HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-17-2009 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes ..
1
Airport Commission
September 17, 2009
MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 17, 2009 -6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Greg Farris, Howard Horan, Janelle Rettig, John Staley
Members Absent: Minnetta Gardinier
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp
Others Present: David Hughes, Rick Mascari, Randy Hartwig, Jay Honeck, Greg
Zimmerman, Adam Henderson, Harrel Timmons, Toby Myers
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action): None
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Rettig called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
The minutes of the August 20, 2009 meeting were reviewed.
Farris moved to approve the minutes of the August 20, 2009 meeting as presented.
Horan seconded the motion.
The motion carried 4-0; Gardinier absent
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
An audience member spoke briefly about the runways at the Airport and the interconnectivity
that used to be available, and also some back-taxiing issues.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Aviation Commerce Park-Tharp noted that Peggy Slaughter would not be at
tonight's meeting, but that she did send along an update. Rettig then read what
Slaughter noted in her updates, indicating that Sue Dulek could speak to the RFP
issue. Dulek stated that there is a group that is interested in two of the lots, but that
they want to lease buildings that someone else builds. Therefore, the group is trying
to find someone interested in this proposition, which is why they have written an
RFP. The deadline for the RFP is November 1.
y
2
Airport Commission
September 17, 2009
b. Consider a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss strategy with counsel in
matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its
disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the
governmental body in that litigation.
Farris moved to amend the agenda by moving the Executive Session, Item 4.b.to
after 4.f.
Horan seconded the motion.
The motion carried 4-0; Gardinier absent
c. FAA/IDOT Projects -AECOM - David Hughes
i. Runway 7/25 & 12/30-Hughes noted that the runway opened for
daylight landings on September 6. He added that the lights have been
installed and are functioning. There have been a couple of complaints
regarding the roughness of the new runway surface. Hughes stated that
they are looking into ways to reduce this roughness.
Hughes continued to explain what the plans are for back-taxiways and
such, and how they have been working with the FAA on these issues.
Runway completion is still slated for the first part of November. The
discussion continued, with Members talking about the taxiway
connections once the project is completed. After some discussion,
Hughes stated that he will get some costs together on paving the back-
taxiways as discussed. Hughes then gave members a packet with
information on the runway project, briefly explaining how they report to
the FAA with this information.
The discussion turned to the best way to handle the traffic flow on the
runways, especially during football game weekends or special events.
Hughes noted that he will talk to the contractor about some of these
issues yet this week. Rettig suggested that they have flaggers available
at times that are busy, to help alleviate any problems. It was noted that
October 10 will be a big weekend, as the U of I plays Michigan, and that
there will be a lot of air traffic that weekend.
A discussion started about the fly ash that was used in the runway
project, and Rettig responded to concerns, as did Hughes.
ii. Obstruction Mitigation -Hughes noted that they still need to do some
survey work with the United hangar project. As for Mediacom, Hughes
noted that they still have not seen a bill for this project.
iii. Building H -University of Iowa Hangar Expansion -Hughes noted that
things are moving forward on this. Rettig asked if this project would be
completed yet this year, and Hughes stated that they still have plans to do
so. Rettig noted that her interest is in getting this done and moving on.
V
3
Airport Commission
September 17, 2009
iv. 2010 IDOT Pavement Rehab/Hangar A Drainage -Tharp noted that
there is nothing new on this at this time. Rettig noted that they will not
release this for bids until the spring construction season.
d. Airport Operations; Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; Management-
Staley asked who does the annual audit, and Tharp noted that the City hires a
consultant for this. Staley added that he believes they should start working on the
Strategic Plan for the Airport. Rettig noted that Tharp is to set this up soon.
i. Consider a Resolution approving consultant agreement with Stanley
Consultants—Horan asked what the plan was for. Tharp stated that this
was the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) and that
it is required due to the airport having large quantities of oil based
products, aviation fuel, stored at the facility.
Staley moved to consider Resolution#A09-23, Approving
Consultant Agreement with Stanley Consultants.
Horan seconded the motion.
The motion carried 4-0, Gardinier absent
e. Airport Commission Eligibility- Rettig noted that recent legislation was passed,
stating that all Commissioners of the Airport Commission must be from the city that
owns the Airport. She noted that in their case, two people could come from outside
of the city limits. Tharp further explained, noting that it has to do with their tenants
and where they are from, as well. The Commission basically has to define the area
that serves the Airport and have representation of this area. Members continued to
discuss this issue and all felt that having the area defined as "Iowa City"would be
best. Dulek will look into this issue with the legislation and will get back with the
Members.
f. 2009-2010 T-Hangar Contracts and Fees- Farris recused himself due to conflict of
interest with this item. Tharp recommended that they keep the rates the same for
this next year. Staley stated that he agrees with Tharp's recommendation, especially
since they had to close the runway during the construction project.
