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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Aviation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 1/18/2017MINUTES AVIATION ADVISORY COMMISSION GLENDALE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT 6801 N. GLEN HARBOR BLVD. GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85307 AIRPORT CONFERENCE ROOM JANUARY 18, 2017 6:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:39 p.m. by Chair Dagostino with the following Commissioners present: Vice Chair Rovey, Quentin Tolby, and Leonard Escudero Also present were Kenn Potts, Airport Administrator; Kurt Christianson, Assistant City Attorney; Bill Gillies, Luke Air Force Base (LAFB); Brian Hufft, Valley Aviation Services; Carl Brandenberg, Glendale Aero Services II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING Commissioner Escudero motioned to approve the December 21, 2016 Commission meeting minutes as written. Commissioner Tolby made the second. The motion carried 4 — 0. III. REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE OR WITHDRAWAL OF ITEMS. None. IV. AIRPORT BUSINESS 1. Commission Member Update Mr. Potts announced the sad news that Commissioner Dewberry passed away. Mr. Potts noted that a memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 22nd at 2:00 p.m. at Sahuaro Ranch Park and a reception will immediately follow at the Glendale Women's Club. Details to commissioners had already gone out by email earlier in the day. 2. Glendale Aero Services Fuel Discussion Mr. Carl Brandenberg of Glendale Aero Services gave a presentation regarding his operations at the Airport and the pricing of aviation fuel. The presentation included the following information: • The difference between Jet A fuel and 100LL or avgas fuel, supply and refineries, methods of delivery, taxes, and additional reasons for pricing were explained. • Various fuel prices in the valley were shown on www.aimay.com which Mr. Brandenberg indicated displays that the FBO fuel prices are in line with other airports in the valley. Mr. Brandenberg explained that the FBO is not subsidized by the City and fuel comparisons must keep this in consideration. Mr. Brandenberg stated that the FBO is very competitive and the most affordable full service FBO in the valley. • Information on the FBO lease with the City of Glendale and the costs associated were provided. Vice Chair Rovey inquired if lower fuel prices would bring in more traffic. Mr. Brandenberg provided the history of the FBO at the Airport. Mr. Brandenberg noted that when Weisman Aviation was the FBO, they did lower they prices significantly, however, this did not increase business. Mr. Brandenberg commented that customers fly to specific airports because they need to be there, not just for fuel prices especially if the prices are in line with the competition. Vice Chair Rovey thanked Mr. Brandenberg for his presentation. 3. Glendale Airport Hangars/Valley Aviation Services Discussion Mr. Brian Hufft of Glendale Airport Hangars/Valley Aviation Services (VAS) provided information regarding the current status of the Glendale Airport Hangars and future plans. The presentation included the following information: • The history of Glendale Airport Hangars/Valley Aviation Services at the Airport was provided. • VAS is selling its holdings, totaling 19 acres, at the Airport which include: o 103 hangars/11.4 acres — all now sold o 112 shaded spaces/7.6 acres — still to be sold o Raw land/3.8 acres — still to be sold • The shaded spaces are challenging to sell because they do not provide full shade, due to the directional orientation of the shades. • The 19 -year lease is too short for developers to recoup their initial investment. • At this junction, VAS would like to work with the City of Glendale to create good use for the land which would encourage developers to purchase the land and also benefit the Airport. • To accomplish this task, the following is needed: o A new lease with updated language — changed from 19 years to 40 years to allow a developer time to recoup investment costs o An executive sponsor in the City for the developers to work with who will provide detailed information and a path forward for developers o Increase advertising, press releases, and promotion of the Airport Mr. Hufft stated that he has brought many developers to the site and they have expressed interest. However, Mr. Hufft has found it very challenging to find a specific City contact who will answer in depth questions and work with the developer to move the interest forward. Mr. Hufft noted that a specific challenge is for him and the developers to have quick access to specific questions, such as tax rates, incentives, and investment requirements. Mr. Hufft stated that other cities have this type of information readily available on their websites or via a specific executive or team. Mr. Hufft cited an example of a recent development deal in Chandler. Mr. Hufft heavily complimented Mr. Potts on all of his efforts, stating that Mr. Potts has been extremely helpful and a great partner to the extent of his authority. Mr. Hufft stated that there are high-level discussions which must be held when a developer expresses interest and Mr. Hufft has been unsuccessful in accessing or finding a high-level City executive or team dedicated to this type of task. Mr. Hufft suggested the possibility of a specific Councilmember or Council sub- committee assigned to the development of the Airport. Mr. Hufft noted that he would like to have a Councilmember or two meet with him and potential developers that he brings to the site. Mr. Hufft stated that the Airport has a lot to offer and there could be great demand for space at the Airport if these issues were resolved. Commissioner Tolby inquired as to why VAS is not developing the property. Mr. Hufft explained that the owner is out of state and working on other development projects. Mr. Hufft added that the owner does not feel that he is the best person to develop the space. Mr. Hufft added that he has brought various developers to the Airport who have seemingly expressed interest but the interest runs into a standstill once the City is approached. Commissioner Escudero commented that it appears that Mr. Hufft is running into a fragmented situation with the City. Mr. Hufft agreed. Mr. Hufft stated that Mr. Potts has done all that he can do and more assistance is needed from the upper levels. 2 Commissioner Tolby did not think that there was demand for the land at this time and stated that there was a surplus of hangars. Mr. Hufft felt there was demand to develop the site. Mr. Hufft commented that the main problem is the 19 -year lease, which is too short for a developer to recoup their investment. Vice Chair Rovey thanked Mr. Hufft for attending the meeting. 