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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFlying Cloud Airport Advisory Commission - 08/10/2006 APPROVED MINUTES FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION THURSDAY,AUGUST 10, 2006 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER Prairie Room A & B 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Rick King, Vice-Chair Jeff Larsen, Mark Michelson and Brad Stratton COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Joe Harris, Greg McKewan and Kurt Schendel MAC REPRESENTATIVES: Chad Leqve and Gary Schmidt STAFF: Scott Kipp, Senior Planner Carol Pelzel, City Recorder CALL TO ORDER Chair King called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. I. SWEARING IN OF NEW MEMBERS A. Brad Stratton Kipp administered the oath of office to Commissioner Brad Stratton. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Larsen moved, seconded by Michelson, to approve the agenda as published. Motion carried, 4-0. III. APPROVAL OF MAY 11, 2006 MINUTES MOTION: Michelson moved, seconded by Larsen, to approve the May 11, 2006 minutes as published. Motion carried 3-0-1, with Stratton abstaining because of absence from that meeting. IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Meetings with FCM Businesses King reported that he and Kipp had met with major businesses based at the Flying Cloud Airport. Information regarding these meetings was included with the Commissioner's agenda material. He explained that material handed out this evening includes two additional reports and letters regarding these meetings. At these FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES August 10, 2006 Page 2 meetings, the owners discussed how their businesses were doing and what they are doing in terms of expansion. They also discussed issues that these businesses are dealing with. King said one thing they found is that there are approximately 300 people employed around the airport. These businesses are relatively thin margin businesses generating small amounts of profit. This is something they need to consider when thinking about City fees and also MAC fees because additional fees will make a big difference for these businesses. It seemed that all of the businesses are supportive of the runway expansion and they view it as bringing in more business for them. King said it also appeared that some of the businesses are in a retrench mode and are holding their own. King reported that he and Kipp also met with MAC representatives as an introductory session with no particular agenda. They did discuss this Commission's role and direction and hope to keep communications open between the two groups. Kipp said he felt that all of the organizations seemed to appreciate the visits and they appreciated that this Commission is willing to listen to them. Stratton said he did note that everyone seems to be interested in the runway expansion and in the addition of water and sewer. He asked if there were any other comments about economic development associated with investing monies in the airport or other things government could help facilitate. There is so much vacant land that could be used for significant economic development and he questioned if this was discussed. King responded that sewer and water does appear to be a big concern because of the new code requiring them to deal with that and the connection fees associated with those improvements. The expanded runway appeared to be more of a concern while sewer and water seems to be more of a critical issue. Connection fees are also a big concern. King said that this Commission may want to take an advisory position on the sewer and water issue. Kipp pointed out that when Pioneer Trail is upgraded by the County sewer and water will be included. The County is working with the City and MAC as to the alignment of Pioneer Trail improvements. King noted that the business owners were worried that City codes that apply to sprinklers drives water and fire protection could make businesses who want to refurbish think twice about any improvements. King reported that in the discussion with MAC, MAC expressed uncertainty as to where the funding would come from for the runway expansion. With today's economic times, the funding for these improvements is not available. There are also new FAA rules relative to buffers and landing requirements that will modify operation procedures. Stratton mentioned that there had been some discussion regarding very light jets (VLJ's) and he explained that he is involved with a project called Eclipse Aviation and he has done some research on this issue. Stratton said he feels that eventually there will be only one airport that will be a hub for the VLJ market and it would be FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES August 10, 2006 Page 3 economically desirable to have Flying Cloud as the hub. Business people are talking about owner/operator things such as a taxing service which will drive the VLJ market. For Flying Cloud Airport to become a part of this would be an important piece. Transport business is not desirable and is very noisy. Schmidt pointed out that the runway expansion is a $10 million project. With Northwest Airlines in bankruptcy and what is currently taking place, airport spending is being impacted. VLJ's need about 2,500 feet of runway space and Flying Cloud Airport would work very well for them. The taxi market is a big market and VLJ's will become the taxi service where corporate is out of reach. This is a growing market while the other growing market is the traditional corporate aircraft. As corporations continue to consolidate, the corporate market