HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-16-2017 Airport Commission Meeting MinutesNovember 16, 2017
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MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 16, 2017 — 6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Minnetta Gardinier, Robert Libby, Chris Ogren
Members Absent: A. Jacob Odgaard, Christopher Lawrence
Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Sue Dulek
Others Present: Matt Wolford, David Hughes, Carol Freeman, Jeff Edberg, Larry Bell,
John Yeomans
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Counci'
action):
None.
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Libby called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M., after declaring a quorum. Gardinier nominated
Ogren as Acting Secretary. Libby seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0,
Odgaard and Lawrence absent
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Discussion of the minutes from the October 19, 2017, meetings were reviewed. Ogren moved
to accept the minutes of the October 19, 2017, meetings as presented. Gardinier
seconded the motion. The motion carried 3.0, Odgaard and Lawrence absent
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSIONIACTION:
a. Farm Operations — Tharp stated that he was notified recently that Merschman
Seed will no longer be doing their show plots on the field. However, the current
farm tenant will continue to farm the land. Tharp continued, noting that there are
conversations going on between Jet Air and the farm tenant regarding some of
the grounds keeping that Merschman had been doing. He stated that once
things are worked out he will report back to the Commission. Gardinier asked if
there was any reason given by Merschman, and John Yeomans responded that
he believes the show plot angle wore out and that their marketing strategy is
probably changing. Tharp spoke to the grounds keeping issue, noting that
Merschman had been taking care of the south end of the Airport, which is the
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area along Mormon Trek and around the Riverside Drive bend, keeping the
mowing and weeds under control. Yeomans stated that he spoke to the farm
tenant and that he is willing to take care of this area as well.
b. Gilbert Street property — Tharp noted that Larry Bell and Jeff Edberg are
present this evening with a proposal for this site. Edberg gave some history to
this property, noting how they got to this point. He shared an appraisal done on
the property, noting that it appraised at $46,500, which is what Bell is offering for
the Gilbert Street property. Edberg continued, noting what Bell has planned for
this site and that he would like 90 days to get his plans finalized. The process
that will have to be followed for this offer to go through was then reviewed by
Edberg. He noted that first it goes to the Commission and if approved, it
continues to the City Manager's office, and ultimately to the City Council for final
approval. Approval will also be needed from the FAA. Edberg then responded to
Member questions, further clarifying the offer being presented. Tharp stated that
he would recommend that the Commission not approve this tonight, that he
would first like for them to review the offer thoroughly. Edberg noted that the
offer is only good until December 8. Dulek also addressed this issue, noting that
the Commission would have to act on it before that date. Members continued to
discuss the issue, with Tharp and Edberg further clarifying the various hurdles
they will have to get through with this type of real estate transaction. Tharp
stated that they can schedule a special meeting prior to the December 6 deadline
in order to accept or reject this offer.
C. FAAIIDOT Projects: AECOM / David Hughes
L Obstruction Mitigation
1. Environmental Assessment— Hughes noted that they have
been out in the field a lot the past month taking pictures and have
also been meeting with the City Attorney and others. There has
also been some coordination with the FAA due to some conflicts
that need to resolved, such as what exactly is being mitigated.
Carol Freeman with AECOM then addressed Members, noting
that they have developed a letter in conjunction with Tharp and
the City Attorney's office for the initial contact with property
owners. She then shared this letter with Members, further
explaining how the process would work. Tharp stated that if
Members have any comments regarding this letter, they should
get them to him before the end of this month. Continuing, Tharp
then spoke to the public meetings they will be scheduling.
Freeman then responded to Member questions regarding how the
public will respond to this letter and what they should expect.
The discussion then turned to the letter itself, with Gardinier
questioning the first paragraph. She spoke to the section that
says: These obstructions and nonconforming structures can
create unsafe hazard to airplanes as they land and take off, and in
turn the surrounding neighborhoods. Members discussed this
wording, with Freeman suggesting they add wording that states
that there are restrictions currently in place, due to these
obstructions. Gardinier suggested adding 'temporary restrictions'
so that the public does not look at these as being permanent
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ones. Ogren suggested adding something about the FAA
requiring that these obstructions be mitigated, in order for the
Airport to receive FAA grants. Members continued to suggest
additional wording to the letter, noting that some people might be
unduly upset by it when in actuality they are not directly affected.
Speaking briefly to timelines, Hughes noted that they are about
two weeks behind at the moment, but are looking at a mid-
December date to mail the first letters, with public meetings in
January.
