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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-14-2008 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes 4 MINUTES FINAL Iowa City Airport Commission February 14,2008 Iowa City Airport Terminal—5:45 PM Members Present: Howard Horan, Chair; Janelle Rettig;John Staley; Greg Farris; Randy Hartwig Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp Others Present: Jennifer Nolan,John Yeomans,Joe Merschman, Reyna Wilkens, Peggy Slaughter,David Hughes,Minnetta Gardinier,Jay Honeck, Phillip Woolford DETERMINE QUORUM: The meeting was called to order at 5:49 P.M. by Chairperson Horan. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 10,2008 MEETING: Horan asked Members if they had any comments on the minutes. Hartwig suggested adding on page 2,paragraph b, after the second sentence, something to the reflect that as part of her contract for the Historical Recordation,that she(Nash)and Mike were searching the attic. Rettig then stated that on page 3, item d., it goes from stating the Airport approves a 2-year lease,then it states a 5-year lease,and then back to a 2-year lease. Tharp stated that this is a typo, and that"the resolution" should be a 2-year lease. Staley moved to accept the January 10,2008 minutes as amended; seconded by Hartwig. Motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: a. Farmers National Company/Merschman Seeds i. Consider a Resolution Approving Gate Agreement,Accessway Lease, and Temporary Construction Easement—Joe Merschman and his Attorney,Reyna Wilkens, addressed the Commission regarding the agreements. Wilkens explained the gate agreement, 1 Airport Commission February 14,2008 Page 2 of 8 the accessway lease, and the temporary construction easement issues briefly. Merschman gave further details on the gate that they plan to install. Wilkens also discussed the signage that they plan to install, stating that the only temporary structures would be tents used for field day events. As soon as they get the Certificates of Insurance, she stated that they would forward these to the City. Rettig asked for some clarification on rates of insurance coverage, to which Dulek responded. Dulek then noted that the gate agreement is just with the Airport Commission,not the Council. Merschman responded to Members' questions regarding this accessway. He stated that costs involved in this include$2,930 for the gate itself. He noted that they don't have any bids yet on the earthwork, or the concrete and gravel,but he estimates the entire project will run around$20,000. They hope to have this gate opening installed as soon as the weather breaks. He noted that they have two major field days tentatively scheduled for mid-July and then early in August. One is a"dealer kick-off'event and the other will be a farmers' field day. He noted that they would make sure they don't interfere with any Airport activities. Rettig noted that RAGBRAI will be here in July and she suggested they look at schedules,as the area will be very busy in July. Merschman gave the Members some additional information regarding their upcoming schedule of events. He stated that he would be happy to mail their brochures and any information they distribute so that the Airport can be kept up-to-date on Merschman Seeds' activities. Rettig moved to consider Resolution#A08-06 approving agreements with Merschman Seeds,Inc.and Regennitter Farms,Inc.to provide a gate to control access,a lease for an access way from Mormon Trek Blvd., and a temporary construction easement; seconded by Farris. Motion carried 5- 0. Dulek then stated that the Commission may approve the gate specs at this time. Merschman responded to Members' questions regarding this gate and the trail system that's in this area. Merschman stated that there would be a camera at the gate for added security. Rettig moved to approve the location,design and model of gate as presented; seconded by Hartwig. Motion carried 5-0. Merschman then added that he would like to thank the Airport Commission for the opportunity to work with them, and that Merschman Seeds would like to pledge their support of the"barnstormer" event by donating$500 as a sponsor. b. Aviation Commerce Park—Peggy Slaughter addressed the Commission, stating that as of today,the group that is looking at Lots 4,3 and 2 filed their FAA paperwork through the contractor for the airspace study. It was noted that the steel is being ordered for this building,which is a good 2 Airport Commission February 14,2008 Page 3 of 8 indication that things are moving ahead. The airspace study is being simplified, according to Slaughter, and the study will take place only on Lot 4 because that is where the building is. Hartwig asked if the interested party is going to be making a bid contingent upon the airspace study findings,to which Slaughter stated that that is what they are discussing currently. Hartwig asked if this includes the outlots,and Slaughter stated it is as they will need these to get to the 20 acres, without going through Lot 1. Slaughter then gave the Members an update on other possible projects. She has two users in the area who would like to have a long-term