HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-21-19 Airport Commission Meeting MinutesOctober 21, 2019
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MINUTES
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
OCTOBER 21, 2019 — 6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Scott Clair, Christopher Lawrence, Judy Pfohl
Members Absent: Warren Bishop, Bob Libby
Staff Present: Eric Goers, Michael Tharp
FINAL
Others Present: Steve Shutette, Joanne Seeberger, Mary Blackwood, Nancy Goldsmith,
Harry Boemaar, Bruce Pfohl, Victoria Mueller, Kathy Mark, Janet Skoff
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None.
DETERMINE QUORUM:
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 P.M.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
Obstruction Mitigation
1. Public Hearing — The public hearing was opened at 6:04 P.M.
Tharp noted that this is a public hearing for the Airport's
obstruction mitigation project, which involves removing
approximately 94 trees in the affected areas. The public was then
invited to speak if they wish. Mary Blackwood of 906 Talwrn Court
spoke first. She stated that she just learned about this issue
yesterday. She shared her feelings regarding larger planes
landing at the Airport and the accompanying noise. Blackwood
stated that her neighbors are also against having larger planes
coming to the Airport, especially if it means removal of so many
trees. Joanne Seeberger, a resident of Wylde Green Road, spoke
next. She stated that up to this point she did not have any issues
with the Airport, but now that trees are being cut down, she
believes it is physically changing her neighborhood. She
questioned how this removal ties in with the ash tree problem.
Seeberger also spoke to ideal conditions and that perhaps planes
should only be allowed to land from a certain direction. Janet
Skoff stated that she just learned of this today and that she can't
believe why their neighborhood is being destroyed. She stated
that when flying starts to affect the neighborhoods, the people
need to speak up about it. She suggested that other possibilities
be looked at. Joanne Seeberger spoke again, questioning why
now these trees need to be removed.
October 21, 2019
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Tharp then spoke to these concerns, noting that the 2016 master
plan basically started this process. As part of that plan there was
an obstruction mitigation piece. Tharp explained how the master
plan addresses obstruction mitigation, with the runway threshold
being moved, which in turn shortens the runway. He added that if
they just left the runway alone, that would have meant clear -
cutting 120 trees. The proposed mitigation plan lowers that
amount. Pfohl noted that property owners that will be affected
have already received letters, and have signed and returned them.
She reiterated this for those present who were concerned that
they had not been notified. She also spoke to the goal of the
Airport master plan. Lawrence also spoke to this project, noting
that with the growth of trees over time they are now encroaching
on that protected corridor that pilots count on.
The discussion continued, with Tharp responding to questions
where possible and others sharing their thoughts. Attorney Goers
stated that he wanted to add the comment that the City has
already acquired permission from every property owner being
affected, except one that did not sign the letter. He stated that if
people have not been contacted, that means the trees on their
property are not affected. Steve Shutette then spoke. He asked if
the main reason for this is safety, and if so, asked why they
couldn't just top the trees instead. Tharp stated that topping was
looked at in the environmental assessment and was ruled out,
mainly because topping the trees to a sufficient level would most
likely kill them. Joanne Seeberger returned to the floor, speaking
to the 500 -feet change in the threshold. Tharp responded,
explaining further what this entails. Mary Blackwood also
addressed the Members again. She reiterated her displeasure
with the Airport growing too big. The public hearing was then
closed at 6:34 P.M. Lawrence moved to close the public
hearing. Pfohl seconded the motion. The motion carried 3.0,
Bishop and Libby absent.
2. Consider a resolution approving the plans, specifications,
and form of contract and placing bids — Lawrence moved to
approve Resolution #A19-16, approving the plans,
specifications, and form of contract and placing bids. Pfohl
seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0, Bishop and
Libby absent.
ADJOURN:
Lawrence moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 P.M. Bishop seconded the motion. The motion
carried - , i y absent.
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CHAIRPERSON DATE
October 21, 2019
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Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2018.2019
Key.
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time
TERM
o
a
o
o
a
o
o
.+
NAME
EXP.
0
0
to
W
m
m
m
m
m
Warren
06/30/22
0/
O/
Bishop
X
X
X
X
X
X
E
X
E
Scott Clair
06/30123
N
N
N
N
M
M
M
M
X
X
X
X
X
Robert
07/01/20
0/
0/
O/
O/
Libby
E
X
X
E
X
X
X
E
E
Christopher
07/01/21
Lawrence
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Judy Pfohl
06130/22
N
N
N
M
M
M
X
X
X
X
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