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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Aviation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 5/12/2012 AVIATION ADVISORY COMMISSION ANNUAL RETREAT GLENDALE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT 6801 N GLEN HARBOR BLVD- SUITE 201 GLENDALE,ARIZONA 85307 AIRPORT CONFERENCE ROOM MAY 12,2012 9:00 A.M. I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 9:08 a.m.by Chair Ron Cohoe with the following Commissioners present: Vice-Chair Carl Duggins, Victoria Rogen, Leslie Sheeler, Joe Cable and Robert Irons. Also present were Walter Fix, Airport Administrator and Jamsheed Mehta, Executive Director for Transportation Services II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING Commissioner Duggins motioned to approve the March 14, 2012 meeting minutes with the following changes noted by Chair Cohoe: • On Page 3, under Item 4: "...if a need for the Commission to meet arose, the meeting could be still held..." should be changed to "...if a need for the Commission to meet arose, the meeting could still be held..." • On Page 3, under Item V, second bullet point: "ACIP" should be changed to "Airport Capital Improvement Plan" • On Page 3, under Item V, second bullet point: "...to assess some of the Airport issues holding back..." should be changed to "...to assess some of the Airport issues which are holding back..." • On Page 3, under Item V, fourth bullet point: The extra period at the sentence should be removed. • On Page 4, first paragraph: "...about the recent helicopter fire." should be changed to "...about the recent helicopter fire at the Glendale Airport." • On Page 4, second paragraph: "Chair Cohoe asked about operations." should be changed to "Chair Cohoe asked about monthly aircraft operations." • On Page 4, second paragraph: "Mr. Allen added that the increase in gas prices has not helped operations." should be changed to "Mr. Allen added that the increase in gas prices overall has not helped operations." Commissioner Rogen made the second. The motion carried 6- 0 III. REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE OR WITHDRAWAL OF ITEMS. None. IV. TOUR OF GLENDALE AERO SERVICES, HALO AND HAWK'S NEST SIMULATORS The Commissioners took a tour of Glendale Aero Services, HALO and the Hawk's Nest Simulators led by Mr. Brandenburg of Glendale Aero Services at 9:15 a.m. The tour concluded at 10:10 a.m. V. AIRPORT BUSINESS Mr. Fix updated the Commission on the following: 1. Corrective Action Plan Update: FAA Meeting in Washington, D.C. Mr. Fix and Mr. Mehta traveled to Washington D.C. a few days ago for a meeting with the D.C. legal team and Mr. Kevin Willis, the FAA representative for the Compliance Division. Mr. Fix explained that the meeting was necessary in order to have a face-to-face conversation and to gain a professional relationship Mr. Willis. Mr. Fix added that the meeting was also necessary in order to discuss outstanding issues. Mr. Fix stated that the meeting was very successful. Mr. Fix will now be working with Mr. Tony Garcia from the Los Angeles District Office to follow up on the outstanding Corrective Action Plan items. Mr. Fix explained that this was a good step because Mr. Willis was pleased with the progress so far and was amenable to turning the oversight of the Corrective Action Plan to the District Office in Los Angeles. Once all of the items on the Corrective Action Plan have been completed, the final letter of compliance will still be issued from the Washington, D.C. office. Mr. Fix stated that the inspection process is still moving forward and the FAA understands what is outstanding and the plans for resolution. Mr. Fix noted that the FAA is requiring that the Airport have a Fair Market Lease for the APS Solar Farm. Mr. Fix added that the City of Glendale shares half of the maintenance garage near the base of the Airport Control Tower and a Fair Market Lease would be required for this situation as well. Mr. Mehta explained that because the City of Glendale is utilizing half of the maintenance garage, it must be shown that the Airport is not being deprived of potential revenues. Mr. Fix explained that for these two parcels, in accordance with the FAA order and grant assurances, the Airport will have to go back and collect up to six years of fair market rent. Mr. Fix added that this will have to be negotiated with the parties involved. Mr. Fix explained that in 2002, Council passed a land lease rate for the APS Solar Farm which was considered as unimproved land at that time. The FAA feels that the SRP land lease rate may not be at the Fair Market Value. Mr. Fix will have a detailed rates and fees study prepared by either a professional company or the City of Glendale Economic Development Staff. Mr. Fix stated that this study will most likely suggest an increase in the lease rates for open tie downs as well. Chair Cohoe stressed that the Airport remain competitive in its leasing rates. Mr. Fix noted that currently the rate for an open tie down is$20 a month plus tax which is less than half the rate of the next highest in the valley. 