HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-18-18 Airport Commission Meeting Minutes January 18,2018
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MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
JANUARY 18, 2018—6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Minnetta Gardinier, Christopher Lawrence, Chris Ogren
Members Absent: Robert Libby, A. Jacob Odgaard
Staff Present: Eric Goers, Michael Tharp
Others Present: Matt Wolford, Carol Freeman, Laura Routh, John Moes, Rhiannon
Rasmussen, Grant Cushman
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None.
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Acting Chair Lawrence called the meeting to order at 6:16 P.M. after declaring a quorum.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes from the December 21, 2017, meeting were reviewed. Ogren noted that on the second
page of the minutes, under the second paragraph on environmental assessment, it says that
Hughes shared two letters with Members. She noted that it was just one letter, the overall
neighborhood letter. Ogren moved to accept the minutes of the December 21, 2017,
meeting as amended. Lawrence seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0, Libby and
Odgaard absent
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: •
a. FAA/IDOT Projects: AECOM/Carol Freeman
i. Obstruction Mitigation
1. Environmental Assessment(EA)—Freeman spoke to Members
about the assessment process, giving them an update. A
preliminary draft copy of the EA has been sent to the FAA and the
City, which starts a review process that should take approximately
two weeks. Once comments are received back on the EA,
Freeman stated that they will be incorporated into the
assessment. This will then allow them to move to the next stage
•
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of the process—publishing the draft copy and scheduling the
public meeting. She then shared a draft schedule of the EA
process with Members. The discussion centered around the
public comment period and other important dates. Tharp also
spoke to the process and what Members can expect. He noted
that tentatively March 1st will be the public meeting time at the
Airport,with the first being held around the lunch hour and a
second later in the evening. Members then asked for some
clarification regarding the process and how they would deal with
any conflicting comments they may receive. Tharp noted that one
consideration is to form a sub-committee who could then review
the conflicting comments. Freeman then further explained what
the EA will contain in its final version and responded to Member
questions about the document.
Further conversation was held after the restroom discussion, with
Ogren asking if the Commission will have a chance to review the
letter going out to the public, prior to its release. Freeman stated
that Members will have a copy of the letter before the next
Commission meeting, and that they can then send any comments,
etc., to Tharp. A member of the public then asked if there will be
some type of appeal process, should a member of the public
receive this letter, or if it will be an eminent domain situation.
Attorney Goers responded, stating that there is an appeal process
through the eminent domain process, where you can challenge
the authority of the Airport Commission in this case.
ii. North T-Hangar Restroom—Tharp noted that this project is out to bid
right now, with bids due back on February 1. He then responded to
Member questions regarding the process and what they might expect as
far as received bids.
b. Airport Marketing/Branding—Tharp asked if Members would mind moving Item
4.d up to this item, as he believes these conversations are going to start to blend
together as they move forward. Ogren moved that they flip Items 4c and 4d.
Lawrence seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0, Libby and
Odgaard absent.
Tharp then introduced John Moes, Rhiannon Rasmussen, and Grant Cushman
from Fuel. He noted that Fuel helped them with Fly Iowa in 2014 and he believes
they went above and beyond in putting together the program guide and other
promotional items for that event. Tharp continued, noting that he would like to
have Fuel help them promote and brand the Airport for its 100-year event. He
noted that beyond this celebration, he would like to work with Fuel to begin a
long-term Airport identity project. Members discussed the issue further, with
Gardinier stating that she believes they need to do the logo branding piece first.
She further explained why she feels this way and how she believes they need to
handle both the branding piece and the 100-year anniversary piece. Tharp also
spoke to the identity issue, stating that they are going to have an identity for the
100-year event, but that they could then roll out a long-term Airport vision at this
event. Gardinier reiterated that she believes they need to roll out the identity
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before the 100-year event, that this is what helps create that identity for the
public.
Moes with Fuel then spoke to Members about the process of developing an
identity and a strategy for the Airport. He shared some of the steps they go
through when beginning such a project. Speaking to implementation, Moes
stated that the first three steps are what provide a foundation to work from.
Tharp then asked what the best way is to move forward with this and Moes
responded with how they would proceed. Gardinier shared her concerns, noting
that some of the identity pieces should come out to the public after the 100-year
event. Ogren asked that they look at a timeline, which the Fuel reps noted is in
the handout and that they would be happy to further clarify this information.
Ogren asked if this is a project that they need to put out for bid, and Goers stated
that since it is not a public improvement project it would not be subject to that
procedure.
The discussion then turned back to the projected timeline. Rasmussen
responded to Member concerns at this point. She spoke to the communication
issues that the Airport wants to address, noting that their goal is to help the
Airport learn to communicate better. She noted that they have done some
research on the Airport, which they will now put into a strategy document. These
elements are then used to create a vision. Cushman and Rasmussen continued
to move through the timeline and the various elements contained there.
Members were encouraged to review the research info gathered thus far and to
share their comments and ideas with the Fuel team.
