HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-17-2017 Airport Commission Meeting MinutesAugust 17, 2017
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MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
AUGUST 17, 2017 — 6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Minnetta Gardinier, Christopher Lawrence, Robert Libby, A. Jacob
Odgaard, Chris Ogren
Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Eric Goers
Others Present: Matt Wolford, David Hughes, Regenia Bailey, Jeff Davidson
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: Ito become effective only after separate Council
action):
None.
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Libby called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Libby began with a discussion of the minutes from the July 20, 2017, meeting. Ogren moved
to accept the minutes of the July 20, 2017, meeting as presented. Lawrence seconded
the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
a. FAA/[DOT Projects: AECOM / David Hughes
I. Obstruction Mitigation — Hughes stated that the contractor has about
another week before they finish up on this project. He hopes to be able to
submit this to the FAA by the end of the month. Hughes added that they
are still awaiting the overall schedule and hope to have this by the end of
the month as well. Odgaard asked why it takes so long for the FAA to
complete their portion, and Hughes responded, noting that this is just the
way the government process goes.
ii. South Taxiway Extension — Hughes moved on to the south taxiway
extension project, noting that this has been completed. He added that
everything looks good and there are no issues to contend with.
1. Consider a resolution accepting work — Gardinier moved to
approve Resolution #A17-13, accepting the south taxiway extension
August 17, 2017
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work as complete. Ogren seconded the motion. The motion carried
5-0.
iii. North T -Hangar Restroom — Hughes noted that he made several calls
and left messages, with only one return call, in regards to bids for this
project. He stated that the one return call was also the highest bid they
received on this project from Calacci Construction and that they told him
that the bid as presented was written down wrong, that it should be more
in the $107,000 range. Hughes continued, stating that during their
conversation, John Calacci stated that a 'bare bones' project would be
$80,000 to $90,000, on what had originally been estimated to be a
$50,000 project. Members asked why the big difference in costs and
Hughes responded that it has to be due to the large amount of
construction in the Iowa City area currently. Gardinier asked if the City
has a department that takes care of these types of projects, and Attorney
Goers responded that the City would also bid out on a project like this.
He added that when the City does office renovations, for example, they
bid out for the work and follow the same procedures as the Commission.
Gardinier asked for clarification on the bidding process and Hughes
responded, noting that the project was advertised through the newspaper,
the City web site, and the Council of City Governments. Hughes
attempted to explain the high bid prices received and why this tends to
happens when local contractors are already swamped with work. Wolford
with Jet Air stated that the local plumber who does work for them stated
that the project looked 'too complex' for him. Tharp stated that one thing
he and Hughes have discussed with regard to rebidding this project is
that they could go back and make some changes, such as just having the
restroom 'roughed in' and then finishing it themselves. Members
continued to discuss this project and how they would like to proceed in
getting it completed. Questions were asked of Tharp and Hughes on
delaying the bid process until spring, with Tharp stating that he has talked
to the State and has walked them through the anticipated plan. He added
that they were agreeable to work with the Airport to see this project
through to completion. Wolford asked if the City has a set of plans that
they use when the Parks Department puts a restroom/building in the
City's parks. Hughes asked Attorney Goers if Parks would have such
plans, and if they do the restrooms in the parks as a separate entity.
Goers responded that he would be glad to find out the answers to these
questions, if the Commission would like him to. Hughes stated that since
they have some time on this project, he can look into getting some
information from Dallas County on the pre -fab they have on the bike trail,
as well as talk to the Parks Department at the City about the restrooms in
the parks. Jeff Davidson stated that he knows of a custom-built restroom,
also on a bike trail, that cost around $250,000.
b. Strategic Plan — Jeff Davidson began the evening's strategic planning
discussion. He reminded Members what the goal of the strategic planning is and
how the addition of 'success indicators' will be of great help to them in measuring
progress. He stated that first he would like to have Tharp go over the annual
report that was recently completed. Tharp began by sharing a summary of the
accomplishments of the last five-year strategic plan. He explained how he laid
out the summary, noting that he tried to show the steps for achieving each of
August 17, 2017
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these goals. Tharp began going through the summary, addressing each of the
accomplishments by explaining how these were met and what steps were taken
in each. Tharp added that with the reduction of their outstanding debt, the
support that was previously needed to maintain operations has been reduced.
