Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Aviation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 1/14/2015 MINUTES AVIATION ADVISORY COMMISSION GLENDALE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT 6801 N. GLEN HARBOR BLVD - SUITE 201 GLENDALE,ARIZONA 85307 AIRPORT CONFERENCE ROOM JANUARY 14,2015 6:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Quentin Tolby with the following Commissioners present: Walt Chaney, Leonard Escudero, and Joe Mascaro. Also present were Walter Fix, Airport Administrator; Cathy Colbath, Deputy Public Works Director; Claire Pryke, Glendale Airport Hangars; Brian Hufft, Valley Aviation Services; Linda Yeager, Civil Air Patrol; Bill Gillies, Luke Air Force Base; Basil Allen, Glendale Airport Tower; Nancy Wiley, Armstrong Consultants; James Gruber, Assistant City Attorney II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING Commissioner Chaney motioned to approve the December 10,2014 meeting minutes as written. Commissioner Mascaro made the second. The motion carried 4—0. III. REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE OR WITHDRAWAL OF ITEMS. None. IV.AIRPORT BUSINESS 1. Glendale Airport Hangars Presentation: Mr. Hufft discussed the sales of hangars owned by Valley Aviation Services (VAS). Highlights include the following: • VAS has been at the south end of the Airport for over 20 years. • VAS is now selling its hangars to the public: 103 individual hangars, 1 shared pilots lounge and two rows of open tie-downs. The public response has been brisk. • The hangars are an affordable place for pilots to call home. • The hangars are priced affordably: as low as $29,000 or $150/month with seller financing. Chair Tolby commented that adding the association fee onto the $150.00/month brings the total monthly cost to $220.00. Chair Tolby commented that some hangars at Deer Valley Airport can be rented for $200.00 in total. Mr. Hufft replied that some valley airports have rental waitlists and some airports are subsidized. Mr. Hufft stated that VAS did perform due diligence in pulling comparisons prior to pricing. Mr. Hufft stated that the $220.00 price for 1 owning is very comparable to $200 for renting. Mr. Hufft added that pilots have more rights when they own their hangars. Mr. Hufft thanked Mr. Fix and Airport staff for all of the assistance with the hangar sales preparations. Chair Tolby wished Mr. Hufft much success with the sales of the hangars. Chair Tolby asked for comments as to what is hindering pilots from coming to the Glendale Airport. Ms. Pryke commented that many pilots are unhappy with the current morale at the Airport. Ms. Pryke stated that it would be beneficial to increase the community spirit by having pilot barbeques. Ms. Pryke noted that the pilots need to meet each other to develop a strong community at the Airport. Mr. Hufft commented that some pilots interested in the Airport think twice because of the recent lawsuits involving the Airport. Mr. Hufft added that some pilots dislike that there are no discount fuel prices offered at the Glendale FBO and that actual fuel prices are lower at other Airports. Mr. Hufft noted that a major positive comment from pilots is that the Airport is hassle-free. Mr. Hufft stated that besides marketing its hangars on the VAS website, VAS is marketing the Airport as well. Commissioner Chaney asked if Mr. Hufft had discussed the fuel prices with the Airport FBO. Mr. Hufft replied in the positive,noting that he talks with the FBO frequently. Mr. Gillies asked where most of the inquiries for the hangars have arisen. Mr. Hufft replied that it was mostly local. Mr. Gillies stated that it may be beneficial to formally track where interest is originating. Mr. Hufft agreed to track this information and added that more information will be known as interest develops. Chair Tolby asked if VAS has been approached for an article by the Glendale Star or the AZ Republic. Mr. Hufft replied in the negative. Chair Tolby suggested that these newspapers be contacted regarding a potential article which could generate more interest. Mr. Fix commented that the General Aviation News will be publishing an article soon. Mr. Gillies liked the catch phrase "Hassle-Free Airport". Chair Tolby agreed. Commissioner Mascaro stated that there are no discount fuel prices at other Airports and the Glendale fuel prices are about the same as others in the valley. Commissioner Mascaro stated that if the Glendale FBO could implement fuel discounts it might draw in more business. Commissioner Escudero stressed that visitors come to Glendale for the sports. Commissioner Escudero felt more emphasis could be put on the Cactus League. Commissioner Escudero asked Ms. Pryke for further expansion of the barbeque suggestion. Ms. Pryke explained that many pilots just want some place to go. Ms. Pryke stated that if a 2 barbeque or fly-in were planned, it would give pilots an event to attend, enjoy the weather and network. Chair Tolby thanked Mr. Hufft for his presentation and offered the Commission's assistance in any manner in regards to the hangar sales. 2. Aviation Advisory Commission Goals and Mission Statement: Chair Tolby stated that further discussion will be tabled until the new Commissioners are appointed to the Commission. 3. New Commission Member Recommendations: Chair Tolby stated there are three vacant Commissioner seats to be filled. Chair Tolby had a meeting with Councilmember Chavira to discuss appointments to the Commission; however the meeting had to be cancelled and has not yet been rescheduled. Ms. Yeager stated that she was asked to attend the Council meeting on January 27th, so she may be appointed at this meeting. Chair Tolby commented that there were a few other citizens who volunteered to be on the Commission. Chair Tolby will research to see if others will be appointed at the January 27th meeting. If not, it was agreed that Chair Tolby will draft a letter on behalf of the Commission to the Council in regards to filling Commission vacancies. Commissioner Chaney stated that he was contacted and was asked to be the new Vice Chair of the Commission and he accepted. 