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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-11-2007 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES FINAL Iowa City Airport Commission October 11,2007 Iowa City Airport Terminal—5:45 PM Members Present: Howard Horan, Chair;Randy Hartwig; Greg Farris; Janelle Rettig, John Staley Staff Present: Sue Dulek,Michael Tharp Others Present: Jay Honeck, David Hughes, Phillip Woolford, John Yeomans, Terry Edmonds,Joe Merschman,Turk Regennitter DETERMINE QUORUM: The meeting was called to order at 5:45 P.M. by Horan. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM TILE SEPTEMBER 13 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 MEETINGS: Hartwig stated that on the September 24th minutes,page 2, about a quarter of the way down—it states"Screening for the dumpsters so they are not visible to taxing aircraft," should read"taxiing" aircraft. Rettig noted that on the September 13th minutes, she abstained from the vote for the approval of minutes from August 9 and 13 and September 5 meetings. Hartwig moved to accept the September 13 and 24,2007 minutes as amended; seconded by Farris. Motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: a. Aviation Commerce Park—Dulek noted that she did not contact those involved, and therefore, no one attended tonight's meeting. She will contact them prior to next month's meeting. b. Farmers National Company—John Yeomans was present to address the Commission regarding the farm ground at the Airport. He stated that since the last meeting he has been thinking about what he could do for the Airport property to improve the income, and possibly get more positive exposure for the Airport. With Yeomans were Joe Merschman and Turk Regennitter, who Airport Commission October 11, 2007 Page 2 of 9 gave a presentation to the Commission. Regennitter addressed the Commission, and stated that in talking to Yeomans they came up with some various ideas for the land. Merschman addressed the Commission next, giving the Members an overview of Merschman Seed Company and explaining the company's background and mission. Merschman stated that they are interested in 20 to 25 acres where they could showcase some of the new technology in seeds. He continued, stating that they could have their meetings in Iowa City,when farmers from other areas come to see what Merschman has to offer in new technologies. He also stated that aerial tours are a growing area, as well, for farmers to view their farmland from above. Regennitter and Merschman continued, giving the Members information on their company and their goals. They stressed the importance of getting the new technologies to the farmers in this area, and to be able to continue with research and development, such as the new Omega-3 soybeans. The discussion continued on the various emerging developments in the agricultural field, and how these affect consumers. Discussions continued,with Merschman showing the Members pictures of various field day setups that they have held in the past. He talked about the changes in the various seeds, and how they are aiding farmers in keeping pest problems under control. He then talked specifically about the south end of runway 36,where they would need an entrance put in, at their cost,so they could access this area of farmland without interruption to the runway or to the Airport. They would also be interested in being able to utilize a conference room,when needed, in order to meet with some of the farmers and others that would come to visit this site. Members then asked questions about the proposed farming arrangement, and Merschman and Regennitter responded. They further explained how the plots are"miniaturized"for this type of layout. Rettig then stated that she is taken off guard by tonight's presentation, as she was not prepared for this. She stated that she will have questions for Merschman and Regennitter,but needs time to review this. Hartwig stated that he is in favor of adding this topic to their upcoming agenda, so they can discuss it further. He added that it is very interesting, and that he is sure others would like to be a part of this discussion. Rettig added that she would like to see the Members funnel their questions to Tharp, and to have him then contact Merschman and Regennitter for more information. This would give the Commission time to see how this would fit into the overall plans for the Airport. Merschman and Regennitter reiterated that they are flexible in their plans,and that they would like very much to discuss this further with the Commission. c. Hangar#56—Terry Edmonds—Farris and Hartwig recused themselves, due to conflict of interest. Terry Edmonds was present to address the Commission. Horan noted that Terry's letter was part of their info packets for Airport Commission October 11, 2007 Page 3 of 9 this meeting. Rettig stated that hangar 56 is a"hangar,"and not a"garage." Edmonds noted that part of this hangar is not large enough for an aircraft though. Staley then asked what the FAA's rules are on this issue—having