has met
with Tharp and Farris to work on a priority list. Members
continued to discuss the upcoming budget years and subsequent
shortfalls. The conversation turned to the immediate needs -more
space,upgrades,and maintenance -and how they can address these
things with State money. Members then briefly talked about some
of the issues with lighting and reflectors around the hangar areas.
f. Airport"Operations;" Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; Management—
Regarding the budget, Rettig asked who they are paying unemployment
compensation to, and for how long. Tharp stated that this should be done
now, and that it covered the temporary employee they had. Tharp stated that
he would double-check on this issue. Tharp noted that he hopes to set up a
meeting for the strategic planning sometime this next week.
vii. Operations Specialist Evaluation-Farris noted that the evaluation
for the Operations Specialist was turned in to the City. In going
through the evaluation,Farris noted that all they had done on
Tharp in the past was a six-month review. Therefore,he is eligible
for one step up in his classification. Farris proposed that they
approve this merit increase for Tharp. Farris moved that Tharp
be given an increase to the step 5 position in his classification;
seconded by Horan. Carried 5-0.
g. FBO Staff Report- Harrel Timmons addressed the Airport Commission. He
noted that the segmented circle is progressing, and that it certainly is colorful.
He added that at night,the circle would be impossible to see. He stated that
many airports put a lighted windsock in their circle,which can be very helpful
for pilots. Timmons continued, stating that fuel sales are down and that for
the past three or four weeks he has noticed very few contrails in the sky
during the day. He noted that in Galesburg they went about five weeks
without a single corporate airplane landing there. The maintenance area of Jet
Air is doing well,however, in this economic slump. Charter flights are
running about 20%still, according to Timmons. In regards to the hangar
project discussed earlier by Doug Moore,Timmons stated that he suggests
keeping this on the operating side of the field to keep congestion at a
minimum. He also touched briefly on Moore's comment about other
maintenance going on at the Airport,and that if this is occurring,they should
pay the commercial fees like everyone else does. Rettig asked if Tharp had
checked into this, and he stated that he did at the time it was initially brought
up,and that he did not see a commercial operation at that time. However,he
will look into this issue again.
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h. Airport Commission Meeting Date/Time-Rettig asked if everyone was okay
with meetings being on the third Thursday of each month. This was okay
with everyone. Next they discussed the meeting time. Some history of the
5:45 meeting time was shared. It was proposed to change the time to 6:00
P.M.,to which everyone agreed.
i. Subcommittees' Reports—Farris spoke about the viewing area briefly. He
noted that he is getting cost estimates for the viewing "tower" and that once
they have these they want to start on some fundraising. Farris also noted that
they need to do some landscaping this season, and that perhaps they can get
some volunteer work to complete this. Rettig asked if Gardinier would be
interested in joining this subcommittee. She stated that she would be happy to
work with Farris and Tharp on this. Other subcommittees are: AirCare,
Strategic Plan, and Viewing Area, and almost completed is the South Aviation
Development.
j. Commission Members' Reports—Farris welcomed Gardinier to the
Commission. Gardinier noted that she was glad to be on the Commission,and
she looks forward to learning a few things. Horan noted that at one time there
was electricity to the windsock area,but he questions how they would get
electrical service to the segmented circle area. Tharp noted that he thought of
moving the airplane mockup to the area but that that won't work as he thought.
Rettig then shared an article that she received from Randy Hartwig about a
"green hangar" in Stevens Point. She also noted that she would like to work
on outside communications this year regarding the Airport, and that she has
been thinking about a PowerPoint educational presentation that they could
share with service clubs in the area. Farris noted that the Kiwanis have been
interested in such a presentation. Rettig then thanked Farris for his past year
as Chair of the Airport Commission, and she too welcomed Gardinier to the
Commission. Gardiner then asked about the lighting of the taxiways that she
had brought up earlier this evening. She suggested solar lighting of some
type, and Tharp stated that the FAA does not approve this type of lighting.
k. Staff Report—Tharp stated that the segmented circle construction consumed
quite a bit of his time. Tharp also noted that the packets the Members receive
prior to each meeting are now available online at the City's web site. He
hopes to eventually replace the paper packets with just the electronic version.
Rettig noted that she believes it should be an individual decision,not
mandatory,that they go electronic. She would still like to receive a paper
copy of the packet prior to each meeting. Staley asked if they could bring
their laptops to meetings and get wireless internet access so they can read it
online during the meeting. Members were told they can do this,as well.
Tharp said he is open to both ways,that Members can let him know. Tharp
noted that in addition to Facebook,he has set up an account at Twitter. Dulek
then brought up the bylaws change for the Commission due to the change in
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the Commissioner's terms, and that they need to put this on next month's
agenda.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Thursday,April 16,2009 at 6:00 P.M. There
may be a special meeting called prior to this meeting,depending on AECOM's needs.
ADJOURN: Farris moved to adjourn; seconded by Horan. The meeting adjourned
at 9:58 P.M.
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2009
(Meeting Dates)
TERM 1/8 2/5 2/12 3/12 4/16
NAME EXP.
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X
Minnetta 3/1/15 — -- -- X
Gardinier
Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X O/E X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X 0/E X X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
0/E= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
— = Not a Member
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