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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Aviation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 12/20/2017 ft& GLENDip MINUTES AVIATION ADVISORY COMMISSION GLENDALE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT 6801 N. GLEN HARBOR BLVD. GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85307 AIRPORT CONFERENCE ROOM DECEMBER 20, 2017 6:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Vice Chair Rovey. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Vice Chair Larry Rovey Commissioner Terry Aramian Commissioner Leonard Escudero Commissioner Quentin Tolby Absent: Commissioner Randal Kruger Commissioner Edward McCall Commissioner Tim Topliff Also Present: Kenn Potts, Airport Administrator Trevor Ebersole, Transportation Director Kurt Christianson, Assistant City Attorney Attendees: John Padilla Stephen Anderson John Cameron Jose Castillo ' Mario Gomez Art Neff Dan Rivkin 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS No citizen comments were made. 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Motioned by Commissioner Leonard Escudero, seconded by Commissioner Quentin Tolby Approval of the November 15, 2017 Aviation Advisory Commission meeting minutes, as written. AYE: Vice Chair Larry Rovey Commissioner Terry Aramian Commissioner Leonard Escudero Commissioner Quentin Tolby Other: Commissioner Randal Kruger(ABSENT) Commissioner Edward McCall (ABSENT) Commissioner Tim Topliff(ABSENT) Passed 5. AIRPORT BUSINESS a. Possible Camelback Ranch Area Rezoning Request Mr. Potts announced that information would be presented on a,possible rezoning request for a housing development north of the Camelback Ranch Baseball Park, which could include construction of single-family residential homes adjacent to the Airport. Mr. Potts introduced Mr. Gomez, a representative from the Thoroughbred Farms neighborhood. Mr. Gomez stated that he and his neighbors are concerned that the proposed development could increase crime rate and lower property values. Commissioner Aramian asked if Mr. Gomez was speaking bn behalf of his neighbors and Mr. Gomez replied in the positive. Mr. Potts displayed an announcement letter that Mr. Gomez sent to Mr. Potts. The letter was from Mattamy Homes regarding inviting the public to a meeting on October 17, 2017 regarding a proposed development. Mr. Potts relayed that Mattamy Homes has not asked for rezoning of the land yet. Mr. Gomez stated that at this meeting with the neighborhood, the residents voiced opposition to Mattamy representatives. Mattamy Homes' attorney Steven Anderson introduced himself and Mr. Castillo, Mr. Neff, and Mr. Rivkin, who are Mattamy Homes staff members. Mr. Andersonconfirmedthat Mattamy did not have a rezoning application on file at the City of Phoenix. Mr. Anderson stated that after the holidays, Mattamy's general intent is to go back to the neighborhood and do more information gathering. Mr. Anderson relayed that he and Mattamy representatives met with City staff including Aviation staff, who provided a lot of information-regarding the parcel. Mr. Jose Castillo stated that he has done many developments next to airports and it is standard operating procedure for airports to issue a letter of opposition. Mr. Castillo stated that Mattamy Homes will share its plans with City staff. Mr. Anderson explained that the Phoenix rezoning process is fairly long: six to twelve months with a lot of public involvement. Commissioner Escudero inquired if Mattamy Homes hasdeveloped a similar size parcel next to an airport. Mr. Castillo relayed that Mattamy Homes developed 218 units next to Luke Air Force Base. Commissioner Escudero shared the history of the Hickman Egg Ranch and challenges with a development next to the Ranch. Eventually, due to seeds of conflict, the Egg Ranch moved rather than continue to fight with the new neighborhood. Commissioner Escudero cautioned that the Airport cannot move and potential neighbors need to know of the issues of living right next to an airport. Mr. Castillo surmised that opposition to the development is due to concerns about noise. Mr. Castillo stated that there have been large improvements in noise control at Airports. Mr. Castillo stated that home buyers have to sign disclosures when purchasing next to an airport, so they will not complain. The disclosures run with the land. Mr. Castillo commented that buyers do not have issues living next to the development at Luke Air Force Base. Commissioner Tolby inquired about the proposed increase in density. Mr. Castillo did not have the exact anticipated increase in density, however, the anticipated number of home Mattamy would consider developing on the parcel would be in the 200 range. Mr. Castillo stated that this would be an increase in density. Commissioner stated that signing a disclosure would not prevent a homeowner from complaining about airport,noise. Mr. Castillo replied that homeowners would will be made well aware of the fact that there will be noise. Commissioner Escudero inquired if the disclosure would include awareness of safety considerations and Mr. Castillo replied in the positive. Commissioner Tolby noted that the parcel was originally owned by the City and purchased to avoid issues with the Airport, but unfortunately sold the parcel. Mr. Gomez inquired if Mattamy Homes has done a study on long-term ownership next to airports. Mr. Castillo stated that