HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-08-2007 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
November 8,2007
Iowa City Airport Terminal—5:45 PM
Members Present: Howard Horan, Chair; Randy Hartwig; Janelle Rettig; John Staley
Members Absent: Greg Farris
Staff Present: Sue Dulek,Michael Tharp
Others Present: Jim Meade, Terry Edmonds, Jay Honeck,David Hughes, Herrel
Timmons,John Yoemans,Joe Merschman, Turk Regennitter, Skip
Long,Peggy Slaughter
DETERMINE QUORUM:
The meeting was called to order at 5:47 P.M. by Horan.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 11,2007 MEETING:
Horan asked Members if they had any changes, corrections for the minutes. Rettig
moved to accept the October 11,2007 minutes as submitted; seconded by Staley.
Motion carried 4-0,Farris Absent.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Aviation Commerce Park—Peggy Slaughter addressed the Members, stating
that she cannot give any names,but that there is a lot of activity currently.
She noted that there is a Letter of Intent on Lot 6, and that she has met with
the City regarding this. She stated that the interested party is still asking for
incentives. She further stated that Harry Wolfe is working with this party to
try and get a formal agreement going. Slaughter then noted that they also had
a meeting regarding Lots 17, 16, 15, and 14, in which a couple businesses
would possibly be building together. She gave the Members a brief overview
of the two meetings concerning these four lots. Slaughter continued, stating
that the group interested in Lots 1 through 4 that requested a meeting with the
City some time ago has been somewhat in limbo as the lead person just gave
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birth; however,they are planning to start meeting again regarding these lots.
Slaughter noted that she has two builders that have asked for follow-up
information, and also a local contractor has been in touch, looking for ten
acres. Rettig asked for some clarification on the outlots,to which Dulek
responded, stating that the Commission could decide to lease them for
something such as leased storage space. Slaughter then asked the
Commission if they knew when the south lots would be available, as she
wants to keep the party that is seeking ten acres interested in the Airport
Commerce Park. Horan stated that it could be around eighteen months to two
years before a decision is reached on the south lots,and Rettig followed up
that she is not interested in the south lots being developed yet either.
The discussion turned to Yeomans,the farm manager for the Airport land,
stating that currently they lease this land to Williams as long as they mow and
hay it. He asked the Commission if they would like to permanently terminate
agricultural activities on this land and have the City maintain it instead,which
he further noted would eliminate any agricultural leases. Rettig noted that
they do this at their own risk, and if land sells,that ends the agreement
anyway. She further stated that it saves the Airport from having to mow.
Members noted that after the first of the year they should have a better idea on
where the development is headed. Slaughter then wrapped up her
presentation, stating that the amount of development in the area is a good sign.
b. Farmers National Company—
Merschman Seeds—Yeomans noted that they were still awaiting Joe
Merschman's arrival. Members decided to go on to Item c.
c. Hangar#56—Terry Edmonds—Hartwig excused himself due to conflict of
interest.Edmonds addressed the Members, stating that he and Tharp have
discussed the options available for the extra space in Hangar 56. He noted
that they were not able to come up with anything very practical,but that they
did discover that Jet Air would like to sublease the hangar during the winter
months. Edmonds stated that this works for him as he does not fly much
during the winter. The Members then discussed the proposal in front of them.
Horan stated that it sounded like a good arrangement, as did Rettig. Rettig
asked for some clarification of the agreement that they were presented with,
and Tharp responded. Staley moved to approve the proposal as outlined by
Terry Edmonds; seconded by Rettig. Motion carried 3-0; Hartwig
recused himself due to conflict of interest,Farris Absent.
d. National Guard—
i. Consider a Resolution Setting a Public Hearing for a 5-Year Lease
with the Army Reserve—Tharp noted,first of all,that there is a
typo—it should be the Army Reserve, not the National Guard. He
stated that this lease is up,and the Army Reserves would like to
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sign another five-year lease. Tharp stated that he gave them a
price that included a CIP inflator and they tentatively accepted this,
pending the public hearing. Hartwig moved to consider
Resolution A07-30, setting a public hearing for December 13,
2007, regarding a 5-year lease with the Army Reserves;
seconded by Staley. Motion carried 4-0,Farris Absent.
b. Farmers National Company—
Merschman Seeds—Yeomans addressed the Members, stating that he
needs to get some agreement on leasing the remaining farm ground at the
Airport. He noted that at the last meeting they had an in-depth
presentation from Merschman's about creating a test plot site and he
reiterated how interested Merschman Seeds is in the Airport's farm
ground. He asked if Members had any questions,to which Horan asked
what would need to happen after two or three seasons that would make
him feel this was not a good idea. Merschman noted that they already do
this type of activity and that moving it to the Airport makes it a unique
location. He also noted that moving it to Iowa City is also a plus for them.
