HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-13-2008 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
November 13,2008
Iowa City Airport Terminal—5:45 PM
Members Present: Greg Farris, Howard Horan,Randy Hartwig, Janelle Rettig,John
Staley(arrived late)
Staff Present: Sue Dulek,Michael Tharp
Others Present: David Hughes,Dave Larson, Jay Honeck,Peggy Slaughter,John
Dane,Toby Myers,Randy Miller, Carl Richey, Phillip Woolford
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: Consider an increase Airport Operations
Specialist position from .6FTE to .75FTE
DETERMINE QUORUM:
The meeting was called to order at 5:48 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 9 AND OCTOBER 30,2008
MEETINGS:
Farris asked if there were any comments regarding the minutes. Hartwig moved to
accept the October 9 and October 30,2008 minutes as presented; seconded by
Farris. Carried 3-0. (Rettig abstaining; Staley absent)
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
John Dane spoke to the Commission. He talked about the improvements, such as the
runway extension and the Willow Creek changes. He added that this area has grown into
brush, and he suggested that something be done with this area before it gets out of hand.
(Staley arrives)
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Aviation Commerce Park—Peggy Slaughter addressed the Commission. She
stated that the person interested in the ground purchase does have an appraisal
done now, and has started negotiations with this. She added that it looks like
7 acres,instead of 5,is being negotiated. Slaughter stated that this party
hopes to complete a deal within a year's time. She added that in December
the Commission would need to talk about the renewal of the broker's
agreement as it expires the 31St
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November 13,2008
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b. Dane/Larson Land Sale Request—Tharp stated that everyone should have a
copy of the email on this issue—stating that the FAA will not release this land
for sale as the land is within the building restriction line,which currently runs
about halfway through this property. Tharp added that the new FAA rules
cover this. He stated that a lease deal could probably be worked out,pending
restrictions of building heights, etc. The ultimate control and authority would
thus remain with the Airport.
The Members began a discussion regarding this issue. Horan stated that he is
open to a lease with Mr. Dane on this. Dane gave some background on this
piece of property to those present. He stated that he would be willing to work
out a lease,as well. Members discussed the possible term length,with Tharp
laying out several options. Tharp will come up with a possible lease, get the
FAA's comments,and will then bring it back to the Members for review.
c. University of Iowa Aircare Facility—(Staley recused himself due to a
conflict) Slaughter stated that they are attempting to get a meeting set up with
the University for this. Horan stated that they had a good meeting. Staley,
speaking on behalf of the University, added that the U of I pilots have checked
out this area. He stated that the area they are interested in was not flooded,
but to the west of it there was flooding. He added that they would probably
want to elevate the land there. Rettig asked what the Airport would have to do
on its side if this project goes through, such as access gates. Tharp stated that
they would potentially want to rebuild the taxiway in this area,but other than
that,there is not much the Airport would need to do.
d. Airport Safety—Traffic Pattern Operations—Tharp stated that they have
received about 16 comments. He added that there are 7 in support,3 in the
negative,and 6 are neutral. Tharp responded to Members' questions
regarding this issue. He talked about putting a segmented circle around the
current wooden airplane system,which would make the segmented circle
semi-centralized so that anyone flying overhead could see it. There would
also be a supplemental windsock at the end of 30. Rettig noted that they
should then expand the apron in this area. Hartwig noted that everyone is
stressing a concerted education of this should they make changes.
e. FAA/IDOT Projects—AECOM—David Hughes
i. Runway 7/25—Hughes noted that they still have some minor
punchlist items to complete, such as possibly adding reflectors.
They are working with the contractor in completing closeout
documentation for the project. He talked about some of the FAA
changes that are coming, adding that he will share these as they
come about.
ii. South Aviation Development Study—Hughes noted that they are
moving forward on finalizing the document on this. They hope to
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October 30,2008
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have this sent off to the FAA in December as their final document.
Dulek asked when they might expect this back,and Hughes stated
with the holidays it might be the end of January.
iii. South Taxilane Rehab—Drains are in place, and Hughes added
that everyone is happy with this. He added that they need to have
the acceptance form done now.
