City Council - 03/04/2008 - Workshop APPROVED MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION
WORKSHOP & OPEN PODIUM
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2008 CITY CENTER
5:00—6:25 PM, HERITAGE ROOM II
6:30—7:00 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBER
CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Phil Young, Council Members Brad Aho, Sherry Butcher, Jon
Duckstad, and Kathy Nelson
CITY STAFF: City Manager Scott Neal, Police Chief Rob Reynolds, Fire Chief George Esbensen,
Public Works Director Eugene Dietz, Community Development Director Janet Jeremiah, Parks and
Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer, Communications Manager Joyce Lorenz, Assistant to the
City Manager Michael Barone, City Attorney Ric Rosow, and Recorder Lorene McWaters
FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMISSION: Rick King, Chair; Jeff Larsen,
Vice Chair; Commission Members Joe Harris, Greg McKewan, Mark Michelson, Kurt Schendel,
Brad Stratton; Scott Kipp, Staff Liaison
Heritage Room H
Mayor Young called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
I. 2007 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FCAAC Chair Rick King reviewed the Commission's 2007 accomplishments. King said
the Commission was very active in 2007, and were pleased that the Council approved
their request to hold meetings every two months rather than quarterly.
King said the Commission prepared and presented two reports to the Council in 2007 —
one on helicopter flight activity and one on airfield security. To address helicopter noise
concerns voiced by residents and Council Members, King said the Commission worked
with the FAA and MAC to encourage creation of a new arrival/departure route that
directs helicopter traffic south and then up the river.
Regarding security, the Commission held a special meeting that includes representatives
of a variety of agencies, which were asked them to review security at the airfield and
make recommendations. Several recommendations were implemented, including
installation of 16 new high intensity lights, replacement of some older lights, addition or
replacement of 250 signs, and updating the security manual.
In the area of education and information, the Commission added a public comment
section to its regular agenda. Guest speakers at meetings in 2007 included MAC Chair
Council Workshop Minutes
March 4, 2008
Page 2
Jack Lanners, MAC Executive Director Jeff Hamiel, Reliever Airports Advisory Council
Chair Glenn Weibel, and Air Methods local manager Ron Muntifering.
King said MAC's CIP plan for 2008-2014 includes a $3.8 million sewer and water
project at FCM and extension of runway 1OL/28R in 2008 and 1OR/28L in 2009. He said
the Commission will continue to monitor these projects as they proceed.
The Commission also reviewed and commented on the City's Comprehensive Guide Plan
Update.
In the area of communication, the commission worked with the City's Communications
Department to redesign the Commission's website and conducted 1:1 meetings with
businesses based at the airport. The MAC FCM Operator of the Year Award was
presented to Kurt Schendel of Modern Avionics. King said there have been "spirited"
meetings with groups of residents and pilots in attendance. He said the Commission
welcomes input from all interested groups.
The commission also reviewed MAC's adherence to the Final Agreement, and
determined it is on track.
II. 2008 WORK PLAN
Vice Chair Jeff Larsen reviewed the Commission's proposed goals for 2008 (which are
the same as 2007), which are to continue to focus on providing education and information
about FCM to various constituent groups, to increase visibility of and communications
from the Commission, and to continue to monitor the Final Agreement.
III. THANKS TO OUTGOING COMMISSIONERS & STAFF
King praised the high level of support provided by Staff Liaison Scott Kipp and Recorder
Carol Pelzel. He also thanked outgoing Commissioner Brad Stratton and welcomed
incoming Commissioner Judith Gentry (who was in the audience).
IV. DISCUSSION
Council Member Aho asked whether or not the planned sewer and water improvements
are expected to spur other improvements at the airport. Joe Harris said that is MAC's
hope,but he also noted that only about 20 hangars are ready for hook-up. Harris said
MAC Chair Jack Lanners has directed MAC staff to submit a redevelopment ordinance
for consideration. Nelson said she has been concerned with the condition of some of the
hangars for some time. Harris said that MAC investment at FCM has been minimal in
recent years,but now that funds are starting to be invested they expect to see acceleration
of improvements. King said he has told the MAC Chair and Director that some changes
are needed at FCM.
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March 4, 2008
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Aho asked if lengthening the runways will increase safety and reduce the level of takeoff
noise. Harris said that is the expectation. Nelson asked why MAC thinks expansion will
result in increased aviation since takeoffs have been decreasing in recent years. Harris
said air traffic levels have actually been fluctuating since 2001, rather than continuously
decreasing. King said he expects to see an increase in corporate air traffic at FCM.
Butcher suggested that the Airport and Commission hold an open house for nearby
residents to allow them to become more familiar with the airport business owners and
their operations. King said the Commission will discuss this idea.
Council Chamber
II. OPEN PODIUM
A. JERRY PITZRICK—COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE PLAN AND POWER
LINES
Mr. Pitzrick raised the issue of placement of power lines in the Major Center
Area. He said the Planning Commission and City Council need to review options
and good cost estimates for relocating power lines. Mayor Young said
Community Development Director Janet Jeremiah will address this issue during
the regular Council meeting.
B. LAURA BLUML—WATER FEES
Ms. Bluml offered a number of opinions on the proposed water rate changes.
IV. ADJOURNMENT