He noted that the various grant programs are what help to keep aviation going,
adding that several projects over the years were supported with both federal and
state dollars.
Continuing, Tharp spoke to the various events that have taken place at the
Airport and the continued plan to host these. He also spoke to the conference
room in the terminal building and the increased interest in using it for meetings.
Working with Jet Air, Tharp noted the various Chamber of Commerce events
they have hosted together, as well as with ICAD and other community groups.
He also noted how these groups are important when it comes to economic
development at the Airport. With the updating and improving of Airport
infrastructure, Tharp noted the opportunities for more businesses to use the
Airport, and also to bring more businesses to the Iowa City area.
Davidson then continued, noting that a lot of what Tharp just reviewed is what
they will be continuing to work on in the new five-year plan. He added that he
and Bailey believe they should be able to wrap things up by October, November
at the latest. He stated that they would like to walk through the draft goals,
strategies, and success indicators today, giving Members the next month in
which to review these and pass along any comments. At the September
meeting, the Commission could review the draft plan, and if no changes are
needed, the final plan could be adopted at the October meeting. The final step
then, according to Davidson, would be for the Commission to present the report
to the City Council. Looking first at the Mission Statement, Davidson noted that
this is the reason for the organization's existence. The Vision Statement then,
according to Davidson, is what the Commission sees in the future, if the Iowa
City Municipal Airport is successful. Davidson asked if Members had any final
changes they would like to make to these two sections. Speaking to the SWOT
analysis, Davidson noted the survey results that were received this time around.
Moving to the goals as outlined by Tharp, Davidson noted that with the first goal
they have made tremendous accomplishments here. This is also one of the
goals that they believe should continue to be part of the strategic plan. The
second goal, according to Davidson, is another that needs to continue, with the
South Aviation Commerce Park out there as a distant goal. The third and fourth
goals are ones that need to be addressed in the next five years, as well, and
those will be included in the new plan. The fifth goal is one that can definitely be
checked off the list, according to Davidson. The runway extension and all that
went along with it has been very successful. The final goal is one that Davidson
also noted as staying in the new plan.
Bailey then moved on to reviewing draft goals that they have prepared for the
Members' to respond to. The first goal is 'Continue strong communication with
the City Council, City administration,' with the addition of 'Seek opportunities to
collaborate with other City departments.' She further noted that using the
strength of the City and the various departments could open up opportunities for
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collaboration. Continuing with the goals: 'Develop and maintain adequate
funding mechanisms for Airport operations and facility improvements and
maintenance;' 'Increasing the use of the Airport for aviation and other community
uses,' again another carry-over from the previous strategic plan; 'Maintain the
safety and aesthetic appeal of the Airport infrastructure;' and 'Implement the
Airport's Master Plan.' Bailey noted that the Commission will want to keep the
master plan in front of them, along with the strategic plan, as they work with
Tharp on the various projects they want to complete.
After a brief review of the goals, Bailey moved into more detail on each one. She
touched on the issue of having the Airport's strategic plan line up with the City
Council's strategic plan. She emphasized the importance of collaborating with
other City departments, and perhaps even other entities within the County, which
would align them with the Council's plan. Bailey continued showing the linkages
between the Airport's plan and the Council's plan, noting that it will be important
to point these out when they present their plan to the Council. This then led her
to review the strategies needed to reach these goals. Speaking to the City
Council's plan and the issue of communication, Bailey stated that at least
quarterly a Commission Member or the Operations Specialist needs to attend a
Council meeting to give them an update. She noted why this is a good thing,
pointing out that these meetings are televised, thus giving the Airport even more
exposure to the public. Members then spoke to this, agreeing that they should
take part in attending Council meetings and presenting an update.