lease with a design-build project. She is working on bringing these interested parties together. c. FAA/IDOT Projects—Earth Tech i. Runway 7/25—Hughes stated that there hasn't been much change since last month with the winter weather continuing. He stated that he has been working with the runway contractor to establish a spring start date. They hope to begin the first of April,weather permitting. The contractor expects the project to run about eight weeks. This includes lighting and the turnaround at the end of the runway. ii. South Aviation Development Study—Waiting on Willow Creek Study. Hughes will request a meeting with the Commission when this report is ready. iii. South Taxilane Rehab—Working with City Engineering on this. iv. North Taxilane Rehab—Hughes noted that this project is under a State grant for pavement rehab. It was also noted that there is $20,000 from the City for various pavement repair. 1. Consider a Resolution Approving Project Task Order#8 for Airport Pavement Rehabilitation—Rettig moved to consider Resolution#A08-07 approving Project Task Order#8 for Airport Pavement Rehabilitation; seconded by Hartwig. Motion carried 5-0. Honeck from the audience then asked Hughes if he would address the issue with some of them in Hangar A not being able to get their doors closed. Hughes stated that he believes they have some water trapped here, and stated that he has looked into this,but with the weather as it is,they need to wait until it thaws. v. Jet A Fuel System/AvGas Upgrade—Hughes stated that this is moving ahead slowly, and they are working on this as weather permits. Woolford added additional comments and responded to Members' questions, as well,regarding the pump. The AvGas is in,but there is no emergency shutoff yet, and the Jet A pump still has some install procedures to go through. vi. Terminal Apron Rehab—Seeding in the spring. vii. Obstruction Mitigation—Spring project. 3 Airport Commission February 14,2008 Page 4 of 8 viii. United Hangar—Hughes stated that the United hangar is part of the obstruction mitigation project with the FAA. Dulek asked that they open the public hearing first. 1. Public Hearing—Horan opened the public hearing. Honeck asked if the Commission would restate the reasoning behind the demolition. Horan stated that the FAA has found the hangar to be an obstruction to the operation of Runway 7/25. Hughes noted that it falls inside the object-free area of the runway,per FAA definitions. Honeck asked if anyone tried to get a waiver on this, and Hughes stated that an environmental assessment was done that looked at alternatives. Honeck then asked what the assessment has to do with the hangar being an obstruction. Hughes stated that the assessment looked at any impact to the runway extension and they had to look for all kinds of environmental impacts. It was decided,by the FAA,that this hangar had to be removed from the object-free area in order for the Airport to proceed with the project. Hartwig stated that discussion took place originally about whether the hangar could be moved or not, and what types of expenses would be encountered. Honeck asked again if a waiver was requested from the FAA,to which Horan stated that he doubted this had been done. Honeck brought up the issue of having the United hangar on a historic listing, versus being demolished. Rettig then asked for a copy of this particular estimate of cost, and Tharp retrieved the plans and specs for the Commission. Honeck noted some special dates coming this summer to the Airport and noted that these activities would like to use the United hangar,if possible,for one last celebration before it's demolished. A discussion ensued with Rettig asking about possible timeframes for completing the runway project and being able to open the runway,as opening the runway is contingent on removing the United hangar. Rettig then talked about the money that they have set aside for fencing over various years of budgets and how they plan to complete these projects. A brief discussion ensued with Members stating that they agree that it would be good to have the"barnstormer"event in the United hangar,and they will work on the schedule regarding this. Horan closed the public hearing. 2. Consider a Resolution Approving the Plans, Specifications,Form of contract, and Estimate on Cost for the Removal of the"United"Hangar—Staley moved 4 Airport Commission February 14,2008 Page 5 of 8 to consider Resolution#A08-08 approving the plans, specifications,form of contract, and estimate on cost for the removal of the"United" Hangar; seconded by Hartwig. Motion carried 5-0. ix. Horan then stated that this will probably be his last meeting,unless he is reappointed to the Commission. He shared some"tools"with the Commission,explaining his Airport layout plan possibilities with them. Members discussed Horan's plans, each sharing their ideas,as well. The discussion centered on where they would build new hangars if they were able to do so. Hughes also took part in the conversation,pointing out some of the FAA regulations that would be involved. Horan reminded the Commission that in five years the National Guard area will be the Airport's again,once their