HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-11-09 Airport Commission SummaryKENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION
November 9, 1989 - 7:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
Chairman Bob Summers Presiding
AGENDA
1. ROLL CALL
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APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PERSONS PRESENt1 SCHEDULE~ TO BE HEARQ
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF September 28, 1989
(No quorum October 12, 1989)
OLD BUSINESS
a,
Report from Budget Committee - Josh Knopper
Report on Industrial Display - Randy Ernst
Report on Training Seminar - Randy Ernst
Report from Commissioner Garnett
NEW BUSINESS
a,
Set New Date for Terminal Open House
Five Year Plan for Highest & Best Use of Airport
Report from Airport Manager on Runway Overlay Project Completion
Report on Current Fueling System with Recommendations
Proposal from Keen'Eye Video Productions
AIRPORT MANAGER' S REPORT
COMMISSION COMMENTS & QUESTIONS
9. ADJOURNMENT
PT,RASE C,~T,T. JANET at 283-7933 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND
IN ORDER TO ENSURE A QUORUM.
KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION
November 9, 1989 - 7:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
Chairman Bob Summers Presiding
1. ROLL CALL
Present- Summers, Garnett, Knopper, Toppa
Absent' Ames, Dean, Shackleton
Also Present- Councilman Measles, Manager Ernst, Secretary Loper
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION-
Commissioner Garnett moved to approve the agenda with the addition of Mr.
& Mrs. Wackler under item 3-a, seconded by Commissioner Knopper
VOTE-
Motion passed by Unanimous Consent
3. PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD
a. Dana & Joe Wackler - Airport Gift Shop
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Mr. & Mrs. Wackler are the lessees of the Orca Gift Shop in the airport
terminal.
a. Dana Wackler- We would like to be able to do bookings for fishing and
hunting trips. That is a service not being offered at the airport now,
there are signs up for guides and some car rentals hand out brochures, but
that does not give the person coming into the airport a place to go or a
personal touch to set it up and give directions. If the Commission doesn't
have a problem with that, we've been looking into it to see what is
necessary on our part to be able to do that.
Commissioner Garnett' What was the other thing.
b. Dana Wackler- I was a little concerned with a circuit box that was
put in the middle of the gift shop wall. We can get around it, the only
thing that we're concerned with mainly, is that the controls that are in
there, as far as people being able to gain access to it. You've got to
understand that, as a shop owner I've got a lot of dollars worth of
inventory in there and I don't want too many people in there that are not
authorized to. We were looking over the circuit directory and found it
controls the restaurant, janitorial, elevator, and the elevator pit. If
the shop is closed and there's a power problem and somebody needs to get
in there, is it going to cause a problem.
Manager Ernst- Maybe I can ease your mind, there wouldn't be anybody in
there without my authorization to start with. They would have to call me.
I would be the first person to call if they had a problem.
KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION
November 9, 1989
Page 2
Joe Wackler- I've worked in restaurants before and the question that I
have is since the restaurant circuitry is there and should the power get
overloaded and you're not there .. first of all I don't know how many times
that would happen, but it may happen and if you were the gift shop owner,
how would you feel about people being in there. What we're asking is, we
can work around it, but of course we would like to protect our interest
and it would be better if it weren't there. I can't imagine why anybody
would put a circuit box in the middle of the back wall of the gift shop.
I have no idea how much that would cost, and I think there are good reasons
for moving it.
Manager Ernst- I can look into whether it could be moved. I'm not sure
why they have the restaurant circuits in there, it doesn't make any sense
to me. It may not be big items, I can't believe there would be critical
circuits in there. Dana Wackler- I brought the circuit directory in with
me so you can look at it and see.
Chairman Summers- I would like to make that an item for a presentation
by Manager Ernst at the next meeting with your reco~endations. That will
give you a chance to determine cost or possible solutions.
Chairman Summers- Do you have any comments directed towards the guide
bookings proposal? Manager Ernst- I talked to Dana about that and I told
her that I didn't have a problem with it, but the intent was at some point
in time, that little counter was supposed to be a booking type counter.