1. Consider a Resolution Accepting South Taxilane Rehab
as Complete—Rettig moved to consider Resolution A08-
32,accepting the South Taxilane Rehab as complete;
seconded by Horan. Carried 5-0.
iv. 2008 Pavement Rehab(North Taxilanes)—Hughes stated that this
was finished up at the end of last week. He added that they ran
into a few problems right at the end,but were only delayed a day
or so. They should have this project ready for acceptance at the
December meeting.
v. Jet A Fuel System/AvGas Upgrade—Hughes stated that they took
the initiative to complete this, and that it is also ready for the
Commission's acceptance.
1. Consider a Resolution Accepting Jet A Fuel System/
AvGas Upgrade as Complete—Horan moved to consider
Resolution A08-33,accepting the Jet A Fuel System/
AvGas upgrade as complete; seconded by Staley.
Carried 5-0.
vi. Obstruction Mitigation—Hughes stated that the United hangar is
done. He stated that it looks nice out there now with the trees
removed. MidAmerican has removed their poles now, so
everything is moving along. Horan asked some general questions
about the runway lights, and Hughes responded.
vii. Building H—University of Iowa Hangar Expansion—Carl Richey
stated that they are running into some storage problems since
they've had to remove things they had stored at the University. He
added that anything that can be done to expedite this expansion
would be greatly appreciated. Farris added that they had said they
would re-bid this the first of the year and go from there. He said
that once they do this,they could then move forward with a spring
start date. Members briefly discussed what the original bid was
and how they decided to handle this. Richey stated that they
received a temporary building,to replace the PODS,and that he
has talked with Tharp regarding what they would need to do to get
FAA approval for this temporary building. Dulek noted several
items that the Commission might want to consider in granting a
lease for this temporary building. Tharp stated that he would have
something prepared for next month's meeting.
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October 30,2008
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viii. Corporate Hangar L—Farris noted that the issue here is the grant
money is for FY2010, and the local match of$500,000 is for
FY2011. He stated that he met with the Finance and City
Manager's offices last week to see if there is a possibility of
moving the money from 2011 to 2010,so the Airport could
proceed with the project. He added that this was seen as not being
a possibility. Farris stated that he also met with Tharp and Hughes
to discuss possibilities of using the grant money on other projects.
He stated that they are considering returning the grant for the FY10
building cycle, and then reapplying for the FY11 grant. Members
discussed what their choices are and how they might approach this.
Rettig noted that perhaps they should look at building a smaller
building or doing something different. Farris noted that the reason
they received the grant was the local match,which won't be
available until 2011. Rettig then asked about the possibility of
Landfill funds being used for a"bridge"loan.
Members continued to discuss what they might be able to do with
the grant money,versus returning it and reapplying later. Rettig
again suggested that they look at building something smaller, such
as Horan's equipment building idea. Staley agreed that he would
also like to find a way to use the grant money. The discussion
continued,with Members stating their desire to find a way to use
this grant money. Tharp suggested that if they don't have a
concept by mid-year,they should probably return the grant. The
discussion turned to needing to know exactly what they can get for
a match, dollar-wise,so that they can decide what they want to
plan for.
ix. FY2010 Federal Airport Improvement Program Application—
Hughes stated that the AIP has to be submitted by December 12th
to the State,and then it goes to the FAA. Farris asked if there were
any big changes, and Hughes stated there were not. Horan asked
about timeframes,and Hughes stated that they have to be ready for
bids the end of March,which would mean construction could end
approximately the first of August. During the time that the
intersection work is done,Hughes stated that the airfield would
most likely be closed. Rettig asked how long this might last.
Hughes stated that they would have several alternatives,but that
two weeks could be a very real possibility for the intersection to be
closed. Members briefly discussed how they would handle a
closure such as this. Horan talked about having an expedited
construction schedule on this project.
f. Airport"Operations"; Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; Management—
Farris noted that he added the one item to the agenda on increasing the
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Operations Specialist's hours from .6 to .75 FTE. He stated that he brought
this up to see if the Members would be open to changing this now, as Jerry
will be retiring at the end of the month,and more tasks will fall on Tharp.