4. FAA Hangar Policy/Stakeholder Group Update Chair Dagostino reported that there was good discussion at the last Stakeholder Group meeting and the hangar owners in attendance indicated that they like the Airport because they own their own hangars. Chair Dagostino added that the attendees relayed that they would like a thin Rules and Regulations document so that bureaucracy does not creep back in. Commissioner Tolby commented that the sooner the proposed revised document is completed, the sooner a more in depth discussion and progress with the hangar owners can be made. Mr. Brandenberg interjected that the average tenant has been frustrated with the bureaucracy. Chair Dagostino stressed the need to keep the required safety factors in the Rules and Regulations. Mr. Potts stated that he is working on the proposed revised document and will also compare the current Rules and Regulations to the Blue Book. Mr. Potts announced that the next Stakeholder Group meeting will be held in February with the specific date to be determined. Commissioner Escudero inquired if the daytime meeting was more beneficial for attendance and Mr. Potts replied in the positive. V. SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS Mr. Potts reported on current airport activities: 1. Construction Projects/Grants Status o Amendment #2 to the Dibble Professional Services Agreement was approved by Council. o Phase I of the North Apron project began on January 3, 2017, which included preparing the soil and gravel for the sub -base. The project completion date is estimated for February 16, 2017. o Wi-Fi via Cox Communications is now available in the terminal building and is working well in the Conference Room. o Mr. Potts has made final comments on the ALP and will send the Commissioners a link to access the final drawings. o Customers have asked for a Pilot's Lounge. Suite 206A was vacant and Mr. Potts has converted it into a Pilot's Lounge in December. The only cost incurred was to fix seals on the windows. Furniture was obtained from the City warehouse left by other City departments and former tenants. Wi-Fi access will be set up soon. Skyquest donated a computer and Mr. Potts will submit for a television in the upcoming budget. A lot of good feedback has already been received. Vice Chair Rovey asked if there was signage for the Lounge and Mr. Potts replied in the positive. Mr. Gillies offer to donate a map for the Lounge. o The West Valley Flying Club held a meeting in the Airport Conference Room last night and there was standing room only. Mr. Gillies and Mr. Potts gave a presentation at the meeting. o In early January, Mr. Potts hosted a tour from the Citizen's Transportation Oversight Committee (CTOC). The CTOC oversees the GO Fund sales tax. Mr. Potts will work with the CTOC to explore the possibility of using GO Funds for Airport operations. 3 o Budget meetings are being held for the FYI 7-18 Budget. The tower shades are in need of replacement and will be included in the budget as well as other deferred maintenance needs. 2. Operating Budget/Expenses/Revenues — graphs o Mr. Potts presented detailed financial information for the month of December as well as year- to-date December. 3. Airport Business Activity/Lease Updates o Sonoran Aeroplane was the first tenant to sign and return the Master Lease for Specialized Aviation Service Operators (SASO). Other tenants are still reviewing the lease. o The FAA has approved the Butler hangar construction. o This Friday, Mr. Potts will attend a meeting with the Director of Public Works and the City Attorney regarding comments Mr. Hufft made on the Airport land lease. It is hoped that a sample lease will be drafted which Mr. Hufft can use for his efforts in selling the VAS covered shades and raw land. o On Tuesday, January 18, 2017, Mr. Potts attended the Arizona Airports Association Aviation Day at the state capitol. Mr. Potts met with the House Representatives from District 29, which includes the Airport. Mr. Potts reported that both of the Representatives are interested in taking a tour of the Airport. Vice Chair Rovey inquired if the Commissioners could attend the tour as it would provide an opportunity to meet and network with the Representatives. Mr. Potts replied in the positive and will advise the Commissioners of the scheduled tour date. o This past week, two noise complaints were received via the Airport website. 4. Land Use Planning/Zoning/Development o No report. 5. 2017 NCAA Final Four National Championship o Preparations continue. Mr. Potts will address relocating the center apron tie -downs as was done for the Super Bowl. 6. Air Traffic Operations/Airspace/Community Relations o Flight operations were down 7% for December 2016 compared to December 2015. Operations were down 10% for 2016. Mr. Potts displayed a flight operations graph, comparing the years by month for 2014, 2015, and 2016. 7. Solar Panel Update o No report. 8. Luke Air Force Base Operations: Mr. Gillies reported that LAFB continues to grow the F35 fleet and the first official class of six students began on December 7, 2016. Mr. Gillies stated that there are three squadrons: two with jets and one with no jets. Chair Dagostino inquired if LAFB is still flying F16's and Mr. Gillies replied in the positive. Commissioner Tolby asked about noise complaints. Mr. Gillies stated that there has been a small increase in noise complaints. Commissioner Tolby inquired if there was an increase in noise complaints when the F3 5's came on site. Mr. Gillies replied that there were no complaints for the first three years, however, when the new paper began reporting on the F35 program, a few complaints were received. Mr. Gillies added that this winter has been overcast and cool, which reverberates the noise. Mr. Gillies commented that any noise at LAFB pales in comparison to Sky Harbor and Davis-Monthan. Mr. Gillies noted that LAFB takes noise complaints very seriously and appreciates the phenomenal support of the community. VI. CALL TO THE PUBLIC The floor was opened to public comment. No comments were made. VII. NEW BUSINESS REQUESTS (Future Agenda Items) The floor was opened for new business requests. No new business requests were made. VIII. NEXT MEETING TIME 4 The next meeting date is Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. on the second floor Conference Room of the Airport terminal building. IX. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS The floor was opened for Commissioner comments. No comments were made. X. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:14 p.m. The Aviation Advisory Commission a ing Min tes of January 18, 2017 were approved at the Commission Meeting of February 15, 2017. Kenneth Potts, A.A.E., MBA Airport Administrator 623-930-2188 k