HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-14-2008 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
August 14,2008
Iowa City Airport Terminal—5:45 PM
Members Present: Janelle Rettig, Howard Horan,Randy Hartwig, John Staley
Members Absent: Greg Farris
Staff Present: Sue Dulek,Michael Tharp
Others Present: Peggy Slaughter, David Hughes,Phillip Woolford, Jay Honeck,
John Dane, Dave Larson, Jason Honea,Harrel Timmons, Mike
Hull
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Approve a proposed easement to MidAmerican Energy.
DETERMINE QUORUM:
In the absence of Chairperson Farris, Secretary Rettig called the meeting to order at 5:47
P.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE JULY 10 AND AUGUST 4,2008
MEETINGS:
Hartwig stated that he did not have any changes or corrections to the July 10,2008
minutes. Rettig stated that she has a clarification on page 2, Item C.i—Hertz lease. She
noted that Staley amended this,but that the language he amended this to is not present in
the minutes. Staley stated that it basically was that the financial components of the new
agreement would be rolled back to August 1. Hartwig moved to approve the minutes
of the July 10,2008 meeting as amended; seconded by Horan. Carried 4-0.
Hartwig moved to accept the minutes of the August 4,2008 meeting as submitted;
seconded by Rettig. Carried 4-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Honeck spoke to those present about the discussion going on with the Friends of Iowa
City Airport regarding the near-misses with spray operators recently. He stated that he
hoped the Commission might discuss this issue,and that in the future,he would like to
see some discussion take place before something happens.
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He added that communication is the key when operating at an uncontrolled airport.
Rettig noted that the Commission is unable to have a discussion about anything not on
tonight's agenda;however,they can listen to concerns. Rettig asked Honeck to speak to
this, and he noted the serious safety issue that needs to be addressed in this situation. He
suggested that Stutsman, who hires these pilots,talk to the pilots and let them know that
they need to talk on the radio when utilizing the Iowa City Airport. Horan asked if these
pilots can't be reported, and Honeck responded to this issue. The group briefly talked
about the importance of using radios and letting others know what is happening when
these short-term situations occur. Rettig asked for clarification from Woolford regarding
some of these pilots"camping"at the Airport. She noted that this would not be allowed,
and that she will ask the FBO for further comment on this.
Mike Hull with the University of Iowa Air Care addressed the group next. He stated that
two months ago they had a mid-air collision in Arizona where two helicopters collided.
Seven people were killed in this accident. He noted that this has prompted a discussion
of safety across the nation. Out of these discussions,there is a request of the Commission
regarding changing the pattern at the Airport to south traffic only. He noted how busy
the helipad is at the University Hospitals, and how a change like this would enhance the
safety for all who fly in this area. Staley noted that he would propose that at their
September meeting they review safety matters, such as this request,and make any needed
changes at that time.
Honeck noted that the 90th anniversary of the Airport is approaching,and he suggested
having t-shirts commemorating this event for sale. Rettig suggested using this as a
fundraiser for the viewing area.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Aviation Commerce Park—Peggy Slaughter addressed the group. She stated
that she does not have any current offers,but that the interest in these
properties is quite high. She has had several new requests from flood victims
looking to relocate their businesses. A brief discussion ensued regarding the
flood plain map for this area, in light of this year's flooding. Slaughter added
that with the possibility of the new Wal-Mart store back in the spotlight, she
has actually seen an increase in calls for this area.
Rettig then brought up the topic of what is owed on the Aviation Commerce
Park land. Tharp noted that in the original accounting paperwork there was an
error that was not caught until year-end transactions took place. This is when
Deb Mansfield caught the error. Therefore, $92,000 is still owed on the loan
for infrastructure. Rettig asked Tharp if he agreed with these numbers,to
which he stated he did. Horan asked if they could get a detailed explanation
of some of these items so they can have a better understanding of issues such
as this. Tharp asked if the Commission would like to have Deb Mansfield and
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Kevin O'Malley meet with them. Members stated that they would be
agreeable to this,and Tharp will check into setting up such a meeting.
b. Hertz—Jason Honea of Hertz addressed the group. Tharp noted that they
have an agreement worked out, and that Members should have received a
copy of this. He added that if there are no further changes,this should be
ready to go. Rettig noted the memo that they received on building repairs, and
Tharp spoke to the roof repairs. He spoke to several contractors about this,
but received only one bid on the job. Tharp added that he is comfortable with
this contractor as the sold bid, but that ultimately it is up to the Commission.
