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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Aviation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 3/18/2015 MINUTES AVIATION ADVISORY COMMISSION GLENDALE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT 6801 N. GLEN HARBOR BLVD- SUITE 201 GLENDALE,ARIZONA 85307 AIRPORT CONFERENCE ROOM MARCH 18,2015 6:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:07 p.m. by Chair Quentin Tolby with the following Commissioners present: Vice Chair Walt Chaney, Leonard Escudero, and Linda Yeager. Also present were Walter Fix, Airport Administrator; Cathy Colbath, Deputy Director of Public Works; James Gruber, Assistant City Attorney; Bill Gillies, Luke Air Force Base; Basil Allen, Glendale Airport Tower; Jack Friedline, Director of Public Works; Bob Stratton II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING Commissioner Yaeger motioned to approve the February 11, 2015 meeting minutes as written. Commissioner Chaney made the second. The motion carried 4—0. III. REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE OR WITHDRAWAL OF ITEMS. None. IV.AIRPORT BUSINESS 1. Airport Hangar Land Leases for Guy Glahn and Butler Aviation Investments, L.L.C.: Mr. Fix displayed a copy of the proposed lease and presented the lease details. Mr. Fix stated that the proposed lease has also been sent to staff, Mr. Guy Glahn and Butler Aviation Investments for review as well. Mr. Fix is seeking a recommendation from the Commission. The final lease will be sent to Council on April 28, 2015 for approval. Commissioner Escudero motioned to recommend Council approval of two land lease agreements for Guy Glahn and Butler Aviation Investments, L.L.C. as presented in draft form. Vice Chair Chaney made the second. The motion carried 4—0. 2. Airport Layout Plan (ALP) Update and Narrative Report Grant Offer: Mr. Fix presented details on the ADOT grant offer that is under review by the Assistant City Attorney. Mr. Fix noted that the Narrative Report includes an updated forecast mainly regarding based aircraft and operations. Mr. Fix explained that the 2010 ALP was never approved by the FAA due to a discrepancy that was not agreed upon between the FAA,the Consultant and the Airport Administrator at the time. Mr. Fix stated that the grant offered by the ADOT covers 90% of the cost and the City of Glendale will match 10%. Mr. Fix stated that an RFP was issued and two submittals were received. Mr. Fix announced that Co-Chair Chaney has volunteered to be on the selection committee which will choose the consultant for the ALP and Narrative Report. The City Engineering Department will review the ALP and then ADOT will review for approval. On April 28th, the grant offer will be on the Council agenda for approval. 1 Chair Tolby inquired as to the date of the last approved ALP and Mr. Fix replied that this was in 1998. Mr. Gillies asked if the Airport Master Plan would be used for the forecasting data in the Narrative Report. Mr. Fix replied in the positive and added that other sources for the analysis will be used as well. Chair Tolby asked if the pending situation with the Long Family regarding the proposed second runway at the Airport would affect the ALP. Mr. Fix stated that this issue should not affect the ALP approval, but it will be reviewed and discussed. Commissioner Yaeger motioned to recommend Council approval of the ADOT grant offer for the Airport Plan Update and Narrative Report pending fmal review by the Assistant City Attorney. Commissioner Escudero made the second. The motion carried 4—0. 3. Mesa Falcon Field and Carefree Sky Ranch Open House Events: Chair Tolby gave a report on his visit to the Carefree Sky Ranch Airport open house, which included the following highlights: • The event included a car and static aircraft show as well as drones on display. • There was a definite security presence and traffic control. • There was not much on-site parking. • There was good event publicity. Chair Tolby stated that he and Vice Chair Chaney attended the Mesa Falcon Field open house together. Vice Chair Chaney gave a report on the event,which included the following highlights: • There were aircraft and car displays. There were also drones and helicopters. • The Chair and Vice Chair met with the Airport Manager who provided information regarding the event. • The open house is manned by Airport staff with a budget of approximately$20,000. • The event has been held for eleven years and is very successful. • There were static