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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