HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09-2007 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes 1I
MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
August 9,2007
Iowa City Airport Terminal—7:00 PM
Members Present: Howard Horan, Chair; Randy Hartwig;John Staley(arrived at 7:05
PM); Greg Farris; Janelle Rettig
Staff Present: Sue Dulek,Michael Tharp
Others Present: Jay Honeck, Steve Eaton,Philip Wolford,Justin Fishbaughh,Harry
Hinkley
DETERMINE QUORUM:
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 P.M.by Horan.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE JULY 19 AND AUGUST 1,2007
MEETINGS:
There were no changes/additions/corrections to the above noted minutes. Hartwig
moved to accept the July 19 and August 1,2007,meeting minutes as presented;
seconded by Farris. Carried 3-0; Rettig abstaining and Staley absent.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A) Aviation Commerce Park—Horan noted that Harry Wolf from Iowa
Realty was not present at this evening's meeting. He did state that there
are some"changes in the wind,"and that Members should be ready for
short-notice meetings. Tharp responded to Members' questions about
some upcoming projects.
B) Land Lease with West Side Auto—Tharp noted that Dulek prepared a
background memo on this item. Dulek stated that Jim Druesicke
contacted her,and that he would like to enter into a 10 year lease and so a
public hearing is requested. She said that she told Druesicke that he
should attend the September meeting to discuss the lease provisions with
the Members.
I) Consider Resolution#A07-19,setting a public hearing
regarding intent to enter lease agreement—Rettig moved to
set the public hearing for September 13, 5:45PM, seconded by Farris.
Motion carried 5-0.
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C) University of Iowa/Operator Performance Labs
I) Consider a resolution approving letter of intent(deferred from
7/19/07)—Tharp reported that they had hoped to have an
agreement ready for this month's meeting,but unfortunately
they have not worked things out yet. He briefly explained
some of the outstanding matters. One of the options that he
mentioned is having a private company secure the 20-year
lease,and they in turn would sub-lease to the University. This
item is deferred to the September 13, 2007 meeting.
D) FAA/IDOT Projects—Earth Tech—Steve Eaton
I) Runway 7/25—Eaton noted that David Hughes is at a conference
currently.
Eaton stated that they took bids on this project last week, and he
noted that everyone has a copy of the recommendation letter that
they have prepared,as well as the bid tab. He noted that there were
six bids, and all were below the estimate. He then explained to the
Members how they came up with the recommended contractor,
Metro Pavers. Dulek noted that she spoke with the FAA on this
project,regarding the bidders' "good faith"efforts and the DBE
goals. Dulek also spoke with Hughes about Metro's DBE efforts.
Dulek added that the DBE is a goal,and not an absolute number, and
that the federal regulations provide that the Members must make a
reasonable judgment that the bidder made good faith efforts. Eaton
also stated that Metro will be providing at least 30%of the work
itself.
Consider Resolution#A07-20,awarding contract for
paving/lighting project—Staley moved to award contract to Metro
Pavers on the paving/lighting project, seconded by Hartwig. Motion
carried 5-0. Eaton next spoke to the Members regarding the FAA
and upcoming grant monies that should become available. He
suggested that once these monies are released,the Commission
should act quickly to secure these. He further noted that this grant is
subject to Congressional release. Rettig asked for some clarification
on the runway grading.
II) South Aviation Development Study—Eaton noted that they did a
project for Willow Creek,and this is currently at the City Engineer's
office. One of the issues on this is the cost of enclosing and doing the
work needed on Willow Creek. Eaton further noted that the Willow
Creek study needs to be incorporated into the final South Aviation
Development Study as the two need to be blended together.
III) South Taxilane Rehab—Eaton noted that they still have some issues
on this. Some corrections have been made, but there is still some work
to be completed. The contractor has been fairly agreeable to getting
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these items completed,but Eaton stated there are still some drainage
issues with ponding of water.
IV) Hangar A Rehab—Consider Resolution#A07-21 accepting work
for Hangar A Floors—Eaton stated there were some door issues,but
the contractor took care of this. He asked that the Commission
consider the resolution for this. Tharp stated that he has no concerns at
this time with accepting this work. Farris moved to accept the
resolution for Hangar A floors, seconded by Rettig. Motion carried 5-
0.
V) Hangar A&B Doors—Eaton stated they are still waiting for the doors
to be delivered. Tharp then stated that he received a call from Rick
and the doors are in,but the locks have still not arrived. Liberty Doors
is the company for this project.