I told her that until such time as that starts they~. can do that.
Joe Wackler: We understand that and what we are saying is that nobody is
offering that service now and we are capable and would like to offer that
service. In the future if you want that separated, then we would be
interested in bidding on it or whatever. Chairman Summers- I don't
believe the agreement these folks have with the City prohibits that does
it. Manager Ernst answered that the agreement was pretty wide open.
Comznissioner Garnett- These leases don't specify a specific business with
restrictions that no competitive business in the terminal be allowed
because I see competitive businesses in there all the time. Manager Ernst-
There are certain things that are restricted. Joe Wackler: When the
restaurant is open we don't intend to serve hot sandwiches, of course.
Commissioner Garnett- There's nothing in the City leases that I recall
that says they can't engage in any business as long as its legal. I don't
see that there's any problem. I would say let them go ahead. Manager
Ernst- If it's incorporated with their store it wouldn't be, but if it
moved outside of it or if someone else wanted to do it then it would go
into a bid situation. It would be a new part of the terminal.
MOTION-
Commissioner Garnett moved that we recommend letting them book hunting and
fishing trips as long as #1 it is not in conflict with their lease, and
#2 in conflict with procedure set up for businesses in the airport,
seconded by Commissioner Toppa
KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION
November 9, 1989
Page 3
Chairman Summers: It was not specifically stated in the motion but I'm
assuming that we're saying that it would be restricted within their leased
part of the facility. Manager Ernst answered yes.
Joe Wackler: I've talked to the Fish & Game people, I am personally a
river guide myself. I knew we'd have no problem booking fishing trips,
I was more concerned with hunting because of the rules and regulations,
however, a person in Juneau who indicated that a booking agent is no
problem but does require a special use permit. I assure you that we will
have the proper licenses in place. We think it will increase traffic.
Commissioner Knopper- At some time in the future if we want to put this
out to bid is make a specific addendum to their lease for this.
Councilman Measles: I don't think you want to modify the lease, what you
want to do is a temporary measure, then simply a letter from the City will
do. Commissioner Toppa- Nothing restricts doing that in the lease anyway.
Even if someone came in at a future date we could bid that as a separate
business, what's wrong with competition. Dana Wackler- If its good enough
you'll probably find that there's interest and there's room for more than
one. Commissioner Toppa- These folks are the first ones that have started
to open a business there in good faith with the City. They bid, they've
got they're equipment, they're ready to go. I commend you for it. We're
hoping to get more. Joe Wackler- The Kenai airport doesn't have a history
of business doing well there.
Chairman Summers: Do you think this should be ~a'~temporary thing that the
Commission recommends to the City Council for a specified period of time.
Manager Ernst- If you direct Administration to approve it I don't know
that you would have to go to Council. I think its within my authority to
say its okay. And I have no problem with it. I can see the fishing guide
service all in a row not unlike the car rental agencies. It could work
out that way at some point in time.
Chairman Summers- Probably what we need to do is incorporate in this
motion that we are directing Administration to allow them to book hunting
and fishing services through their business. The Commission agreed that
a change in motion was not necessary.
VOTE:
Motion passed unanimously
c. Dana Wackler asked when the bar and restaurant would open. Manager
Ernst- The projected dates are solid according to the lease, the take
possession December 1st. Their opening for the bar is December 1st and
May 1st on the restaurant. They may open sooner and Council has requested
that they do so, however, that is unknown.
Chairman Summers asked about the publicity for the airport. Commissioner
Toppa answered that we still don't have the budget figured out.
Dana Wackler: I think the bar is going to be the big thing. Just in the
last few days since I've been working several people have tried to get
through the construction blockade to go up and look at the bar. As far
KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION
November 9, 1989
Page 4
as holding the grand opening until after the restaurant is open is kind
of hindering.
Commissioner Garnett- The airport is probably going to be busy during the
middle part of December with holiday travel.
d. Dana Wackler: I was looking at how the terminal and baggage claim area
are laid out and then there's this big hallway that is going to be empty
for quite a while. There are animals that are in glass cases that block
the view from the passenger area to the gift shop and they'd look really
nice in that hallway and people would want to wander over to look at the
animals.
