HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-19-2000MINUTES OF THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD JULY 19, 2000
The regular meeting of the Airport Advisory Board was held July 19, 2000, at the Auburn Airport in the
Auburn Flight Service Maintenance Hanger.
TIME: 7:00PM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
Don Rottle, Rodger Campbell, Joe DeJoie,
Paul Krauss, Director Planning; John Anderson, Airport Manager; Carolyn
Brown, Secretary
The meeting was called to order by Rodger Campbell - Chairman
Director of Planning Krauss discussed his position with City and the Airport Advisory Board and how the
board members are appointed. A few years ago the Board decided to meet at the airport in the evening
at least one night each year, so tenants could come to the meeting. The Board welcomes any comments
and this is an open discussion.
Regarding the development of property on the west side of the runway and the three acres north of the
Airport Office, Paul spoke on the City's interest in the Airport and the new hangers. The new hangers
have helped to pay for roof repair on the older hangers. The hanger project was very successful and the
City Council is interested in adding more hangers. Probably will need a bond issue to finance the next
building. The City Council also authorized bays, which would accommodate twins, to be built by tenants
who would own the hangers. The City would lease the ground. It currently looks like 5 or 6 people will be
building their own hangers.
The City is beginning the Master Plan update process. The FAA requires the Master Plan to be in place
before they will help pay for planning and development. The 23-acres of land to the west was acquired
by the city a few years ago. The land has wetlands and is difficult to develop. However, the City is
looking into a way to develop for aviation related uses. Also, in the Master Plan is how to develop the 3-
aces north of the office. On that particular site, there are drainage issues to be worked out.
One-way taxiways are an issue with everyone. The Airport is considering the widening of one taxiway
and looking at overruns on either end of runway. This would improve safety margins. Also, the City is
negotiating with Metro for the park and ride area at the south end of the airport. The Transit station opens
in September and Metro will be relocating their park and ride to that area. This is also part of the Master
Plan.
Everyone will be seeing more things happening. There was a suggestion from the audience about using
the Metro park and ride area as a small park and picnic area so people could watch the airplanes land.
John Anderson answered that this has been discussed. Director of Planning Krauss agreed that we need
to sell the Airport as a community asset. Another suggestion from the audience was to leave the area
natural.
The audience asked about the GPS and what runway would be the approach, minimums, and direction.
A GPS approach update was given and Joe DeJoie gave details on the GPS. A general discussion on
exactly what GPS is followed. John Anderson also has information available at the Airport office.
John Anderson gave an update on several projects going on in and around the Airport. Regarding the
runway lights, staff has been trying to figure out what was wrong and the next few days the lights should
be up and running. Also, the trees on the west side of the Airport should be cut down in the next few
days as a contractor has been hired. Fencing for the west side has been funded with grants. The sensor
on the gate has been fixed and the repairman for the gates believes it is a faulty circuit that caused the
problem. There was general audience discussion on gates and the circuitry. John also discussed the
MINUTES OF THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD JULY 19, 2000
sweeping of runways and taxiways. He has talked to the City's street supervisor and they will try to come
to the Airport on a monthly basis. However, the street department can't commit to a specific day. The
audience suggested the Airport buy a small sweeper from GSA and that also the taxiways needs to be
resurfaced. Director of Planning Krauss stated that resurfacing is budgeted for next year. Per John the
matching share by the Airport is what needs to be budgeted. Also, the re-roofing of the last hangers will
probably be done next spring.
A member of the audience asked about the money the FAA provides. John stated that the FAA only
provides money for Capital Improvements and cannot be used for repairs or building construction. He
then reiterated where the grant money comes from and how the Airport draws this money.
Director of Planning Krauss discussed how the City does not put General Fund money into the Airport.
The Airport is an Enterprise Fund and maintains the Airport through its earnings. Director of Planning
Krauss then discussed budgeting and revenues and how with cuts in the expenses the Airport came up
with maintenance improvements. The City is willing to invest in the Airport yet the Airport has to pay for
itself through revenues.
