HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-08-2008 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
May 8,2008
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,John Yeomans,Peggy Slaughter,Turk Reggenitter
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Farris called the meeting to order at 5:47 P.M.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: NONE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 10 AND APRIL 28,2008
MEETINGS:
Farris asked if anyone had any corrections or changes to the minutes. Staley noted that
on the April 10`s minutes,page 7, second line from the bottom says,".6 FT,"and should
be".6 FTE." Hartwig moved to accept the minutes of both the April 10 and April
28,2008 meetings; seconded by Staley. Carried 5-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
The Commission received a quick update on the farming from Turk Reggenitter. He
stated that they have been cleaning up along the fence line, and he shared some photos
with the Members. He further explained the layout of the test plots, and noted that there
will be a press release as they get into the summer months. Horan stated that he agrees
they need to clean up along the fence line,but questioned where the funds would come
from to cover this. The discussion continued,with Members questioning who would be
responsible for maintaining the areas in question. Tharp will check into this. A brief
discussion ensued regarding the fencing of the Airport in the area along Willow Creek,
and having the Airport be secure.
Rettig then spoke to the Members about her desire to spruce up the Airport's landscaping,
and stated that they have some money in the budget for this,and she believes they need to
"bite the bullet"on this and go ahead and do it. She continued,discussing the upkeep of
this and using the temporary employees to help with this. Rettig then addressed the
Willow Creek situation, stating that she was at the Dane's recently discussing this. She
also noted that the brush in this area needs to be removed,in addition to the other areas
1
that are noted as becoming overgrown. In regards to the gate issues,Rettig noted that she
found a gate open recently, and she believes they need to make sure that all of the gates
are secured and not left unattended, as this one was. Reggenitter stated that he and others
were working in the area removing brush, and as soon as he saw her vehicle,he drove to
her. He stated that he believes the gate was attended as they were close by, and he added
that this would not happen again. He pointed out land close to the Airport that has no
gate, stating that if someone wanted to come in bad enough they would be able to. Rettig
noted that they have a multi-year plan to work on the Airport's fencing,and she reiterated
that the gate must be kept locked if not being attended to.
Reggenitter shared that the seeding will be done tomorrow with long grass. Merschman
Seeds has spent over$40,000 so far,he added,putting in the driveway and gate. Also in
the$40,000 is the$500 that was donated for the Barn Storer event. He added that as
soon as plots are put in,they would have their press release. Currently,the first event is
planned for July 15,with a second event set for August 5, according to Reggenitter. He
added that they would be utilizing Jet Air for a lot of the flights expected with these
events, noting that they could have as many as 100 flights.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Aviation Commerce Park—Peggy Slaughter spoke to the Members,stating
that they closed on the lots recently. She shared with Members the strategy
they have in mind to follow up with interested parties. Slaughter noted that
one interested party has found a builder and that something might happen here
soon. Slaughter gave the Members a quick rundown of some other
possibilities for the Aviation Commerce Park.
b. FAA/IDOT Projects—Earth Tech—Farris noted that David Hughes is out ill
this evening. Tharp noted that he gave Members an update on the projects:
i. Runway 7/25
1. Update—Currently,the electricians are working on this
phase, getting the lighting bases for the runway lights
installed. Tharp noted that the turnaround point at the other
end should be ready for concrete this week. Hartwig
suggested that they put up a memo on the bulletin board
downstairs that gives an explanation of the runway project,
where they are in the process,etc. Horan asked about the
number of contract days they lost in the winter, and the
discussion continued, with Members stating their concerns on
where they are exactly. Several Members have heard from
the public on this. Tharp will prepare something in this
regard.
Rettig asked about the State grant that was recently applied
for, and Tharp responded that this grant is for an 80 X 80
2
building. He added that they usually hear in June or July on
this.
2. Public Hearing—Plans and Specs for 7/25 Reconstruct—
Farris opened the public hearing. No one appeared,and the
public hearing was closed.
