HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-2008 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
September 11,2008
Iowa City Airport Terminal—5:45 PM
Members Present: Greg Farris, Janelle Rettig,Howard Horan, Randy Hartwig,John
Staley
Staff Present: Sue Dulek,Michael Tharp
Others Present: David Hughes, Phillip Woolford,Dave Larson,Harrel Timmons,
Minnetta Gardinier,Diane Lamb,Jeff Graham,John Shive, Brian
Douglas
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
DETERMINE QUORUM:
The meeting was called to order at 5:49 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 14,2008 MEETINGS:
Farris asked if anyone had any comments or changes to the August 14 minutes. Hartwig
stated that he had a couple items. He asked if the name shouldn't be"Mike Hall"on the
minutes,instead of"Hull." He also pointed out under Public Discussion,where the topic
was about the activities of the crop dusters,that it is not illegal for them to not have
radios. He didn't feel that this was clear here. Hartwig also noted on page 4,paragraph
F,Runway 7/25,that he would like to clarify this, as well. He believes there is some
information out there that the runway would be done by the first football game. He
wanted to highlight that the date is for October. Dulek asked Tharp to check the
recording from the meeting to see what date was stated, in order to correct the minutes as
discussed. Hartwig also noted on page 3,where it states that Dane introduced Larson,
that it was the other way around. Horan moved to approve the minutes of the August
14,2008 meeting as amended; seconded by Staley. Carried 3-0; Farris abstaining
and Rettig not present.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
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a. Aviation Commerce Park—Tharp reported that he spoke to Peggy Slaughter
earlier today. She did not have any updates for the Commission,but did relay
that she is going back to some of the larger developers who had shown
interest. Hartwig stated that the ITC building is coming along nicely, and he
believes they take possession soon.
b. Request for permission to sublease Hangar#16—Farris noted that Members
should have a letter regarding this sublease request. Hartwig noted that he
appreciates that Forrest Holly asked permission from the Commission. He
added that he has no problem with the request,but added that he would like to
make sure that the person who will be subleasing knows that if Forrest Holly
does not continue his lease, once it expires it would go to the next person on
the waiting list, and not the subleasee. Horan and Staley both agreed with
this. Staley moved to approve the sublease as presented,seconded by
Horan. Carried 4-0,Rettig absent.
Hartwig moved to discuss Item 4.c.until after Item 4.f.; Staley seconded. Carried 4-
0,Rettig absent. Tharp noted that he bad received a phone call earlier from Mr.Larson,
stating that he would be at tonight's meeting.
c. Dane/Larson Land Sale Request—
(Rettig arrived at the meeting)
d. University of Iowa Aircare Facility—Staley noted for the record that he would
recuse himself from this item due to a conflict of interest. He then introduced
Diane Lamb,Nurse Manager for Aircare. Lamb introduced Jeff Graham,
Aviation Site Manager and Lead Mechanic, and John Shive, Lead Mechanic.
She began with a review of what Aircare is,noting that it was the first
hospital-based program in the State. Their first flight was April 1 of 1979. In
1988, a second helicopter was added to the program, and is housed in
Waterloo. An average of 1,000 patient transports are performed each year.
The majority of them terminate here in Iowa City,according to Lamb. Lamb
further explained what aircraft they currently use,noting that she put some
information in the handout for the Members' review on this. She noted that
she also included some maps,showing Members the response area that they
cover. Lamb stated that presently their hangar facility is located on the
Oakdale Campus of the University.
Lamb continued her presentation, stating that what they would be looking for
in a new hangar would be more floor space,one that could handle three
helicopters,would be optimal. They also need some storage room for parts,as
all of the maintenance is performed here. An office area and crew quarters are
also a necessity. Emergency power was also noted as being very important, as
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are security and fire protection. Lamb continued, stating that in bringing this
presentation to the Commission,they hope to open some discussion about
bringing such a hangar to the Airport and working with the Commission to get
to this goal.