non-aircraft items in hangars. Horan explained that the Airport has a"fair market value obligation" in running the Airport,under the FAA regulations. He explained how he called around to see what area storage facilities charge for storing vehicles, in order to give the Airport a better understanding of this issue. It was stated that the FAA does not state that vehicles cannot be stored, but that the Airport has a"fair market value"obligation to charge accordingly. Rettig addressed Edmonds, asking if he was subleasing his space for the car storage, and noting that doing so would be a violation of his lease. Edmonds said that he did not think that he was subleasing because there is no written agreement with the car's owner,but that the car does not belong to him and the owner contributes to the hangar rent. Edmonds explained to the Commission that this portion of his hangar has an actual garage door on it, and not a hangar door. Staley asked for some clarification on this particular hangar. Edmonds reiterated that all he wants is a hangar space for his plane, but since this hangar is larger and costs more,he feels he should be able to use this space. Rettig stated that she is not in favor of storing cars in the hangars, that this is not a storage facility. She is not in favor of this, and feels that Edmonds has been in violation of his lease. Staley questioned why this hangar was built this way to begin with. Rettig said that if they are going to allow storage then they need to charge accordingly for storage. Horan stated that he does agree that this could foster storage problems,but that he goes back to his concept of the value of the storage space. Staley asked what the fairgrounds charge for wintertime storage. Edmonds suggested that they mark off the extra space in his hangar, and that he use just the hangar portion—and pay a lease accordingly. Rettig again noted that he signed a lease that said he could not sublease, and that he has been in violation of this. She feels they need to enforce the leases and the rules, and she feels this is wrong. Staley agreed with Edmonds, stating that they could put in a fence to block this area off, and then they could rent the T-hangar area at T-hangar rates, as was suggested by Edmonds. Staley asked Tharp what the rates are. It would be a difference from$304 to about$168 per month. Another option that was discussed, per Tharp,was a private hangar, shaped specifically for this type of aircraft. Rettig stated that she feels there could be liability issues if they don't put up a secure wall and entry on hangar#56. The discussion continued,with Staley asking if they would have any uses for this smaller portion, if it were to be walled in. Dulek stated that in regards to the liability issue, if Edmonds would agree to this arrangement,he could agree to take full responsibility for anything in this hangar space. Members then asked about other possible hangar space for Edmonds' aircraft. Staley asked that Tharp look into this, and to see what they can do to help Edmonds find hangar space. Staley and Horan both agreed that they feel the storage isn't an issue—the issue is the fair market value and what they need to charge. The discussion continued,with Airport Commission October 11,2007 Page 4 of 9 Members asking if there are other aircraft that would make better use of this particular hangar. Jay Honeck suggested the Commission consult an attorney who specializes in FAA matters. He stated that there is no enforcement of these types of things, that it is up to the Commission to decide if they want to allow storage or not. Staley asked Dulek if the Commission could state that they do allow this storage to happen. Dulek suggested adding the wording that he can maintain his current arrangement, until the issue is resolved. Tharp stated that they do need to decide if they will or will not allow storage in the hangar areas. Staley moved to lease Hangar#56 to Mr.Edmonds for$304 per month and that Edmonds request from the Airport Commission permission to sublease his space,but that Edmonds can keep the cars in the hangar until the November meeting at which the sublease issue will be discussed seconded by Horan. Carried 2-1; Rettig in the negative; Hartwig and Farris recused themselves due to conflict of interest. Rettig asked Tharp to pull names from the waiting list and to see who could possibly use this hangar space. d. FAA/IDOT Projects—Earth Tech—David Hughes i. Runway 7/25—The project is going well,per Hughes' report. He stated that they met with the contractor today, and he is planning to start placing concrete soon,depending on the weather. ii. South Aviation Development Study—no changes. Rettig asked for a copy of the draft report, and Hughes stated that he will get this for her iii. South Taxilane Rehab—no changes. . iv. Hangar A&B Doors—this is complete and adjustments have been made,per Hughes' report. He said they will need to make adjustments as the doors are used. 1. Consider a Resolution Accepting Hangar A&B Door as Complete—Consider Resolution#A07-29 accepting Hangar