Horan asked if Jerry's position is going to be filled. Farris noted that that is
something they need to discuss. It was noted that the position would start at
Step 1, and that Jerry is at Step 6 as he retires. The discussion continued with
Members reviewing the current set up and what they might want to go to in
the future. The discussion then turned to how they plan to handle this
season's snowplowing,and the use of temporary employees. It was suggested
that they check into the Streets department helping with this. Rettig noted that
she agrees that the Operations Specialist should go to .75. She asked how
long they have known of Jerry's leaving, and questioned why they hadn't
planned for his departure better. Farris stated that they can do that, and it was
suggested they get a job description written up on what Jerry does. Hartwig
suggested they check with the FBO and get their input, as well. Farris noted
that they need to look at all of the maintenance tasks that Jerry performs.
i. Change the Operations Specialist position from .6 FTE to .75 FTE
—Rettig moved to recommend changing the Operations
Specialist position from .6 FTE to .75 FTE, making the position
exempt, effective first pay period after Council approval;
seconded by Horan. Carried 5-0.
The discussion then turned back to what the Members want to do about
Jerry's position. Rettig added that she believes they need to look at immediate
needs, such as snow removal, and then decide what they want to do. Farris
agreed, stating that they need to check several possible avenues, such as what
kind of help JetAir can offer. There will be an agenda item on this issue for
the next meeting.
The discussion then turned to the budget. Rettig asked about the carry-over
from last fiscal year for contracted improvements. Tharp stated that he would
check with Accounting on this.
g. Engineering Consultant Selection—Tharp stated that they had six submittals.
The subcommittee met and selected their top three picks—AECOM, McClure
Engineering, and Foth. Tharp continued, stating that now they need to have
the three consultants do final presentations before the Commission and have
the Commission select the finalist. Rettig noted that she was contacted by one
of the applicants, and that she forwarded the email to Dulek. She added that
she turned down the opportunity to meet with them. Staley noted that he was
also contacted. He stated that he believes that if he met with one he would
have to meet with all of the applicants, so he declined. Presentations will take
place at the November 20 meeting.
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h. FBO Staff Report—Phillip Woolford stated that they have seen an increase in
heavier airplanes now that the runway is open. This has led to an increase in
fuel sales. It was noted that a 19-passenger jet is expected tomorrow. Toby
Myers was introduced to the Commission. He is in charge of the air medical
operations.
i. Subcommittees' Reports—Farris noted that the concrete has been laid in the
viewing area. Hartwig stated that he has people working on estimates for the
viewing structure. Farris also noted that the Friends of Iowa City Airport has
some funds to donate.
j. Commission Members' Reports—Horan stated that he took a plane ride
earlier this week, and he noted that a fire truck with an extension ladder was
out doing practices and that maybe they should have had a flag on the ladder.
He also noted that he attended the ITC open house today. Rettig noted that
she is glad the elections are over. Hartwig stated that at the ribbon cutting he
felt they slighted a couple of people—Hughes' company and also Jet Air, for
their patience in all the changes. Staley complimented Horan for the displays
that he put up the day of the ribbon cutting.
k. Staff Report—Tharp noted the addition of bright blue reflectors on the new
runway, stating that he would like to replace the old ones around the Airport.
He stated that they might be able to tie this in with the other grant. This will
be about a$2,000 project, according to Tharp. Rettig brought up the signs
that need to be replaced on the runway, adding that they could tie this in with
the reflector project.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: December 11,2008 at 5:45 P.M. Reminder
that there is a special meeting on November 20, 2008.
ADJOURN: Rettig moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 P.M.,seconded by Koran.
Carried 5-0.
C ERSON AT
Iowa City Airport Commission
November 13,2008
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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 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.)
TER1YL. 8/14 9/11 10/1 10/9 10/30 11/13 11/20 12/11
EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 O/E X X X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X
Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X X X O/E X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X O/E X X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
= Not a Member