HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-13-2008 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
March 13,2008
Iowa City Airport Terminal—5:45 PM
Members Present: Greg Farris,Randy Hartwig, Howard Horan,Janelle Rettig,John
Staley
Staff Present: Sue Dulek,Michael Tharp
Others Present: Jennifer Nolan,David Hughes, Minnetta Gardinier, Greg
Zimmerman,Al Wells,Dean Thombeny
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Rettig called the meeting to order at 5:45 P.M.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Rettig nominated Farris for Chair of the Airport Commission, seconded by Horan.
Motion carried 5-0.
Farris then asked for nominations for Secretary. Hartwig nominated Rettig for Secretary
of the Airport Commission, seconded by Staley. Motion carried 5-0.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 14 AND MARCH 6,2008
MEETINGS:
Farris asked if anyone had any amendments to the minutes. Tharp noted that on page 4
of the February 14 minutes, about halfway through the Public Hearing on the United
Hangar, it states, "Horan then closed the public hearing." This should be removed,as
this was not the actual spot where he closed the meeting. Staley moved to accept the
February 14 and March 6,2008 minutes as amended above; seconded by Rettig.
Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
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March 13,2008
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a. Aviation Commerce Park—Al Wells of 3791 Cottage Reserve Road,
Solon,addressed the Commission, stating that today he made an offer to
purchase Lot 1 and that this will be going through the channels at the City,
but he wanted to ask that the offer include the restoration and taking of the
United Hanger off the Airport's hands,and after restoring the hangar,he
would place it on Lot 1. He noted that due to the fact that the demolition
of this hangar is fast approaching,he wanted to bring this to the
Commission's attention. Hartwig asked some questions of Wells
regarding his plans,but Wells stated that a lot of this information is part of
his offer,but that his main goal is to save the hangar. The Members
discussed the fact that the runway cannot open until this hangar is
removed, and they asked Hughes to address this issue, as well. A brief
discussion ensued on the necessary items that still need to be completed
before the runway can be opened. Wells was asked if he had any specific
timeframes in mind,to which he stated that he was awaiting approvals on
his proposal before he firmed up any timeframes,but that once he had the
go-ahead,he approximates that it would take him one week to remove the
United hangar.
Dulek then spoke about Mr. Wells' offer, stating that she spoke to Peggy
Slaughter who will be presenting the offer to Helling tomorrow. Dulek
explained the process from that point and that the offer would proceed if
accepted by the city manager. Rettig then asked to look at a map to see
exactly what areas would be affected by this proposal. She stated that
Wells would need access,at some point,to the airfield if he is planning to
have planes use this hangar. Members continued to discuss his proposal,
and Wells explained that he is open to whatever the Members want to
consider.
A question was asked of the Commission regarding the cost to have the
United hangar removed. Dulek stated that it's around$103,000. Horan
added that this includes taking out the concrete base,as well. Rettig
explained that the money for this is coming from a grant. The discussion
continued with Members stating that they would like to see something
done with this hangar;however,they need to further discuss all of the
issues involved, and need to see the offer that Mr. Wells has made.
Rettig asked Wells if he has considered a lease for Lot 1,versus buying
the lot. Wells stated that he did some research into this,and he briefly
explained what his goal for the lot is. Farris ended the conversation
stating that they will wait to see the offer and will then discuss things
further.
Tharp stated that he received the updated numbers on the tax revenue from
the sold lots with building improvements-- $304,000 per year. Rettig
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March 13,2008
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stated that Peggy Slaughter had told her that some of the sub-contractors,
who will come to the area with the proposed business, are now starting to
look at lots,as well. Hartwig stated that he believes it would be useful to
sit down with the City Manager or someone at City Hall and discuss
where they are headed from here. Horan agreed, stating that they need to
make sure they are all"on the same page"when it comes to the selling of
the remainder of Aviation Commerce Park.
b. FAA/IDOT Projects—Earth Tech
i. Runway 7/25—Hughes stated the FAA has some runway funding
available,and grants have to be in place by June 13t. He stated
that with the snow this season,and the delays from such,he will
have to ask the Commission to hold some special meetings in order
to meet this deadline.