VI) Terminal Apron Rehab—Eaton stated that this is set for a Monday
meeting to approve specs,etc. He further stated that if they get bids
similar to the paving project bids,they should have another good bid
to work with. Hartwig asked for a timeline on this,and Eaton stated it
would be immediate. Dulek noted that the public hearing has been set
for Monday,August 13,to address this item.
VII) Obstruction Mitigation—Eaton noted there have been no changes. He
further stated that this project is on a long list of projects to be
reviewed, and they will continue to push on this to help it along.
Horan asked if Eaton would show the Members what lines need to be
moved. Eaton pointed out the specific changes on the map, and
responded to Members' questions regarding this.
VIII) 405 Approach Surveys—Eaton stated that they received word this
week from the FAA that the survey is in the works now.
Eaton further noted that at the last meeting the Commission approved
an agreement for a State grant for the self-service fuel system, and that
Earth Tech is trying to get this moving quickly.
Staley spoke to the Members briefly regarding the University of Iowa
lease(Item C),noting that it's not always easy to do leases within the
University system,and the longer the term of the lease,the more
complicated it gets. He stated that something as simple as construction
this calendar year could stop it on the University end. He further noted
that the use of a third party is often the norm for University dealings of
this sort.
E) T-Hangar Contracts and Rates—(Farris and Hartwig recused themselves due to a
conflict of interest) Tharp reviewed what the Commission had done to date on this
issue, and stated that his recommendation is for an inflationary increase. He
reviewed the three options,A,B and C,explaining each. Staley noted that he
agrees with Tharp's proposal and brought up the electrical rate issue that was
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previously discussed. Tharp stated that this is in the rate increase. Horan stated
that he feels A, B and C are steep. Tharp commented that while he felt they were
high an inflationary adjustment should be reflected with all the hangars. Horan
suggested$139 vs$149. Rettig noted that they have not been adjusted for several
years, and she feels all leases should keep up with inflation,unless there is a good
reason not to. She stated that she feels Tharp has a good proposal,as well. Tharp
responded to Members' questions regarding income on the T-hangar leases, and
stated that he feels comfortable with what they have. The Members continued to
discuss the suggested rates,and the reasons for the differences in hangars. The
new price for A would be$137; B and C would be$149. Horan then suggested
$144 versus the$149. Tharp gave the Members specific figures on the various
amounts suggested. Rettig stated that she feels they need to generate income from
the Airport facilities,and that she feels they need to keep up with inflation,unless
there is a compelling reason not to do this. (TAPE ENDS) Members continued
discussing their feelings on the rate increase,with some Members stating that they
feel too big of an increase would be detrimental. Rettig again stated that she feels
they need to keep up with inflation,and they need to be able to keep the facilities
in good shape. Staley asked Tharp for an assessment of the$144 rate on B and C,
and if this covers their expenses. The discussion then turned to whether or not
wording needs to be added to the leases regarding no alcohol on City property.
Tharp suggested they keep this in mind for next year's leases if a problem is
encountered over the year. Tharp responded to Hinkley's comments regarding
his hangar. Rettig noted that the Commission has not received anything in writing
regarding this. Hinkley continued to question the Commission regarding the lease
costs. Rettig then spoke to Horan's proposal, giving some background on the
financial status of the Airport and where they need to be in the future,noting that
they may not be so fortunate in the future with the funding they have received.
She strongly feels they need to generate at least the rate of inflation on their
facilities. The discussion turned to what other Airports charge for monthly hangar
leases. Tharp explained to the Members how the Iowa City Airport compares to
other airports, and he explained the various amenities that some airports do not
offer that the Iowa City Airport does offer. The discussion then turned to the
issue of people storing vehicles and other items in hangars,which,Rettig pointed
out, is against FAA rules and regulations. She feels they should address this
issue. Staley then turned the discussion to the operating budget for the Airport.
With projected revenues of$364,499,he stated that this is just shy of the
expenses. Out of that amount, $112,000 comes from the City. The Airport then
has to make$252,499 in revenue to cover this. The biggest chunk of this,he
stated,comes from land and building rentals. He asked what other options they
have for increasing revenue. Horan moved to accept the rate structure as
proposed,with the change to A-$137,and B and C -$144 per month,
seconded by Staley. Motion carried 2-1;Rettig voting against,and Farris and
Hartwig abstained due to conflict of interest. Rettig noted that she will expect the
provisions of the lease to be followed to the letter, and an annual inspection will
be done with all provisions of the lease being followed,regarding illegal storage
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of materials on the airfield. Staley suggested they follow up on a specific hangar
where rent was reduced about five years ago and see if this hangar is now paying
what they should.
