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