A&B Door—moved by Hartwig,seconded by Rettig. Motion carried 5-0. v. Jet A Fuel System/AvGas Upgrade—Hughes reported that they have received bids. The grant will be amended to offset the shortage, due to the higher than expected costs. vi. Terminal Apron Rehab—The contractor on this job hopes to start next week, again dependent on the weather, according to Hughes. vii. Obstruction Mitigation—Hughes noted that since the last discussion,they have discussed this with the FAA and they have received a new finding on the proposed light poles and are ready to move forward with Mid American's relocations. Hartwig asked about timelines, and asked how they impact the opening of the Airport Commission October 11, 2007 Page 5 of 9 runway extension. Hughes also mentioned the booklet,and stated that they are getting ready to get that to the printer. Horan asked about the United hangar, and when this project will begin. Hughes stated that it is an obstruction to the runway. Horan asked if they wouldn't need 60 days or so to bring this hangar to the ground. Hughes stated that they do need to finalize plans for the FAA's comments before they could begin. Hughes asked for some guidance on when the Members would like this done. Horan said they could time it around the lights,as the concrete will be in place before the lighting. Rettig asked if there was any storage space at the new Sand Lake facility that the City purchased recently. She added that it's a shame they have to tear down this hangar,but that they have no choice right now. e. Airport"Operations": Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; and Airport Management—Rettig asked about two overhead door repairs on the monthly budget. Tharp explained that they had two reports from the same building of doors not working correctly,and the repair was to replace frayed cables. Tharp further explained, with Rettig questioning why he proceeded with this repair without the Commission's approval. She noted that these are non- budgeted items. Farris stated that this brings up having a maintenance contract for these types of repairs. Staley noted that he sees frayed cables as a safety risk, and that it should be replaced immediately. Rettig asked for more clarification on this item,noting that Tharp authorized this for$2,500 and that this is in violation of a resolution giving Tharp such approval. The discussion continued,with Rettig continuing to question this. Dulek gave some insight to the discussion, stating that the issue is not a legal one,but perhaps a personnel issue. Hartwig noted that Rettig's point is well taken. Rettig stated that they must remember to get multiple bids, and that Tharp must follow the resolution as set forth on his spending limits. Members continued to discuss this particular issue,noting that often times it is impossible to get multiple bids. Rettig then brought up page 5,under Miscellaneous Computer Hardware,the camera, and that it should be moved to the correct line. Then on page 7, Rettig noted that this is another item where Tharp purchased something for more than the $2,000 allowed amount,noting that there are now two incidents of this happening. She added that getting a bike rack is not an emergency situation. i. Hangar G Roof Repair—Tharp stated that he failed to report this repair, as well, and that Stanley Overheads did the repairs, and they were the only bidder at the time. He stated that he and several Commission Members were witnesses to the leak and the need for immediate repair. The discussion continued,with Members giving their input. Rettig asked for a specific date on when Tharp was notified of the leak,in conjunction with their meeting. Rettig voiced her concerns regarding this roof repair bill, stating that they Airport Commission October 11,2007 Page 6 of 9 passed a resolution in 2006, stating that Tharp has now violated this resolution three times. Farris stated that he agrees that the $2,000 mark is there so immediate things can be taken care of, and that they cannot have this happening. Rettig noted that$11,000 plus of non-budgeted items has been paid for,but now they have to take this amount from other items, such as training sessions. Staley asked to see a copy of this resolution,which Rettig provided. Farris stated that he agrees that they probably would have agreed to these items,but that they need to move forward now and make sure that this does not happen again. Horan agreed with this. Rettig noted that she will not vote in favor of this,and briefly explained her protest vote reasons. Staley stated that perhaps they should reconsider this resolution,that when there is a needed repair such as these,that they may need to have emergency meetings or phone conferences in order to address them sooner than once per month. He suggested they amend this resolution that states Tharp must have approval before any emergency repairs take place. Staley moved to approve these repairs as billed; seconded by Farris. Motion carried 4-1; Rettig in the negative. Dulek asked if the Commission would like this item on next month's