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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-01-13 Airport Commission Summary CITY OF KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION JANUARY 13 · 3.994 KEN~I CTTY COUNCIL CHAMBERS VTCE CHATRMAN BOB SCOTT~ PRESTDIN(~ ITEM CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Vice Chairman Scott called the meeting to order at approximately 7-05 p.m. Roll was taken. Members present were- Scott, Bonewell, Koerber, Smith, Thibodeau and Holloway. Absent was Toppa (excused). Also present were Councilman Measles, Airport Manager Randy Ernst and Administrative Assistant Loretta Harvey. ITEM 2: AGENDA APPROVAL Harvey requested Election of Officers be added to the agenda at "New Business." The agenda was approved as amended. ITEM 3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES - November 18, 1993 MOTION: Commissioner Holloway MOVED for approval of the minutes as presented. Commissioner Thibodeau SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. ITEM 4: PERSONS PRESENT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD a. Sid Ayers, Civil Air Patrol - Airport Manager Ernst stated Commissioner Holloway brought Mr. Sid Ayers to the meeting to discuss the paving of the taxiway from Taxiway A-1 to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) hangar. Ayers stated he had been requested to submit a proposal for this project for the upcoming year's agenda. Ayers presented specifications and cost estimates to the Commission. Ernst asked for direction from the Commission in regard to the materials submitted. Ernst stated the information should have been forwarded to Administration for review first and then to the Commission for possible action. Ernst stated Administration would review the information and report back to the Commission. KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 13, 1994 PAGE 2 Thibodeau stated this item was discussed during the last Commission meeting/work session. The Commission members present at the work session agreed this item should be included on the goals and objectives list. Ernst explained that because there were only three members of the Commission present for the last meeting, no quorum was available and that the goals and objectives discussed and agreed upon were not officially accepted. Thibodeau agreed. ITEM $: OLD BUSINESS a. Finalization of ~oals & Objectives - Thibodeau reported he submitted to the Commission (during the work session) proposed goals and objectives. They reviewed the list. His list was divided into four areas, i.e., terminal area; float plane facility; ramp and taxiway areas; and airport in general. Some of the items had been suggested by Ernst previously. Thibodeau' s suggested list- Terminal Area: 1. Replace carpet. 2. Rejuvenate tick counters and car rental counters. 3. Provide new seating in the waiting area. 4. Create more parking. 5. Improve aesthetics a. Introduce art in the terminal area b. Display local crafts. Float Plane Facility- 1. Install threshold lighting 2. Plan and install camping area at the south end of the parking slip area. 3. Plan and install picnic area on the point at the southwest corner of the water runway with pathwaY to the maintenance road turnaround. 4. Plan and sponsor float plane fly-in. 5. Improve aesthetics of the Float Plane Facility a. Fertilize lawns b. Encourage citizen groups to plant flowers. KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 13, 1994 PAGE 3 Ramp and Taxiway Areas- 1. Plan and install camping area for wheeled aircraft on property between Kenai Air and the transient parking area. 2. Pave taxiway to CAP hangar. 3. Install compass rose in the North Ramp area. 4. Investigate possible camping area to the north of the control tower. Airport in General- 1. Improve aesthetics. 2. Appoint airport information person to insure maximum exposure of every airport related event. 3. Produce Kenai Airport slogan promoting service and friendliness. 4. Update Kenai Municipal Airport Master Plan. Terminal Area - a. Art Work Displ&~ - Thibodeau stated the commissioners discussed introducing art work at the terminal. Referring to art work displayed by the miniature platform, Thibodeau asked if there have been problems with items being stolen from there. Ernst stated there have been. One is missing now and there have been attempts for them to be taken from the wall. Ernst added they have been fortunate in the past in regard to the Lake Clark and Forestry displays in that they have stayed pretty much intact. Ernst suggested art work of any value may present problems. Thibodeau suggested if there is a way to secure items, there are many local artists that may be interested in loaning items for display. Ernst suggested this could be a possibility in the area where the musk ox and caribou are displayed. Ernst suggested to start with items of lower value and see how things go. Ernst stated he has had several artists talk with him about painting murals on the walls. Ernst added his hesitation with murals is that something may change and the mural may have to be painted over. Perhaps several artists paint in different areas of the terminal. KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 13, 1994 PAGE 4 Measles stated he had no objection to the concept, however the City would be liable for any stolen items. Thibodeau suggested a release could be signed by artists in order that the city be held harmless. Ernst stated there is security there some of the time. b. Create More Parking - Ernst suggested moving Item No. 4 (create more parking) to an area called "long term goals." Ernst added this will not be accomplished in 1994 and at this time there is not a big justification for such a project. ACTION: There were no additions to the "terminal area" portion of the list. "Create More Parking" should be moved to another division called "long-term goals." Float Plane Facility - Thibodeau reviewed the items for this area listed above. a. Thresho14 Lighting - Thibodeau stated the threshold lighting would be at the ends of the runway for night use. b. Turnaroun4 Picnic Area - The turnaround picnic area would include placement of a trail, grassed area and picnic tables. Ernst stated this could not be done because the area is within the safety zone of the landing area for the float planes. Ernst stated he would not want people inside that area of the water runway area. This area is now secured from the road area. Ernst added he did not believe it would be wise to put people out there in the landing area. Thibodeau asked if there was a regulation on that. Ernst stated yes, there are safety zone regulations. Also, pedestrians should not be mixed with the aircraft area. Ernst stated he would review the regulations. Ernst added a regular runway's safety zone is 250' from the centerline of the runway. Ernst stated he would review the regulations to see if a water runway area is the same. Ernst added for safety reasons he did not believe that would be a viable plan. Bonewell stated she has reviewed Items 2, 3, and 4 (camping area, picnic area, and fly-in). Bonewell stated she has had discussion with other individuals who have previously been involved with issues like these. Bonewell stated she came to the conclusion that the camping ground and picnic area are ill-advised. There are safety reasons. Bonewell stated she was also concerned about security of the areas and protection of the property. She was aware of theft and vandalism in that area last summer. Bonewell KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 13, 1994 PAGE 5 was concerned there would be more of that if they encourage that area to be used. Bonewell stated the property issues need to be addressed above and beyond offering the general public to watch planes come and go. There are many other things in the area to enjoy. Bonewell asked Ernst if he had been advised of vandalism and security problems in the area last summer. Ernst stated yes. The Police Department was advised and they were investigated. It was determined the damage was done by juveniles. Holloway stated he believed the picnic area would be for pilots only and not for the general public. Bonewell stated she would be in favor of an area for the pilots. Ernst stated he did not have a problem with an area at the south end of the parking area for use for the flying public. However, not to go beyond the security of the fence for the public. Ernst stated there would be a safety problem if the public was allowed in the area. c. Improve Aesthetics - Fertilize Lawns/Flowers - The lawns suffered from the last winter. Suggestion was to have them fertilized. Ernst stated the lawns around the terminal are fertilized. A considerable amount of money is spent on the grass strip. The water runway area has not had any care, but they anticipate something will be done this summer in connection with the contract with Ward's Landscaping. The east side of the emergency access road will be fairly green and nice. The banks of the basin is difficult to cut after fertilizing without having a sickle-type blade. Ernst stated he had no objection to the fertilizing. Thibodeau suggested flowers be planted around the float plane basin. Ernst stated flowers are placed there at the sign. Ramp and Taxiway Areas: a. Camping Area/Kenai Air an~ Transient Parking - Thibodeau stated that is a fenced-in area. Thibodeau asked if Ernst was considering changing the fence or putting it between the road and the fence. Ernst stated it will have to be discussed later because with the taxiway being adjacent to the area, the tendency is to walk along that area. This is not permissible. The area may have to be fenced. This will be only for the aviation people and not the general public. Development KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 13, 1994 PAGE 6 must be done in a way general public will not be attracted (cannery workers). There will have to be a system for checking them. Ernst stated he had no objections. b. Pave Taxiway to CAP Hangar - Thibodeau stated his reason for placing this item on the list was because the Civil Air Patrol has given and donated a lot to the Kenai area and continues to do so. When FAA gave the airport land to Kenai, they recognized the CAP's involvement and designated this area for the CAP for as long as they wanted it. This is a volunteer organization. The taxiway is paved to the edge of the CAP property. Thibodeau added the CAP property is City of Kenai property/Airport property. Ernst corrected this statement. The property is federally deeded to the CAP and is not a part of Airport Lands. Thibodeau stated according to the deed he has, it belongs to the City of Kenai and was turned over to the City of Kenai airport property a long time ago. However, it states it is expressly eliminated from the control of the City and that the property would be used for the CAP. Ernst stated he would review his files. Ernst added he has always been under the impression the property has always been federal property which belongs to the CAP. The reason for it being at the end of the airport is there was a trade-off from the Carr's shopping mall. Ernst stated there is no argument that CAP would like to have the area paved. Thibodeau agreed. Ernst stated the only argument he anticipated was the property is not Airport Lands because it belongs to the CAP. Ernst stated he would assume (and will check this with FAA), it is probably not AIP fundable. The funds would have to come from the Airport Lands system. Payment for the project would