will continue to grow. Stratton said the corporate market is what keeps Flying Cloud Airport alive today. Most of the bigger corporate jets use the St. Paul airport because Flying Cloud's runways are not long enough. Schmidt explained that the new FAA rule adds an additional 15 percent requirement to the calculated landing distance and makes the runway expansion needed even more. This requires funds that are not currently available. They need to develop a system that meets the needs of the airport. Kipp asked that MAC officials keep this Commission informed as they are looking at the new rules and how those rules will be implemented. Schmidt pointed out that for MAC the main driving factor will be money. Due to time constraints for Mr. Leqve, Kipp suggested the agenda move to the Educational and Noise Abatement sections to be covered by Mr. Leqve. The commission agreed. V. EDUCATIONAL ITEMS —Presentation by MAC Staff A. Operational Implementation Plan B. Noise Abatement Plan Kipp explained that as part of this educational item, they asked MAC to discuss the operational implementation plan and noise abatement plan. Leqve presented an overview of the Operational Implementation Plan, MAC Ordinance 97, the Voluntary FCM Noise Abatement Plan, and Flying Cloud Operator of the year award. He explained that MAC Ordinance 97 was previously discussed and centered around the concept that they would move forward with the 5,000 foot runway at Flying Cloud and he reviewed some of the other elements that could be addressed in the ordinance. They looked at runway operations and weight bearing restrictions and ended up restricting run ups from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. and limited aircraft to those weighing less than 60,000 pounds. Leqve also reviewed with the FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES August 10, 2006 Page 4 Commission the major elements of the FCM Operations Implementation Plan explaining that the major element MAC agreed to was to limit weight bearing capacity of the runway. They developed a letter of intent, laying out night time restrictions, Voluntary Stage II restrictions and departure and arrival procedures. He explained that the voluntary night time operations restrictions asked the operators to avoid any operations from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Kipp pointed out that there have been flights between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and complaints had been received. When looking into this it was determined that many of the operations were Life Link flights which transport human organs for transplant and it is imperative that these flights take place during those specific times. Leqve reported that MAC also presents an annual award to an FCM operator that has shown a high level of compliance with the noise abatement procedures. Larsen suggested that this award be included in the City's local newspaper. It was also suggested that it be presented to the operator in front of the City Council. VI. NOISE ABATEMENT/AIRCRAFT INCIDENTS A. Noise Complaints/Stage 2 Operations Reports Leqve distributed to the Commission a noise complaint map and noise complaint summary. He explained that they do have a process in place that lays out how noise complaints are handled. A total of 30 complaints were received from 15 people from May through July with 17 of those 30 complaints filed through the internet. Leqve pointed out that 20 of the complaints filed were for night-time operations. They investigate each of those complaints and when an operator is identified, a letter is sent to that operator regarding the violation. Of the 20 complaints filed, they were able to identify 11 operators. Michelson questioned how they could only identify approximately 50 percent of the operators. Leqve said that when an aircraft takes off, a unique IFR squak code is needed to identify the specific airplane. If the airplane is under VFR rules, the squak code is not unique and does not provide individual aircraft identification. They try to do the best job they can with the equipment they have. Schmidt pointed out that they are looking at a number of complaints and many of them are flights that originated at the MSP Airport. Michelson said he is still surprised they can only identify 50 percent of the flights and thought they would be able to identify everyone that is in the air. Leqve pointed out that the FAA is in charge of air space and MAC has no jurisdiction over air space. To obtain this data from the FAA is not an easy task. Schmidt explained that they can track sophisticated aircraft but they cannot always track a recreational aircraft that comes out of a private hangar. King asked that Leqve forward his PowerPoint presentation to Kipp and that Kipp forward it to the Commission. FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES August 10, 2006 Page 5 Mr. Leqve had to leave the meeting after his presentation. The agenda returned to IV. Discussion Items. IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS B. Airport Information Packet Kipp explained that he occasionally receives requests from people who are planning to purchase property in the City as to the status of Flying Cloud Airport. He provided the Commission with the information he gives to those people and explained how this information was developed. Kipp said he took MAC's EIS document for the airport expansion and pulled out various graphics that show what the airport expansion would look like. This information includes locations of the runway extensions, noise contours and the type of noise generated based on a 24-hour average, as well as forecasted average monthly flight track