2. Local Runway Safety Action Team Debrief Mr. Fix reported that on April 23rd, a Local Runway Safety Action Team (RSAT) meeting was held at the Airport and was hosted by Mr. David Darrow of the FAA Air Traffic Safety Office. Mr. Fix stated that this type of safety meeting is held approximately every two years at every airport. Mr. Fix stated that in addition to Mr. Darrow, attendees included the FBO manager, one representative from the Arizona Flight Training Center, Mr. Mike Allen of the Airport Control Tower and Mr. Jim Gum. Mr. Fix was also present at the meeting. Mr. Fix noted that at these meetings, safety issues which have occurred are discussed including recommendations for resolution. Mr. Fix commented that the blast fence project stemmed from the RSAT meeting a few years ago. Mr. Fix stated that there were no major issues that were brought up at the meeting on the 23rd Mr. Fix stated that the FAA did take pictures of the signage at the end of the runway. At the meeting, it was noted that there are some faded markings on the runway which will be taken care of by the ADOT-funded slurry/seal project but the Airport may have to have the City of Glendale Streets Department to paint markings also. 3. Airport Business Meeting Debrief Mr. Fix reported that an Airport Business meeting was held on April 20th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and representatives from all of the businesses at the Airport were invited to attend. Mr. Fix stated that there were eighteen attendees who discussed the connectivity of the businesses at the airport and how the Airport can support the businesses. Mr. Fix commented on two overriding issues brought up by practically all of the attendees: • The Airport is in need of a better entrance sign at Glendale Avenue. Mr. Fix will discuss possibilities with the Planning Division. Mr. Fix commented that there may be an opportunity for a digital sign as there is electrical power at the site. • There is no adequate cable/internet access at the Airport. Businesses have to pay a steep price to individually resolve this issue. Mr. Fix will work with Cox Cable to obtain access along Glen Harbor Boulevard. Mr. Fix will follow-up with the FAA regarding the status of the planned Instrument Departure Procedure for Runway 1. Mr. Fix will host another Airport Business meeting in approximately six months in order to update the group on the signage and cable issues. Chair Cohoe thanked Mr. Fix for holding the meeting and commented that this is a good way to converse with the businesses. 4. Airport Rules and Regulations, Minimum Standards, Leasing Policy Update Mr. Fix stated that Commissioner Cohoe is part of the stakeholder group who has been reviewing the Airport Rules and Regulations. Mr. Fix stated that the last review was done in 2010 but the document was not finalized. Mr. Fix noted that the draft of the 2010 update to the Airport Rules and Regulations was well done. Mr. Fix made adjustments to the 2010 draft changes and a current group of stakeholders has had two meetings so far to review changes to the Airport Rules and Regulations. Mr. Fix commented that by June 30, 2012 a final draft of the updated Airport Rules and Regulations will be presented to the Advisory Commission and to Mr. Tony Garcia of the FAA District Office in Los Angeles. Mr. Fix commented that the revised Airport Rules and Regulations are not drastically different from those of any other General Aviation airport. Mr. Fix announced that the stakeholder group is also reviewing an Airport Minimum Operating Standards document. Mr. Fix will be drafting a Leasing Policy as strongly recommended by the FAA which the stakeholder group will review as well. Mr. Fix distributed a timeline of the process of draft, review, completion and approval of the three documents. Mr. Fix stated that eventually all documents will need Council's approval. At this time, it was agreed that Mr. Fix would move forward in the agenda and discuss would discuss the projects at the Airport and the proposed Airport event. VI. SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS Projects at the Airport: • Blast Fence: Mr. Fix reported that the blast fence project has been pushed out to an August-October 2012 timeframe. Mr. Fix explained that the FAA review of the 100% plans took longer than anticipated. Mr. Fix added that that Airport has been given additional funds by the FAA because the grant changed in scope. The FAA reviewed the 90% plans and suggested that the Airport increase the scope of the project. Mr. Fix noted that the Airport will now have two separate grants under two separate grant proposals due to the change in scope. Mr. Fix stated that the second grant application and grant offer approvals will be on the August 2012 Council agenda. • Runway Protection Zone: Mr. Fix reported that the Environmental Assessment for the Runway Protection Zone is now underway by the FAA for the land acquisition by Conair Corporation. Mr. Fix stated