aircraft and Warbird fly-bys. • There were many non-aviation vendors. There is no charge to vendors for set-up or display. • Attendees included families with children. • The event has a county-fair feeling and was well-attended. • Shuttles bring attendees from the parking areas to the event. • It is estimated that 50% of the attendees come out just to see the old cars. Commissioner Yaeger inquired as to how many were in attendance at the Falcon Field open house. Chair Tolby stated that the Airport Manager had estimated 15,000, however, there was no official count performed. Chair Tolby added that there was also a model railroad display, bouncers for the kids and a Coast Guard display with a boat at the Falcon Field event. Chair Tolby reported that the Scottsdale Airport is holding an open house on April 4th called "Run the Runway" whereby several thousand runners are expected. Chair Tolby provided details on the cost for participation. Chair Tolby plans on attending the event and will provide a report. Chair Tolby felt that this event was an interesting twist on an open house at an airport. 2 Mr. Fix commented that about two years ago, an open house was held at the Airport with unusual aircraft on display as well as some old cars. Mr. Fix noted that this was a free event to bring people out to the Airport. Mr. Fix stated that this event could possibly be held again and grown for the future. Commissioner Escudero noted that Easyfly Aviation has simulators and helicopters which might be able to be included in an open house. Chair Tolby stated that an event would be welcome and doable, but it would have to be in the fall 2015 or spring 2016 to allow for planning. 4. General Plan Amendment and Rezoning Proposal of the City of Phoenix Parcel East of the Airport: Mr. Fix thanked all of the Commissioners for attending the March 11, 2015 Maryvale Planning Committee meeting. Mr. Fix announced that at the meeting, the Maryvale Planning Committee recommended by an 8-4 vote that the City of Phoenix Planning Commission not approve the re-zoning proposal and General Plan Amendment. Mr. Fix noted that on April 14, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in Phoenix Council Chambers, the City of Phoenix Planning Commission will have a hearing and vote on the re- zoning proposal and General Plan Amendment. Mr. Fix will attend the meeting in order to give a PowerPoint presentation regarding potential residential encroachment and the City of Glendale's opposition to the development. Chair Tolby stressed the importance of an Airport and City presence during any future hearings from any potential developers near the Airport. Vice Chair Chaney asked if Mr. Fix was in touch with city planners in Phoenix. Mr. Fix replied in the positive and explained that he does have relationships with planning staff in other valley cities in order to keep abreast of issues impacting the Airport. Mr. Fix noted that he does participate in the Arizona Airports Association and the Quarterly Valley Airport Director's Meeting. Mr. Fix stated that there is no coalition of Airport planning and zoning valley-wide, and that is needed. Chair Tolby encouraged the Commissioners to attend the April 14th hearing at the City of Phoenix if possible. Chair Tolby asked for clarification regarding the Open Meeting Law in conjunction with attending these hearings. Chair Tolby stressed that the Commissioners would not sit next to one another and would be cognizant of issues with the Open Meeting Law. Mr. Gruber stated that there was not an issue if there was a quorum of members attending these hearing, however, if it is known in advance, it should be posted. Mr. Gruber also cautioned against the Commissioners discussing any official business at the hearings. Commissioner Yaeger motioned to officially announce the Aviation Advisory Commission's formal opposition to the City of Phoenix General Plan Amendment and Rezoning Proposal of the 64-acre Camelback Ranch parcel located east of the Glendale Airport Property. Commissioner Escudero made the second. The motion carried 4—0. 5. Status of Aviation Commission Vacancies: Chair Tolby stated that the appointment of Mr. Ron Kolb to the Committee has not been officially done by the Mayor yet but was expected. Chair Tolby suggested that an email should be sent to the Airport users to contact their Councilmember if they are interested in volunteering for a Commission seat. Chair Tolby stated that using the Airport mailing list would reach a targeted audience with airport or aviation experience. Commissioner Yaeger suggested posting a flyer regarding the Commission vacancies in the Airport lobby or the Airport cafeteria. 