have to be an outright gift from the City. Holloway stated he believes the deed states if CAP ever decides to move out, the land reverts to the City. Ernst stated he will review the deed. If he is mistaken, there could be a possibility AIP fUnds could be acquired. Ernst added there had to be a reason why the paving stopped at that property line. Ernst stated the City must get a waiver from the CAP to plow snow in that area. ACTION: Scott stated to leave this item on the list and Ernst will review the deed, etc. before any decision is made on the project. c. Installation of Compass Rose - Thibodeau stated the project needs to be coordinated with the "99er~s" as they have KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 13, 1994 PAGE 7 volunteered to help with it. Thibodeau added planes must have their plane compasses checked once a year. It would be nice to have one available for pilots' use and the north ramp had been discussed for that area. d. Camping Area/North of Control Tower - Thibodeau stated the Commission discussed this item a few meetings ago. It is something the Commission would like to investigate and possibly plan for this year. e. Ski Lan4ing Area - Holloway stated they also discussed the placement of a ski-landing area on the north ramp. Airport In ~eneral: a. Improve Aesthetics - More flowers, etc. b. Airport Information Person - Thibodeau suggested an interested member of the Commission or information officer to insure maximum exposure of all airport events. Ernst asked if this would be a volunteer or paid position. Thibodeau stated a volunteer position. Thibodeau suggested someone from the area interested in aviation. Thibodeau suggested a free airplane parking space could be given as compensation. Scott asked for more specifics as to what the person would be doing. Thibodeau referred to the readiness test for airplane crash, etc. A good public relations person could have given the event more exposure. Other information to report might be placement of the proposed camping area, etc. Information could be sent to national publications. Someone to write articles. c. Airport Slogan - Something to state the goals of the Kenai Airport (friendliness, service, etc.) Thibodeau added as a commissioner, this is one thing he would like to see. Persons coming into the airport will see this is a nice place and like flying into the area. Holloway suggested having a bear give bear hugs. d. Master Plan Update - ACTION: Ernst suggested to move AIP projects to the top of the list before Terminal Area projects. These can be listed as goals as well. Ernst suggested these projects be listed in the following manner- KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 13, 1994 PAGE 8 1. Airport signage project - most critical. Funding has been requested. 2. Front-end loader funding - awaiting funding. 3. Sander / Plow Truck 4. Master Plan Ernst suggested under Float Plane Facility a goal to complete the installation of the automated fuel system. Scott asked if this project was already funded. Ernst stated the project is funded, however, the logistics of it and how the fuel will be kept in the tank (bid it out, etc); getting it installed; building ramps to the area (this was not included in the initial price). Also advertising of the fuel system. Ernst stated there are no projects funded through AIP Funds at this time. The signage project is the only project for which the pre-application has been submitted. They will try to piggy-back the front-end loader on the State. The Master Plan will depend on how much money is left. Ernst stated he anticipates only about $600,000 in funding available for this year. Approximately $450,000 is already spoken for in the first three projects. It could be more. Scott asked if the list needed to be finalized. Ernst stated yes because the Council requested they be submitted for this packet. Ernst stated the list will be re-typed and submitted. Ernst suggested adding installation of the automated fuel system under Float Plane Basin and delete Item 3, Fly-In; place the Master Plan Update under AIP Projects; leave Terminal Area, Item 4, Create More Parking under Terminal Area but add in parentheses "long-term goal." Paving to the CAP hangar could be left in because it is a goal. Ernst added these are goals, but logistically, some of them will not get done. Thibodeau stated that many will not require funding, but volunteer work. Holloway asked if there is electricity available for the threshold lighting. Ernst stated he thought it would have to come from the fuel facility. The FAA Maintenance Facility is right there, but their equipment is fairly critical and he did not know if they would want other lines going off their facility. Their electrical is three-phase. There would not be a lot of lighting, perhaps four to five lights on each end which can be remotely controlled. ~KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 13, 1994 PAGE 9 Scott asked if there were other comments regarding goals and objectives. Thibodeau stated they had not discussed a fly-in, but it was a consideration. MOTION: Commissioner Holloway MOVED to accept the goals and objectives as discussed this evening. Commissioner Koerber S~.