Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-10-14 Airport Commission SummaryKENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION OCTOBER 14, 1999 Kenai City Council Chambers Tom Thibodeau, Chairman 7:00 P.M. ***AGENDA*** ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL ITEM 2: AGENDA APPROVAL ITEM 3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES- September 9, 1999 ITEM 4: PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD ITEM 5: OLD BUSINESS ao Discussion -- Aircraft Landing Fees Discussion -- Ski Strip Promotion ITEM 6: NEW BUSINESS ao Discussion -- Kenai Municipal Airport Noise Abatement Procedures Discussion-- Rental Car Concession Agreement ITEM 7: AIRPORT MANAGER'S REPORT ITEM 8: COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS ITEM 9: PERSONS NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD ITEM 10.: INFORMATION ITEMS ao Kenai City Council Meeting Action Agendas of September 15 and October 6, 1999. ITEM 11: ADJOURNMENT KENAI AIRPORT COMMISSION OCTOBER 14, 1999 KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:00 P.M. VICE CHAIR HENRY KNACKSTEDT, PRF~IDING ITEM 1' CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Vice Chair Knackstedt called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. and the roll was taken as follows' Members Present: Members Absent: Others Present: Bielefeld, Knackstedt, Lorenzen, Van Zee, and Favretto Holloway and Thibodeau Council Member Bannock, City Clerk Freas, Airport Manager Cronkhite and Assistant Airport Manager Holland. ITEM 2' AGENDA APPROVAL MOTION: Commissioner Bielefeld MOVED to approve the agenda as presented and Commissioner Lorenzen SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. ORDERED. SO ITEM 3' APPROVAL OF MINUTES- September"9, 1999 MOTION: Commissioner Bielefeld MOVED to approve the minutes of September 9, 1999 as presented and Commissioner Lorenzen SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. ITEM 4: PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD -- None. ), ITEM 5' OLD BUSINF~S Discussion -- Aircraft Landing Fees Airport Manager Cronkhite referred to a memorandum from City Manager Ross which was included in the Commission packet. She noted the memorandum outlined the approach the city manager and council had decided to take on the issue of landing fees. There were no comments from the Commission. 5-b. Discussion-- Ski Strip Promotion Cronkhite noted, at their last meeting, there was a suggestion to promote the ski strip and with that, the airport would also be promoted. She added, it was her understanding the airport's ski strip was the only maintained ski strip at a tower- controlled airport in the area. Cronkhite referred to a copy of an advertisement she had included in the Alaska State Trooper's fundraiser concert brochure. Cronkhite noted, they were also considering placing a similar advertisement in one of the Anchorage papers to draw attention to the ski strip availability to people in the Anchorage area. There were no comments from the Commission. ITEM 6- NEW BUSINESS Discussion -- Kenai Municipal Airport Noise Abatement Procedures Cronkhite referred to a letter and noise abatement procedures which were included in the packet. She noted, the procedures were also mailed to the Commission members, as well as members of the public. Cronkhite explained, the procedures were developed through conversations with local residents, various members of the flying community, i.e. generaJ aviation represented by the APOA and the Alaska Airmen's Association, Alaska Airlines, National Guard, Coast Guard, Elmendorf Air Force Base, FAA control tower, etc. She noted, this was a voluntary policy and termed a "good neighbor" policy wherein pilots coming to Kenai to practice, the airlines operating out of Kenai, etc. work together to use the facility and try to be good neighbors to the residents of the surrounding community. Commissioner Favretto requested the terms of the abatement procedures be reviewed individually. Major Dirk Kane of the Alaska National Guard explained the procedures had been distributed to all their pilots and air crews. He noted, in flying touch-and-go patterns, the policy now directs the pilots to fly out over the water instead of over the housing. He added, some of the simulated instrument procedures would now be flown at a higher altitude (from 500 ft. above the ground to 1,000 ft.). They would also now be flying outside of the prison area where there is less population. Commissioner Lorenzen asked if they were doing predominantly instrument approaches. Kane answered, they do both instrument, visual and occasionally mission training. He noted, the mission-type training would be airdrop and salt landings where they try to do their landings in a shorter runway area. Kane noted, there seemed to be an increase in traffic in Kenai which could be attributed to the increase in squadron size at Elmendorf of C 130's and fighters and their needing other areas for practices. Bielefeld asked how many Guard pilots are kept current and how many hours they train in the aircraft. Kane answered, there were 50-60 pilots between his and the rescue squadron. He did not have the hours available, but noted they all had to log a AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 14, 1999 PAGE 2 set amount of landings, instrument approaches, and other training requirements. 