3. Consider a Resolution Approving Plans, Specifications, Form
of Contract, and Estimate on Cost for the Construction of
Runway 7-25 Runway Reconstruction—Horan moved to
consider Resolution A08-15,Approving Plans,
Specifications,Form of Contract, and Estimate on Cost
for the Construction of Runway 7-25 Reconstruction;
seconded by Staley.
The discussion turned to what this project is exactly. Farris
explained that this was to be an overlay project He added
that when Earth Tech looked closer at this,they found that
the pavement was under a lot more stress than originally
believed,and that due to worries about the amount of
concrete that was breaking up, it was then felt that the
overlay would not be adequate for this project. Farris further
explained where they are with this issue, stating that he
looked at this personally,and that the concrete has really
cracked. Structurally,he believes that doing an overlay of
the runway would not be appropriate at this time—that a
reconstruction is needed. Rettig asked for further
clarification on this project. It was stated that Phase One
would be the east end of 7-25 to the safety line 12-30 for$1.6
million. Phase Two would be the intersection and the rest of
7-25, from 12-30 up to the intersection. Year three,or Phase
Three,would complete this project. The Members continued
to express their concerns about this, stating that they are
disappointed that they will have to close this runway so soon
after working so hard to get the extension completed.
Members continued to discuss this issue,with Rettig asking
if they can't do this next year,with a 90-day shut down that
would enable them to do the entire project It was noted that
it would depend on what type of funding is available next
year. In order to speed up this process,it was asked if they
could offer a"bonus"to the contractor for an expedited
project. This led to further discussion about how long the
runway would have to be shut down, and how the Airport
will handle this.
Time frames were discussed next,with Tharp noting that
they need to have bids in by a certain time in order to use the
3
FAA funds. Dulek responded to questions on how they could
speed up the runway reconstruction project. Rettig suggested
they change the award date,and Dulek responded to these
questions, as well. Tharp further explained how the FAA
grants work and why the time frames are set up as they are.
Discussion continued among the Members over when the
runway will need to be closed and for how long. Horan
stated that he believes this has not been well presented by the
engineer. Dulek then explained which dates the Members
can change in the contract process. Members discussed how
they could shave a couple days off of the timing, in order to
attempt to get this reconstruction moving faster. Horan again
stated that he is not sure about voting on this as he feels the
engineer has left them with some big decisions to make and
very little information to go on. Horan added that he would
like to hear from one of the engineers on this. Rettig moved
to amend Resolution A08-15 by setting the award date as
June 9,2008 and to amend the specifications by changing
Section 30-06,Execution of Contract,to provide for"10
days" instead of"15 days;" seconded by Hartwig.
Carried 5-0. Farris added that he will attempt to get some
information from David Hughes prior to the next meeting,
and he will email this to Members.
ii. South Aviation Development Study—Tharp noted that Earth Tech
is looking at June 20th as the final date on this. They will plan to
present to the Commission shortly after this.
iii. South Taxilane Rehab—Tharp stated that Hughes said they are
working with the contractor for improved drainage options.
iv. North Taxilane Rehab—Earth Tech was out recently for field
surveys, and the plan is to have bidding open in June.
v. Jet A Fuel System/AvGas Upgrade—Tharp noted that the flow
rate is up,but that they are working with the distributor on some
options on improving this. Rettig asked for some clarification
from Tharp on this project,to which he responded. Farris added
that it is his understanding that there is some discussion back and
forth on this project. Rettig added that she believes this to be
problematic and she believes they need to get it done. She asked
that they escalate this.
vi. Terminal Apron Rehab—Tharp noted that outside of the contractor
needing to do some re-striping, and some seeding,this is
completed. Previously the painting was done on cold concrete and
did not work well.
vii. Obstruction Mitigation—Tharp stated that he believes Mid Am and
Mediacom are gearing up for moving their lines and poles in June.
4
viii. Building H—University of Iowa Hangar Expansion—Tharp stated
that they have preliminary plans and that Hughes planned to meet
with Tom on this,but this did not happen. Hughes has asked the
Commission to defer this until the next meeting. Rettig stated that
she has some questions on this. She noted that she was over at this
building recently and they are in dire need of space. Conversation
continued on the delays in this project, and the need to move
forward more quickly. Members discussed having a special
meeting on May 22,2008 at 7:30 A.M.to set a public hearing.