Tharp asked what the timeline is for this, and Lamb stated it would be two
years,that there is a lot of construction going on at the Oakdale Campus, and
things are beginning to move rapidly. Therefore, it is important that they get
this issue resolved soon. Rettig asked Lamb for some clarification on their
operations. Members then began a discussion, stating that location would be
the most likely starting point, and they would need to see what is feasible.
Lamb stated that everything is open at this point,whether the University
would own or lease, and items such as this. Rettig explained how the FAA
grants and funding play into the Airport's operations and how they would
most likely need to handle something like this. She added that for the Airport
to be able to build such a hangar within two years would be problematic,in
her view,as they would have to borrow the money in order to build.
The discussion turned to the cost of an 80 X 80 building,which is estimated to
be around$750,000 (without any extras such as an office), and would easily
be in the million dollar range with added amenities, such as fuel storage, crew
quarters, emergency power,etc. Horan stated that he understands what Rettig
is saying,but he questions the City putting something like this in their bond
process with a 12-year payback. He believes having this operation at the
Airport would be a great idea.
Hartwig stated that he believes they should identify areas within the Airport
that would work well for such a hangar. Members agreed that having the
Aircare operation at the Airport would be a great idea, and they noted that
they need to find out the best way to go about achieving this goal. Hartwig
suggested a subcommittee be formed to begin this process. Farris noted that
location and funding are definitely major beginning points,and he agreed that
a subcommittee should be formed. Horan and Hartwig both volunteered to be
on the subcommittee, and will work with Tharp on this. Members continued
to discuss the best way to begin on this endeavor. Horan suggested that
Aircare also come up with some sort of package to present,now that the
discussion has started. Rettig pondered if the two different departments at the
University couldn't come up with a way to share hangar space, some way to
achieve what both need.
e. Airport Safety—Traffic Pattern Operations—Hartwig spoke to this item,
stating that he believes they need to discuss this thoroughly so they get
everyone's input. The net effect of this would be that there would be as much
traffic as possible to the south of the Airport,versus being over the heavier
populated areas. Farris brought up that Burlington has a pattern like this.
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Hartwig noted that Ames does, as well. Jet Air spoke to this item, as well,
giving their perspective on a right turn departure. Rettig asked how they
would go about changing this pattern, and Tharp responded with the FAA's
regulations. The discussion continued,with Members raising their concerns.
Graham spoke about the air traffic around the U of I Hospitals and the need to
make this as safe as possible,too. Rettig stated that she would like to give
patrons of the Airport a chance to speak to this before they make any final
decisions. Tharp explained the steps that they would follow if they decide to
go through a public input process on a pattern change. Staley asked if
someone could point out on the map what the exact change would be, and
Tharp did this for those present. Farris suggested that Tharp look into this
issue further and put together a schedule of steps they would need to take.
Rettig moved to begin the process of considering a right-turn departure,
seconded by Horan. Carried 5-0.
f. FAA/IDOT Projects—Earth Tech—David Hughes
i. Runway 7/25—Hughes stated that this project is going well. They
have two more lanes to pave, and hope to have this done mid-to
late next week,depending on weather. After the concrete cures,
they can do the asphalt-filling portion of the project. October 20th
is the projected completion date for this. The FAA was in town
yesterday, and did a site visit with Hughes on the project.
ii. South Aviation Development Study—Hughes stated that they have
received comments from the FAA on this. They are reviewing
these, and Hughes hopes to discuss these in more detail at a
conference next week. He noted that there is a presentation with
City staff on the 18th at 1:30 to go over these comments. He
further explained what they would need to get done before
anything could take place in the South Aviation area. Hartwig
asked Hughes when the upcoming FAA conference is in Kansas
City. Hughes responded that next Tuesday and Wednesday are the
conference dates.
iii. South Taxilane Rehab—Hughes stated that they do have a
contractor for this, and he is awaiting parts before he can start.