Continuing, Bailey spoke to a new strategy -'Provide a tour of the Airport and
Airport facilities to City Council Members and City Council candidates in election
years.' She added that this is an election year. She emphasized the importance
of having the Commission Members involved, not just the Airport Specialist.
Another new strategy -'Once a Commission Member is affirmed, they should
appear before the Council.' Bailey noted how this would then give a face to the
newly appointed position, introducing the person to Council during the
'Community Comment' portion of their meeting. Speaking to the Parks and
Recreation's newly completed master plan, Bailey noted that for this side of town,
it is identified as having a lack of parkland and green space. She stated that
perhaps there is an opportunity to collaborate on making the viewing area more
of a green space for the area.
Speaking to the success indicators, Bailey gave some examples of this, such as,
'Did you present the strategic plan to the City Council?' Another example given
was, 'Did we prepare the annual report and present it within two months of the
end of the fiscal year?' Bailey reiterated that these are items they can check off
as they are completed, thus giving them a way to measure the progress. She
continued to work through some ideas for success indicators for each of the
goals, emphasizing ways to keep things current as the Airport operations move
ahead. Under the funding sources goal, Bailey stated that private funding might
be a source as well, if such would even be available. She then spoke to Airport
revenue covering Airport operational expenses, as well as receiving adequate
grant funding to upgrade and maintain high-quality facilities. Looking at
increasing usage at the Airport, both aviation related and not, Bailey stated that
they will need to communicate more. There needs to be some type of marketing
plan and messaging that will need to take place, in order to increase such usage.
August 17, 2017
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Using the upcoming 1001 anniversary celebration, Bailey noted that this is a
perfect example of how they will need to increase promotion of the Airport and
any events taking place there. This might be a place for collaboration with the
City's Communications Department. The City's Economic Development staff
would be another avenue for possible collaboration, according to Bailey.
Davidson and Bailey both spoke to how Economic Development might be able to
play a role in increased business at the Airport.
Moving on to the goal of maintaining the safety and aesthetic appeal of the
Airport infrastructure, Bailey brought up the issue of needing a sidewalk along
Riverside Drive and how the Airport might want to advocate for this getting done.
Members spoke to the nearby trail system and the possibility of bringing that
across the road. She briefly touched on aesthetics at the Airport and the viewing
area, and then wrapped up the draft goal discussion. Davidson asked that the
Members give some thought to what has been proposed and submit any
comments or questions to Tharp, who can then forward them on to Bailey and
Davidson. Members spoke again to possible collaboration with the Parks
Department and working together to upgrade the viewing area at the Airport.
They also touched again on increasing events at the Airport, citing examples
such as monthly bar-b-que cookouts and other family events.
C. Airport Operations
I. Budget—Tharp stated that they have received a quote on painting the
three T -hangars on the north side. The estimate is about $6,000 per
building. He added that he would like to get a few more quotes before
they make a final decision. Tharp stated that he has been working with
Ted, Jet Air's IT person, on getting flat screens going on the main floor of
the terminal building. Another capital project in the works is the
replacement upgrade of the tank monitoring station in the University
hangar. Tharp stated that he has an initial quote of about $12,000 and he
is reaching out for more quotes here as well.
1. 2017-2018 T -Hangar Rates — Tharp stated that anyone who is a
current T -hangar tenant would need to recuse themselves from
this part of the discussion. Gardinier and Libby recused
themselves at this point. Continuing, Tharp stated that he did his
usual surveying of other Airports to see what they are currently
charging and everyone has stayed flat on their rates, except for
one airport who had a $10 increase. He shared what he is
experiencing with his waiting list and added that it is taking him
longer to fill these. Tharp stated that his recommendation for T -
hangar rates is to keep them the same. He noted that if they were
to adjust for inflation, it would be roughly a 5% increase. It was
two years ago that an adjustment was made to the south T -
hangars, according to Tharp. Ogren stated that she agrees with
Tharp's recommendation, as did the other Members, Odgaard and
Lawrence. Tharp added that with a decrease in mowing, as the
seasons change, he would like to take advantage of Jet Air's
maintenance people being able to help with hangar maintenance
items, such as door seals and upgrading to LED lighting.