that there is a legal process underway for the land acquisition. Mr. Fix will continue to update the Commission as more information is available. • Runway Slurry/Seal Project (FY 2013): Mr. Fix stated that this project will partly be funded by ADOT for this very needed pavement work. Regarding the timeline, Mr. Fix stated that the Intergovernmental Agreement from ADOT is pending and the Airport will their 10% portion of the money up front for the project,which is the reason for planning the project in FY 2013. Airport Event(March—April 2013): Mr. Fix held a kick-off meeting for a proposed Open House Event to be held at the Airport. At the kick-off meeting, Mr. Fix displayed a diagram for parking, food and information booths and a static display. Mr. Fix displayed this diagram to the Commissioners. Commissioner Sheeler expressed concern over the location of the proposed parking area and the potential tripping hazard with the tie-downs. Mr. Fix will pursue options for military and other aircraft at the static display. Mr. Fix stated that the event will be a free Open House with booths from aviation and non-aviation groups. Mr. Fix noted that there will be a certain cost to hold the event due to cost of insurance,barricades, food, and police and fire staffing. Mr. Fix will pursue options for event sponsors. Once all cost and sponsorship information have been obtained,the possibility and scope of the event can be determined. Mr. Fix announced that the proposed event date is March 9, 2013. Commissioner Rogen stated that this is just a week before Luke Air Force Days and thought it might be prudent to hold the Airport event the year following Luke Days to extend interest in aviation. VI. BREAK The Commissioners took a brief break from the meeting at 11:07 a.m. and resumed the meeting at 11:15 a.m. V. AIRPORT BUSINESS (revisited) 5. Airport Rules and Regulations Airport Advisory Commission Review Mr. Fix gave a brief background on the revisions to the Airport Rules and Regulations as follows: • The last fully approved document was in 2004. • In 2009/2010, there were eight or nine meetings at which stakeholders made revisions to the 2004 document. • This 2010 draft was not approved by Council due to timing issues. • At this time, the new stakeholder group has updated the 2010 draft. Mr. Fix stated that the Commissioners were previously sent the draft revised Airport Rules and Regulations and asked for feedback or proposed changes. The Commissioners made suggestions for corrections. Commissioner Cable motioned to approve the Glendale Municipal Airport Rules and Regulations as presented with the following changes to be submitted to the FAA for review and approval: • On Page 25, under Section 4-19: "...unless otherwise arranged by the Airport Manager" should be changed to "...unless otherwise arranged with the Airport Manager." • The period after the page number at the bottom of each page should be removed. • On Page 5, at the top of the page, the spelling should be corrected for the words "outlining" and "airport". • On Page 19, under Section 3-11,paragraph F should be moved to the top of Page 20. Commissioner Duggins made the second. The motion carried 6- 0 Chair Cohoe announced that the Commissioners may possibly receive a draft of the Minimum Operating Standards prior to the next Commission meeting and that the Leasing Policy might also be ready at that time. Mr. Fix stated that the focus for the June 30th deadline is on the Airport Rules and Regulations and the other documents would most likely not be ready for review by the end of June. Mr. Fix explained that now that the Commission has reviewed and approved the Airport Rules and Regulations, the document will be sent to the City of Glendale legal team and/or the legal team in Washington D.C. for further review. Mr. Fix noted that the attorneys might suggest changes as well. Chair Cohoe requested that the Commissioners be apprised of any changes made by the attorneys and Mr. Fix agreed. Mr. Fix clarified that changes made by the legal team would most likely move forward without the review of the Commission but with the Commission's knowledge of the changes. Commissioner Irons noted that at the last meeting, some public visitors were not pleased with what could no longer be kept in the hangars. Chair Cohoe stated that those opinions were expressed by a small minority of those in the hangars. Chair Cohoe explained that the Airport Rules and Regulations must be in line with the FAA and the requirements for grant assurances. Chair Cohoe added that the Commission and Airport staff do take the comments of the pilots and airport businesses into consideration, but the Airport is restricted by FAA requirements. Mr. Fix added that the FAA is in the process of finalizing a letter regarding aeronautical and non-aeronautical hangar storage which Mr. Fix requested of the FAA. Commissioner Duggins wondered if any extra monthly meetings would be necessary for document review. Mr. Fix stated that this would be determined by the document review progress according to the timeline. Commissioner Irons wondered if the FAA might not agree with some of the changes made by the legal team and Mr. Fix replied that this could be a possibility. Chair Cohoe stated that he has reviewed the Rules and Regulations for the Scottsdale, Deer Valley and Phoenix Airports and the proposed Glendale Rules and Regulations are very much in line with the other airports. Chair Cohoe added that the Glendale Airport is not imposing any rules on its tenants over and above the rules of the other airports. 