Rettig asked what is needed for this repair, and Tharp explained further. He
noted that there is leaking in approximately four areas. The cost for this repair
is approximately$6,500. A discussion then began on the various repairs and
upgrades that are needed at the Hertz building. Rettig stated her concerns in
achieving these repairs and also meeting budget restrictions. She added that if
Tharp is unable to obtain another roofing bid, she believes they should move
forward with the submitted bid. Horan moved to repair the roof as
discussed; seconded by Staley. Carried 4-0.
i. Consider a Resolution Approving Lease—Rettig noted that she has
two items to discuss on the Hertz lease. One item is that the City
requires non-discrimination language in leases, and secondly, she
talked about the over-flow stalls in the parking item on the lease.
Hertz spoke to this, stating that there must have been some
miscommunication. Rettig also spoke to having overflow stalls by
the JetAir building. Hartwig also spoke to the overflow stalls and
Hertz clarified this issue. Dulek briefly brought up a couple of
changes that need to be made to the lease, such as incorrect dates
and typos. Hartwig moved to Consider Resolution A08-26 to
Approve the Hertz Lease as Amended; seconded by Horan.
Carried 4-0.
c. Dane/Larson Land Sale Request—John Dane introduced Dave Larson to the
Commission. The discussion began with a review on the map of the land in
question. This sale encompasses a desire to purchase the easement, in
addition to the land surrounding. Dane and Larson responded to Members'
questions regarding this sale and what the future plans are for this area. Dane
stated that he would like to own the lane on his property, and would also like
to open up his pasture more. Horan stated that he does not have any issues
with this sale. Rettig stated that she feels she needs more information on this
sale before making a decision. Dane further explained that the obstacle-free
zone has changed and that this is what has prompted this desired sale. Dane
stated that they need to know the Commission's decision by October,that they
don't have to have an answer this evening. Larson noted that they do have a
current appraisal on this.
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d. Hangar#31 —Tharp noted that Members received a handout on this earlier
this evening. He stated that this is a standard lease,with additional info on the
no smoking regulations. Rettig asked Tharp for clarifications on this specific
lease,to which he responded.
i. Consider a Resolution Approving Lease with Interwest Equities—
Staley moved to Consider Resolution A08-27 to Approve the
Interwest Equities Lease; seconded by Horan. Carried 4-0.
e. Consider a Motion to Adjourn to Executive Session to discuss strategy with
Counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is
imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage
the position of the governmental body in that litigation.—Moved by Hartwig,
seconded by Horan. Carried 4-0. (into Exec Session at 6:54 P.M., out at 7:09 P.M.)
f. FAA/MOT Projects—Earth Tech—David Hughes
i. Runway 7/25 —Hughes stated that they are pretty much on
schedule with this project. Members asked questions of Hughes
regarding the timeline changes. He noted the new date is October
24th. Horan noted that the lighting project was not completed
within contract days, and Hughes agreed, stating that there are
several things going on with this. Hughes gave further information
to Members regarding the lighting portion of this project. Hughes
stated that they are still awaiting further word from Qwest on their
relocation portion of this.
