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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20110606minutesMINUTES Jefferson City Memorial Airport Airport Advisory Committee June 6, 2011 10:30 a.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Chet Hartley Herman Lueckenotte Robert Morgan Frank Rycyk, Chairman Grant Shorthose, Vice Chairman COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT Chip Gentry Jeff Naught COUNCIL LIAISON PRESENT Shawn Schulte, Councilman, Second Ward STAFF PRESENT Ron Craft, Airport Manager Janice McMillan, Deputy Director for Planning & Transportation Services Drew Hilpert, Associate City Counselor Anne Stratman, Administrative Assistant OTHERS PRESENT Cindy Conner, Federal Aviation Administration Don Fontana, Stormwater Manager, City of Jefferson Mike Gerety, Federal Aviation Administration Wesley Hockemeyer, Federal Aviation Administration Millicent Parker, MoDOT Tom Scheppers, President, EAA Chapter 429 Steve Summers, CSPI, Pilot 1. Introductions Chairman Rycyk called the meeting to order at 10:34 a.m. and asked everyone present to introduce themselves. 2. Adoption of the agenda as printed or amended Mr. Rycyk moved and Mr. Shorthose seconded to amend the agenda by adding Staff Liaison Report as Item C under Scheduled Reports. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Approval of Minutes for the Special Meeting of April 4, 2011 As no additions, deletions or amendments were noted the minutes stand as written. Approval of Minutes of the April 8, 2011 Budget Subcommittee of the Airport Advisory Committee As no additions, deletions or amendments were noted the minutes stand as written. 4. Public Comment Opportunity None. 5. Invited Guests None. Mr. Morgan arrived at 10:37 a.m. Mr. Schulte, City Council Liaison, arrived at 10:40 a.m. and was introduced by Mr. Rycyk. Minutes/Airport Advisory Committee Page 2 June 6, 2011 6. Scheduled Reports a. Airport Manager’s Report 1. Potential Flooding Mr. Craft reported that we are monitoring the river level and watching the forecast. He stated that we are locating storage facilities for seasonal items such as snow plows. Mr. Craft explained that as each stage comes we will take the appropriate steps as far as relocating aircraft and pulling navigational facilities. He stated that the latest information from the Corp of Engineers and the National Weather Service shows that due to the release of water from the dams upstream we are going to have a sustained water level of at least 27 feet for approximately two to three months. Mr. Craft explained that at 27 feet unless there is a levee problem it will not reach the airport property. He stated that between 27 feet and 30 feet is where we become concerned and really watch it. Mr. Craft explained that we will not close the airport or pull navigation aids until it is absolutely necessary. Mr. Shorthose inquired at what flood level does the FAA start pulling their equipment. In response, Ms. Conner explained that at 29 feet the FAA will remove the ir equipment. Mr. Craft explained that the City’s Parking Division is working on a notification system for vehicles in City parking lots that are susceptible to flooding. He stated that he will have those available at the airport as well. Mr. Rycyk asked Mr. Craft to give an update on the levee district. In response, Mr. Craft explained that at the last meeting the engineer discussed the property descriptions that were annexed into the newly formed drainage district. He stated that the next step is to use those property descriptions to assess dues to the drainage district. Mr. Craft explained that a drainage district protects the land within the drainage district whereas a levee district is solely interested in protecting from the river. Ms. McMillan explained that a drainage district is a special purpose district and has taxing authority. She stated that once property is annexed into the drainage district then they have the ability to levee property taxes on property included in that district. Ms. McMillan explained that this funds the maintenance and improvements of the levee district. Mr. Craft explained that previously the Cedar City Drainage District was assessing a tax to the property owner whereas the Capital View Drainage District was relying on dues. He stated that since those two districts combined everybody within the footprint of the levee will be paying a tax. 2. Parking Lot Repair Mr. Craft explained that the parking lot will be resurfaced as a part of the City’s overlay project. He stated that the project consists of resurfacing the entrance road, leveling the low spots in the parking lot, and sealcoating and restriping. Mr. Craft explained that this project will be deferred to until later this year because of the flooding potential. 3. Air Traffic Control Tower Roof Replacement Project Mr. Craft reported that a recommendation has been made for the replacement of the Air Traffic Control Tower roof. He stated that the rotating beacon light will be replaced as a part of this project. 