data. Kipp said he also recommends that the individual spend some time in the area they are looking at to purchase and observe and listen. This information is provided on a call and need basis. He asked the Commission if they want to improve on this report. Michelson said he thought they had more recent contours. Kipp explained that there were some other contours that were based on alternatives given, however, Alternative F is the alternative going forward. King said he would like this information to be as usable as possible for people requesting it. Michelson asked if the reader is required to pass this information on. Kipp responded that a law recently passed requires that noise and annoying sources be disclosed. Schmidt suggested that this information be placed on the City's website. Kipp said last year they had between 50 and 100 people requested this information. Stratton said he feels it is helpful to provide noise compliant data to those people who request it. He suggested that they include the map showing where the complaints are coming from. King asked if the Commission wanted to develop some type of documentation to be provided to potential Eden Prairie residents. Michelson said he feels they need to be sensitive about this information. If a person is trying to sell their home where complaints are occurring, they may not want this information made available to potential buyers. Michelson indicated that people feel that airports and airport expansions diminish the value of their homes. Kipp explained that the information provided is on demand. When Staff receives calls, they indicate any proposed changes such as roadways, airports, new development not yet constructed, etc. Stratton said he would like to see this information simplified so that the average homeowner, both buyer and seller, can understand it. King indicated that he would like something on the website indicating what this Commission does. He also pointed out that the information provided this evening is already on MAC's website. King suggested that this Commission request staff to look at this information and to refresh the information and consider how they should approach it when a request comes in. Stratton said he feels the contour maps are difficult for the average person to FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES August 10, 2006 Page 6 understand. He suggested they add text to the top of the map indicating what the policies are and that there is also a voluntary restriction in place. Larsen stated that he would be in favor of having as much information available as possible but the information has to be factual. The information could be looked at in an inflammatory manner and a vast number of the people will not understand the contour maps. He suggested that they have staff look at this information to see what is available and determine what revisions are necessary. Larsen said they may want to consider doing something in more of a generic fashion and they may want to funnel calls and e-mails that people find interesting for a better understanding versus a presentation on the website. Michelson said he thinks the City needs to present a straight black and white presentation that gives the facts as they know them. There are business people who want to make money and people who want to sell their homes and they have to be sensitive to all of these people. Michelson said he would be in favor of making the information being provided to these people cleaner or updating it and directing them to MAC's website for additional information. He does not feel they should go beyond that. King directed City staff to refresh this information and to bring it back to the Commission's next meeting for further review. C. Reliever Airports Task Force Update Kipp reported that included in the Commission's agenda material was background material on the Metropolitan Airports Commission Reliever Airport Task Force. He explained that one of MAC's main issues is funding. They have started looking at their entire system to prioritize what they need to do. Schmidt presented a brief presentation on how they are dealing with the funding shortages and what they are planning to do. The report explains the process and includes recommendations from the Task Force and where they are at in implementing some of those plans. Schmidt reported that the Commission has decided not to close any airports but to try and generate more revenue and that they will not contract any management but will keep internal management to run their facilities. They are also considering recommendations to implement new rates. Schmidt said they are currently focusing on the Blaine airport and are hoping to generate enough revenue so that reliever airports can become as close to self-sufficient as possible. Stratton asked Schmidt to address the Flying Cloud expansion and runway. Schmidt explained that the hangar area on the south side could be developed. They have not gotten into any detailed plans. Right now they are focusing on getting the runway done and then will look at the building area. Any change in uses at the airports requires completion of a long-term comprehensive plan that has to be submitted to the FAA. They are currently working on three airports; Crystal, Air Lake and Lake Elmo. They FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES August 10, 2006 Page 7 plan to do an update at Flying Cloud, Anoka and St. Paul in 2007 with Flying Cloud probably being the first of those three. They need to find funding for the runway expansion at Flying Cloud and there is not a lot of property left to be developed at Flying Cloud. Schmidt further explained that the community