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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— 1 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 2 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. 3 J 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 4 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. 5 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." 6 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 7 • 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 8