4. Communication with Airport Users: Chair Tolby would like Mr. Fix to add the Commissioners to the distribution list for Airport communication emails. Chair Tolby would like to see Airport users attend the Commission meetings. Chair Tolby suggested more emails to Airport users in regards to Airport updates, events and news. Mr. Fix will follow-up on the suggestions. Commissioner Chaney wondered how to obtain more comments from pilots. Mr. Fix stated that pilots do come into his office to discuss issues with him. Mr. Fix can draft a survey to be sent to the pilots for feedback and comments. Commissioner Chaney would also like to see pilots attend the Commission meetings. Commissioner Chaney felt that more communication between the Commissioners and pilots would be helpful. Chair Tolby agreed and added that a strong relationship between the Commissioners and pilots would make the Airport better for all. Mr. Gillies asked if the pilots know the Commissioners. Chair Tolby replied in the negative, stating that there is no information on the City webpage regarding who the Commissioners are. Mr. Fix explained that there is a link on the City webpage whereby all Commission agendas and minutes are posted. Commissioner Mascaro commented that the Commissioner names are not posted. Chair Tolby stated that citizens must go through City staff in order to contact or send a comment to a Commissioner. Chair Tolby felt that citizens should be able to contact a Commissioner directly with comments or opinions. Mr. Gillies commented that it appears as if the Commissioners would like to be more accessible to the pilots and public. Mr. Fix will follow up on the suggestions. 3 Commissioner Escudero asked if it was City policy to keep information on Commissioners private. Mr. Gruber will research the issue. Commissioner Mascaro stated that the Commissioner names should be posted on the City website. Chair Tolby shared that he has heard that pilots feel the Commission is ineffective and he would like to work more closely with the Airport users. Chair Tolby stated that he may draft a Commission newsletter. V. SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS Mr. Fix reported on current airport activities: 1. Construction Projects/Grants o Apron & Lighting: Mr. Fix has met with the general contractor a few times. The light poles have been ordered and are expected to arrive late February. The project should begin on March 2nd. o Airport Layout Plan (ALP): The RFP for a consultant is moving forward. Costs for the ALP are being funded via a$125,000 ADOT grant. 2. Airport Staff Changes/Organizational Chart o Ms. Turski has resigned from her position with the Airport as she has moved out of state. Ms. Roxanne Alexander is the new management assistant. o A new City of Glendale high-level organization chart was distributed. The Airport functions under the Transportation Division of the Public Works Department. More detailed information can be found on the City website. 3. Operating Budget/Expenses/Revenues o There is 52% of the operating budget for the fiscal year still available. The Airport is on track for the budget. Mr. Fix is working on the proposed budget for FY15-16. o Increased revenue is anticipated for FY15-16 due to the J.F. Long contributions, utility and rent from the Airport restaurant and two new land leases in the works. Also, it is hoped that the Airport insurance costs will decrease now that the Airport is FAA compliant. 4. Airport Business Activity/Lease Updates o Next month, two hangar ground leases will be brought before the Commission for review and recommendation to Council. One lease is for a private party and one is for a commercial entity: A Shade Above. o Also, Desert Hangars is approaching the end of its 20-year lease term and will be exercising its 10-year option. Information will be shared with the Commission next month for review and recommendation to Council. 5. Land Use Planning/Zoning o Tonight, the Maryvale Village Planning Committee is meeting in Phoenix regarding the proposed residential development near the Airport. Mr. Fix has been in touch with Mr. Brown, Planner for the City of Phoenix, to express the Airport's opposition to the development. Mr. Fix will keep the Commissioners apprised of the results of the meeting. Chair Tolby stated that if the issue goes before the City of Phoenix Planning Committee, the 4 Commissioners should attend the meeting as a group to express opposition to the development. 6. Super Bowl XLIX Planning o As of today, the Airport FBO has 45 confirmed reservations, which is comprised of a high percentage of large jets. o Papillon Helicopters will provide a shuttle from Scottsdale Airport on game day only in conjunction with Pink Jeep Tours. The helicopter will provide transportation to the game and Pink Jeep will provide limousine transportation back to the Scottsdale Airport. Commissioner Chaney stressed the importance of the Airport grounds looking good on game day. o Beginning next Monday, aircraft from the center ramps will be moved to shaded tie-downs. 7. Air Traffic Operations o For the month of December, operations totaled 5,639. The 2014 grand total was 68,092, which is down 3,223 or 5% from 2013. Mr. Fix reported that operations were negatively affected due to the runway closure for the slurry project and several bad weather days. VI. CALL TO THE PUBLIC No comments. VII. NEW BUSINESS REQUESTS (Future Agenda Items) • Possibility of Internet Service for Airport Users • Possibility of Extending Glen Harbor Boulevard south to Camelback Road • Briefing from Risk Management on the Airport Insurance VIII.NEXT MEETING TIME The next meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on the second floor Conference Room of the Airport terminal building on Wednesday, February 11, 2015. IX. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Commissioner Escudero asked about the potential Commission workshop meeting. Chair Tolby commented about the possibility of a workshop on the fourth Saturday of each month. Chair Tolby stated that a decision should be made once the other Commissioners are appointed to the Commission. Chair Tolby shared that he and Mr. Fix discussed creating a binder for each Commissioner containing important documents. Chair Tolby noted that the binder could also be used as a training tool for future Commissioners. Mr. Gillies announced that nineteen F35's are now stationed at LAFB and an F35 flyby will be done for the Pro Bowl. Mr. Gillies clarified that the Thunderbirds, stationed at Nellis 5 AFB, will do the Super Bowl flyby. Mr. Gillies added that LAFB will be supporting the Fire and Rescue squads during the Super Bowl. X. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned by consensus at 7:36 p.m. The Aviation A visory Commission Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2015 were approved at the CommissiioojnJ eting of February 11, 2015. Z\Y"--/--‘ Walter L. Fix, A.A.E. Airport Administrator 623-930-2188 6