Manager Ernst- We could certainly move some items in there but by the same
token, some of those cages are high enough that they will block the window
and you could hardly put them in the middle. I will look at it though.
Dana Wackler- The wolverine that's in the middle is short.
Chairman Summers- I would reco~m~end that Randy get together with these
folks and work out something with the animals.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF September 28, 1989
(No quorum October 12, 1989)
MOTION-
Commissioner Knopper moved approval of the minutes, seconded by
Commissioner Garnett .~ · ~-~
VOTE-
Motion passed unanimously
5. OLD BUSINESS
a.
Report from Budget Committee- Josh Knopper
Commissioner Knopper noted the report from Manager Ernst. There is $5,000,
$1,200 will be used for the trainer, leaving $3,800. In advertising there
is $7,676 after the photos.
b.
Report on Industrial Displa~ - Randy Ernst
Manager Ernst reported that Treat would rework the figures and get it down
to within the $5,000 range. I gave the display model dimensions to Mr.
Green and he hasn't gotten back with figures. I would also like to get
it out to at least one more person.
Chairman Summers- It would probably be appropriate to get at least a
couple people to submit. Commissioner Knopper asked if 4-D had the
capability. Commissioner Garnett answered probably no. Manager Ernst felt
that a contractor would be a more appropriate way to go since it uses so
much glass. This discussion will return at the next meeting. Commissioner
Toppa asked for the dimensions, 12' long x 8' wide x 8' high.
KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION
November 9, 1989
Page 5
C.
Report on Training Seminar - Rand~ Ernst
Chairman Summers passed out a letter from Mayor Williams, written by Mr.
Bill Hansel, ICMA Executive Director concerning training. The training
program is called ActionPac. It was passed along to Manager Ernst.
d,
Report from Commissioner Garnett
commissioner Garnett reported that the Borough representative was not able
to make the meeting, therefore there was not much to discuss. The Plan
is in the early stage and will be ongoing. The suggestion was to determine
what we want to do and what plans we want to make. Do we want to make it
a cargo airport, commuter airport, whatever, then make some
recommendations. They suggest that we get together to do this along with
Economic Development and submit it to the Planning Commission, then we
would have something cohesive. We have the long range report of course,
but nothing that says what we want to make the airport. That will be the
first issue to be decided by the Commission. We should get started.
Sections of the Plan that were passed out were drafted by the Airport
Manager. Chairman Summers felt it might be useful to schedule a work
session. Chairman Sua~ers asked Co~issioner Garnett to work with Manager
Ernst to put something together on goals, or plans and present it at the
next meeting, December 14th.
Commissioner Garnett suggested some kind of contact with the Economic
Development Co~ission and will report at the'~n~~.meeting.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a.
Set New Date for Terminal O~en House
Commissioner Toppa suggested December 15th. The Commission discussed
opening dates for the lessees of the terminal facilities and agreed that
would be a good date.
MOTION-
Commissioner Garnett moved to hold the open house on December 15, 1989,
seconded by Commissioner Toppa
VOTE-
Motion passed unanimously
Commissioner Toppa will hold a meeting for those Commissioners
participating next week. Lease holders will be invited. To be invited
for the open house are the builder and architect, Mayors, Councils,
Assembly, Regional Director of FAA, and all commissioners. Chairman
Su~m~ers instructed Administration have these letters of invitations sent.
no later than December 1st.
The Commission discussed the estimated budget and submittal to Council for
approval. Chairman Su~ers directed Commissioner Toppa to submit the
budget to Council. Janet can put it together and draft a cover memo for
my signature.
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KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION
November 9, 1989
Page 6
b.
Five Year Plan for Highest & Best Use of Airport
Taken care of previously.
C.
Report from Airport Manager on Runwa~ Overlay Project Completion
Manager Ernst submitted a written report which is attached to the minutes.
