HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-08-2007 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
February 8,2007
Iowa City Airport Terminal—5:45 PM
Members Present: Randy Hartwig, Chair; John Staley; Janelle Rettig; Howard Horan,
Greg Farris
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp, Karin Franklin
Others Present: David Hughes, Earth Tech; Jay Honeck; Harrel Timmons and
Phillip Wolford,Jet Air; Harry Wolf, Iowa Realty; Dan Yeager
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Hartwig called the meeting to order at 5:46 PM.
Chairperson Hartwig then stated that he would like to move Item 4.A. to the top of the
agenda as Karin Franklin from the City is present to discuss some of the issues raised at
the previous meeting.
A. Aviation Commerce Park—Karin Franklin gave Members a handout from
the Zoning Code,to help explain the covenant questions that were raised by
the Commission. Hartwig asked what would happen if they did remove any
of the existing covenants, and Franklin stated that the zoning laws in force
there are what is important. Franklin addressed the question that was raised
regarding outdoor storage, stating that in the new zoning code, outdoor
storage is allowed; however, this storage must be screened and she went on to
explain what the zoning code implies. She stated that the Commission needs
to decide how they want to handle this type of situation. Franklin then
responded to Members' questions regarding the covenant restrictions versus
zoning restrictions.
Jay Honeck addressed the Commission about his plans for this area, stating
that if they allow outdoor storage on the adjacent lot, it won't fit in with their
plans for expanding the Alexis Park hotel and building a restaurant in this
area. Franklin suggested that Honeck attend next week's Zoning Board
meetings regarding the land use for this area—both Monday and Thursday
evenings—to let his concerns be heard. Franklin then addressed various
questions from Members, in regards to screening issues, zoning issues, and
how they wish to proceed. Harry Wolf responded to Members' questions
regarding the purchase agreements currently under review. Rettig discussed
the possibility of a recommendation to remove the covenants on this land and
go with the zoning codes in place,with the exclusion of Lot 5.
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February 8,2007
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Hartwig stated that he agrees with this, as well, and questioned if having these
stricter covenants is a hindrance to selling. The issue of the School District
use was addressed briefly by Franklin, stating that the City is looking into this
internally, and that the District will most likely have a year to find a new place
for this storage. Rettig asked if they could table the discussion on covenants,
pending the sale of Lot 5, since they have not yet been"officially"asked to
remove the covenants. Wolf stated that the Lot 5 buyers are aware of these
covenants.
Franklin stated that the issue for the Airport Commission is to remember why
they originally put these covenants in place and to decide if this is still
relevant. Horan stated that he would be comfortable letting the covenants go
and letting the CI-1 zoning stand. The discussion continued with Wolf giving
his opinions on the land use and subsequent zoning. (TAPE ENDS) Rettig
made the motion that Lots 1, 2, 3,4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and
17 have the covenants removed from them, and maintain the covenant on Lot
5, stating that this would make them a"good neighbor"to the surrounding
neighbors. No second was heard; motion died for lack of a second. The
discussion continued,with Franklin responding to Members' concerns. Tharp
stated that he is concerned about the view from the air, as well, and that he
feels there was a reason for the initial covenants. Members continued to ask
Franklin questions on zoning issues,with Wolf reading from zoning
ordinances in question. Hartwig asked if Members were ready to decide on
this issue or if they wanted more time to consider it. The general consensus
by the Airport Commission Members was to review this before a final
decision is made on either keeping or removing the covenants in place, and
specifically on what lots. Wolf ended the discussion by telling the
Commission that the level of interest in this land is higher than it has been,
most likely due to increased activity in the area.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 11,2007,MEETING:
Hartwig asked if anyone had any corrections, changes, and/or additions to the minutes.
Horan moved to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Rettig. Carried 4-0,Farris
abstaining.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Aviation Commerce Park—see above.
B. FAA/IDOT Projects—Earth Tech—David Hughes
a. Runway 7/25—Hughes stated they are hoping to get construction
underway again in the spring. The engineering agreement for the
paving should be finished up in the next few weeks with the City.
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February 8, 2007
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b. South Aviation Development Study—Hughes stated they do have the
approval from the FAA on the forecast. They've gone back and
revised the forecast slightly, in order to address some of the concerns
that were raised regarding the initial waiting list of aircraft for hangar
space, and the 20-year planning period. Hughes stated this would be
covered when they prepare a 40-year plan in order to address the
FAA's concerns. Hughes further stated that as he gets this drafted,he
will seek the Members' opinions on this.
c. South Taxilane Rehab—Hughes stated that they have done all of the
field work on this project and have started development of plans. He
is waiting for some items back from Geo Tech to see what they found
in the core samples. They are planning to bid this in the early spring.
d. Hangar A Rehab—Hughes stated that he would recommend they bid
the floors under the bid laws that are going to be close to the dollar
limit. Along with this,they did get approval from the State to spend
money for door replacements in Hangar B. Due to the dollar limit on
this,Hughes stated he would like to go through the quote process on
this, combining the doors for A and B in the quote process.
e. Terminal Apron Rehab—Hughes reports that that they haven't done
much on this project, other than the Geo Tech in the field. Dulek
addressed the Hagen parcel and what the holdup there is with a sign
issue.
f. Obstruction Mitigation—Hughes stated that they have a couple
proposals from Mid American Energy on how they want to go about
relocating their line. He stated they are also starting their initial
review in the field on what obstructions they have. (TAPE ENDS)
Rettig asked for clarification on the amount spent thus far on
obstruction mitigation. Hughes explained what this amount includes,
stating that he can give the Members a breakdown on this.
g. 405 Approach Surveys—Hughes noted that this is just a review
process with the National USGS for conformity, stating that"405" is
an FAA-named survey.
