HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-09-2008 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
June 9,2008
Iowa City Airport Terminal—5:45 PM
Members Present: Greg Farris,Janelle Rettig,Howard Horan
Members Absent: Randy Hartwig,John Staley
Staff Present: Sue Dulek,Michael Tharp
Others Present: Peggy Slaughter, Steve Eaton,Minnetta Gardinier,Phillip
Woolford,Jay Honeck,Tom Schnell, Harrel Timmons
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Farris called the meeting to order at 5:55 P.M.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE MAY 8 AND MAY 22,2008 MEETINGS:
The Members noted that the dates shown on the agenda,April 10 and 28, are incorrect;it
should be May 8 and 22,2008. Rettig moved to accept the minutes of the May 8,2008
meeting as submitted,seconded by Farris. Carried 3-0. Horan moved to accept the
minutes of the May 22,2008 meeting as submitted,seconded by Rettig. Carried 3-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Aviation Commerce Park—Peggy Slaughter addressed the Members, stating
that the rain has definitely hampered the construction project in Aviation Park.
However,she added that with the construction have come a lot of phone calls
and more interest in the area. She stated that there is another meeting between
a builder and an interested party,and they are possibly going to have an even
bigger building than originally thought. Members then questioned Slaughter
on some of the possibilities that she is hearing about. Slaughter did note that
there is some renewed interest in the area.
b. FAA/IDOT Projects—Earth Tech—Steve Eaton
i. Runway 7/25—
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1. Consider a Resolution approving supplemental agreement no.
9 with Earth Tech for engineering services related to the
runway—Tharp noted that the independent review has not
been done yet,but is in the process of getting done. Rettig
moved to defer until June 13,seconded by Horan.
Carried 3-0. Members briefly discussed the status of 7/25
and how this delay may or may not impact things. Horan
asked questions of Eaton, stating his concern with delays for
7/25 and the need to get things completed in this building
season. Dulek noted that the Commission also needs to defer
#3 on tonight's agenda.
2. Horan moved to Consider Resolution#A08-17
Authorizing Chair to Sign Grant Award for Runway 7/25
Rehabilitation—Phase I; seconded by Rettig. Carried 3-
0.
3. Consider a Resolution accepting bids and awarding contract
for Rehabilitation of Runway 7/25—Phase I. Farris moved
to defer until June 13,seconded by Horan. Carried 3-0.
Dulek responded to Members' concerns,and Eaton weighed
in on Earth Tech's stance.
Eaton then briefly spoke about 7/25,stating that the electrical
contractor recently increased his efforts by adding to his
manpower. They have expended about 60 of their 90 days,
so they still have some time left. Eaton then spoke about the
Phase 1 project and what plans for this year were originally
going to be. He also touched on what the FAA was agreeable
to, stating that they hope to get things open by early fall,not
December. He also addressed a reconstruction of 12/30, due
to the amount of distresses and damage to this pavement.
Eaton further explained to Members what is being seen on
the 12/30 runway. Members continued to discuss this item,
noting the age of some of these pavement areas. Also
discussed briefly was FAA funding and what might change in
the next year.
Members questioned the FAA grants and how the process
currently works. They briefly discussed the best way to get
the needed funds together in order to complete the necessary
projects.
ii. South Aviation Development Study—Farris asked Eaton if June is
still the date for completion of this study. Eaton stated that they
still plan to have the report finalized by the end of June.
iii. South Taxilane Rehab—Eaton stated that they still have some
issues here. They have a contractor on this project that does not
want to put any more funds into it. He noted that they have had
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some conversations with the contractor,and in the next few weeks
they will need to have a meeting with him in order to get these
issues resolved.
iv. North Taxilane Rehab—Eaton noted that this rehab is a state-
funded project, and they recently went back to the State to request
an extension of this, due to the 7/25 work,the hangar demolition,
etc. He added that there would be enough confusion in this area.
They plan to push this project to August.
v. Jet A Fuel System/AvGas Upgrade—Eaton addressed this topic,
stating that the flow rate is still not adequate. Horan asked if it
would be inappropriate for him to contact this company regarding
this problem. Rettig asked if they don't have legal rights regarding
this—that if the work was not done to contract that they seek legal
help. She feels they need to be more aggressive in both the Jet A
fuel problems and the south taxilane project. Horan stated that he
agrees with Rettig that they should seek legal recourse. Farris
stated that he would like to first meet with Earth Tech and the
contractors in question to attempt to resolve these problems, before
seeking legal recourse.
vi. Terminal Apron Rehab—Eaton stated that there are a few things to
finish up. Farris noted that the painting is still to be done. Rettig
asked Dulek for clarification on the retainers they have had to put
down, and Dulek responded that these retainers are State law.