4. State Aviation Trust Fund Mr. Craft reported that the legislature did not take action on the jet fuel sales tax legislation. He explained that the legislature will address this next year since the jet fuel sales tax will sunset in 2013. Mr. Craft stated that the State Aviation Trust Fund is funded by the tax on jet fuel. Mr. Rycyk inquired whether a letter was written to the committee chair. In response, Ms. McMillan explained that since there was no action taken it is a moot point. Minutes/Airport Advisory Committee Page 3 June 6, 2011 b. FBO Report Mr. Shorthose reported that they have a full-time flight instructor on staff. He explained that they will be monitoring the river as well and will give pilots the option to move their aircraft to another airport if they deem it is necessary. Mr. Shorthose stated that we will not move any aircraft until it is absolutely necessary. c. Staff Liaison Report Ms. McMillan reported that we have a contract with Burns & McDonnell to study the floodway maps and any affects there may be in the event that the floodway remains at the projected location. She explained that they will let us know if there is potential for adjusting the lines and any affects there may be on future airport operations and investments. 7. Old Business a. New FEMA Flood Maps (Don Fontana) Mr. Fontana explained that Senator Cochran of Mississippi sent a letter to FEMA to put the mapping on hold temporarily because the study did not take into account the levees that are below base flood elevations. He stated that they are debating whether they will proceed with the map as planned or whether they will do a little bit of tweaking on the levees. Mr. Rycyk inquired whether there will be a public comment period when FEMA releases their next report. In response, Mr. Fontana explained that on April 28, 2011 FEMA was going to release the preliminary flood map for review however everything is on hold temporary until a decision is made about the levees. Mr. Fontana explained that Mr. Scott Samuels, floodplain engineer, will advise us on the regulatory impact whenever the flood maps are finalized. b. Airport Projects Update Mr. Craft stated that he reported on these items under the Airport Managers Report. c. Airport Budget for 2011-2012 Mr. Rycyk referred to the minutes of the Budget Subcommittee of the Airport Advisory Committee. He stated that the Subcommittee made the following motion: Mr. Rycyk moved the committee request an additional $80,000 to restore the third employee to the airport. Mr. Shorthose seconded. The motion carried with Mr. Rycyk, Mr. Shorthose and Mr. Hartley voting in favor. Mr. Rycyk moved and Mr. Hartley seconded that the Airport Advisory Committee request an additional $80,000 to restore the third employee to the Airport . Discussion: Ms. McMillan suggested an alternative which would ask for additional funds for contracting services such as mowing. Mr. Morgan suggested restoring the maintenance position as the first option and as the second option increasing the budget to include contracting services. Ms. McMillan explained that at this time those options are not included in the budget so we would be relying on Councilman Schulte to offer to restore the maintenance position or increase the budget so we can contract some of those services. Mr. Rycyk stated that we discussed Mr. Shorthose and myself speaking before the City B udget Committee. The argument against funding another position is that the airport is subsidized by the City. My argument in favor of this is that the City is subsidizing the Chamber of Commerce and is the Chamber paying its own way. The Chamber is credited with bringing businesses into the City and I am going to argue that having the airport here is assisting the Chamber with their business of bringing new businesses into the City. Therefore is the airport worthy of the subsidy in the same manner that the Chamber is. Minutes/Airport Advisory Committee Page 4 June 6, 2011 Mr. Shorthose commented that Ms. Bonnot with the Chamber of Commerce realizes that the airport has an important role in the economic development of this community. He stated that many businesses such as Lowes, Menards, Wal-Mart and Unilever-Cheeseborough Ponds fly in and out of our airport. Mr. Lueckenotte asked how the Chamber of Commerce can promote the airport. In response, Ms. McMillan commented that we have to consider what niche our airport services. She explained that when the Chamber of Commerce talks about economic development they are more focused on regional economic development and the Columbia Regional Airport. Ms. McMillan stated that our airport supports the local business community and the ease in which we can make it convenient and attractive for businesses to locate in Jefferson City and conduct business here. She explained that if the Chamber of Commerce recognizes that the ease of doing business in Jefferson City is tied to our airport that is a giant step forward. Mr. Shorthose inquired whether members of the Airport Advisory Committee should approach the Budget Committee or whether Councilman Schulte should approach the Budget Committee. In response, Ms. McMillan explained that the best approach is to have Councilman Schu lte approach the Budget Committee. Mr. Schulte stated that he is in favor of recommending to the full Council that the maintenance position be added back to the budget. He explained that he will try to get that accomplished. Vote: Mr. Rycyk reiterated that the motion on the table is to have the Airport Advisory Committee request an additional $80,000 to restore the maintenance position to the Airport. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Rycyk suggested requesting to reinstate the maintenance position before making any additional recommendations. Mr. Morgan suggested reinstating the maintenance position and asking for an increase in the budget for contractual services. Mr. Craft explained that the cost of service depends on how much you intend to contrac t out. He stated that with snow removal and mowing you have to stay within in the public areas of the airport due to liability issues. Mr. Morgan suggested using inmate labor for mowing and other duties. In response, Mr. Craft explained that the Department of Corrections has changed their requirements. He stated that we would be responsible for transporting the inmates and supervising them because they have to be within eyesight and hearing at all times. Mr. Shorthose suggested using Parks & Recreation summer help for mowing. He stated that he is in favor of reinstating the maintenance position first and then pursue other alternatives. Ms. McMillan explained that part-time summer help would have to be added to our personnel budget. Mr. Schulte inquired of the primary need for the additional employee. In response, Mr. Craft explained that there is a lot of maintenance work to be done at any given time which could range from the terminal building to being out on the airfield to being in the control tower. He stated that the City owns the control tower and is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep. Mr. Craft explained that maintenance encompasses janitorial services, mowing, plowing snow, troubleshooting the electrical system in the terminal or on the airfield, and troubleshooting the plumbing in the terminal building. He stated that if something breaks in the terminal building and Mr. Klebba is on the airfield I become the person to fix it. Mr. Craft explained that if I am out of the office it gets deferred until Mr. Klebba is finshed on the airfield and can come in to fix it. He stated that while Mr. Klebba was working on the tree removal project on old Cedarvale Drive the mowing did not get finished. Minutes/Airport Advisory Committee Page 5 June 6, 2011 Mr. Schulte commented that $80,000 in the budget as a line item for one person could get three or four high school kids mowing and not spend $80,000. He explained that knowing that there is skilled labor required helps with my discussion with the Mayor and other Council members . Mr. Schulte inquired that if you had two people mowing in addition to Mr. Klebba could he take care of the skilled maintenance or do you need two skilled maintenance positions. In response, Mr. Craft explained that there will be times that Mr. Klebba is not here. For example, when Mr. Klebba was on vacation there was an electrician working for approximately five (5) hours on the voltage regulator for the airfield lighting. He stated that during this time I had to be with him which meant that nothing else was getting accomplished. Mr. Craft explained that both maintenance positions require that both employees are qualified to do what needs to be accomplished. The Committee asked that Councilman Schulte present their position in terms of requesting to reinstate the maintenance position. 8. New Business Mr. Lueckenotte commented on an article that discussed the possibility of an airport authority that would divert funds from our airport to the Columbia Regional Airport. Mr. Craft explained that current legislation permits governmental entities from outside of Boone County to be owners of the Columbia Regional Airport. Mr. Shorthose commented that if Central Missouri is going to have a successful airline service it appears that most people believe that will be the Columbia Regional Airport. He stated that if the Columbia Regional Airport has an airline service that grows then we are considered a benefactor of that. Ms. McMillan commented that it goes back to what niche does the airport serve. She suggested inviting Mr. Shawn Sappenfield with the Chamber of Commerce to the next meeting. Mr. Lueckenotte expressed concerns that our airport will never be allowed a scheduled airline service since the Columbia Regional Airport is in close proximity. Mr. Shorthose left at 11:45 a.m. Mr. Craft explained that since the Jefferson City Memorial Airport accepts grant money from th e FAA for capital improvements we sign grant assurances to receive that money. He stated that part of those grant assurances stipulates that we will never restrict any kind of a public aviation use which would include airline services. 9. Other Business None. 10. Next Meeting Date Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. in the Airport Conference Room. 11. Adjournment Mr. Hartley moved and Mr. Morgan seconded to adjourn the meeting at 11:45 a.m. Respectfully Submitted, Anne Stratman Administrative Assistant