~OND~.D the motion. There were no objections. SO ORD~.R~-D. ITEM 6: NEW BUSINESS a. Election of Officers Scott declared the floor open for nominations. MOTION: Commissioner Thibodeau MOVED to nominate Bill Toppa to continue as chairman and Commissioner Holloway SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. MOTION: Commissioner Scott MOVED to nominate Tom Thibodeau as vice chairman and Commissioner Holloway SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. b. Advertising Ernst stated he placed this item on the agenda. Ernst advised the Commission he is working on the budget and is now intending to place $5,000 in the budget for advertising. Ernst asked the Commission if they wished any changes to this item. Ernst stated the choice of how the money is spent on advertising would be up to the Commission. It could be used for radio and other media. Ernst stated the Commission used more than $5,000 last year. However, there were special monies from Council. Scott requested a motion from the Commission to set the budget advertising amount. KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 13, 1994 PAGE 10 MOTI ON: Commissioner Thibodeau MOVED that $5,000 be recommended for advertising for the airport and Commissioner Holloway SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. ITEM AIRPORT MANAGER REPORT a. Enplanement/Parking Receipts - Ernst reviewed the enplanement figures and long-term paid parking receipts to date from his written report included in the packet. b. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Concession Plan/Terminal Leases Ernst explained the FAA has required the City to have a DBE plan. Part of that is to advertise for lease spaces (expiring) at the terminal. The goal has been ten percent and to this date, it has not been too successful. Now, however, Payless has applied and are probably eligible as a DBE and that will help considerably. Ernst requested the Commission members to review the proposal for discussion at the February meeting. Ernst requested the Commission keep in mind the information is basically set and not much may be able to change. The areas of high bidder situations may be able to be changed. Ernst suggested if the Commissioners had questions to contact himself, Kim Howard or City Manager Manninen. 'ITEM 8: COMMISSION COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS Commissioner Koerber stated she had not heard about DBEs before. Ernst suggested she review it now and discuss it with him or Kim Howard. Ernst added this is something that has to be done. The City has no choice in the matter. Koerber asked what the advantage is to be designated as a DBE. Ernst stated it increases the Airport's percentage of DBEs. An unidentified man from the audience stated he was also a DBE. Ernst stated you cannot just assume you are a DBE. There is paperwork needing to be completed. The unidentified person asked why the DBE designation required. Ernst answered in order to continue receiving AIP funding from KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 13, 1994 PAGE 11 the federal government. Ernst added terminal space must go out for bid. The car rental agencies are the first to come up. Their contracts expire June 30. Ernst stated the car rental agencies will be receiving a copy of the memorandum on Monday. Forms to be designated as a DBE are available at City Hall. The applications are reviewed by Kim Howard and the City Attorney to establish whether or not they are DBEs. Koerber asked if anyone can bid on the spaces. Ernst stated he supposed. Unidentified man from the audience asked if the guidelines are set out in regard to this bidding. Ernst stated yes. Ernst added they will be receiving a memorandum and necessary information in regard to the designation. Ernst stated he included the information in the packet as a courtesy to the Commissioners so they have a lot of time to review the information, etc. Unidentified man from the audience asked if this is for discussion or is the City going to change the leases in July without any discussion. Is this in concrete or is there a possibility it will not happen. Ernst stated at this point in time, it will happen. There is some flexibility. Ernst restated he did not intend to discuss this tonight. The information will be sent to the car rental agencies. There will be more than enough time to review it. Ernst stated he put it in the packet as a courtesy for the Commission to review. Unidentified man asked if the City was going to arbitrarily change the leases or does the Commission have anything to do with it. Does he have to go to the Commission or to the City. If he spends his time and goes to the Commission to stop it and the Commission has nothing to do with it, he is wasting his time. Ernst stated it is not a matter of stopping it. The FAA has required the City to do this. It is a federal mandate. The City will comply in order to not lose AIP funding. Unidentified man asked if there is documentation that the FAA requires it. Ernst restated he will distribute memorandums on Monday with the necessary information. The last two pages are explicit in defining the City's DBE plan. ITEM 9: INFORMATION ITEMS a. Letter of Reappointment - Robert Scott. b. Letter of Reappointment - Thomas Thibodeau KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 13, 1994 PAGE 12 'rTEM 10 .' ADJOURNMENT Scott called for adjournment. There were no objections. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8-10 p.m. Minutes transcribed and submitted by' Carol L. F~as, City Clerk AIRPORT COMMISSION Meets Second Thursday- 7:00 p.m. Ronald H. Holloway P.O. Box 766 Kenai, AK 99611 Telephone: 283-8150(home) 262-8700(work) Bill Toppa,. Chairman 470 N. Willow Street Kenai, AK 99611 Telephone: 283-3735(home) 283-6124(work) Linda Bonewell 1607 Toyon Way, #6 Kenai, AK 99611 Telephone: 283-7266(home) 398-3055(ceil/work) Dianne Smith 1510 Fathom Drive Kenai, AK 99611 Telephone: 283-5293(hom e) 283-1920(work) Ms. Artha L. Koerber P.O. Box 1411 Kenai, AK 99611 Telephone: 283-7865(work) Robert L. Scott P.O. Box 1450 Kenai, AK 99611 Telephone: 283-4310(home) 283-7000(work) Thomas M. Thibodeau P.O. Box 362 Kenai, AK 99611 Telephone: 283-9410(home) 283-9354(work) 1995 1995 1995 1996 1996 1994 1994 Ad Hoc: Ray Measles P.O. Box 847 Kenai, AK 99611 Telephone: 283-4486(home) 776-8194(work)