1. Consider a Resolution Approving Supplemental Agreement No.
11 —Hartwig moved to Consider Resolution A08-28 Approving
Supplemental Agreement No. 11; seconded by Staley. Carried
4-0.
ii. South Aviation Development Study—Hughes stated that he has
sent the final draft to the FAA for their comments. He contacted
them earlier this week and was told that they should have the
FAA's comments by next week. This will then enable them to
close out the runway projects, among other things. Rettig asked
questions of Hughes concerning her review of this study.
iii. South Taxilane Rehab—Hughes briefly covered what is being
proposed here.
iv. 2008 Pavement Rehab(North Taxilanes)—Hughes noted that the
plans and specs are out for this,with tonight being the public
hearing.
1. Public Hearing—Rettig opened the public hearing. Hughes
explained the type of pavement for this rehab project, and
how it will hopefully spur some competition from contractors
in the bidding process. Dulek noted that she made some
minor changes to the bid notice, and she briefly explained
these changes to Members. Rettig closed the public hearing.
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2. Consider a Resolution Approving Plans, Specifications, Form
of Contract, and Estimate on Cost for the Construction of
2008 Pavement Rehabilitation—Horan moved to Consider
Resolution A08-29 Approving Plans, Specifications, as
amended,Form of Contract, and Estimate on Cost for the
Construction of 2008 Pavement Rehabilitation; seconded
by Hartwig. Carried 4-0.
v. Jet A Fuel System/AvGas Upgrade—Hughes noted that they have
done some testing on the system, and a change was made to a filter
in the system. This did make a positive change in the flow rate.
vi. Terminal Apron Rehab—Hughes stated that they received part of
the close-out paperwork from the contractor,but that there are still
some missing pieces. Therefore,he asked that they delay this to
the next meeting.
vii. Obstruction Mitigation—Hughes stated that the contractor on the
United hangar has been behind,but they are now about halfway
through the project. MidAmerican has started their relocation
work. Dulek addressed some of the problems they have run into
with this relocation work. She explained what MidAmerican is
wanting to do and how they will need an easement in order to
proceed. The Members agreed that the Council should approve the
requested easement.
viii. Building H—U of I Hangar Expansion-Hughes stated that they
have met with Tom's group and reviewed some cost-saving items.
He stated that he has talked with several electrical contractors, and
they are all very busy right now because of the flood-related work
volume. He believes if they put this out to rebid,they could end up
with an even higher bid amount. Hughes suggested they relook
this project in a couple months,to see if they should then rebid.
The bottom line is the project is too expense for all involved, at the
current time.
Hughes noted that the estimate was $354,000, and the bid came in
at$479,000. Members agreed that more space is needed, and they
continued to discuss how funding for this could be secured, and
whether or not Tom could find a grant to help in this project.
g. T-Hanger Contracts/Rates/Fees—Hartwig recused himself from this
discussion due to a conflict of interest. The discussion began with Tharp
noting that he has created three options: one being the$5.00 increment on B
and C, as discussed previously; option two is a CPI inflator at 5 1/2%; and
option three, a combination of the two. He explained his handout to the
Members, giving specifics on how the increases would play out. Members
discussed Tharp's proposals, asking for further clarification as they attempted
to come to a consensus. Horan asked Tharp to clarify his proposal again.
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Tharp noted that his basic proposal was to increase hangars B and C by$5.00,
which puts rates at$149 per month. Everybody else would stay at the same
rate, according to Tharp. Rettig asked if they need a resolution in order to
approve the lease, and Dulek responded. The discussion continued,with
Members voicing their opinions on a rate increase. Rettig stated that they
could use a smaller percentage of increase than the 5.53%. Staley suggested
3%,plus the$5.00 on B and C, rounding to the nearest dollar. Staley moved
to Increase T-Hangar Rents by 3% Across the Board,Rounding to the
Nearest Dollar,Using the Same T-Hangar Lease as Last Year,With the
Addition of the Anti-Smoking Provision; seconded by Horan. Carried 3-
0 (Hartwig recused himself, and Farris absent). A brief discussion
continued,with Members reviewing what the new rates will be.
h. Airport"Operations"; Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; Management—
Rettig spoke to page 3, local phone service, questioning the amount here. She
also noted that they had had an informal discussion with JetAir regarding
cleaning, and she asked if anything had been further decided here. Woolford
stated that the current cleaning company is under contract until December.
