HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-12-2006 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
October 12,2006
Iowa City Airport Terminal—5:45 PM
Members Present: Randy Hartwig, Chair;John Staley; Janelle Rettig;Howard Horan,
Greg Farris
Staff Present: Sue Dulek,Michael Tharp
Others Present: David Hughes,Earth Tech; Jon Ockefels,Jay Honeck, Harry Wolf,
Philip Wolford, Harrell Timmons
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Hartwig called the meeting to order at 5:47 PM.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: NONE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 14 AND SEPTEMBER 18,
2006,MEETINGS:
Hartwig asked if the members had any corrections or changes to the above-named
minutes, and if none,he asked for a motion to approve both sets of minutes. Rettig
pointed out a spelling error in her name on the September 14th Minutes Staley moved to
accept the minutes of the September 14 and September 18,2006 meetings as
amended; seconded by Horan. Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. FAA/MOT Projects—Earth Tech—David Hughes
a. Runway 7/25—Hughes told the Commission that since the last
meeting,the runway project has gotten caught up somewhat, due to the
nice weather, and are now at about 85% on schedule. Hughes stated
that they still plan to complete the hauling of fill this season. Hughes
next addressed the box culvert project. He briefly talked about the
grants that are involved in these projects and their status. Hughes
stated that they have been working with MidAmerican Energy on the
obstruction mitigation with power lines. He stated they are currently
revising this and he hopes to hear from them soon.
b. Taxi-lane North Tee's and Parking Lot Rehab—This project is
basically complete from the construction standpoint. Hughes was
asked a question regarding repairing the damage to Building A,and
stated the contractor is getting an estimate on this.Hughes stated once
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they have this estimate,the company that hit the hangar can pay the bill for
repair. Members asked Hughes more questions regarding this situation.
Rettig asked how they could assist the tenant in this hangar so they won't have
to be displaced too much during repairs.
c. Terminal Apron
1. Update—Hughes stated that the FAA changed the plan somewhat so
they had to do a rewrite on their agreement and it is not ready at this
time.
2. Supplemental Agreement No. 7
1. Consider a Resolution approving Supplemental Agreement
No. 7 for Services Related to Terminal apron
Rehabilitation—Tharp stated that they will need a motion to
defer this until next month's meeting. Rettig moved to defer
this Resolution until next month's meeting; seconded by
Horan. Motion carried 5-0.
Rettig made the motion to move Item C—South Aviation Development up in the order and
Item B—Grass Landing Strip down; seconded by Farris. Motion carried 5-0.
B. South Aviation Development—Hughes stated that they have completed the draft of
the Aviation Forecast and are awaiting comments at this point. He stated that once
these are received,they will send this on to the F.A.A. Once they have this, Hughes
stated they can move forward. Members asked questions of Hughes on what is being
proposed regarding development. Hartwig noted that the City Council had indicated
they would like to have a joint meeting with the Airport Commission regarding this
subject and was working to get a date set up.
C. Grass Landing Strip—Jon Ockenfels addressed the Commission regarding a grass
landing strip. He stated that with the increase in people building their own airplanes
and rebuilding older planes,that there is a need for a grass landing strip,adding that
some pilots will not land on anything but a grass strip. He further stated that Ron
O'Neil had requested Dick Blum to research the feasibility of this topic and submitted
his findings to the Airport Commission back in approximately 2003. Ockenfels gave
the Members some background on various findings by himself and Dick Blum in the
past,when they were researching a grass strip. He stated that it would be somewhere
between 2,100 to 2,500 feet long and about 75 feet wide. Discussion continued with
Members asking questions of Ockefels regarding the use, care, and safety of a grass
landing strip. Horan stated that he thinks it's a good idea. Staley asked how this
would fit into their Strategic Plan, and stated that he feels it would fit into their goals,
but he questioned the money aspect of it. Tharp noted that he would try to locate the
research that Ockefels mentioned. (TAPE ENDS)
D. Aviation Commerce Park—Wolf addressed the Members regarding the Aviation
Commerce Park, stating that he does not have a lot of news to share. He stated that
he is working with City staff and moving ahead with a marketing strategy for the
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Commerce Park. He stated that there have been two groups that have shown serious
interest,which has led to discussions with the Engineering Department on various
issues. Wolf stated that the City Attorney's office sent a letter today, stating that
there will be a pre-approved agreement ready, and Wolf stated that they will be
responding to these development groups who have shown interest. Horan stated that
he feels the Commission is not a part of this decision—that their land is being sold
without their part in the decision. Wolf stated that once there is a firm offer, then the
Commission would need to call a meeting to discuss it. Horan stated that, for the
record,he feels they should be mindful of how some of these deals could go, stating
that a private developer would own the land and then would lease to tenants, and then
after 30 years,the developer would have $30 million worth of land that the City sold
for$2 million. Wolf noted that he is under the directive to sell the property to a
single developer, via City staff. Horan again noted that for the record,this is the City
staffs directive, and that this is the Airport's property but they are not in control of it.
