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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 1 Airport Commission November 8,2007 Page 2 of 10 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 2 Airport Commission November 8,2007 Page 3 of 10 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 3 Airport Commission November 8,2007 Page 4 of 10 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 4 Airport Commission November 8,2007 Page 5 of 10 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 5 Airport Commission November 8,2007 Page 6 of 10 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. 6 Airport Commission November 8,2007 Page 7 of 10 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 7 Airport Commission November 8,2007 Page 8 of 10 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 8 Airport Commission November 8,2007 Page 9 of 10 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 9 Airport Commission November 8,2007 Page 10 of 10 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 10