Manager Ernst discussed the report in detail with the Commission. One item
for discussion was the drainage study. Commissioner Garnett asked if this
was a high priority, Manager Ernst answered that it is so that it doesn't
conflict with other projects. The study will tell us how to deal with
drainage with projects such as lengthening~the runway.
d.
Report on Current Fuelin~ S~stem with Recommendations
There is one FBO on the airport currently. There is a pit system in front
of the terminal which has been inactive from 2 to 3 years. To reactivate
it would take quite a bit of money with the new regulations, they are two
10,000 gallon tanks. If you want to do something different, you would need
to look at how it would affect the current FBO. The Commission discussed
the tanks further.
Commissioner Garnett- The more I'm running across leases, the more I'm
finding that environmental issues are becoming more important. Frankly,
I think we are remiss in not requesting administration ensure that leases
of airport lands contain some verbiage for environmental protection.
Anytime it costs you $80,000 just to test it be~~s an expensive issue.
Chairman Su~m~ers asked Manager Ernst to report at the next meeting.
e.
Proposal from Keen'E~e Video Productions
Manager Ernst reported that Red Goodwin brought this to him. He has a
proposal not unlike to polar kiosk. If you recommend to Council that this
is a good idea, he would like to put it in the airport. There is one in
the Central Peninsula Mall. They would rent the space from us and generate
their own advertising.
Mr. Goodwin will be on the next agenda for a presentation. This would
probably blend well in the display area as long as it is not loud and over
ride the plane announcements.
AIRPORT MANAGER' S REPORT
a. Manager Ernst will be on vacation from December 15th through January
8th.
b. Chairman Summers introduced an article in the Alaska Fl~er written
by Mrs. Davis thanking an FAA official for a job "over and above" performed
in assisting her husband who was disabled across the inlet. The article
recounted how an FAA official, Mr. Toppas' superior felt that he might be
disciplined for his actions. Chairman Summers' I feel it is important
to pat the FAA on the back from time to time and let them know we
appreciate the services that are being provided for people that are
utilizing that airport. I feel strongly enough about it that I am going
KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION
November 9, 1989
Page 7
to write a letter to the FAA commending Mr. Toppa and encourage the FAA
to continue and promote this type of service. The more we can do and the
more we can encourage the FAA to cooperate and build up a good public image
with our airport and whether that information gets out, I think there is
going to be some kind of relationship between that and our relationship
with the airport.
Commissioner Garnett- As far as I'm concerned there has been a
considerable change in attitude in the FAA in this area in the last few
years and like Mr. Toppa helping some people on the other side, I had an
opportunity to have a mechanical problem on landing not too long ago and
the controller who had just gotten off at the time, came out and I was
having a real problem with that airplane, took me all the way over to the
parking area. I have sent a letter to the tower chief on that.
Chairman Summers- I think the best way to encourage a good working
relationship is to approach it with a pat on the back and when they do
something bad, let them know that too. In this case something positive
was done, it was beneficial to users of the airport and we need to say so.
The ~ission agreed unanimously ~md will be included.
8. COMMISSION COMMENTS & QUESTIONS
a. Manager Ernst reported that there was an incident on the airport that
turned out remarkably well. It was reported in The Peninsula Clarion.
b. Manager Ernst reported a request from Lit~ian Duckholtz who has a
ski plane and for some reason only uses it in the ski configuration. She
wants to use the float plane facility but doesn't want to pay the full
cost. We don't have any provisions for just the ski type operation. She
stated that she would be willing to pay half the amount. Manager Ernst
would have no problem with that so with Commission consent he will proceed.
Manager Ernst will find out what exactly half the full amount would come
to. At some point in time we might want to look at the costs we've set
up. It might be premature, we have 15 planes in long term parking,
however, no one is beating down the door for the float plane slips.
MOTION:
Commissioner Toppa moved to charge half of the full price for Mrs.
Duckholtz and look into the issue further, seconded by Commissioner
Knopper.
VOTE:
Motion passed by unanimous consent
9. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next
meeting will be Thursday, December 14th.
Janet A. Loper
Secretary to the Commission