3 V. SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS Mr. Fix reported on current airport activities: 1. Airport Construction Projects/Grants Status o Apron and Lighting Project: Mr. Fix reported that the pavement portion has been moving along well. However in the last few days, there was a discovery of soft-yield sub-soil, which will have to be treated with a concrete mix. Otherwise, once the asphalt is put down, it could start cracking. This is the second change order for the project, which will go to the FAA for approval. It will set the project back a few weeks. The light poles and LED light fixtures are also behind schedule due to manufacturer lead time. Furthermore, the light poles and light fixtures are not 100% certified yet by the FAA so temporary lighting may be used until mid-May. Weekly construction meetings are held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and all Commissioners are invited to attend. Mr. Fix is waiting for ADOT to send the grant offer for the match on this project in the amount of$110,000. The grant offer will be on the June Council agenda. o Blast Fence Project: Has been closed out. 2. Airport Operating Budget/Expenses/Revenues/State Budget Update o A copy of the budget was displayed. o Mr. Fix was pleased to announce that insurance expense was $132,032 in FY2015, but is $30,492 for FY2016 due to FAA compliance. o The FY2016 total budget is $646,846 versus FY2015 of$723,906 which is a 10%decrease. o For FY2016, it is estimated that the Airport will be at a loss of$76,587. Comparatively, the loss for FY2015 is estimated at $223,421. With the decrease in insurance expense, increased revenue based on the new rates and charges study and the donations from the John F. Long Group, the Airport is on its way to becoming self-sustaining. 3. Airport Business Activity/Lease Updates o Mr. Fix thanked all who were able to attend the Easyfly Aviation Open House. Mr. Fix met with the President and General Manager on Monday. Mr. Fix stated that the company in China is very interested in the Airport for future development of their helicopter flight training. 4. Land Use Planning/Zoning Case/Phoenix Flight Path Changes o Mr. Fix held an informational meeting in Glendale on the Phoenix Flight Path Changes. Mr. Fix stated that there were about 12 attendees including Chair Tolby. Mr. Fix explained that the FAA has a mandate to move forward with the new Next-Gen flight paths. 5. Airport Infrastructure: Fiber Optics Update o Last Friday, Mr. Fix met with Cox Communications Engineers and a City IT staff member. The fiber optics/coax proposal is being negotiated. Cox is aware that there are nine Airport businesses interested, and will get back to Mr. Fix and the City regarding installation options. 6. Air Traffic Operations/Based Aircraft o Mr. Fix reported that in February, operations were 6,667 which was a 10% increase over February 2014. o Mr. Allen announced that for some time in the summer, the Goodyear Airport will be closed for maintenance and the Glendale Airport should experience some increased operations during that time. VI. CALL TO THE PUBLIC No comments. 4 VII. NEW BUSINESS REQUESTS (Future Agenda Items) • A Presentation from Easyfly Aviation • Feasibility of Extending Glen Harbor Boulevard south to Camelback Road 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, April 8, 2015. IX. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Commissioner Escudero stated that during the Super Bowl, there were limousines transporting fans to and from their jets. Commissioner Escudero suggested a partnership with Glendale GO in order to transport users of the Airport to and from the game or other game day events. Chair Tolby was pleased that the Commissioner names were listed on the City website but would like to see a phone number or email posted as well. Chair Tolby would like to see this option available for any Commissioner who would like to have a contact method published. Chair Tolby would like the public to be able to reach the Commissioners with comments, concerns, questions or suggestions. X. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned by consensus at 7:44 p.m. The Aviation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes of March 18, 2015 were approved at the Commission Meeting of April 8, 2105. Walter L. Fix, A.A. . Airport Administrator 623-930-2188 5