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