13ielefeld asked if simulators were now in use by the Guard. Iiane answered they use simulators once a year and primarily for emergency procedures. He noted, they practice one engine out in Alaska, but go out of state and use simulators for two- engines out practices. Bielefeld asked if the procedures would degrade their training. Iiane answered, the procedures hampered the circling procedure a bit, but overall, the procedures were very positive. Knackstedt suggested the circling training could be done in Soldotna. Cronkhite stated the Guard was great to work with in developing the procedures. She added, she received a significant amount of objections from Alaska Airlines and I~RA because the fuel cost increases when widening the training pattern. She noted, though there were some complaints, the airlines had not stated they were not willing to adhere to the procedures. Dean Eichholtz stated, from the audience, that at least once every six months, the pilots would have to stay within the limitations of a flight check. Kane stated the Guard could look into that concern. Cronkhite noted a statement on the procedures explained the aircraft are under the direction of the air traffic control tower and for reasons of safety, the aircraft could be diverted from the policy at any time to provide separation, etc. She noted, they would not always be able to comply as strictly with the maneuvers. Cronkhite added, when not training, a lot of the aircraft, coming in for regular landings would be following normal procedures. She noted, a missed approach procedure sometimes generates noise over. the neighborhoods and the aircraft have been breaking off their missed approaches further away from the runway in order to turn out prior to getting to the runway. She added, she believed this was a good policy for training and general goal for pilots not to fly over the neighborhoods. lBielefeld stated he wanted to be sure the pilots were getting good training as it was critical for them to get it. He added, the circling approach is a critical maneuver. 13ielefeld noted, he was very much in favor of the noise abatement procedures, but felt it should be recognized it is an airport and airports make noise. He suggested the procedures be seen as a way to minimize the noise, but know there will be some noise. Cronkhite thanked Kane and his associates in their help developing the procedures. She added, it is a working procedure which will be continually reviewed and adjusted. Jill I,ipl~ ~ 1802 Veranda Court, Kenai. Stated she received a copy of the procedures in the mail, but requested they be reviewed point by point, and the terminology be defined. Cronkhite reviewed the terminology and drew a rough graphic on the chalkboard in order to do it. She noted, the procedures require a contact phone number from the airline, Guard, etc. in order for her office to contact them if complaints are received or for the public to call them. Favretto noted, members of the public who have been around airports are used to the noise and may not realize there are problems. He encouraged the public to contact the airport with their concerns. AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 14, 1999 PAGE 3 Chris Campbell, 1525 Toyon Way, Kenai -- Stated she and her family moved back to the Kenai area in June. She noted, she and her husband debated whether to live inside the city or not. Campbell added, she really supported having the noise abatement procedures in place. She is aware there will be exceptions to the rule, but noted it had been very nice to sit in their yard and have a conversation. Campbell thanked the Commission and added, she appreciated the work gone into developing the procedures. Jill Lipka -- Thanked Cronkhite for the explanation of the procedures. She asked if there would be a consequence for anyone who doesn't follow the procedures. Cronkhite answered, the complaint would first be investigated to determine whether the non-compliance to the procedures was air traffic driven or not. If it is a habitual problem, the organization would be contacted. Cronkhite also reported the noise complaints were now being tracked and addressed in a positive manner. Debbie Sonberg-- 410 Cinderella, Kenai. Noted the planes had occasionally been flying directly over her neighborhood. She asked if the abatement procedures directed planes away from one area of town, would they be affecting other neighborhoods instead. Cronkhite answered, if they were flying in the normal pattern, they should not have been flying over Sonberg's house. She noted, the planes could have been separated by the tower or because of wind, variables, etc. Cronkhite added, the basic pattern would have the planes fly over the industrial area, but when the airport gets busy, separation problems arise. She noted, the airport had been busy lately because of the nice weather. She requested the audience to contact her at her office if problems arise. Sonberg added, she believed the procedures were a good plan and a great start. Rebecca Lambourn -- Lambourn complimented the entities working on the procedures and with the public. She noted she was told Elmendorf had been sending more flights to Kenai and asked if this was true. Cronkhite answered, because the Anchorage bowl was becoming more crowded, more training flights were coming to Kenai. Lambourn noted the last several years had been difficult living on the bluff with the noise from the airplanes. She added, Kenai