F) Airport"Operations": Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; and Airport
Management—Staley asked for clarification on"royalties and commissions" in
the income section. Rettig asked about"consultant services"charges. Tharp
responded to Members' questions,with Dulek adding information as well. Rettig
then asked about"refuse collection"charges, an unbudgeted item. Tharp
explained that they have new contracts on refuse pickup, and are starting
recycling at the Airport. Rettig then asked about"repair of building and
maintenance"for$1300, and"repair of structure" for$75. Tharp noted that this
is the maintenance contract with the cleaning company($1300),and the$75 is for
elevator inspection. Rettig then asked about the fence and parking lot projects, as
well as the viewing area and office furniture replacement. Tharp responded,
giving the Members a quick rundown on where he is with these various projects.
Rettig stated that she would like to see projects started immediately when they
have the funds available. Tharp noted that the plans have been submitted on the
viewing area,and once approved,they can order the items for this area. (TAPE
ENDS) Farris talked about the plans to run power to the viewing area, and
various other items they need to complete. Horan noted that Tharp is up for his
annual evaluation with the City, and he asked Tharp to speak to the Members on
this. Tharp explained to the Members that his position is considered 60%,but that
he has been working at least 75%the past several weeks. He would like to have
his job upgraded to reflect this. He then asked if he could do maintenance work
for the remaining 25%and have a full-time position with the Airport. Rettig
noted that they do not have a maintenance position open,and that she would
imagine they couldn't come up with a position like that. She stated they need to
check with the City to see how they could change this position from .60 to .75.
The discussion continued,with Members talking about the evaluation process.
Horan suggested a sub-committee work on this. Horan stated that he will email
the form that he received from Human Resources to each of the Commission
Members, and they can each write out their own review. Dulek noted they should
speak with Sylvia in HR on these matters. Horan asked for volunteers for a sub-
committee—Hartwig stated that he would be glad to help.
G) FBO Staff Report—Rettig asked why the soda machine has to be unplugged
downstairs when someone makes popcorn,noting that this seems to be a hazard.
Members stated that the breaker trips if they don't unplug the soda machine.
Rettig suggested they check on this, and find out why this is happening. Tharp
stated that more wire needs to be run. Hartwig stated that it might be time to sit
down with Jet Air to discuss some of the security plan issues. Hartwig
commented that it would be good to review procedures prior to the new football
season. Horan then went to find Wolford so he could speak to this. The
discussion then turned to the Sertoma Breakfast. Woolford gave the commission
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an update on what would be going on that day. Rettig asked about the runway
closure plans with regards to weather. Tharp responded to these questions. Rettig
thanked Sertoma for their efforts, and for using the Airport for their event.
H) Subcommittees' Reports—Rettig pointed out that last year,they met with Deb
Mansfield on August 22°d regarding the budget. She then stated that she thinks
they're about two weeks away from the budget process getting started. Tharp
stated that he could let the sub-committee members know when the information is
available.
I) Commission Members' Reports—Hartwig noted that the airplane being given
away by AOPA was at the Airport on Sunday. He stated that Tharp put up a
memo from the Iowa DOT on a toll-free number for flight service problems.
Farris stated that he feels the Airport has had some good press lately, and he said
that a pilot from California was in the area and that he commented on all of the
"youngsters"at the Airport and the activity that is happening in the area. Horan
then stated that he feels that he and perhaps Rettig should have Dale Helling from
the City Manager's office to the Airport and bring him up to speed on the
projects. Rettig then noted that a candidate for City Council,who publicly
expressed that he does not see a need for the Airport,was emailed by her and
offered a tour of the Airport. She said that he has responded, and she plans to set
up a tour for him soon. Horan then reminded Members of the Monday, 8/13
meeting, and asked if they needed any further meetings before September. Rettig
stated that she feels they should not have all of these special meetings,that the
monthly meetings are where business should be addressed.
.1) Staff Report—None.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: A brief discussion ensued regarding meeting dates
and times. Rettig stated that she will have conflicts for quite some time with the 2"d Thursday. It
was noted that the public hearing has been set for the September 13,2007 meeting at 5:45 P.M.
so they will keep this date as planned.
ADJOURN:
Meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M.
- '7- /9-a
"ERSON 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 6/8 6/28 7/9 7/19
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X OXX X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 O/E X X O/E X X X X O/E X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X 0 X O/E O/E X X
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X X X X X X X O/E O/E
TERM 8/1 8/9 8/13 9/13
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 O/E X O/E
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 O/E X O/E
KEY: X = Present
0 = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
— = Not a Member