Tharp stated that first they need to get an idea of the financial outlay for this
project so the Commission can evaluate this. He suggested they schedule a
work session for this topic and Members agreed. Tharp asked if Members would
like to schedule a meeting for next week to begin the process of either accepting
the contract from Fuel or not. Members agreed to meet Wednesday,January
24. Tharp will contact the absent Members regarding this meeting.
c. 100-Year Anniversary Committee—Ogren and Tharp spoke to the upcoming
celebration and where they are in the planning. Tharp stated that tentatively the
celebration will take place June 8th through the 10th, with most of the activities
being on the 9th. He stated that for June 8th they are planning a balloon glow for
the evening. Saturday the 9th will have a multitude of airplanes on display, and a
visit by the Ford tri-motor has been confirmed. Tharp also noted collaborating
with the Children's Museum and the Public Library. Moes stated that if there is
any interest, he has some connections with a group that flies drones and does a
set-up for events such as this. Gardinier stated that she also knows someone
who flies drones at events. Tharp suggested that people get contact info to him
and he can then check into the details further. Continuing, Tharp stated that he
has reached out to the balloon group in Indianola but has not heard back from
them yet. In regards to banners, Tharp stated that he is looking into this further
with the City and possibly the University.
d. Airport Operations
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•
Budget—Tharp stated that the Council held their budget sessions
recently and that his presentation went fairly quick. He noted that the
Councilors seemed to be happy with what they heard. He added that in
reference to the recent comment about fuel sales at the Airport, he made
a point of opening with a comment regarding the upward trend in fuel
sales. Tharp stated that he did not receive any questions or comments
regarding this. Then on the following Tuesday, Tharp stated that he
presented the CIP portion of the budget, where he noted the obstruction
mitigation project and the runway reconfiguration. The only comment he
received at this presentation was when the Mayor suggested coming up
with some ideas or thoughts on getting more low-income, disadvantaged
people involved in aviation. The idea of scholarships was brought up as a
way to promote this. Lawrence asked if they have ever given thought to a
scholarship program, to which Tharp responded that they try to promote
free rides for youth when they hold events, in hopes of bringing anyone
interested to come to the Airport. In regards to the Mayor's comment,
Goers added that this Council is very interested in racial equity and social
justice and that any way of incorporating this into the Airport's objectives
would be a positive thing. Members continued to discuss this issue and
ways they could meet this objective.
ii.
Management—
1. Airport Viewing Area—Tharp stated that the RFPs have been
out for a while now. He had one possible bidder stop by one day but he
has not heard anything further. Ogren asked if Tharp is working with
Parks and Recreation. He stated that he is and that they actually put the
RFP together.
2. Riverside Drive Improvements—Tharp stated that Parks and
Recreation, along with Forestry, are working on this project and that the
meeting packet has a rough concept plan in it. He shared some of the
proposed ideas with Members, noting what is planned for specific areas
in regards to replanting of trees, and the addition of other plants and
shrubs. Members began to discuss the concept plan and various things
that they believe are missing from the plan. Tharp encouraged Members
to share their ideas with him so that he can convey them to Parks and
Rec.
3. Employee Evaluation—Tharp noted that it is that time of year
again. He stated that he has contacted Libby about this and let him know
the process they typically follow in completing Tharp's evaluation.
iii. Events—Tharp noted that the Iowa Public Airports Association's"day on
the hill" in Des Moines with the DOT is planned for January 30. The
Association plans to push for a more substantial infrastructure plan and
will be looking to increase that funding.
e. FBO/ Flight Training Reports—Mali Wolford
Jet Air-Wolford shared the monthly maintenance reports, highlighting
items of interest for Members—replaced a door seal on hangar#64, dealt
with a coyote on the grounds, snow removal. Gardinier asked about
hangar#72 and the restroom door there. Tharp stated that the issue with
the door is the wind caught it and really messed it up. Gardinier
suggested they get an automatic closure for it, if this is going to be an
issue. Tharp stated that it does have a closure, and that this happened
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during the recent storm with very high winds. Wolford stated that the door
has been completely reframed and appears to be working well. Gardinier
asked that someone take a look at the conference room door as it does
not seem to close completely or is out of alignment. The January report
showed more ice and snow removal. Wolford also noted that staff has
started working in the men's bathroom, redoing the floor and the walls.
Wolford then asked Tharp if the new maintenance agreement will be
ready by the next meeting. He noted that there will probably be a rate
adjustment proposed.
Wolford then shared that Josh and his wife had a baby yesterday, and
that one of the mechanics had his this morning at 3:00 A.M. Continuing,
Wolford stated that things are going well at Jet Air. He added that they
are actively looking for a larger airplane tug to help with some issues they
have had with sliding, etc. Flight training has slowed down due to the
weather, especially because of the cold temperatures. Wolford stated
that they recently attempted to host a webinar for flight training students,
but it was canceled due to technical difficulties. Speaking to the 100-year
celebration, Wolford stated that Jet Air has donated $2,500 to the event.
f. Commission Members' Reports—Ogren spoke to the recent commentary at a
City Council meeting regarding the Airport. She asked if others would be
agreeable to add this to an agenda, to talk about concerns about noise.
Gardinier asked that she get a link to this particular Council meeting so she can
watch what they are talking about. Speaking to the 100-year anniversary,
Gardinier stated that she put together a letter and sent it to the IAPG group,
asking for a$5,000 donation.
g. Staff Report—Tharp thanked everyone for taking care of things while he was
out.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
The next regular meeting of the Airport Commission will be held on Thursday, February 15,
2018, at 6:00 P.M. in the Airport Terminal Building.
ADJOURN:
Ogren moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 P.M. Lawrence seconded the motion. The
motion carried 3-0, Libby and Odgaard absent.
(#24,fg/if 3113/ I eir
CHAIRPERSON DATE
January 18,2018
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017-2018
TERM o 0 0 umVm ' -‘ 0 A o -1.
N N N N + N
NAME EXP. co c' CO 0 w V o V ID m C CO
V V V V V V V V V V V Co
Minnetta 07/01/19 0
Gardinier O/ I 0! 0!
XXX EEXXX E X E X
Chris Ogren 07/01/18 X XX X XX XX X X X X
A.Jacob 07/01/18 0
Odgaard / O/ 0/ O/
X XE XXX XXX EE E
Robert Libby 07101/20 01 O/ 0/
XXX X XE XX E X X E
Christopher 07/01/21 N N N N N O/
Lawrence MMMNMMMXX X EX X
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time