vii. Obstruction Mitigation—Eaton stated that they are trying to find
out where Mid American is currently with their part of this. He
added that he has left messages,but has not yet received a call
from Mid American. He added that there are some trees left to be
dealt with,and that these are under the same contract as the United
Hangar demolition and will be handled along with that project.
viii. Building H—University of Iowa Hangar Expansion—
1. Public Hearing—Plans and Specs for University of Iowa
Hangar Expansion—Farris opened the public hearing. Dulek
noted that she has made a couple changes to the documents
and she further explained why this was done,noting that
these issues have to do with State bidding laws. Farris then
closed the public hearing.
2. Rettig moved to Consider Resolution#A08-18 Approving
Plans,Specifications,Form of Contract,and Estimate on
Cost for the Construction of University of Iowa Hangar
Expansion; seconded by Horan. Carried 3-0. Eaton
responded to Members' questions regarding this project,
noting some changes that have been made. He further
clarified the bidding process and what it entails. Members
then discussed some of the issues with this project. Rettig
noted that the plan is to award the contract on July 10a', and
she questioned how long before they would start the project.
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It was noted that they hope to move this along faster than
originally thought,but that the steel order will be the
deciding factor on when they can begin.
c. Airport Operations; Strategic Plan-Implementation;Budget; and Airport
Management—Farris asked if there were any comments. Rettig asked about
the flowers that have been planted, and she noted the weeds around the trees.
She added that she believes they should "spite'things up when they are
having an open house or other such activities at the Airport. Horan stated that
they could have a subcommittee take care of this. Rettig noted that they do
have an employee who could do this, in addition to the mowing.
Rettig then addressed the budget issues she has. She stated that on page 2,
under Professional Services,the$95,000 is entirely land sale. She added that
she was uncertain about this and therefore asked for clarification. She noted
that they are still over budget, and she questioned carrying over some of the
Airport's contracted improvement projects. Members continued to discuss the
improvement projects in question. Rettig noted her concerns. A main issue
was fencing needs for the Airport,and perhaps checking with JCCOG and the
City on the possibility of a wide sidewalk by the Airport. Tharp stated that he
did speak with John Yapp of JCCOG regarding the needed area for a
sidewalk. Rettig then asked about the land sale,and whether this money has
been applied to their debt yet.
Farris then noted that Members should have received information from Dulek
on the .7 versus .6 hours they previously discussed in regards to timecards.
This dealt with exempt versus non-exempt. Rettig voiced her concerns
regarding this matter, stating that she does not like the inability to budget in
this area. She added that she would like to change the position in question to
an exempt one,where it is a salaried position and not hourly. This would
make budgeting easier to do. Members continued to discuss how they would
like to handle this issue,debating an exempt versus non-exempt status, and
full time versus part-time. Rettig stated that she believes they need to decide
this type of thing during budget discussions. Farris suggested a subcommittee
review this issue and look at the numbers prior to the next regular meeting.
d. Hertz—Tharp stated that he spoke to Hertz today, and was told they are
awaiting word from the higher-ups before they can respond. It was noted that
they are concerned about the increase in rates being proposed. Horan asked if
they have countered with anything. It was noted that there have been more
cars in the parking lot for Hertz,leaving even less spaces for those coming to
the Airport. Farris noted that perhaps they need to make contact with Hertz to
see just where they are at this point with renewing their contract.
e. Barnstormers—It was noted that the Barnstormers' event is this coming
weekend. Tharp added that Sunday morning is a pancake breakfast hosted by
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Habitat for Humanity in the FBO hangar, 8:00 to noon. Several classic car
clubs will be displaying their vehicles, and the Barnstormers will be flying in.
Tharp stated that they are still working on creating waivers before they can
offer rides in the Barnstormer planes. He added that it might be limited to one
passenger per plane. Honeck added that he is hopeful this can be worked out,
as carrying only one passenger per plane would not be feasible for them.
Rettig noted that she has bought rides on Sertoma planes,and she questioned
the difference. Rettig asked for further clarification on liability issues for the
City,to which Dulek responded. Honeck added that this event is going to be a
really good one,with some very unique planes taking part. It was noted that
there will be sponsor rides on Saturday evening.
f. FBO Staff Report—Harrel Timmons commended Tharp and other employees
at the Airport for their response to the tragic airplane accident last week. He
noted that Tharp was on the scene within minutes. He noted the excellent
communication that helped to enable this quick response. He added that he
would recommend that they look at doing an annual emergency response drill
to practice for incidents just like this one. Members discussed this idea,
stating that having a checklist of items would be beneficial in making sure
everything is taken care of efficiently and correctly during such emergencies.
