HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-11-2004 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes MINUTES
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 11, 2004
IOWA CITY AIRPORT TERMINAL
Members Present: Randy Hartwig, John Staley, Dan Clay, Carl Williams, Michelle Robnett
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Jeff Davidson
Others Present: David Hughes, Dave Larsen, Rick Mascari, John Ockenfels, Ron Duffe,
Greg Downes, Greg Zimmerman
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:50 PM
Recommendations to Council: None
Approval of Minutes: Staley moved and Clay seconded motion for approval of minutes from
October with one amendment. In the third to the last sentence of Item A entitled "Runway 7
Project-Earth Tech," the Minutes should read: "Clay posed," not "Clay poised". Motion carried
5-0.
Public Discussion — Items not on the Agenda: Rick Mascari presented to the Commission
some old photos of the terminal.
Unfinished Items for Discussion /Action: None
Items for Discussion /Action:
A. Runway 7/25 Project- David Hughes updated the Commission on progress. He
described the analysis underway to determine the width of the extension (100' vs 150').
He presented information from the State on the pavement condition report it recently
conducted. He has been in touch with FAA concerning reimbursement for additional
expense with respect to relocation of Dane Road; he has not received a reply yet. Mr.
Hughes reported he had heard from Mr. Jim Finley of the FAA with respect to the VOR
approach to 36. Mr. Finley indicated that the time needed to change the approach to a
VOR-A is only the time needed to republish, not the 2-3 year time frame for a new
approach. Dave Larsen discussed possible changes to his development. The issue of
moving dirt was discussed. Mr. Larsen met with Mr. Hughes earlier in the day and
discussed possible time frame of the project's need for dirt and Mr. Larsen's time frame
to remove dirt. The process the FAA requires was also discussed. The possibility of
stockpiling the dirt was discussed.
B. Strategic Plan- Asst. Planning Director Jeff Davidson presented a summation of the
Strategic Plan up to the present with a prioritization of goals and a summary of the
strengths and weaknesses as determined at the last meeting. Discussed the need to
match strategies to goals and the remaining timeline for completion. Discussed the form
the final document should take. Discussed the need to continue to keep Council
apprised of elements that may already be in progress. Commission agreed to forward to
Mr. Davidson specific strategies to accomplish stated goals; and kept open the
possibility for a special meeting to further a timely completion.
Airport Commission
November 11, 2004
Page 2
C. Aviation Commerce Park- Chairperson Hartwig discussed his conversation of Nov. 11
with Harry Wolf and the present state of negotiations with interested party for lots. He
indicated Mr. Wolf thought there may be a need for a special Commission meeting
before the December Commission meeting to discuss an offer. Mr. Clay indicated that if
the possible sale goes through the Commission may want to re-evaluate the remaining
lots and whether the Commission may want to try to lease these lots. Mr. Downes
offered that the possibility of leasing ground in this market is nil due to lenders' lack of
desire.
D. Airport Budget- Discussed the timeline of City action on budget. Members asked about
the availability of report on the current versus last year budget expenditures and the
possibility of including such information in the monthly packet.
E. Airport Management- The agreement with Jet Air is ready to forward to Jet Air for its
signature. Discussion on the shape of future management structure took place. The
present situation with the FBO was discussed. Mr. Mascari offered that should the
situation with Jet Air change it would not be in the Commission's best interest to have an
arrangement with a company not based in Iowa City. The use of interns was discussed
with an emphasis on the need to have specific goals in mind should the Commission use
them. Also, the possibility of aviation management graduates and the plus /minus of this
level of experience. Mr. Ockenfels presented his perspective on his experience of hiring
the last manager and the restrictions present from the City with respect to ability of the
Commission to set pay etc. Also discussed were the need of the Commission to set,
through performance standards / reviews, the level of manager compensation. Mr.
Ockenfels expressed his view that Iowa City is a perfect stepping stone position for
managers looking to gain experience to move to larger airports. The need to have the
Strategic Plan guide the manager's job description was expressed. Mr. Clay expressed
the view that the position the Commission finds itself at presently, with an opportunity to
develop an expectation and relationship with management, hasn't happened in the past.
The ability to work with the City and having a new Strategic Plan is important in
implementing that relationship. Mr. Duffe related his view, gained from being in many
different airports / FBOs, that successful managers seem to be aggressive,
entrepreneurial type individuals. He thought the challenge to the Commission is to
manage this type of individual. Mr. Clay thought an option to help the present need of
help with the daily aspects of management is to look further into the use of interns.
Members agreed with Mr. Clay to further discuss specifics. Ms. Dulek offered her view of
interns in other City departments.
F. Obstruction Mitigation Project- Chairperson Hartwig presented the results of bid for
removal of trees related to project. Two bids were received and both under the
consultant's estimate. Clay moved to adopt resolution (A04-01) to award the contract to
Peterson Contractors, Inc. and seconded by Staley. The resolution passed 5-0 on a roll
call vote.
G. Airport Park- Mr. Clay presented the reply from the FAA to his letter asking for guidance
in implementing the Commission's desire to provide a terminal viewing area. The FAA
stated the information the Commission should provide. Clay moved and Staley
seconded a motion to authorize the Chair to contact Mr. Dick Blum to provide the
necessary information to the FAA. Motion passed 5-0. It was discussed that there are
volunteer groups which would be willing to help in any construction work.
. •
Airport Commission
November 11, 2004
Page 3
Chairperson's Report: The chair reported that the City had presented a certificate to him
recognizing Mr. Jerry Kaefering had completed 25 years of service to the City. The Commission
agreed to present its own recognition along with the City's. The Chair also related an article in
AOPA concerning the view of a Los Angeles County representative on the type of efforts airport
supporters should use to best gain positive results. The need to have Commissioners help
encourage fellow citizens to serve open positions on Airport Zoning Commissions was also
stated.
Commission Members Reports: Clay recognized Ms. Robnett's appointment to the
Commission. Mr. Williams related his attendance at the Iowa Aviation Conference. He also
described the Iowa Aviation security program and how Iowa City rates. Mr. Staley related that
this meeting was his one year anniversary. He stated his view that issues at the airport have
taken a positive step; he too welcomed Ms. Robnett.
Administrative Report: None
Set Next Meeting: Set for December 9, 2004 at 5:45 PM
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM
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R ndall D. Hartwig, Chairperson Date
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