Regennitter joined Merschman in explaining to the Members why they
would like to use the farm ground at the Airport, and how they can work
together.
The conversation continued,with Hartwig noting that his big concern is
that they don't yet know what they want to do in the south area, and he
also noted the wildlife mitigation issues for the Airport. Basically,he
stated, if they could afford to not have agricultural products on the field,
they probably would not,just from the standpoint of trying to alleviate
wildlife hazards from the runways. Staley asked if they would be content
with a shorter lease, such as a 3-or 5-year lease. Merschman stated that
they could work with that,that a short-term lease gives them the
opportunity to see if it will work for them, as well.
Rettig asked for some clarification on this agricultural proposal. She
asked if the seed was genetically modified,to which Merschman
responded that 80 to 85% of all seed are modified now in the U.S. Rettig
stated that there are political ramifications locally to allow something like
this to occur on public land at the Airport. She noted that she is not
comfortable taking on this type of situation. Merschman explained that in
order to do what they want to do,they need the hard surface/pavement.
Staley noted that this project would not be a change in what is already
being done with the farm ground. Yeomans noted that he is trying to get
more money for the Airport,with fewer acres, by proposing this project.
Regennitter addressed the genetically modified seed issue somewhat,
noting that most all of the seeds are modified in this day and age. Rettig
noted again that this is a political issue in Iowa City, and that she does not
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care to get involved in something like this. She noted that she is also
concerned about safety issues with something like this going on at the
Airport,with so many people coming and going. Hartwig asked what the
timeline is to get back with Merschman,and they noted that the sooner the
better, so they could arrange things on their end, as well.
Horan then asked for some clarification on the genetically modified seeds,
to which Merschman and Regennitter responded briefly. They noted that
European companies are already using these seeds aggressively.
Merschman then talked to the Members about the"gene shuffling"process
and the tolerance that is produced. Rettig noted, again,that they are an
Airport—not a farm. She noted that people are against these modified
foods, and she feels that this could be a liability for the Airport. She noted
that she was a little taken off guard last month when this was brought up,
and that she is not comfortable with the whole issue. Staley noted that he
feels differently—that he feels this is a great thing, and that it fits with one
of the missions of the University. He asked what kind of terms they
would be looking at if they did go ahead with something like this.
Yeomans noted that the total for this year will be a little more than
$16,000,and that the proposal he has discussed with Regennitter was for
$25,000. Dulek noted that as far as terms, if they want three or more
years,they would need to stop discussion and have a public hearing on it.
If they can come to an agreement tonight on terms,it would have to be for
under three years. Merschman noted that they would help fund the
entryway that they would need to add. Timmons stated that he was the
Airport Manager in Galesburg for 20-some years, and that a large part of
their budget came from the farming operations. He noted that there is a
research farm close to the Airport, and that Monsanto is one of their
biggest customers because of this. He stated that he feels it would be
prudent to look at using their assets (farm ground) as best they can.
The conversation turned to Staley noting what they would be looking at in
terms of revenue and economic impact for the area. It was noted that this
would be around$80,000 the first year alone. Rettig turned the discussion
to the usage at the south end of the Airport, and the various liability issues
they could encounter. Merschman and Regennitter confirmed that they
would also be very concerned about safety concerns and liability issues.
Regennitter reiterated that they would only want to proceed if everyone is
one the same page—that they would like to pursue a long-term plan,but
only if all concerns are taken care of. Tharp noted that he feels that until
the study of the south area is completed,it may be next year before they
can address this with Regennitter and Merschman Seeds. Staley noted that
he believes they should take advantage of whatever they can for this area,
at least until they have firm decisions on what they want to do with the
land. Horan said a two-year proposal would be agreeable with him,to
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which Staley agreed. Horan suggested they put their proposal together
and distribute it to the Members prior to next months' meeting. Yeomans
asked if they could negotiate terms now,to which Rettig stated she would
have to have the details first. Dulek noted that there are several issues,
including the culvert, and they should come up with a proposal and offer a
contract. Staley moved to consider a proposal from Merschman Seeds,
and that the Commission meets as soon as this proposal is ready;
seconded by Hartwig. Horan then suggested that as they are working on
their proposal,that they contact any of the Members as needed, so they
could get this process going. Rettig stated that she feels they should not
proceed with this, and that she is unwilling to defend GMO. Regennitter
stated that perhaps they should withdraw their proposal and find someone
who wants to work with them. Horan and others called for a vote.
Motion carried 3-1; Rettig in the negative,Farris Absent. Regennitter
asked if they wanted to pursue this,and Yeomans stated that the lease is
open and he won't be doing anything right away. Merschman noted that
the local farmer is growing GMO seeds currently—that this is no different.