Rettig commented that the Jet Air staff did an excellent job,as did those
community members who were first responders. A general discussion ensued,
with various examples being talked about with plane tragedies at other
locations. The need for an annual drill was well received by the Commission.
The group briefly discussed the plane accident, asking for some details on
where the investigation stands at this point. Tharp noted that the NTSB
finished their investigation, and the plane was removed from the area for
further review. The DNR will be working on clean up of the accident site.
Rettig further explained her concerns with the jet fuel spill,noting that the
DNR is addressing this. Rettig then asked about the memorial that has been
set up for the young victim of this crash, and whether the Airport has sent
anything yet. Tharp noted that this has not been done yet,but plans are to do
so. Farris added that Angel Flight Central would probably be a good avenue
to go through for contributing to this. Rettig stated that she believes the
Airport should be a part of this memorial,with some type of recognition for
this victim.
Timmons then spoke about the FBO operation,stating that from a business
standpoint,they have had their first significant losing quarter in the past two
years, due to fuel costs mainly. He added that on self-serve here they are at
$5.05,but that on the east coast and at major airports,the cost has risen to
$8.00 a gallon for aviation fuel. There is also a slow-down in the number of
flights being taken. He further explained how the fuel costs have wreaked
havoc with their numbers, and how cutbacks will be considered.
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The discussion turned to businesses needing to have"commercial operating
agreements"with the Airport if doing business on Airport property. Rettig
stated that the leases state this, and she feels they need to stay on top of it.
Timmons shared how this has been handled at other airports, specifically the
Galesburg operation. Timmons then briefly touched on the janitorial duties at
the Airport.
Rettig then asked some general questions about the Airport and runways,in
light of the recent accident. Timmons responded to her concerns.
g. Subcommittees' Reports—Farris noted that they have put up the rafter for the
viewing area shelter, but that that's about as far as they have gotten. He
shared some ideas that have come about for the upcoming fundraising
campaign. Farris noted that they hope to finish up the shelter and concrete
projects yet this month.
h. Commission Members' Reports—Rettig noted that she went to the recent
reception for the new City Manager. She talked with Michael Lombardo
about several items, and added that he would like to take an Airport tour. She
also suggested a fly-over of Iowa City for him. Tharp noted that he would
stay on top of this for the Commission. Rettig also praised everyone for their
work last week, specifically Jet Air and Tharp, during the tragic accident.
Horan stated that after their May 22nd meeting he did talk with the electrical
contractors about the 7/25 work. He also checked out the plantings on the
south end of the Airport. He added that he does have photos from the accident
last week.
Farris also thanked everyone for their work during the accident. He added
that he also met the new City Manager,and he is considering contacting him,
or other City officials,when the weather clears so they can see the flooding
from the air. Farris also stated that he had some info from Angel Flight about
the accident. He stated that Mr.Martin,the pilot,has done work out of
Bloomington and Peoria, and is a fine individual. He shared with the
Members some of the information being released by Angel Flight.
i. Staff Reports—Dulek stated that the Members were given a memo from
Legal,and she asked that they review this prior to the July meeting. She
briefly touched on the July ISI changes for"no smoking,"stating that more
info will be available soon. Rettig asked if the City will be purchasing
signage in bulk,to which Dulek responded they would.
Tharp brought up the City's bond issue, stating that the City has maintained its
strong bond rating, and he noted that in Moody's it talks about"expansion of
Aviation Commerce Park North."
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SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: After a brief discussion regarding conflicts
with the meeting time, it was decided to hold the next meeting on July 10, 2008 at 5:45
P.M.,as originally planned. In addition, a special meeting will be held Friday, June 13,
2008, at 7:30 A.M. At this meeting, it will be decided if the July 10th meeting needs to be
changed to a different time.
An audience member then asked about the flood situation for the Airport,noting that in
the 100-year flood plan the Airport is shown as being inundated with water. Tharp noted
that he spoke to the City today,and from what he was told,the changes to Willow Creek,
made after the flood in 93, should keep this from happening now. A brief discussion
ensued about what the flooding of 1993 caused in the Airport area, and what could
possibly happen with this flooding. The audience member noted what she had heard, and
she questioned if they should move their planes. Rettig asked if they have an easy way to
contact all of their tenants, in case they need to get information to them regarding the
flooding.
ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 8:50 P.M.
l/ y o �
CHAIRPE DAT
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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 7/10
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X X X O/E
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X X X X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X X O/E O/E
Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X — X X X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X X X X O/E X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
-- = Not a Member
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