Someone in the audience asked what the City is doing to encourage Aviation oriented business? This is
considered vital to prosperity of an airport. There was a discussed the businesses that were lost. Also,
discussed the businesses already here. The City is trying to get the infrastructure in place to allow
business to locate on the field.
Director of Planning Krauss said the Airport property has to lease the ground at fair market appraisals.
One company inquired about building condominium hangers on the north 3-acre site, but backed out
because of the work needed to get the area ready. Discussed the new hangers and the new tenants who
have moved from other airports to Auburn.
There was discussion about the appearance of the Airport. John said that the Airport would be getting
workers through the court that has ordered them to perform community service. John said regarding the
grass in the cracks on the runways, the grass has been killed by herbicide. The filling of the cracks is on
the action agenda. Also, there were questions as to the resurfacing of the airport runway where it was
extended. Per John there is still overlay and 'feathering' to be done which will fill in the rough spots.
Planning Director Krauss discussed the area north of the office. This is an area that has drainage issues.
The ground needs to be graded so the slope is toward the catch basis and not the street. The access
drive is fairly remote. If the FAA will contribute 90% funding to correct the drainage, then the land can be
made available. At this time there is no property adjacent to the airport available for purchase. Planning
Director Krauss said the 23 acres to the west owned by the Airport is an asset.
The audience then discussed airport-oriented businesses and building within the airport. An audience
member wanted to know how growth affects the neighborhood and how the Airport may become a
nuisance.
Planning Director Krauss said the city does deal with noise complaints, because of the traffic pattern.
The complaints are usually about the helicopter training flights. As the west hill becomes more developed
complaints may increase. General discussion on the demise of other smaller airports because of land
values going up. Discussion on other airports and zoning. The City of Auburn has developed zoning
areas compatible with the airport. Discussed restaurant on the field and the proximity of restaurants.
Don Rottle said the citizens of the city are mostly in favor of the airport and discussed the original airport
plans and how it was built.
A member of the audience asked about the revenue generated from the fuel sales. Planning Director
Krauss stated that fuel sales are one of the primary sources of revenue that stays in the Enterprise fund,
that plus the rental fees. An audience member asked about the cost of fuel and why it appears to be
higher at Auburn then at some of the other airports in the area. John replied that the Airport does a fuel
MINUTES OF THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD JULY 19, 2000
survey and takes an average of the prices in the area. John also said they try to keep the airport fuel
prices at the average level of fuel in the area. Discussion on fuel rates around the other airports in the
area. Someone in the audience suggested that the City advertise the airport
Joe DeJoie discussed the possible acquisition of a super Unicom as there is a need, by the Airport, for
this. At this time a video on the super Unicom was viewed. Discussion on the video and the benefits of
the Unicom. Joe said that there is no chance of a power failure. It also has its own windsock and
anemometer. Joe is putting together a package now, without waiting until next year. Audience
discussion about getting a new radio frequency. There is an AWAS list, but no one knows where Auburn
is on the list. The FAA has had a push on runway incursion on uncontrolled airports, so there is a need at
the Auburn airport. John said the state is trying to get a group of airports together in order to bring the
price down. It may be the first of the year or spring with grant dollars paying for a percentage of it. A
grant could possibly be submitted in October.
Audience discussion on the radio frequency and if the Unicom can be on a different frequency. As an
interim until a new approved frequency is given could the Airport have two frequencies. Per John the
process takes about a year, but the process is started. Joe said he is also working on the getting the
super Unicom for the Airport. The cost of the Unicom is Iow, about $400 per year. The audience would
like to see AWAS and Unicom at the Airport. The Unicom book and video will be available at the Airport
office.
Rodger reiterated that the Airport Advisory Board meets the third Wednesday of every month in Room 1
at Auburn City Hall.
The meeting was then adjourned