Staley stated that he is glad to see these developments happening with
fanning.
e. Hangar Expansion—Building H
ii. Consider a Resolution Approving Engineering Services Contract
for Expansion of Hangar and Office Space—Tharp noted that they
had anticipated having an engineering agreement to approve,but
that it is not ready. He further stated that they would need to defer
this to next month's meeting. Staley moved to defer Item e,
consider a resolution approving engineering services contract
for expansion of hangar and office space to the December 13,
2007 meeting; seconded by Hartwig. Motion carried 4-0,
Farris Absent.
f. FAA/IDOT Projects—Earth Tech—David Hughes
iii. Runway 7/25—Hughes noted that they have had a very busy
month with construction. They are about 90%done with paving,
with just a small piece between the old and new runways that they
need to complete. They are about 80%done with grade on that
end of the project,with paving most likely being done in the
spring. He responded to Members' questions concerning this small
portion. Hughes continued, stating that electricals are now in and
they will be starting on runway closures next week on 7-25. This
involves moving the runway lights. He then responded to
Members' questions regarding how the electrical fixtures will be
installed. Rettig then asked Hughes for clarification on the
daytime closing of the runway. Hughes explained how this would
work, and that it covers from 7:00 A.M. until approximately 4:30
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or 5:00 P.M. This could take up to two weeks to complete this part
of the project. Rettig then stated that for Tharp's monthly
newsletter, she would like to see a"factoid" about how many loads
of concrete it took to pave the runway. Hughes stated that he could
get information like this for Rettig.
iv. South Aviation Development Study—Hughes stated that they did
get comments back finally on the Willow Creek study. They will
now finalize their report on the south area of the Airport, and will
get this information out as soon as they can.
v. South Taxilane Rehab—Hughes stated that they are working on
the drainage problem and met with Ron Knoche earlier today.
vi. Jet A Fuel System J AvGas Upgrade—Hughes stated that the
contractor has ordered his materials, and is awaiting those. He is
also working with Jet Air on credit card information and that type
of thing,before he can proceed. There is no definite delivery date
on this.
vii. Terminal Apron Rehab—Hughes said that as of today,this is
90+%complete. He said there's some cleanup to do and some
seeding, and a small amount of paving yet to do.
viii. Obstruction Mitigation—MidAmerican has agreed to this, and
Hughes stated that they have been working with Dulek on finishing
up the easement issues. Once this is completed,he stated that they
would then move forward. Hartwig asked when they expect this to
be completed, and Dulek responded.
ix. United Hangar—Hughes stated that they are in the process of
finalizing specs and hope to have something ready for review
before Thanksgiving. Rettig asked if they would be recycling the
steel when they bring this hangar down, and Hughes stated that it
is entirely up to the contractor what he wants to do with it.
Members asked miscellaneous questions of Hughes on some of the
above projects,to which he responded.
x. Runway 7-25 Overlay—Hughes noted that they have prepared this
contract for the next phase of the project. He briefly explained
what this contract entails. Hartwig asked when this has to be in to
the FAA, and Tharp stated that they wanted something by mid-
month,but after talking to the current Grant Administrator,he is
now aware of where the Airport is with this and said it should not
be a problem. Rettig asked for clarification on having the 7-25
runway project and the 12-30 crack sealing project being rolled
into one. This was explained by Tharp and others,who stated that
they are trying to get some pavement improvements done yet this
winter. Tharp then explained to Members that they need to either
approve this tonight,which he recommends,and let the Chair sign
it when it is ready,or they will need to defer.
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i. Consider a Resolution Approving Engineering Services
Contract for Runway 7-25 Overlay and 12-30 Crack
Sealing Project—Staley moved to Consider Resolution
A07-31,approving engineering services contract for
Runway 7-25 Overlay and 12-30 Crack Sealing Project;
seconded by Hartwig. Motion carried 3-1; Rettig in the
negative,Farris Absent.
g. Airport"Operations": Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; and Airport
Management— Horan asked if members had any questions about these.