1. Consider a Resolution Setting a Public Hearing on the Plans,
Specifications, Form of Contract, and Estimate on Cost for
the Construction of Building H Expansion, and Directing
City Clerk to Publish Notices of Said Hearing,and Directing
the Chairperson to Place Said Plans on File for Public
Inspection—Horan moved to defer this until the May 22,
2008 meeting; seconded by Rettig. Carried 5-0.
c. Airport Operations; Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; and Airport
Management—Rettig began the discussion,questioning the unemployment
taxes paid on temporary employees. She asked that they look into this amount
of$1,200 a month. Rettig also questioned"Repairs,"stating they are about
$32,000 over budget right now. She continued, stating that she questions how
they are going to get contracted improvements done by July 1. Rettig stated
that she also has been reviewing the overtime hours needed for the winter, and
now that they have started mowing,there could be a problem in these hours.
Tharp added that he has a meeting on Monday with the fencing contractor,to
see what all they can do this year,and that the City may be able to help them
get some asphalt for their patching work. Rettig brought up her landscaping
idea again, asking when the maintenance worker is retiring. Tharp stated
within the next six months to a year was his belief. Rettig continued, speaking
to the upkeep of the frontage area, flowerbeds,and shrubbery at the Airport.
d. Hertz—Tharp stated that he and Rettig met with the Hertz representatives, and
he is still awaiting word from them. They said it would be about three weeks
before they got back with him. Members discussed the operation at the
Airport and what the terms of the new agreement are.
e. City Manager—Tharp stated that the City has hired a new City Manager, and
he will begin on May 19th. He added that the Manager will receive a packet
from the Airport,as well as the other City departments and divisions,and he
asked for suggestions from Members on what their packet should have. Rettig
suggested a tour of the community by air. Horan stated that at a later date, he
would like to invite the City Manager to a meeting. Staley suggested having
the newsletters and the strategic plan in the packet. Others suggested the
annual plan and budget. Dulek added that there is a public reception on June
5
5th for the new City Manager, Michael Lombardo,but she was unsure of the
time.
f. FBO Staff Report—Jennifer Nolan spoke for Jet Air. She stated that hours
have changed and they are now open 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. for the summer.
She added that they are going to be cleaning carpets soon, and also, she noted
that there is no fire extinguisher on the Jet A pump,but that there is one on the
low ledge. She asked that Tharp look into this. Nolan added that they have
about ten full-time students right now, and another five to ten that are off and
on. They are hoping for an increase in business with the summer weather.
g. Subcommittees' Reports—Farris stated that they have met further on the
viewing area. They are working on having some brochures available to show
the proposed layout, etc., of this area. In June, they hope to have a kickoff to
the fundraising for this project. He added that the shelter will get put together
soon,but they need to ask for some volunteers for this. Rettig suggested they
add a landscaping cleanup, as well.
h. Commission Members' Reports—Hartwig noted that he attended the talk at
the Public Library on the Airport history. Rettig added a follow up to this,
stating that Jan did not want to be filmed, and therefore the program did not
go out on TV. She stated that it is more of a slide program and that this is
going to be proposed instead. Rettig also noted that next week is"Bike to
Work"week. She especially noted the Mayor's Ride on Wednesday at 5:15
P.M. at the Chauncey Swan Park. Farris stated that he spoke at the last City
Council meeting, and that he will try to do this at least once per month.
i. Staff Reports—Tharp stated that two weeks ago they spoke with Wendy Ford
and gave her a tour of Jet Air and their operations. Tharp noted that he
attended the State Aviation Conference and that it went well. He came back
with some security camera ideas. He also met the new State engineer for
Iowa.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: May 22,2008 for a Special meeting; and
June 9, 2008,at 5:45 P.M. for a Regular meeting.
ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 8:28 P.M.
:...4
CN DA E
6
S
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2008
(Meeting Date)
TERM 1/10 2/14 3/6 3/13 4/10 4/28 5/8 5/22 6/9
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X X
Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X — X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X X X X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
— = Not a Member
7