Freeman noted that they are continuing their work on the
environmental assessment. Gardinier asked about the conflicts
that were alluded to, adding that she thought they had already
gone through this. Hughes stated that they also thought things
were worked out, but the FAA wants more done about identified
obstructions. Hughes responded, noting that things like the
railroad on the south end of town was identified as a 'to be
removed obstruction.' There are also some areas where light
poles close to trees are being identified. Freeman and Hughes
responded to Member questions, further explaining why they have
had to spend more time on this section due to the FAA's
concerns.
ii. North T -hangar restroom — Hughes noted that they have repackaged
this project and are ready for new bids. He further explained what the
new bid package entails.
1. Consider a resolution setting a public hearing on plans,
specifications, and form of contract— Ogren moved to
approve Resolution #A17-15, setting a public hearing on
plans, specifications, and form of contract. Gardinier
seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0, Odgaard and
Lawrence absent.
d. Airport Operations
I. Budget
1. FY2019 budget — Tharp stated that he submitted the budget, and
that he and Libby met with the City Manager and Finance Director
and had a good conversation. He noted that they are actually
showing a $4,000 surplus, which means that the Airport is self-
sufficient for the next year. Tharp added that he does not expect
this to continue, however. Libby stated that he also felt the
meeting went well and he shared some of the issues that were
discussed.
ii. Management -
1. FAA UAS Pilot Program —Tharp gave Members some
background on this program, noting that the main objective is on
the 'beyond line of sight' issues, with driver -less vehicles and
such. He noted the various individuals and groups that he has
had conversations with in regards to the possibility of putting in the
paperwork, with the University of Iowa being the lead, and
becoming a pilot test site for this technology. Continuing, Tharp
noted that this could have a pretty huge economic impact in terms
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of attracting technology start-ups, for example, to the area. In
regards to the application process, Tharp stated that they are
nearing some important dates. January 41" is the final deadline,
after which the evaluation process begins. Members agreed that
it sounds like an interesting prospect.
2. Strategic Plan — Tharp noted that the strategic plan has now
been posted to the City's web site and the final step will be the
presentation to City Council on December 19. Libby stated that
he will be available that night, as did Ogren. Tharp stated that he
will check with Lawrence, as he is a new Member to the
Commission, and it would be a good opportunity for him to attend
the Council meeting.
iii. Events —Tharp stated that they do not currently have any events planned
at the Airport, but he has been in conversations with a couple of people
who might want to plan events at the Airport.
e. FBO / Flight Training Reports
i. Jet Air — Matt Wolford with Jet Air spoke to Members and shared the
monthly maintenance reports. He noted that in October there was a lot of
trash pick-up around the Airport. In November, thus far there hasn't been
much activity, other than going for training on the new tractor. Staff also
has gotten the trucks and plows ready for the winter weather.
Speaking to Jet Air's business, Wolford stated that they have been
keeping busy. Their charter business has been steady. He also noted
that he has been working on his CFI training.
f. Commission Members' Reports — None.
g. Staff Report — Tharp stated that he will be out of the office for the Iowa Public
Airports Association board meeting in Ankeny tomorrow. He also reminded
Members of his vacation time between Christmas and New Year's, December 22
through January 2.
h. 100 -year Anniversary Committee — Ogren stated that she, Tharp, and
Gardinier did meet with the people from Fuel. Gardinier stated that she has put
out some communication regarding possible grant help for the celebration, as
well as sending another email to the Flagship Detroit people, and also applying
for to the Iowa Aviation Promotion Group. Ogren stated that she sent an email to
confirm for Young Eagles but has not heard back yet either.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
The next regular meeting of the Airport Commission will be held on Thursday. December 21,
2017. at 6:00 P.M. in the Airport Terminal Building. Gardinier noted that she will not be able to
attend this meeting. Tharp stated that he sent emails to both Lawrence and Odgaard about the
schedule but he has not had a response yet. He will let Members know if he has to schedule a
special meeting. Dulek reminded the Commission that they have a public hearing set for
December 21.
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ADJOURN:
Ogren moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 P.M. Libby seconded the motion. The
motion carried 3-0, Odgaard and Lawrence absent.
HAIRPERSON DATE
November 16, 2017
Page
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
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
NAME
EXP.
GI
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
Minnetta
07/01/19
O/
O
Gardinier
X
X
X
X
E
OIE
X
X
X
/E
X
Chris Ogren
07101116
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
x
X
X
X
A.Jacob
07/01/18
O
Odgaard
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
IE
Julie
07/01/17
O/
0/
N
N
N
N
Bockenstedt
X
X
X
X
E
X
E
M
M
M
M
Robert
07/01/20
O/
O
Libby
0/E
X
X
X
X
X
E
X
X
IE
X
Christopher
07/01/21
N
N
O
Lawrence
NM
NM
NM
NM
M
NM
M
X
X
X
/E
Key.
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time