HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-07-2007 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
June 7,2007
Iowa City Airport Terminal—5:45 PM
Members Present: Howard Horan, Chair(arrived at 6:04 PM);Randy Hartwig; John
Staley(arrived at 5:50 PM); Janelle Rettig, Greg Farris
Staff Present: Sue Dulek,Michael Tharp
Others Present: Phillip Woolford
DETERMINE QUORUM:
The meeting was called to order at 5:46 P.M.by Rettig.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE MAY 10 AND MAY 15,2007
MEETINGS:
There were no changes/additions/corrections to the minutes of the May 10 and May 15,
2007 meetings. Farris moved to accept the May 10 and May 15,2007 meeting
minutes as presented; seconded by Hartwig. Carried 3-0; Horan and Staley absent.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A) Aviation Commerce Park—It was noted that Lot 5 is now sold,and that
the loan on Commerce Park has now dropped from$2.2 million to$1.38
million. Tharp noted that there has been increased interest lately,
especially on Lot 6.
B) Acrobatic Flight Training Operations—Woolford commented that the
representatives weren't able to make the meeting and would like to have a
discussion at next month's meeting. Hartwig asked if they would be
operating under Jet Air,to which Woolford responded no. Currently this
operation is renting one hangar from Jet Air. This prompted a discussion
about commercial rental fees. Hartwig stated that he feels they need to
look at this issue thither. Rettig stated that she feels there are several
issues to address here—one being minimum standards for flight schools,
secondary schools; secondly,a commercial agreement for doing business
on the airfield;and thirdly,the issue of space.
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This led Members to discuss their feelings regarding commercial usages
on Airport property. Dulek gave the Members some clarification on this
issue. Rettig noted that in order to have this on the July 19th agenda,they
will first need the minimum standards,as well as some thought about
commercial operators at the Airport. She added that they also need to look
at space needs. The discussion continued,with Members sharing their
thoughts on how they may want to handle commercial ventures at the
Airport. Rettig reiterated that they will gather as much information as
possible before the July meeting.
C) FAA/IDOT Projects—Earth Tech—David Hughes—Tharp noted that
Hughes was not present this evening due to the inclement weather. Tharp
stated that the Members should all have a copy of Hughes' email.
I) Runway 7/25 —Tharp stated that plans have been submitted to
the FAA, and that there is some language work to be done yet.
He further stated that the bidding specs,with some recent
legislative changes,will have some modifications. Dulek
noted that Hughes will want the Commission to set a public
hearing in the near future regarding this.
II) South Aviation Development Study—Tharp stated that he does
not have any new information on this.
III) South Taxilane Rehab—Tharp stated that this has started,
although due to the frequent rainy weather,progress has been
slow. Tharp gave the Members a brief rundown of the planned
schedule on this project.
IV) Hangar A Rehab—Tharp noted that the floors are done being
installed,with just a couple of days left for the sealants to take
effect. Once this occurs,the project will be done.
V) Hangar A&B Doors—The measurements have been made,
and locks will be installed first. Tharp stated that he looks for
this to occur around the end of the month. After this they will
start distributing keys for the new locks.
VI) Terminal Apron Rehab—The last time Tharp talked to Hughes
on this, it was being looked at for an August project. Tharp
stated that they do have the money to proceed with this project,
but would like to wait until other projects are completed before
they tear up any more Airport areas.
VII) Obstruction Mitigation—Tharp stated that he is not sure where
this project is at currently. Horan passed along some of the
paperwork associated with this project,and Members briefly
discussed the number of trees that would be removed. Dulek
stated that two trees are not on City property.
VIII) 405 Approach Surveys—Tharp noted that these surveys are
still back and forth with the FAA,but he has not heard
anything further at this time.
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D) Airport Viewing Area—Farris stated that he has been looking into types of
shelters—hexagon or octagon—that would go in the northwest corner of
the viewing area. He recently spoke with Terry Trueblood of the City,
who gave him some information regarding shelters,trash receptacles, and
benches. Farris then responded to Members' questions regarding this
project. This led to a discussion regarding the extension of sidewalks into
this area, as well as the various concrete needs that they will have. The
Members next discussed the types of shelters—arch beam construction
versus a pole,post and beam,type of structure. Farris gave several
examples of shelters,responding to Members' questions regarding cost.
Rettig suggested they compose a letter,laying out the shelter concept that
they decide on, and do a"call for funds"on this. She also suggested the
idea of having people sponsor a bench. Everyone agreed that they would
like to have this shelter done by the end of summer, at the latest. (TAPE
ENDS) Rettig stated that she feels that Farris and Tharp can decide on a
shelter, and perhaps have another Member look it over,but that she would
like for them to proceed.