This will tie the drainage into the storm sewer system.
iv. 2008 Pavement Rehab(North Taxilanes)—Hughes stated that they
did receive three bids,one for asphalt and two for concrete. The
low bid was higher than the engineer's estimate. In talking to the
State,however, Hughes stated they might be able to obtain more
funds for this. Hartwig asked what the timeframe is for this,noting
his concern for the construction season ending if the weather gets
bad. He asked if the State would agree to a springtime start,but
Dulek noted that they couldn't award a contract now and have the
job done next year. Discussion continued,with Hughes stating
what the numbers are: project application$175,050,with the grant
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being 40%of this. This requires$12,000 plus from the State,in
order to complete this. The City then needs to have 15%or around
$3,000. Members continued to discuss their options on this matter,
and it was noted they could award this contingent on the financing.
Rettig moved to Consider Resolution#A08-30 Accepting Bids
and Awarding Contract,Contingent Upon Financing;
seconded by Horan. Carried 5-0. Hartwig suggested that Tharp
put something together for the tenants so they know what is going
on, as well.
v. Jet A Fuel System/AvGas Upgrade—Hughes stated they are
awaiting some final OEM manuals on this, and once received,they
should be ready to close this out.
vi. Terminal Apron Rehab—All closeout documents have been
received, and Hughes is recommending approval of accepting this
work. Rettig moved to Consider Resolution#A08-31 Accepting
the Terminal Apron Rehab Work,seconded by Hartwig.
Carried 5-0.
vii. Obstruction Mitigation—Hughes stated the contractor is behind on
his contract days with the hangar removal. He has been notified of
this. Horan asked further about this, and Hughes responded.
Hughes added that MidAmerican is still working on their
relocation efforts.
viii. Building H—Hughes stated that they spoke with some electrical
contractors, and they do not feel they should put this out to bid
again quite yet. Rettig noted that she wants to be clear in regards
to an email she received,that she feels they have done everything
they can to build this hangar. Due to the current conditions,
however, and the University's cap on what they can pay,there is
no way that the Airport can proceed with the bid they received.
Rettig noted that she would like to see them stay at the Airport,but
she again stated that the bids were too high and they had to reject
them for that reason. Hughes suggested getting this project under
contract sometime in February.
(Item 4.c. Dane/Larson Land Sale Request)
c. Tharp stated that he does not have any further information on this,but he
thought Mr. Larson might. Mr. Larson stated that he has nothing further for
the Commission. Tharp noted they still need FAA release before they can do
this,and would need a full proposal in order to do this. Rettig asked if there
are any safety concerns for this area, and Hughes replied. Discussion
continued,with Members agreeing that a current appraisal needs to be done.
There is a May 2007 appraisal available, and Dulek noted that they could
check with the FAA to see if they can use this.
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g. Airport"Operations"; Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; Management—
Rettig asked Tharp about a couple line items,and he explained what the
charges were for. She noted that she believes they need to have a monthly
mechanical budget to cover these types of things. Tharp stated that City staff
is willing to meet with them in a work type session to explain these types of
things, and to allow Members to ask whatever questions they may have.
Tharp asked if Members would like for him to do this. He then asked that
Members email him as soon as possible so that he can set up a meeting with
City staff to cover budget questions. The discussion turned to the FY10
budget packets,which are due by October 2nd. Farris noted that they can
either review this at a working session, or they can have a subcommittee go
through and report to the Commission as a whole. Members decided to set up
a subcommittee to review the budget. Rettig and Farris volunteered to take on
this task with Tharp. Rettig stated that if others have capitol improvement
issues to let them know before they do the budget review so they can keep
these things in mind. Rettig noted some of the differences from budgeted to
final in the budget numbers.