The discussion then turned to the zoning issues, and how changes had been made
during the Wal-Mart offer.
E. T-Hanger Use Agreement between University of Iowa and Airport Commission
a. Consider a Resolution Accepting T-Hangar Use Agreement with
University of Iowa for Hangar#42—Tharp noted that the Use Agreement-
T-Hangar Lease was modified to fit the University's language, and otherwise
is the same agreement they've maintained with the University. Rettig asked
questions of Tharp regarding new tenants and how they could be notified of
these. She continued, asking various questions about current tenants and
storage issues, especially when there are pilots on a waiting list for hangar
space.
Horan took the discussion into the topic of raising rents and discussing the
non-flying tenants paying higher rental rates. He further addressed the issue
of making the Airport more economically feasible.
Ockenfels spoke to the Members about storing airplanes, stating that there are
many airplanes that don't fly, but they are often in the process of getting
restored or possibly sold, and hangars are the only places to store airplanes.
He noted that as long as tenants are following the lease language/agreement,
then what they do with their hangar is legal, and he feels that if those waiting
for space are willing to pay for space, the Airport should be building more
hangars. Farris moved to accept Resolution No._A06-23 , T-Hangar
Use Agreement with the University of Iowa for Hangar#42; seconded by
Horan. Resolution approved 5-0.
F. Corporate Hangar Lease Agreement with Keith Roof
a. Consider a Resolution Accepting Agreement with Keith Roof dba Iowa
City Aircraft Repair for Hangar#32—Tharp stated that this is a renewal
agreement that is a 3-year agreement. He noted that rent on this space
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increases approximately $20 per year. Rettig noted that the increase has not
kept up with the inflation rate, bringing up that they need to increase their
revenue with hangars. Rettig asked various questions of Tharp regarding this
tenant,bringing up the fact that language on the lease does not match with this
tenant. Questions continued regarding commercial agreements and this
tenant. Rettig stated that Item C should be removed, or the agreement
changed to reflect the correct wording. Tharp noted that C and D are the
conflicting clauses and could be removed. Rettig suggested adding, "Without
the prior written approval of the Commission" and have some type of
agreement so that Roof can maintain his business,which is the intent of the
agreement.
Timmons spoke to the Commission about his years in the airport business and
gave them a brief history of the same type of issues he encountered in the past.
(TAPE ENDS) He related to the Members what FAA and Federal laws and
rules are regarding business taking place at airports. The issue of liability was
discussed next, with Timmons giving the Members some scenarios to
consider. The Members decided to extend the current agreement with Roof
under a month-to-month lease for now, until they can review this situation
further. The issue of Kim Brogan doing business on Airport property was
brought up, with the suggestion of anyone doing business on a regular basis at
the Airport having a commercial agreement with the Airport. Rettig brought
the discussion back to hangar rent, stating that she suggests they increase
rental rates in order to bring rates in line with the Consumer Price Index. She
stated that increases are needed in order to help them accomplish some of the
goals they have set for themselves. The discussion continued, with Members
discussing an increases to rental rates and how they want to handle
commercial agreements, as well as how they will revise said agreement with
Roof Hartwig stated that they will gather some of these various figures and
data and will review this at next month's meeting. Rettig moved to defer
consideration of this Resolution until next month's meeting; seconded by
Staley. Motion carried 5-0.
G. Parking Policy—Hartwig stated that he doesn't think he's quite ready to adopt this
policy yet,but he is willing to discuss it. Tharp agreed. Staley asked some questions
regarding the Hertz parking. Rettig then brought up several issues. One was in
regards to the "inoperable"vehicles issue. Under"long-term"parking, Rettig stated
that she feels they should have it worded: "Any period lasting 14 days or more, but
less than one month," so it's not left open. Then under"transient long-term," she
stated they could say: "Vehicles located at the Airport longer than one month.
Vehicles must be used for the purposes of transporting frequent aircraft passengers."
Rettig then stated that she is trying to get at the transient long-term wording,
somewhere around one month. Members then brought up various questions and
issues regarding the proposed policy. Hartwig stated that he wants to make sure they
don't create problems where they currently don't have problems. Rettig continued,
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stating that under"long-term" and"transient long-term,"these situations need to have
proof of insurance in order to park on the Airport property. She would like to see a
sentence added,too, that addresses "approval by the Airport or FBO personnel."