was becoming the training area for many airplanes and that should be given some thought; whether Kenai wants to be a training area for planes. Lambourn added, the procedures had helped a lot and suggested more variety in the training traffic patterns as the repetitiveness was bothersome. She also suggested the 10:00 p.m. cutoff for training flights be changed to 9:00 p.m. (because of bedtimes for children, school nights, etc.) and no training flights over the weekends or at least on Sundays. She noted, she was also interested in having well-trained pilots and realized the airport or noise won't go away. She thanked administration for the abatement procedures. AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 14, 1999 PAGE 4 Dean Eichholtz -- Stated when he first came to Kenai, it was a lot less inhabited. He noted, the airport is a major contributor to the taxes in the city. He added, the Anchorage airport had become busier due to upgrading their runways and growth. In order to train their pilots, they have been forced to come to Kenai or go to Homer. He added, he believed the amount of training flights would decrease in the next year because of the addition of runways in Anchorage; they will be able to handle more traffic. Eichholtz offered free flights to anyone wanting to look at the airport, its traffic procedures, etc. from a pilot's perspective. Commissioner Lorenzen suggested those with complaints should contact the airport manager because the Flight Service Station and Tower have different procedures. Discussion -- Rental Car Concession Agreement Cronkhite referred to a memorandum included in the packet regarding the car rental bid documents and the draft bid documents which were distributed at the beginning of the meeting. She noted, the leases had been on hold for about six months and it was now time to re-bid them. She added, the memorandum outlined the direction administration was taking toward re-bidding the leases. Cronkhite explained, the matter would be included on the November 3 council meeting agenda. She requested any comments be forwarded to her by October 22 in order to review and consider them for inclusion prior to the council meeting. Cronkhite also reported, a copy of the draft bid documents would be distributed to the car rental companies in the morning in order for them to review them and forward comments to her by October 22 as well. Lorenzen asked if there were more companies interested than space available. Cronkhite explained, the terminal was designed for five concessions and two of the current concessionaires were allowed to combine two areas for their spaces. Since then, a fourth company requested space and is now using a small booth at the end of the counter space. She added, she has had other interest expressed and they were aware of five businesses interested in space in the terminal. She noted, fair procedures dictate that when a lease is due, it be public noticed in order to offer the opportunity to bid to everyone. She added, the draft bid documents were not a lot different from the previous bid documents; the guaranteed minimum bid would give an opportunity to the businesses to select a first, second and third choice based on their competitive bids which is standard for the industry. Commissioner Van Zee noted he had not read the complete document, but questioned if the documents were requesting a guaranteed annual minimum, based on a minimum monthly payment to the city, or ten percent of the gross revenue of the concession. He asked, if a business was paying in excess of ten percent for one month, would it be permissible to deduct it in the next month when ten percent fell greater than the minimum. Cronkhite answered, the bid documents were written so the bid is based on a minimum annual guarantee. Because the payments are made monthly, the AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 14, 1999 PAGE 5 concessionaire pays 1/12 of the minimum annual guarantee. She added, the concessionaire pays the greater of the minimum annual guarantee or ten percent of gross, whichever is greater. Cronkhite explained, one month the concessionaire may pay the minimum bid and the next month a concessionaire may pay ten percent of gross, depending on which was greater. She added, for the most part, it would be assumed a concessionaire would not bid a high minimum annual guarantee that would be significantly higher than ten percent of their gross revenue. However, people are allowed to bid whatever they deem is reasonable and profitable to them. Cronkhite stated she was open to suggestions in the wording, however the wording in the documents was industry standard. Van Zee asked if Cronkhite was talking about a monthly or an annual. Cronkhite explained, the minimum annual guarantee is an annual guarantee; the bill is paid monthly like the rent bill, i.e. 1/12 on a monthly basis. The minimum annual bid allows the airport to plan revenue. She added, the contract was written so that the greater of the two is paid; if the ten percent of gross was under the minimum bid, the higher of the two is paid. If the ten percent of gross is higher than the minimum bid, that would be what is paid. Van Zee asked, in essence there is occasion when more than ten percent of gross is paid. He asked, if the annual guarantee is met by August of the year, would they then continue to pay $1,000 a month? Cronkhite answered yes, although