6. Discussion on Game Day Initiatives from Previous Meeting Chair Cohoe stated that game days create a higher than normal amount of traffic at the Glendale Airport, with planes flying in from all over the country. Chair Cohoe stated that to increase the level of enjoyment or enhance the experience of visiting Glendale and to set Glendale Airport apart from other local airports on game days, the following ideas have been suggested for the Airport Staff and the City of Glendale Transportation Dept and City Council to take under consideration and explore. Chair Cohoe read aloud various suggestions and other Commissioners added suggestions to the list which was compiled as follows: Game Day Suggestions: 1. Partner with local businesses such as Cabela's, Westgate establishments, etc. for promotional items and discounts for visiting pilots and passengers. 2. Partner with local hotels for reduced rates for overnight pilots—the FBO currently has rates negotiated with many hotels. 3. City of Glendale and/or hotels provide a free shuttle between airport to Westgate Area, University of Phoenix Stadium and Camelback Park — the Hamilton Inn already does this. 4. Get feedback on visiting pilot and passenger satisfaction. Create a survey to see what they like and/or dislike about flying in and out of Glendale Airport and what they think could be improved. Use Survey Monkey. 5. Create postcards with Glendale area attractions photographs featured that could be offered at the FBO. 6. Create a poster-sized Calendar of Events that could be posted at the FBO and in the terminal. 7. City of Glendale or Glendale Airport Welcome Baskets could be handed out by the FBO and themed to the event or game of the day. Chair Cohoe also suggested partnering with local event committees and the Cardinals, Coyotes, Fiesta Bowl, Super Bowl, Westgate and City of Glendale businesses on the following: • Airport Discount Card with local business discounts — Airport restaurant (Left Seat West), Pilot shop, AMC movie theater, Westgate area restaurants and shopping, Cabelas, etc. • Cerreta chocolate airplanes • T-shirts with Glendale Airport brand/logo • Hat with Glendale Airport brand/logo • FBO services discounts Chair Cohoe commented on things to consider: • Logistics to implement such as which City departments need to be engaged, how to obtain volunteers. • Costs to city and any tangible or financial payback benefits to the City to pursue • Next Step: Chair Cohoe to send a formal letter to the Airport Administrator regarding Game Day ideas and will and copy the Commission members. Mr. Fix stated that he will be working on a strategic business plan for the Airport and a survey could possibly be put on the Airport website. VI. SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS Mr. Fix discussed this item earlier in the agenda as requested. VII. CALL TO THE PUBLIC Call to the Public was made. There were no public attendees present at the meeting. VIII. NEW BUSINESS REQUESTS (Future Agenda Items) Chair Cohoe read aloud the following new business discussions for future meetings: 1. Review the Minimum Operating Standards and Leasing Policy prior to presentation to City Council for approval. 2. Discuss what can be done to improve Glendale pilot and Airport businesses perceptions and use of the airport a. We want them to speak of the airport as friendly, competitively priced, possessing the services needed/wanted. b. The home-based Glendale pilots should want to promote and be positive about the Glendale Airport. The pilots do much networking within the state and at the national level with outside pilots and organizations. 3. Plan the 2013 Airport Open House with staff. 4. Visit another Valley Aviation Commission Meeting with a report prepared by the visiting commissioners. a. Three or less Commissioners can attend any given meeting to prevent a quorum. IX. LUNCH A lunch break was taken at which Chair Cohoe shared photos from a trip to Dubai, India and the US Air Force Museum. [Commissioner Duggins excused himself from the meeting at 1:06 p.m.] X. NEXT MEETING TIME The next meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on the second floor Conference Room of the Airport terminal building on Wednesday, June 13, 2012. XI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 1:12 p.m. by consensus. The Aviation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes of May 12, 2012 were approved at the Commission Meeting of June 13, 2012. ZAittbt,(k-4, Walter L. Fix, A.A.E. Airport Administrator 623-930-2188