Rettig asked about the$14100 deposit and Tharp responded that it was the
receipt from the easement that Larson had been seeking. Rettig asked about
the plans for that money, and related during budget discussions this money
was going to be used to accelerate some driveway maintenance. Tharp
confirmed that is still the plan. Rettig asked about the credit to the bike racks
noting that the bike racks cost$900 instead of$2100. Tharp commented that
he would have mentioned that at the last meeting,but didn't have that
information. Rettig asked about$1300 that was in the Minor Office
Equipment/Furniture line. Tharp responded that this was the conference
room chairs and had not been coded correctly, and he would talk to
accounting to fix it. Tharp commented that he and Horan had met with the
City Manager and presented the FY2009. Tharp said that so far the budget is
being presented as the airport request. Tharp stated they had also discussed
the Capital Improvement projects with the department head's and city
manager and that the proposed hangar they will be seeking funds from the
state for is set to be included in the plans.
xi. Consider a Resolution Authorizing the Operations Specialist and
Chairperson to Make Purchases and Sign Contracts—Horan began
the discussion by stating that he believes the existing Resolution
A06-21 should remain in effect for now. Staley noted that the
proposal seems realistic to him,that Tharp would have the same
level of authorization as the A06-21 Resolution,as would the
Chair,to make certain decisions on items. Horan and Rettig asked
some procedural questions of Dulek,to which she responded.
Rettig noted again that she does not see a need to change this right
now,and that if there is an emergency,the Members should all be
contacted. Tharp noted that he usually speaks to the Chair at least
weekly, if not daily at times, so he feels the communication is
there,and that by doing this it would make the daily operations
easier for him. Members asked questions of Tharp,trying to get a
better understanding of whether or not they need to consider this
resolution. Members discussed the chances of getting the 3
members necessary for quorum together on short notice. Members
felt that if 3 couldn't be there that a conference call could be made.
Dulek stated that a member could participate by speaker phone but
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the meeting cannot occur by conference call. Members asked
Tharp if they could do that at the airport. Tharp responded that
they would have to move to one of the offices for a speaker phone,
but that they could do that from the airport.
Hartwig moved to defer Item g,consider a resolution
authorizing Operations Specialist and Chairperson to make
purchases and sign contracts to the December 13,2007
meeting; seconded by Staley. Motion carried 4-0,Farris
Absent.
h. FBO Staff Report—Timmons stated that they are busy getting ready for
winter. Last week they purchased a snowplow truck,which will help to clean
their area faster. They are now a two-thirds Iowa, one-third Illinois company,
having just taken over the Burlington Airport. He noted that on November 15
they are having an FAA safety seminar in the hangar. There could be
upwards of 100 people. The FAA will be here to participate,and they usually
get a good turnout. He invited everyone to attend, if they would like. Tharp
noted that it runs from 7:00 to 9:00. He noted that,they hired two more
mechanics recently, and they now exceed a half million dollars a year on their
payroll in Iowa City. They have two jets based here currently. Timmons
noted,again,how important the farming was to the Airport in Galesburg,and
how it could be of benefit here,as well. A brief discussion ensued about Jet
Air doing so well, and Timmons stated that you have to be willing to be there
all the time and you have to think positively. Rettig noted that she had asked
Woolford about their sale of planes and how this affects the tax issue.
Timmons stated that he has not figured it out yet, as Iowa has a different tax
arrangement than Illinois. Rettig noted that she would like to have the
information in order to show how this is contributing to the overall tax base
for the economy. Timmons noted that they recently sold two airplanes to the
State Police. He also noted that Jet Air is doing most of the major
maintenance,and some of the routine maintenance,for the Civil Air Patrol for
the entire Midwestern area.
i. Subcommittees' Reports—Tharp noted that the viewing area has been started.
They have six support beams up and are waiting for the rest of the structure to
arrive.
j. Commission Members' Reports—Horan stated that he has taken a lot of
pictures of the construction. Rettig noted that JCCOG met to prioritize trails
recently, and that she heard that they were told that no one would use a trail
out by the Airport. She believes they need to continue pushing for a sidewalk
by the Airport. Hartwig congratulated the new City Council Members who
won in this week's election. He also noted that in regards to the booklet for
hangars, Jan Nash sent him a letter in the summer about some thoughts on
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this. He suggested they meet with her to see what she has in mind. Staley
asked if anyone had seen the Corridor Business General, and he noted an
editorial on making the corridor better. One issue was to change the name of
the Eastern Iowa Airport, and another is to create a regional airport authority.
k. Staff Report—Tharp noted that he has drafts of the Forecast Study,as
requested at the last meeting. He also gave the Members a draft of the 2007
Annual Report, and asked to get feedback by the next meeting from Members,
stating that he would like to get this in by the end of the year.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
December 13,2007 at 5:45 P.M.
ADJOURN:
Meeting adjourned at 8: .
ait% /2 -.2 —a
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 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 XX
Greg Farris 3/1/13 0/E X X 0/E X X X X 0/E X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X 0 X 0/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 0/E
TERM 8/1 8/9 8/13 9/5 9/13 9/24 10/11 11/8 12/13
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X X X X 0/E
John Staley 3/1/10 0/E X 0/E 0/E 0/E 0/E X X
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 0/E X 0/E 0/E X X X X
KEY: X = Present
0 = Absent
0/E= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
= Not a Member
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