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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. 1 Airport Commission June 7,2007 Page 2 of 6 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. 2 Airport Commission June 7,2007 Page 3 of 6 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 3 Airport Commission June 7,2007 Page 4 of 6 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 4 Airport Commission June 7,2007 Page 5 of 6 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. ta71, -#4"-ta(a ?-23 -02 CHAIRPERSON DATE 5 Airport Commission June 7, 2007 Page 6 of 6 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 6