this is not a study that a builder would undertake and he was not aware of studies which look at this issue. Mr. Gomez felt that after time, the new homes would have lower property values, which would then lower the values of Thoroughbred Farms. Commissioner Escudero noted that for the future, the Airport wish list includes a second runway and property development on the east side of the Airport. Commissioner Escudero wondered if these were items that could be included in the disclosures. Mr. Castillo stated that he would work with Airport staff on that. Mr. Anderson noted that the City of Phoenix has a form for these types of disclosures and if the City of Glendale has such a form, Mattamy would look at it for incorporation. Mr. Potts displayed the City of Glendale Noise Contour Airport Disclosure Map. Mr. Potts noted that some of the HOA's include it in their CC&R'.s however, residents still call in noise complaints. Commissioner Escudero inquired if there are Airport assurances related to surrounding property density. Mr. Potts displayed the Land Use Noise Sensitivity Matrix form, which is used with grant assurances. Mr. Ebersole announced that there are presently seven flight schools at the Airport. Mr. Ebersole noted that the furthest northwest corner of the parcel in question is the hovering ground for helicopter schools. Furthermore, the FAA is changing the Airport design classification from B2 to C2, and this will allow for larger aircraft so that there can be increased jet traffic at the Airport. Commissioner Aramian stated that after time, the noise will get worse, not less, because the focus is on promoting the Airport as a destination. Commissioner Escudero noted,that he spoke with the Vice Chair of the Tohono O'odham Indian Tribe about a partnership with the Airport in regards to increasing jet traffic for the casino business. Commissioner Escudero noted that, as a former Boeing employee, the company received many complaints about helicopter hovering and privacy issues. Mr. Potts displayed a diagram of flight tracks at the Airport from July 16, 2017 through July 22, 2017. Vice Chair Rovey stated that he has seen a lot of development over the years and after time, homeowners begin to get disillusioned with the location by the Airport and the noise. Vice Chair Rovey commented that the parcel should be developed for a different use. Commissioner Escudero stated that the goal of the Airport is to maintain good relations with the community. However, the Airport would be a potential nuisance to this proposed development. Mr. Castillo shared that he is on the HOA Boards of many communities, some next to airports, and he has heard no complaints about the airports. Mr. Castillo stated that most airport noise complaints come from further out than right next to the airport. Vice Chair Rovey stated that general aviation may not spur complaints, however, the helicopter traffic certainly will. Vice Chair Rovey shared that the helicopters practice by the riverbed daily. Commissioner Tolby commented that any increase in density will increase airport complaints. Commissioner Tolby opposed any increase in density. Commissioner Aramian asked if the Commission would be notified of public comment opportunities. Mr. Anderson stated the parcel is in the City of Phoenix and there are standard practices to notify the Planning Departments of the adjacent municipality. Mr. Anderson will ensure that the Airport is on the communication mailing list. Vice Chair Rovey inquired about the notice area. Mr. Anderson replied that there is a 1,000-foot notice requirement and also required notice to all registered HOA's within a mile. Vice Chair Rovey noted that although this is on the agenda as an action item, there is no action at this time. Vice Chair Rovey thanked the guests for attending the meeting. b. Aviation Advisory Board Commission Attendance and Vacancies Mr. Potts provided information Commissioner terms and potential vacancies. Commissioner Tolby noted that there are three vacancies coming up at the end of January 2018. Vice Chair Rovey announced that he was recently contacted, asked to stay on the Commission, and he agreed. Commissioner Aramian stated that he was recently contacted as well, asked if he was interested in staying on the Commission, and he agreed. c. Airport Veteran's Memorial Update Mr. Potts announced that Commissioner Kruger planned on being at the evening's meeting, but was unable to do so. Commissioner Tolby inquired if the letter from the Mayor requesting aircraft for the Memorial has been signed. Mr. Christianson stated that he has not heard an update regarding the letter, but it is either in the City Manager's or the Mayor's office. Mr. Ebersole announced that the staff is in talks with CBRE regarding the marketing and sale of the property on the east side of the Airport and the 11 acres which the solar farm occupies. Mr. Ebersole commented that the 75-acres on the east side of the Airport are very valuable and he is expecting a property valuation packet from CBRE soon. Mr. Ebersole encouraged the Commissioners to consider other options for the Memorial location, such as the southwest corner of Glendale Avenue and Glen Harbor Boulevard. Mr. Ebersole did not think that Council would approve the location on the east side of the Airport, due to the impending plans for development of the area. Commissioner Tolby wondered if the southwest corner was owned by the City and Mr. Ebersole replied that it was City right-of-way. Commissioner Tolby was unsure of how many aircraft could fit on the site, but thought it could start with one aircraft at a time. Mr. Potts displayed an aerial map of the location. It was agreed that discussion would continue at the next meeting. 