C. FY2008 State Airport Improvement Program and General Aviation
Vertical Infrastructure Grant Application—Tharp discussed this process
with the Members, stating that everyone has a copy of the letter from the State
regarding the grant application. He stated that the Commission needs to
discuss any potential projects, such as the fuel pump issue and possibly a
fueling station,that they would like to put on this grant application. He also
suggested adding pavement improvements to this application, as well. A
discussion ensued with Members talking about the most needed projects, and
which funding would cover which projects. Rettig agreed that they should
replace the fuel pump and add a jet fueling station, as well as perform major
pavement upgrades. Timmons spoke to the Members about what size of jet
would use this self-fueling area, and also helicopter use. Timmons also
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February 8, 2007
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responded to Members' questions regarding typical usage at the Airport.
Hartwig agreed that they need to identify what their needs are, and asked the
Commission to let Tharp know of anything they want considered. Tharp
reiterated the deadline for this grant application.
D. Airport"Operations"; Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; and
Airport Management—Hartwig noted that the Iowa City Aerohawks
recently had a swap meet in conjunction with Jet Air,noting that several
Members were present, as well. Tharp noted that he, Horan and Rettig met
with County Supervisors Sally Stutsman and Rod Sullivan, City Council
member Dee Vanderhoef, and Iowa City Economic Development Coordinator
Wendy Ford, followed by a tour of the facilities. Rettig asked if Tharp would
check with the City on a bike rack, as she noted there is a bike outside the
Airport at this evening's meeting. Tharp will let the Commission know.
Rettig then questioned a line item on broom replacement, stating that she got
some clarification on this. Staley asked for a clarification on a"welding"
charge. Rettig asked about the Airport Management agreement term.
Hartwig then noted that he, Tharp, and Rettig appeared at a City Council
budget meeting recently, stating that Rettig went over the budget numbers for
the Airport with the Council. Discussion continued regarding the Council's
support for selling the Airport land for development and the various CIP
projects.
E. FBO Staff Report—Harrel Timmons with Jet Air spoke to the Commission
regarding the fuel pump issue. He gave the Commission a brief history of the
company that makes this style of pump, stating that recently he had received
information regarding an upgrade for this pump. He stated that Phillip
Wolford convinced them to give the Airport an extension to February 28, as
this offer was to expire in January, and he passed around this information for
the Members to read. He stated that Jet Air would propose going ahead with
locking in this upgraded pump at the lower price of$4,995 and that they could
then work out some kind of deal in paying them back, in order to have a
$2,000 savings. Timmons added that in addition to the pump price there
would be approximately a$1,000 installation fee that could possibly come out
of Maintenance. He gave the Members further detail of this upgraded pump,
responding to their questions. Hartwig stated that the Commission would
have to look into an arrangement like this further, and he asked Tharp to put
some numbers together on a trade-off type deal if Jet Air would purchase this
pump. Staley motioned that they authorize the Chairperson to finalize this
deal after numbers are come up with. No second was heard; motion dies.
Rettig noted that she feels they would be able to get the grant they discussed
earlier to pay for this and that they should continue with that plan, although it
is unfortunate that the price is going up so soon. Timmons stated that a big
concern is the fact that this pump is no longer being made, and that the
company will no longer service it; therefore, it is crucial to replace it as soon
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February 8, 2007
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as possible, before something major occurs. Another issue that Timmons
brought up concerned a new quote on the jet fueling with putting the pump by
the corner of the ramp. There are several items that need to be addressed, and
were found during the estimate process. A brief discussion ensued, with Jet
Air giving their concerns about this. Timmons then brought the project total
to the Commission's attention, stating that they have had quotes as high as
$88,769. Phillip Wolford then explained what the project would entail.
Timmons added a comment about their Chief Pilot at Jet Air who died in a
crash recently, stating that he was flying an old airplane when he crashed.
F. Subcommittee Reports—Tharp noted that in the Members' packets there
is a small questionnaire in regards to the newsletter. He stated that he will
start doing a"spotlight" section in the next newsletter based on the Members'
feedback on these. Rettig asked if they couldn't"spotlight"tenants, instead of
Commission Members. (TAPE ENDS) Farris stated that he has been
working on the viewing area plans. Rettig brought up an Iowa Arts' grant and
the possibility of putting a piece of public art in the viewing area.
COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS: Hartwig noted his condolences to Blane
Anderson's family, noting that he had flown with Blane several times in the past. Staley
noted that Tharp has a card for the Commission Members to sign for the Anderson family
and a brief discussion ensued regarding a contribution in Blane's name. Horan thanked
Rettig for her recent presentation/tour. Rettig noted that Wendy Ford with the City's
economic development would like some input on what type of businesses might be
interested in the development of the Airport land. Rettig also noted that she will need an
"excused absence"in July as she recently won a large poker tournament and will be in
Las Vegas when the July meeting is scheduled.
STAFF REPORT: None.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR MARCH 8,2007,AT 5:45 P.M.
ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 8:02 P.M.
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Chairperson Date
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February 8,2007
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
(Meeting Date)
TERM 1/11 2/8
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X
Greg Farris 3/1/07 O/E X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
0/E= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
= Not a Member