what he was suggesting was something she had seen in some rental agreements. She added, that would be a suggestion to take up prior to administration presenting the documents to council. Cronkhite noted, what Van Zee was suggesting (once the minimum guarantee is met, the concessionaire pays ten percent of gross for the remainder of the year) has been included in some leases in the industry. Bielefeld asked if the payments were reviewed in November or December to see if a concessionaire has paid too much. Cronkhite answered, not under the current agreement. Councilman Bannock asked if bid documents were based on a calendar year or on the city's fiscal year. Cronkhite answered, the calendar year. Bannock added, then in January, February and March, there was a chance a concessionaire would be paying greater than ten percent of the receipts, but with the June, July and August business, the concessionaire would have completed the $12,000 minimum bid and would be paying in September, .October, November, December, only ten percent. Cronkhite added, that was Van Zee's proposal which she would take to administration as a suggested change to the draft. Van Zee referred to the snow removal language in the draft contract and asked if it was the airport's intention to remove snow of the rental car lot to a higher priority. Cronkhite answered no, and added, the plowing priority at the airport is set by FAA standards; runways, taxiways, emergency accesses are the first priorities. She added, AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 14, 1999 PAGE 6 she didn't foresee the rental car lot snowplowing accomplished differently than it is done currently. Cronkhite explained, the crew would get to plowing the lot as soon as possible which is normally fairly quick. She added, it was her understanding there had always been good cooperation between the rental companies and the crews. Cronkhite noted, language regarding snow removal from the rental lots had not been included in the contracts previously. Van Zee asked if other city facilities would be plowed prior to the car rental lot. Cronkhite answered, she foresaw no changes and added, the inclusion of the policy to the lease document was to explain the priorities set by the FAA. She added, she and the snow removal crews had been discussing the method of removal in order to improve the snow removal on the land side of the airport in addition to improving the snow removal on the air side as well. Van Zee referred to paragraph 6(b) of the documents and read, "...any concessionaire desiring to remove snow prior to the city will be required to obtain prior permission from the airport manager and will be liable for any damages from any snow removal..." He stated, being held liable for damages was not a concern, however there would be a problem when the crews can get to plowing the lot and give a short notice in order for the cars to be removed to plow the snow. Cronkhite noted, she was not aware of there being that type of a problem. It is easiest when the cars are removed. However, if there is a bad snowstorm the road will be plowed {after FAA priorities) in order to get as much snow removed as possible and when the crew is in the clean-up phase, the car rental agencies will be notified in order to move the cars. Cronkhite added, the main concern is removing snow from the runways, etc. If there is a large snowstorm, they may stay only on the runways, etc. If a car rental agency contacts her office and states they want to plow their area of the lot, the city's main concern would be where they planned to stack the snow so the ability to remove the snow would not be hampered or that no one else would be plowed in. Van Zee stated, they had always gone and cleaned up the lot regardless of what the city's schedule was because they couldn't determine the city's schedule. Cronkhite stated the city was more than willing to work with the car rental agencies with the snowplowing schedule, however there would be unforeseen circumstances (more snow or machinery breakdown, etc.). She noted, her office was better staffed this year and should be able to give them better notice of when the lot will be plowed. Cronkhite stated she welcomed any comments or concerns. She noted, the matter would be a discussion item on the council's November 3, 1999 agenda. Knackstedt referred to the memorandum's question of whether the Commission wanted to forward comments to the council on the proposed document. It was decided there was nothing to forward until the Commission members had time to review the document. AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 14, 1999 PAGE 7 ITEM 7: AIRPORT MANAGER'S REPORT-- None. ITEM 8' COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND (~UESTIONS -- None. ITEM 9: PERSONS NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD -- None. ITEM 10' INFORMATION ITEMS 10-a. Kenai City Council Meeting Action Agendas of September 15 and October 6, 1999. ITEM 11' ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Commissioner Van Zee MOVED to adjourn and Commissioner Favretto SECONDED the motion. It was noted the Commission's November meeting had been changed to November 18, 1999 due to the Veterans' Day holiday. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8'31 p.m. Minutes transcribed and prepared by: Carol L. Frea~ City Clerk AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 14, 1999 PAGE 8