On page 4, fuel charge-back and vehicle repair and maintenance charge-back,
Rettig asked why this amount is where it is. Tharp stated that most likely it's
a timing issue. She also asked about the carryover amounts on page 6. Tharp
stated there should be approximately$37,000 here. Rettig continued, asking
for further clarification on items she has questions about. She asked about
crack-sealing on the runway, and Tharp noted that this was originally part of
the FAA grant,but that now they do not have enough money to fund this.
Rettig then asked about the banners that are still up from Merschman Seeds,
stating that she believes they should not still be up. She asked if Tharp had
checked into this, and he noted that they put these up only when they have
tours,which they had one today. He added that they have had quite a few
events this summer. Rettig questioned the signage issue, stating that she
believes they need to enforce this. Rettig stated that the City does have a sign
ordinance, and she questions if these banners would be considered legal.
i. FBO Staff Report—Woolford spoke to the Members, stating that he would
like to comment briefly on the Merschman Seed issue. He noted that they
have done a beautiful job in their set-up and he praised how nice it looks. He
added that most agricultural plots located at airports are usually pretty
mundane. He continued, stating that JetAir's charter business has suffered a
big hit,now avenging around two trips per week. He stated that one factor is
a lack of donors in the organ transplant system,which is due to less traffic and
therefore less accidents. He also spoke about the decrease in traffic and
decrease in speeds on the highways,and the fuel savings being seen because
of this. He added that JetAir has sold around five jets since the first of the
year, which has been a good thing in this economy. Woolford noted that the
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Sertoma breakfast is coming up in a week and they have been preparing for
this. Rettig spoke about an August 11th article from U.S.A. Today about
security at small airports, and Woolford responded that they already do much
of what was talked about in this article. Honeck added that Congress does not
agree with this proposal, and that many Congressmen are proponents of the
smaller airports. A brief discussion ensued regarding security and how
smaller airports tend to know everybody who uses the airport, and that
strangers do tend to stand out. Hartwig asked how they will handle the taxi-
ing back that will need to happen with the various activities going on, such as
football games, Sertoma, etc.,and the increase in air traffic. Woolford
addressed this, stating that they have been looking into this very issue.
j. Subcommittees' Reports—Hartwig brought up the presentation on the
viewing area, and Tharp further noted about this.
k. Commission Members' Reports—Staley stated that the U of I Hospitals and
Clinics would be interested in exploring placement of an air care hangar at the
Airport. He asked that at the next meeting they put this on the agenda for the
Commission's review. The Director of the Emergency Treatment Center will
address the Members on this proposal, according to Staley. Horan noted that
he has been taking photos of the United hangar demolition, showing the
progression.
1. Staff Report—Tharp noted that Sertoma is August 24th,and also that the City
Manager's tour had to be rescheduled. He added that it was a good tour, and
that the City Manager sat down for a brief discussion with them, as well.
Tharp also added that he has been approached about the piece of land on
Gilbert that the Airport owns. There is an interested party who wants to buy
or lease in this area. Rettig stated that she is very interested in making some
money on this property, and feels they should talk further about this.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: Rettig asked if everyone plans on attending
next month's meeting as she may not be able to make it. Staley suggested they move the
time to 7:00 P.M. Members stated that they are flexible,and will keep it at 5:45 for now
and can adjust it if necessary. Next meeting is: September 11, 2008 at 5:45 P.M.
ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 8:44 P.M.
CAA/C) ar-
C ERSON A E
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2008
(Meeting Dates)
TERM 1/10 2/14 3/6 3/13 4/10 4/28 5/8 5/22 6/9 6/13 7/10 7/24
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X X X O/E X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X 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 X X
Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X — X X X X X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X X X X O/E X X X
(CONT.)
TERM. 8/14 9/11
EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 O/E
John Staley 3/1/10 X
Howard Horan 3/1/14 X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
— = Nota Member
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