Timmons spoke to the Members regarding various real-life situations where a parking
policy could create problems. He shared some of the instances at the Galesburg
Airport with Members, and also gave them some scenarios that could take place at the
Iowa City Airport. He stated that the"transient long-term"parking is a very valid
thing and that the Airport should make some money with this. Rettig suggested a
sign being placed at the entrance to the Airport, stating parking rules. Horan brought
the discussion back to having proof of insurance and how they should address this.
(TAPE ENDS) Members stated that they feel this parking policy has become too
much, and since they haven't had any big problems with parking,they should keep it
simple. Hartwig stated that he would like to go ahead with the signage and asked that
Members come up with what they want on a sign regarding parking. Various
amounts for both monthly and yearly parking were discussed among the Members.
Tharp will come up with a more condensed version of the parking policy for the
Members to discuss at another meeting.
H. Airport"Operations"; Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; and Airport
Management—Rettig thanked Tharp for putting the Capital Projects on the front
page of the report. She asked Tharp if he could add a Year-to-Date Total, as well, on
the City Budget. Rettig asked further questions regarding the budget, stating that she
would like to see them move ahead with the painting project. Tharp responded to
some of Rettig's questions regarding budgeted dollars, stating that he needed to do
some follow-up. The discussion turned to Rettig talking about the levy for the next
budget, stating that they have asked for the same levy funding as the current year, in
the sense that the general levy budget will remain the same at $109,000, and will not
decrease. She gave the Members a rundown of the various items that have been
requested.
Hartwig stated that the fencing for the viewing area is now complete and looks good.
He stated that they need to discuss how they want to make the area useful. He noted
that Dan Clay had been working on this project prior to leaving the Commission.
Hartwig stated that he would like to get some input on what people would like to see
here. Farris noted that he looked into how a couple of other places have handled this
type of thing, and he gave Members various ideas that he's heard of.
I. Subcommittees' Reports—Tharp talked about the Communications Subcommittee,
stating that they had a draft of the Airport Newsletter ready. Horan asked if they have
a mailing list, and Tharp will look into acquiring one. Rettig noted that the new
computer has given Tharp an easier time of creating a newsletter. Staley mentioned
contacting the Chamber of Commerce regarding getting the newsletter out into the
community. Tharp asked for Member's feedback on his draft. Rettig noted that she
has Kinnick photos for Tharp and will get those to him.
•
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COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS—Hartwig noted the article in the Gazette on Terry
Edmonds and his glider. Tharp noted that he was working on a Request for Proposals for
cleaning services and the Pre-Bid Conference is scheduled for next Wednesday, and proposals
are due on November 2d. He will let the Commission know how it goes at the November
meeting. Hartwig noted that with the Airplane crash yesterday,Members may want to go to the
AOPA web site and read some of the useful information, especially when talking to the press,
etc. Horan noted that he attended the September City Council meeting, and stated that he
followed a speaker who spoke about fights downtown during a U of I game, and stated that what
he said regarding the Airport probably got lost after this man spoke. Horan also spoke about
them developing some type of usage information that would not invade privacy,but that would
increase their exposure in general aviation. He will send Members a link to the web site he is
referring to. (TAPE ENDS) Horan also noted the blimp presence during the U of I game
recently.
STAFF REPORT—Tharp noted that the new taxiways are quite nice. Rettig stated that she
wanted to say she brought up the T-hangar issue because she was approached by someone who is
an Airport tenant. Tharp noted that he did attend the FAA Regional Conference recently. He
stated that the current state planner is leaving in November, and he hopes to get the new planner
to the Iowa City Airport at some point. Tharp briefly discussed the FAA conference and various
issues that were prevalent at the conference. He stated that the Iowa Airports Conference will be
held in Des Moines on April 4 and 5, 2007, and he encouraged Members to attend, stating that
it's a good chance to meet people in the field.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: November 9, 2006 AT 5:45 P.M.
A24t. 0
JOURN—Meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
1h—tut /I- PI- 06
Chairperson Date
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2006
(Meeting Date)
TERM 1/12 2/9 3/9 4/13 5/1 5/11 5/31 6/8 6/16 6/23 6/27 7/13
NAME EXP.
Daniel Clay 3/1/08 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X X X X O/E X X
Greg Farris 3/1/07 0 X X X X X X X X X O/E O/E
John Staley 3/1/06 X X X X X X O/E X X 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
7/27 8/10 9/14 9/18 10/12
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/07 O/E X X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 O/E X X X X
KEY: X = Present
0 = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
-- = Not a Member