h. Engineering Consultant Selection—Tharp stated that they need to have a new
contract in place for the next Federal grant cycle. They either do a 5-year
plan,or they do this process for every FAA project, each year. After some
discussion, Tharp noted that the FAA is agreeable to the 5-year plan being
discussed. Hartwig noted that he believes there is a benefit to the 5-year,
versus a yearly. Tharp added that they could either set up a subcommittee to
review this, or have the entire Commission review for this consultant
selection. Hartwig stated that he would be in favor of Tharp and Farris doing
a review. Rettig spoke about a scoring method on these qualifications, and
whether the FAA has this sort of thing. Tharp noted that under Selection
Process, Item#2,there is a list of 20 or so selection criteria they can work
from. Members continued to discuss how they would like to proceed with this
and what specifications they may have. Tharp noted that they need to have
something in place by the end of November for a recommendation. Horan
moved to approve the process for Request for Qualifications,seconded by
Rettig. Carried 5-0. The subcommittee will consist of Hartwig, as well as
City staff.
i. FBO Staff Report—Timmons addressed Members, stating that once again the
Iowa City Airport is going to be on the national horizon. It is the 90th year of
the U.S. Air Routes and the U.S. Post Office and a large group out of
California have put together a group of the old original airplanes that actually
flew these routes. They are flying from New York to San Francisco, and are
stopping at selected routes along the way. Possibly due to the connection with
the Stearman group,the Iowa City Airport is one of the stops. At each stop, a
lot of news media have shown up, and tomorrow, he stated,they plan to be in
Iowa City,weather permitting. Timmons stated that they have started to see
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an increase in business,though things are still down from where they had
been. Additionally,he briefly addressed the Building H issue, and also the
importance of fuel sales at the Airport. The University Aircare issue was
discussed too at some length with respect to fuel sales.
j. Subcommittees' Reports—Farris noted the various subcommittees that they
set up this evening. He also addressed the viewing area, noting that the shelter
is up and shingled. He stated that they hope to address the concrete pad and
sidewalk needs with other concrete projects at the Airport. Farris then talked
about the"Take Flight"exhibit at the Children's' Museum,and a possible
partnership with them on a special project.
k. Commission Members' Reports—Hartwig spoke to the Air Mall flights. He
also mentioned the biplanes over the weekend, and noted that there were a lot
of people going up for flights. Hartwig also spoke to the runway completion
and having some kind of official opening ceremony for this. Farris asked if
anyone wanted to volunteer to plan this. Hartwig suggested they think about
the first take off and first landing too. Rettig noted that the Natural Resources
Commission was in Bellevue today, and several attendees flew in on a Cessna.
She also noted that today is September 11th,and that there are still security
risks in general aviation and that awareness should continue to be maintained.
Horan stated that the pancake breakfast enjoyed a beautiful day. Farris
apologized for missing last month's meeting and thanked Rettig for chairing
the meeting. He also thanked Horan for the meeting he participated in. Farris
noted that he was at the City Council meeting this past Tuesday and he spoke
to them about the Airport's projects. He spoke about the AIP tour yesterday,
and stated it was mostly a cursory review.
1. Staff Report—Tharp spoke to the meeting that he and Horan took part in with
the State. He hopes to have a final report soon. Rettig then asked about the
roofing projects,and Tharp stated that he did obtain a second bid on this. The
final cost is right now about half of what they originally estimated. However,
he has been made aware of a couple spots that need some repair still. The
Hertz roof has been completed,and the drywall will be repaired next,
according to Tharp.
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SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: October 9, 2008 at 5:45 P.M. Rettig noted
that she might not make this meeting due to a prior engagement.
ADJOURN: Hartwig moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 P.M.,seconded by
Rettig. Carried 5-0.
c ;� (DA
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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 WE X X Meeting
cancelled
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X X X X X X X X Meeting
cancelled
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X X O/E O/E X X Meeting
cancelled
Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X — X X X X X X X X Meeting
cancelled
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X X X X O/E X X X Meeting
cancelled
(CONT.)
TERM. 8/14 9/11
EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 O/E X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X
Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
— = Not a Member
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