6. STAFF REPORTS Mr. Potts reported on the following in his Staff Report. a. Construction Projects/Grants Status •The ALP Workshop was,held with the City Council on November 21st. The City Council gave consensus to proceed with the submittal to FAA and ADOT. The ALP has been sent to the FAA and ADOT for final review. •A close out letter has been sent for the North Apron Rehabilitation Phase 1A. All other documents have been sent previously. •Apron Rehabilitation Phase 1B started on November 6th. Phase A was completed on December 4th and the apron was in use for Glendale Aero Services on December 5th. Phase B started on December 7th and is expected to be completed on December 22nd. The project is two weeks ahead of schedule. Mr. Potts is sending weekly updates to the tenants and users. If Phase C goes well, the hangar rows may be started early, after coordination with the owners. b. Operating Budget/Expenses/Revenues • Mr. Potts presented detailed financial information for November 2017 monthly, year-to-date, and compared to November 2016. Graphs for revenues and expenses were displayed. c. Airport Business Activity/Lease Updates • Monday, February 12, 2018, is the next Boards and Commissions Appreciation Night with the Coyotes playing Chicago. •The only RFQ for land to construct a hangar next to the maintenance bay was recommended by the committee. No protests were received on the City website. Mr. Potts will finalize the contract with Fox Aviation and return to the Commission for a recommendation to City Council. • Mr. Potts is working with the Engineering Department to complete asphalt repairs in the south apron, which will occur in Spring 2018. •Starshine cancelled their lease for Suite 202B. The four south box leases, the Black Box amendment, and the ADOT grant is scheduled for the City Council meeting on January 23, 2018. •The Airport is now at full staff. Mr. Potts' retirement date is January 5, 2018. A replacement for Interim Administration is in the works. d. Land Use Planning/Zoning/Development • No update. e. Air Traffic Operations/Airspace/Community Relations •Traffic is up by 3.% in October 2017 compared to October 2016. •Traffic is up by 17% in November 2017 compared to November 2016. •There were no noise/low flying aircraft complaints as of December 14th. •The Airport Open House is scheduled for November 3, 2018. f. Solar Panel Update •Commissioner Aramian reported on the Solar Panel Update. Highlights include the following: •There are several reasons for going solar, besides going green: incentive tax credits (which the Airport cannot get) and depreciation credits. •APS by law has the ability to limit solar installation, meaning that the installation cannot go over a certain size/production of electrical energy. •The installation design provided by the company Commissioner Aramian has been working with will provide only 50% of the Airport's electricity requirement and cost $440,000. •There are entities who do want tax credits and depreciation credits and will do a Power Purchase Agreement for others, but the Airport's particular solar contract would be too small for another entity to be interested. •Commissioner Aramian's next step is to contact APS to find out how much electricity the panels have been generating annually for the past three or four years. If there are generating enough electricity, the panels may be serviceable. The company does not want to remove the panels, due to cost. The Airport could buy all of the panels for$1.00 and then sell electricity back to APS for three or four cents per kWh. This might generate approximately $3,000 annually for the Airport. Commissioner Tolby suggested that this plan might need to be approved by the FAA. •Vice Chair Rovey did not think that the technology in the panels were up to date. • Mr. Ebersole stated that the 11-acre parcel is much more valuable to the market for industry than as solar panel use and this would generate more than $3,000 annually. 7. LUKE AIR FORCE BASE (AFB) OPERATIONS Mr. Padilla gave an update on Luke AFB operations, which included the following: • • Luke Days has been moved to March 17 and 18, 2018. •There are now sixty-five F35's/three squadrons at Luke AFB. 8. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Commissioner Escudero thanked Mr. Potts for his years of service at the Airport and wished him well in his retirement. All Commissioners agreed. Mr. Ebersole hoped to have the Interim Administrator on board after Christmas. 9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS No additional future agenda items were proposed. 10. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Aviation Advisory Commission will be held on January 17, 2018 at 6:00 p.m., in the conference room on the second floor of the Airport terminal building, 6801 N. Glen Harbor Blvd., Glendale, Arizona, 85307. 11. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Rovey adjourned the meeting at 8:04 p.m. by consensus. The Aviation Advisory Commission Meeting minutes of December 20, 2017 were submitted and approved this 17 day of January, 2018. "(• 'a----`- ' Trevor Ebersole, Recording Secretary