ii. South Aviation Development Study—On hold due to weather.
iii. South Taxilane Rehab—On hold due to weather.
iv. North Taxilane Rehab—On hold due to weather.
v. Jet A Fuel System/AvGas Upgrade—Hughes stated this is up and
operational for helicopters currently. He stated that they are
working with the contractor on a flow problem. He added that he
also has a call into the pump manufacturer to see if he can get
some needed help.
vi. Terminal Apron Rehab—On hold due to weather.
vii. Obstruction Mitigation—On hold due to weather.
viii. United Hangar—Hughes stated they have five bids thus far,
ranging from$103,000 to$125,000. Hughes stated that in light of
this evening's conversation with Mr. Wells,he needs to contact the
FAA and discuss their options on this hangar. The bids are good
for 60 days,according to Hughes, so they do not have to make a
decision immediately. Members discussed the need to get all
questions regarding Mr. Wells' offer to Tharp as soon as possible.
c. Airport"Operations": Strategic Plan-Implementation;Budget; and Airport
Management—Rettig noted that she had no highlights this month. Tharp
stated that the snow removal budget is quite high this season. This led to a
brief discussion of monies available for asphalt and crack sealing,and
what projects will need to be done once the weather clears. Tharp then
responded to questions from Farris regarding when the next updates will
be needed for the Strategic Plan. Rettig brought up the fact that there are a
lot of extra cars in the parking lot again, and she suggested they review the
agreement with Hertz. She also noted that both gates are being left
completely open,and that this needs to be a priority in keeping the airfield
secure. Hartwig noted that they probably should review access to the
airfield and that Jet Air should be part of this discussion.
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d. FBO Staff Report—Nolan from Jet Air told the Commission that the Jet A
fuel system has been a good thing, especially for the helicopters, and that
they have had quite a few sales. She noted that everything else is going
well, and they are anxiously awaiting the spring weather.
e. Subcommittees' Reports—Farris reported on the viewing area project, and
shared some conceptual drawings with the Members. He noted that he
met with Iowa City Landscaping recently and that he went over the
proposed plans that they have outlined so far. Farris explained how they
believe the viewing area will be laid out,noting some of the interest points
they hope to achieve. This led to a brief discussion of possible fundraising
possibilities to help finance this proposed viewing area, as well as City
funds.
f. Commission Members' Reports—Hartwig noted that he was at last
Tuesday's City Council meeting and that he spoke to the proposed
$10,000 cut in the Airport budget. He noted that also at this meeting were
two reps from ITC Midwest,the company buying the three lots,and that
they expressed their excitement in their upcoming project. Farris
welcomed Horan back to the Commission. Hartwig noted that they had
another applicant,and that perhaps they should approach him about other
ways to become involved in the Airport. Staley noted a recent Gazette
article on the Airport, and asked if they could have a link to the article on
their web page. He also suggested making copies of the article for people
to take and read. Members agreed that they need to keep a collection of
articles such as this. Farris noted that they bad an"angel flight"that came
from Casper,Wyoming to the Hospitals and that several news media were
present for a story. There was also a"wings of hope"flight from the south
at the same time. Farris spoke briefly to the Members about the"angel
flight"program and how it works. Farris stated that he went with Tharp to
the"day on the hill"event,and that it was an enjoyable day.
g. Staff Reports—Tharp spoke to the Members about grant funding issues,
stating that the likelihood that they will get the amounts they want is pretty
low this year. Members spoke briefly about their options and space needs,
agreeing that they need to further discuss these issues now and go after
whatever grant funds they possibly can.
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SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: April 10,2008, at 6:30 P.M. Rettig noted
that she will be late to this meeting,but is unsure what time. Staley suggested starting at
6:30 PM,to which Members agreed.
ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 7:17 P.M.
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2008
(Meeting Date)
TERM 1/10 2/14 3/6 3/13
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X
Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X — X
Janette Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
— = Not a Member
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