E) T-Hangar Contracts and Rates—Tharp asked the Commission what
information he can get for them, in order for them to decide how they
want to proceed with this. He noted that last year he did a survey of area
airports in order to see what they charge. Tharp stated that he would like
to have this discussed at the July meeting, and then finalized at the August
meeting,in order to get the new contracts prepared. Rettig stated that they
could look at the square footage of each specific hangar, along with the
amenities that each offers,and come up with a formula for rates. The
discussion turned to the electricity issue, and how they may want to
address this. Rettig stated that she made some calls regarding storage
units and pricing for these types of places, as many of the hangars are
being used for more than storing airplanes. Rettig stated that she looked at
several hangars today, and they each had several cars being stored in them.
Hartwig agreed, stating that they have stated it before that hangars are not
to be used for storing anything other than aircraft. Staley noted that there
are 64 T-hangars, and suggested that they charge$1 to$3 per month for
electricity on each of these hangars in order to cover the electricity bill.
Rettig noted that there are 59 T-hangars that this would encompass. Tharp
stated that he will email an article regarding the FAA's stand on this,that
T-hangars are for storing aircraft only.
F) Airport"Operations": Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; and Airport
Management—Horan noted that he spoke with Hughes today about the
Willow Creek study, and that it should be done by the first part of July.
They will then need to set a planning meeting. Rettig stated that she had a
question regarding the sale of the lot,and Tharp explained what was
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happening with this line item. Rettig stated that she also asked Tharp a
question regarding"Estimated Revenue." Rettig went on to state that as
of July PI they will have $20,000 available to start the first phase of the
parking lot rehab, and also$10,000 for fencing. She stated that if they
would like to get these projects done yet this building season,they will
need to give Tharp direction on moving forward with these items.
Hartwig stated that he feels they should prioritize some of these,and
perhaps be able to save money by combining some of the efforts with City
projects. Rettig and Hartwig both agreed that curb appeal should be
considered, as well. Rettig then brought up the pond that is located by
Wal-Mart,and stated that she asked Tharp to look into this situation. She
wondered if this isn't supposed to drain,but instead,noted that it is always
filled with water. She noted this in regard to wildlife problems at the
Airport.
G) FBO Staff Report—Woolford noted that they are having an open house on
Saturday, June 23r1 where they will have their charter aircraft on display.
(unable to hear speaker clearly) Rettig noted the number of helicopters
landing at the Airport during the Arts Fest, and asked Woolford how many
call-outs they can get in a day.
H) Subcommittees' Reports—Tharp noted that he,Rettig,and Tom Schnell,
as well as Tom's boss,all met to discuss the expansion plans. He stated
that it gave them a better idea of what they would like to do,and Tharp
was able to meet some of the U of I staff that will be involved in this
project. Once Tharp receives a draft of the agreement,he stated that he
will forward this to Dulek for review. Hartwig stated that they should
share these plans with the City Manager,in order to let the City know
what the U of I is planning to do at the Airport. (TAPE ENDS)
I) Commission Members' Reports—Horan noted that he watched some of
the grading work yesterday,and that he spoke briefly with the Earth Tech
supervisor on site. He stated that he also spoke briefly with the Assistant
Manager at the Hertz office. He asked if anyone had heard anything about
the number of cars that Hertz has on site. Tharp noted that he had not
heard any negative comments regarding this. Rettig noted that Karin
Franklin will be retiring in approximately sixteen days,and that Steve
Atkins will be retiring August 1l. She suggested sending letters to each of
them,congratulating them on their retirements,as well as thanking them
for their service. She also noted that she took a tour of the Airport with
Tharp today. Rettig also noted that there is a meeting tomorrow with
Congressman Loebsack at 3:00 PM. Hartwig followed up by thanking
Greg Zimmerman for the May fly-in,and shared some pictures with
Members. He also passed along his congratulations to Karin Franklin and
Steve Atkins on their upcoming retirements. Hartwig also noted that Dan
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Clay,who previously served on the Airport Commission,has taken a job
in Alabama. Farris stated that he had the opportunity to fly the simulator
plane, as did Hartwig.
J) Staff Report—Tharp noted that on Monday he met with several others for
a Town Hall meeting regarding aviation matters with some upcoming
bills. Dulek noted that with respect to Karin Franklin's upcoming
retirement, she will let the Members know the date and time for Karin's
reception.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
July 19, 2007, at 5:45 P.M.
ADJOURN:
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 P.M.
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CHAIRPERSON DATE
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
(Meeting Date)
TERM 1/11 2/8 3/8 3/28 4/12 5/10 5/15 6/7 7/19
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X O/E X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 O/E X X O/E X X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X O/E X
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X X X X X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
— = Not a Member
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