lease has expired and the new Guard facilities were finished. Members continued to toss ideas around, suggesting various layouts. Rettig noted that there is an ongoing need for non- airplane space, as well. This led to a brief discussion on the 50/50 State grant that will be applied for this year to help build a hangar. Horan continued to discuss his ideas for future development at the Airport, and Members joined in. d. Airport"Operations": Strategic Plan-Implementation;Budget; and Airport Management—Rettig stated that she was under the impression that the money from the farm had been received, yet she stated that she doesn't see it in the budget. Tharp stated that the money is at Farmer's National and is in the process of coming to the Airport very soon. Rettig also suggested they keep track of the upcoming projects that they are to do and not get behind with the winter weather. 1. Consider a Resolution Allowing Chairperson and/or Operations Specialist to Approve Access Agreements— Tharp explained briefly what led to this request. He stated that there have been various issues that have arisen, things that are non-aeronautical, and this would cover the legal aspects involved. Rettig then asked for more information about the Discovery channel interest. Hartwig stated that it's going to be part of a 20-episode program on Discovery. Dulek noted that her intent is that either the Chairperson, or the Operation Specialist will sign this,not both. Farris moved to consider Resolution#A08-09 allowing the Operations Specialist or the Chairperson to approve access agreements; seconded by Rettig. Motion carried 5-0. e. Change in meeting time.—Horan brought up whether there would be a meeting change. Tharp stated that he has not received any word from Members stating that they will be unable to make specific meetings. It 5 Airport Commission February 14,2008 Page 6 of 8 was suggested that they work this out on a month-to-month basis as the need arises. f. FBO Staff Report—Woolford talked to the Members, stating that they had recently hosted the Iowa City Aerohawks Swap Meet. He talked briefly about the runway conditions considering the weather, thought they were in decent shape. He stated that they have another aircraft coming to the Iowa City operations soon. Rettig stated that the City Council is interested in what Jet Air is doing and how they are doing. She suggested that they give some key information to Tharp to share with the Council. She stated that if possible, one of Jet Air's staff could attend a City Council meeting with a Commission Member in order to let the Council know exactly what is happening at the Airport. e. Subcommittees' Reports—Farris stated that the shelter area is a main focus. They are continuing to look into needed funding on this project. He then talked about the issue of communication and working on some type of way to get the word out about what the Airport has to offer, having the"answers"to the"questions"that people always have about the Airport. Farris stated that before they consider any fundraising for the shelter area,he believes they need to develop some further designs. f. Commission Members' Reports—Farris brought up that in March they are establishing an Angel Flight gathering,but nothing has been finalized yet. Rettig brought up the Aviation Conference and the day on the hill,both coming up. Horan stated that he had a call on Saturday from the Bondurant Public Library,thanking him for the book. Horan stated that today he received a call from the Gazette about the book, and that the reporter stated it's the 90th anniversary of the Airport. g. Staff Report—Tharp noted that the Iowa Public Airport Associations' day on the hill is Wednesday,March 12. Rettig noted that last year she attended with Tharp,but that she will be unable to do so this year, and she suggested someone from the Commission attend with Tharp. The Iowa Aviation Conference is April 23 and 24,per Tharp. He stated that they can discuss particular needs of the Airport at this conference. Rettig then suggested to Honeck that he may want to consider attending the day on the hill event. Tharp stated that the"barnstormers' tour"is still coming June 15 and 16, and that some posters were just received for this. They should be around town soon. He noted that they are still finalizing plans for this event. Tharp stated that he is working on his inventory report and hopes to have that next month. Dulek noted that City Manager candidates are in town and will be available Friday for a meet and greet if anyone is interested in attending. Rettig stated that she plans to attend this event. 6 Airport Commission February 14,2008 Page 7 of 8 SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: March 13,2008, at 5:45 P.M. ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M. Chairperson ate 7 • • Airport Commission February 14,2008 Page 8 of 8 Airport Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD YEAR 2008 (Meeting Date) TERM 1/10 2/14 3/13 NAME EXP. Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X John Staley 3/1/10 X X Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E= Absent/Excused NM= No meeting — = Not a Member 8