ii. Management — None.
iii. Events
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1. Pancake Breakfast — Tharp stated that the pancake breakfast is
officially being put on by the Optimist Club, as was touched on
earlier in the evening. He added that the SERTOMA group, after
disbanding, has basically joined in with the Optimist Club.
Gardinier asked if there has been much advertising done for it,
and Tharp responded that he did hear a radio ad earlier today in
fact. Wolford added that it appears there will be more going on
during this year's breakfast, such as the bookmobile being present
and the Children's Museum. Tharp explained some other
changes, such as with parking, that will be taking place this year.
Tharp noted that a few weeks ago he was able to participate with
the University when Senator Ernst was in town. She took a tour of
the University's lab while here.
d. FBO / Flight Training Reports
i. Jet Air — Matt Wolford shared the monthly maintenance reports with
Members. He noted some of the highlights for them, with mowing topping
the list, along with weeding and preparing for the pancake breakfast.
Gardinier asked what the board at the terminal building refers to and
Wolford explained what this entailed. Libby stated that the Jet Air crew
has been doing a great job around the Airport.
Wolford also spoke about his part-time help being gone now that school is
back in session. He recently hired one full-time worker and may have a
few part-time positions open soon. Charters, sales, and maintenance
have all been about the same, according to Wolford, and everyone is
keeping busy. He also shared that they have hired several new pilots,
including one to work as a flight instructor. Wolford stated that they hope
to get wi-fi going to the new hangar soon, as well as security cameras.
Gardinier asked about the overgrown shrubbery by the highway and if it
could be removed and replaced with something nicer. Tharp responded
that he can look into this and that he will put this on the agenda for next
month's meeting.
e. Commission Members' Reports — Gardinier stated that she will be flying
somewhere to watch the eclipse. Members briefly spoke to this. Tharp noted
that he may be interested in doing this as well. Ogren stated that Oshkosh had a
good event this year and that she saw Gardinier at the show. Lawrence stated
that it was a good show, as he also attended.
Staff Report — Tharp stated that August 28-30 is the Four States Regional
Conference in Kansas City that he will be attending. September 15-18, Tharp
will be off that Friday and Monday for a four-day weekend. He again spoke to
the eclipse and the possibility of going somewhere to see it.
g. 100 -year Anniversary Committee — Ogren stated that today she received
Tharp's responses and they agreed the committee should try to meet as a group
and go over the questions before the next Commission meeting. After some
discussion, the subcommittee agreed to meet on Monday, September 11.
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SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
The next regular meeting of the Airport Commission will be held on Thursday. September 21.
2017, at 6:00 P.M. in the Airport Terminal Building.
ADJOURN:
Ogren moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 P.M. Lawrence seconded the motion. The
motion carried 5-0.
1011711-7
CHAIRPERSON DATE
August 17, 2017
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time
TERM
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NAME
EXP.
N
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m
m
m
o
N
Ho
N
N
W
01
W
Ol
V
V
V
V
V
V
3
V
V
Minnetta
07/01/19
O/
O/
Gardinier
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
E
'E
X
X
X
Chris Ogren
07/01/18
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
A.Jacob
07/01/18
Of
Odgaard
X
X
X
X
X
X
E
X
X
X
X
X
Julie
07101/17
OI
O/
N
N
Bockenstedt
01E
X
X
X
X
X
X
E
X
E
M
M
Robert Libby
07101/20
O
1
O/
X
O
O
E
X
X
X
X
X
E
X
X
Christopher
07/01/21
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Lawrence
NM
NM
M
M
M
M
NM
M
M
M
X
X
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time