HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-20-1990 Airport Commission Meeting MinutesMINUTES
AIRPORT COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 20, 1990 - 7:00 P.M.
IOWA CITY TRANSIT FACILITY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Blum, Ockenfels, Hicks, Foster, Lewis
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: O'Neil
GUESTS PRESENT: Jack Ashby, Antonia Hamilton
CALL TO ORDER/DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Blum called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. A quorum of the Commission was
present.
CHANGES/AMENDMENTS TO MINUTES:
The minutes of the meetings of January 16, 1990 and February 12, 1990, were accepted as
presented.
AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF EXPENDITURES:
O'Neil explained that the only bill for the month that was not a routine monthly bill was for the
repair of the Unicom radio in the snowplow truck. Lewis moved to approve payment of the
list of expenditures as presented. Ockenfels seconded the motion and it passed on a 5-0 vote.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEMS:
No items were discussed.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT/COMMISSION MEMBERS' ITEMS:
Blum said the next two items on the agenda would be taken together. The main topic to
report on was the unauthorized use of the Airport Reserve Fund and the meeting conducted
with the City Council in conjunction with this issue. Blum stated that a long and lively
conversation was conducted with the City Council last night concerning the proper use of the
Airport Improvement Reserve Fund.
The first issue discussed was the authorization or non -authorization for the use of airport funds.
Blum stated the City Manager said that the account was still there but that through the City's
accounting procedures, a negative balance was shown. It was Blum's understanding that even
though the account showed a negative balance, a check could be written on the account.
The real problem was a matter of lack of communication before using, the account. Ockenfels
and Hicks both expressed concern that the administration had failed to communicate to the
Commission on an action, (use of airport funds) that is under the jurisdiction of the
Airport Commission
February 20, 1990
Page 2
Commission. The issue was never resolved by the Council as to the appropriateness of the
action by the City Manager. (City Attorney Gentry wrote a legal opinion which states that it
was not a proper action by the Finance Director and the City Manager). Blum stated that the
Council seemed to be saying that they would like the Commission to use the fund to pay part
of the Dane condemnation award. No guarantee would be given by the Council for repaying
the fund or to give assurances for providing matching funds if a state or federal grant became
available.
Ockenfels expressed concern that this could set a precedent for paying judgments resulting
from litigation. The Airport has not budgeted for those expenses. It has been budgeted by
the City Legal Department in the past.
Blum spent time explaining the AIP preapplication process to the Commission. Items in the
preapplication were discussed, as were the assurances given to the FAA by the Commission
that matching funds, under the control of the Commission, are available.
The question was raised as to when a decision would be needed by the Commission as to
what they intended to do with the fund and what manner of financial support could be given
to the Council. The City Manager stated that he would like to have the matter resolved by the
end of the fiscal year, although it could be carried over into the next year.
Foster asked what the Commission's position was with regard to the assurances on file with
the FAA. Blum stated that it was his understanding from the Council meeting last night that
if a grant was offered in the near future, the local matching fund would be available to the
Commission for the 10% match. The Commission was in agreement that the issue should be
resolved as soon as possible. O'Neil will contact the City Manager to schedule a meeting with
the City Council. Blum will contact Mayor McDonald to facilitate this meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT:
O'Neil stated that the State Airport Conference will be held in Ames, Iowa on April 17, 1990.
He encouraged as many of the Commissioners as possible to attend.
The FAA conducted their annual safety inspection on February 5, 1990. Three minor infractions
were cited. Two of these infractions concerned the fuel dispensing equipment and have been
corrected.
O'Neil questioned the Commission members on their opinion of the proposed construction of
a tower at the VA Hospital. Because it will raise the approach minimums, the Commission
directed O'Neil to write a letter of opposition on the proposed construction.
Some type of hard surface for the parking lot for the 1701 building will be installed this
summer. O'Neil has contacted the Iowa City Streets Department to include this area in their
chipseal program. The cost will be minimal as compared to the improvement this will have on
the area.
Airport Commission
February 20, 1990
Page 3
O'Neil reminded the Commission of the City's Business PM on April 12, 1990, from 4:30-6:30
PM. Ideas will be discussed at the next meeting. Commission members are encouraged to
attend.
A personal computer has been budgeted for the Airport in the next fiscal year. A meeting will
be scheduled with Kevin O'Malley, Acting Finance Director, to determine software needs.
O'Neil stated that John Dane has applied to have approximately 20 acres annexed into the
City, zoned commercial. The Iowa City planning staff, at this point, would like to defer the
matter for six months until a study can be done on the entire Highway 1/Highway 6 corridor.
The City's Comprehensive Plan shows this area zoned industrial. O'Neil will keep the
Commission informed on the progress of Dane's application.
CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION:
Blum presented Harry Lewis with a Certificate of Appreciation for his service on the
Commission. Lewis's term ends on March 1, 1990. Blum personally thanked Lewis for his
dedication and time spent supporting the Iowa City Municipal Airport.
SET NEXT MEETING:
The next regular Commission meeting is scheduled for March 19, 1990, at 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
Foster moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:44 p.m. Hicks seconded the motion and the motion
passed, 5-0.
Richard Blum, Chairman