Staley moved to maintain the same rent rates for the next year.
Horan seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0, Gardinier absent and Farris recused from vote due to
conflict of interest
Horan moved to adjourn to Executive Session at this time.
Staley seconded the motion.
The motion carried 4-0, Gardinier absent
4
Airport Commission
September 17, 2009
g. Whirlybird Helicopters -Tharp began the discussion, stating that Whirlybird is now
separate from Iowa Flight training. He and Rettig have been working with the owner
of Whirlybird to get a temporary agreement in place so that they can continue to
operate at the Airport. Adam Henderson with Whirlybird then joined the
conversation, stating that they plan to be stationed in Iowa City permanently. Rettig
noted that they do have a small office area available, if Whirlybird would be
interested in that arrangement. She added that they do not currently have any open
hangars, but that Jet Air can work with them on hangar space for now.
Staley moved to allow Whirlybird to operate temporarily pending a formal
agreement next month.
The motion was seconded by Farris.
The motion carried 4-0, Gardinier absent
h. Jet Air/ Iowa Flight Training - Harrel Timmons then spoke to the Commission,
giving them some background on Iowa Flight Training and why Jet Air was looking at
flight training as being a separate entity. Rettig reiterated what she believes the
situation to be, with Timmons clarifying the relationship between Jet Air, Iowa Flight
Training, and Whirlybird. Timmons noted that they are willing to provide office
space, as needed, as part of their responsibility. Tharp stated that the concern is
being able to meet all of the basic requirements to do business at the Airport. The
discussion continued, with Timmons explaining how the arrangement is currently
being handled. It was reiterated by Rettig that they need to have something in
writing about the arrangement between Iowa Flight Training and Jet Air. Timmons
asked if the Commission would give Jet Air a waiver on the flight training, to which
Rettig stated she would not agree to this. Farris stated that he would not agree to
this either. Members then reviewed suggested wording for this agreement, with
Rettig stating that having this on file would be a good thing for Jet Air, should any
problems arise. A lengthy discussion took place between Commission Members and
Jet Air's Timmons regarding the wording required for this agreement and why the
Commission is requesting such. Dulek briefly explained what needs to be in the
agreement, adding that it really should be a simple agreement. Timmons asked that
Dulek go ahead and make the changes being requested to the agreement, and then
he can take it for review on his end to see if his partner agrees with the changes.
i. FBO Staff Report-Timmons then touched on how they handled their staffing during
the shutdown period. He added that they were able to paint all of the public areas at
the terminal building. Rettig stated that things are looking much better, both inside
and outside. The discussion turned back to possible traffic problems during football
weekends. A brief discussion then took place with Whirlybird regarding signage for
the business. Tharp noted that they will look into exactly what type of sign will be
permissible.
j. Subcommittees' Reports -Farris stated that he is in the process of getting some
estimates for the viewing area deck.
5
Airport Commission
September 17, 2009
k. Commission Members' Reports - Farris noted that he attended the recent City
Council meeting. He added that he highlighted the economic impact study
information for the Council. Staley added his regrets at missing last month's
meeting. Horan stated that he has more construction pictures available. Rettig
thanked everyone for their patience during this construction time, adding that in
another five or six weeks they should be done. She also noted that she was able to
fly with the University's helicopter service recently and land at the Oakdale campus.
I. Staff Report -Tharp noted that the FAA regional conference is next week, Tuesday
and Wednesday. Members then spoke briefly about a program at Kirkwood in
October. Tharp also noted that the Children's Museum in Coralville will open its new
"Take Flight"Aviation exhibit starting the 22nd of October.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING:
Rettig noted that Gardinier will be unable to attend the October meeting, unless they can
change the time. Members opted to keep the October meeting at 6:00 P.M., unless they need
to meet before this time. The next regular meeting of the Airport Commission will be Thursday,
October 15, 2009, at 6:00 P.M. at the Iowa City Airport.
ADJOURN:
Horan moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 P.M. Farris seconded the motion. The
motion carried 4-0; Gardinier absent.
A .
4,....- ,v2o)o,
CHAIRPERSON DATE
6
Airport Commission
September 17, 2009
AIRPORT COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2009
TERM 118 2/5 2/12 3/12 4/2 4/14 4/16 5/6 5/21 6/18 7/10
NAME EXP.
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X X X X X X X X
Minnetta 3/1/15 --- --- --- X X X X O/E O/E O/E X
Gardinier
Howard 3/1/14 X X X X O/E O/E X X X XX
Horan
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X O/E X XX X X X X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X O/E X X O/E O/E XX X X X
NAME TERM 7/16 8/20 9/17
EXP.
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X
Minnetta 3/1/15 X X O/E
Gardinier
Howard 3/1/14 X X X
Horan
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 O/E O/E X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
-- = Not a Member