agenda, with some possible solutions. ii. FY2009 Operations Budget—Horan asked if they shouldn't set up a strategic planning meeting, noting that the proposed farm opportunity needs to be discussed, as well. He asked if they couldn't set a time now for this planning meeting. Hartwig stated that he thought they were awaiting the Willow Creek study first. Horan agreed. Tharp stated that he had one more item to share,the mower. He discussed the equipment replacement plan, and funds from this can be used to purchase the needed mower for$16,906. Rettig asked for clarification on this State program and how it works. Tharp explained this and the various equipment items in the budget. Rettig moved the expenditure for a 20' mower of$16,906,and in turn they extend out the vehicle replacement to cover this; seconded by Hartwig. Motion carried 5-0. Rettig noted that the budget subcommittee has met twice,and they have also met with Dale Hefting,the Interim City Manager,to get some clarification. She stated that with the sale of Lot#5,they lost around$5,000 from the two leases on this land. She discussed "operating subsidy"and how this is arrived at. She gave the Members some background on the economic development charge in the budget and what the budget subcommittee is considering. She said that they are proposing that some of the leftover monies, from the easement sale and land sale,be used to move up some of Airport Commission October 11, 2007 Page 7 of 9 the project phases. The extra money left over could be used to cover budget deficits, or have it be carried over into a"savings" account. Rettig stated that the asphalt project would be the first one they would propose moving up to this fiscal year. She briefly explained some changes that have been made to the FY09 budget proposal. Farris spoke to a maintenance budget. Members turned the discussion back to the economic development charge,noting that they need to say something to the City about this charge. Horan asked when they present this to the Council, and if Rettig would be interested in presenting the budget this year. Rettig also proposed obtaining State grants to cover a new hangar, and briefly explained the subcommittee's goals. Farris moved to accept the FY2009 budget as proposed; seconded by Staley. Motion carried 5-0. f. FBO Staff Report—Woolford stated that the construction of the ramp is going well. He said the helicopter operations are coming in and out,with some above normal activity due to the Hospital's pad being closed. He further stated that on November 1st they will have a new shop mechanic,bringing their total to seven. He also spoke briefly to the possible farming of the Airport land. g. Subcommittees' Reports—Horan noted that the southend subcommittee met with Wendy Ford, Bob Miklo,Jeff Davidson and Dale Helling to go over the draft report that they have. He said they stated that the Willow Creek study is what is impeding any further development. Tharp spoke about the viewing area and the progress there. h. Commission Members' Reports—Rettig noted that the primary took place recently,and that there are four candidates running for two City Council seats. She encouraged everyone to attend one of the upcoming forums and to ask questions of the candidates. Hartwig noted that when he was at JetAir recently,he noticed there was some new aircraft there. Rettig stated that she would like to know how much use tax they have generated in Johnson County. i. Staff Report—Tharp noted the FY2009 FAA applications are due back to the state December 14, and he briefly explained what they will be putting in this. He also noted that they had a small fly-in gathering at the beginning of the month, and they received one complaint on this regarding flying over residential areas versus farmland. He also mentioned the FAA conference and his attendance at this. Tharp also mentioned the University expansion and that this issue is on the Council's agenda for this coming week. Dulek noted that she met with Andy Chappell of the County recently,to discuss the county adopting an updated airport zoning code. • Airport Commission October 11, 2007 Page 8 of 9 SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: November 8, 2007 at 5:45 P.M. ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M. 7 CHAIRPERSON DATE Airport Commission October 11, 2007 Page 9 of 9 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 0 X X X X X Greg Farris 3/1/13 O/E X X O/E X X X X 0/ X X X E John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X 0 X 0/ O/E X X E Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X X X X X X X X X Janette 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 9/5 9/13 9/24 10/11 11/8 NAME EXP. Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X X Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X X X X John Staley 3/1/10 0/E X O/E 0/E O/E 0/E X Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X X X X Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 O/E X 0/E 0/E X X X KEY: X = Present 0 = Absent 0/E= Absent/Excused NM= No meeting -- = Nota Member