garden site is probably the site they could use to generate revenue. The long-term comprehensive plan looks at airport needs for the next 20 years and also looks at all of the airports different parcels that will not be used for aviation purposes that can be developed to generate revenue. D. City's Comprehensive Plan Update for the Airport Kipp reported that the City is in its early stages of updating its Comprehensive Plan as required by the Met Council. The update has to be completed by June, 2008. This Plan covers land use, housing, transportation, etc. They still need to decide if the airport element is on its own or if it will be included in the transportation system portion of the Plan. Currently, the airport element is included in the Comprehensive Plan. Kipp explained that they will be updating the Plan based on current land use around the airport and the approved contours will be updated. Larsen asked if the Commission would be notified as to when the Plan will be before the Planning Commission. Kipp responded that the Planning Commission has dedicated the second meeting of each month to review the guide plan update. Whether or not they will have a meeting dedicated to the airport he is not sure since it may be included under transportation. Michelson asked if there is anything the City can do with regards to zoning since the airport property is under the jurisdiction of MAC. Kipp explained that the City has prepared a draft zoning code for the airport to address building aesthetics. This has been given to MAC for comment. Also, part of the Reliever Airports Task Force recommendations is to improve building design and maintenance requirements. The City can look at what they are doing and work with them. Michelson asked if this Commission would be allowed to give some input. Kipp indicated that the design framework is included in the Commissioner's blue book and is more of a guidance to implement the standards used there. King asked what this Commission's role would be in the update of the Comprehensive Plan. Kipp said the Commission should look at the document and provide feedback to staff. King suggested the Commission review the document and provide feedback. VII. OTHER BUSINESS King asked if the Commissioners had any specific items they would like to bring forward under educational items. Kipp said he would bring forward the draft code so that they can look at that and see what the City is envisioning for upgrades. FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES August 10, 2006 Page 8 King stated that they have heard from MAC about noise issues but he would like to hear from other organizations that have noise issues with the airport. The Commission needs to hear all of the issues from everyone affected by the airport. Stratton pointed out that he is a member of a flying club that represents a different phase of the airport. This would include private individuals that own planes and he would be happy to invite members from that club's board to give a perspective from recreational pilots. This group is not a significant revenue generator for the airport but it would give a different viewpoint. King said he thought that would be a good idea and that they need to keep a list of potential items for review and have those items added to the agenda as appropriate. He also suggested that they review the draft code. Kipp said they may also have more information on the guide plan for further review. Kipp pointed out that other items included in the Commissioner's agenda material included MAC's Land Use Compatibility Guidelines for Airport and Heliport Noise and a Builder's Guide- Mitigating Aircraft Noise in New Residential Construction. King explained that the educational items for this Commission could be limitless. With this Commission only meeting four times a year,by the time the Commissioners are educated, their term is completed. King asked the Commission members if they feel the meeting frequency is appropriate. The information they consider is highly technical and there is lots of background material that takes considerable time to review. Michelson said he could see where it would be appropriate to meet more often and suggested they meet every other month. Kipp pointed out that the City Council would have to approve this Commission meeting more often and a request for more meetings could be presented to the City Manager for discussion. Larsen said he feels that initially it would be good to meet more often to get them up to speed since they are basically a new group and meeting more often at the beginning makes more sense. Stratton said he agrees that they may want to meet bi-monthly. Michelson said they need to accomplish things and not just meet to meet. Stratton said it would be very helpful for him if they could have a list of the top ten things this Commission would like to accomplish. King said if they do go with meeting every other month, they would have time to develop this list. He indicated that he would be in favor of recommending bi-monthly meetings of this Commission to the City Council. Right now they should plan to meet on November 9 and they can schedule meetings out from that date. Motion: Michelson moved, seconded by Stratton, to recommend that the City Council change the frequency of meetings for the Flying Cloud Airports Commission from quarterly meetings to bi-monthly meetings. The motion carried, 4-0. VIII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Michelson moved, seconded by Stratton, to adjourn the meeting. Motion FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES August 10, 2006 Page 9 carried, 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.