HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-17-2002MINUTES OF THE auburn AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD FOR DECEMBER 17, 2002
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman: Bill Peloza
Board Members: Bud Buchanan, Rodger Campbell, Don Rottle, Ron Wanttaja
Staff: Planning Director Paul Krauss, Interim Manager Mark Ellingson, and Carolyn
Brown, Planning Secretary
Guest: Mayor Lewis, Jan Bouchard, John Gallo, Ray Richcreek, Jamelle Garcia
Mayor Lewis congratulated the board on the work they've done. Not an easy job and
thanks for the dedication to the job.
Rodger Campbell moved to accept the November 19 meeting minutes as corrected, and
seconded by Bud Buchanan. All in favor of minutes as corrected.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. On November 18 Planning Director Paul Krauss sent a letter to the FAA
regarding the Auburn Airport Pollution Prevention Plan and Operation and Maintenance
Schedule (PPPOMS) for the airport. Planning Director Krauss reiterated that the City
already pays for a Federal pollution permit and has every year. The Airport, under the
Federal Clean Water Act, is obligated to pay for the permit. Aaron Nix of the Planning
Department has created the Pollution Control Plan to go along with the federal permit.
Also, a plan is in place by the FAA, for a daily inspection of the storm basin. Originally
there was a worry about the bird population, but the storm ponds are netted and keep the
birds out. The grass that was planted is not a variety that the geese will eat. At this time
other methods of bird control are not needed. Also, regular reports are now being sent to
the FAA. Ray Richcreek stated that he still sees birds fly across the airport at night and in
the morning but appear to be going to the pond at Emerald Downs.
2. Regarding the question about the U.S. Customs Operation, Interim Airport
Manager Mark Ellingson has checked with U.S. Custom's office. He was told was that it
was basically a financial decision to close the office at the Auburn Airport. The resources
have been funneled into other airports. Interim Airport Manager Ellingson said he
received a fax that the operation has been discontinued and the Custom's sign has come
down.
3. On the issue of the runway pavement condition and repair, Planning Director
Krauss said that he had staff from the street crew and the traffic section drive around the
airport and make suggestions regarding the condition of the runway and taxiway. From
their point of view the pavement is not that bad, but did notice some cracks that were
sizable enough to fill. Staff also said the type of material used to fill such cracks in the
winter has a chance to heave and pop-out causing worse problems. Staff will check in to
making temporary repairs in the warmer summer months. It is already scheduled In 2004
to do a major resurfacing of the airport. The consultant selection has been made and they
are ready to design for 2004. The staff recommendation is to not do anything at this time.
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Chairman Bill Peloza added that he is still concerned about a possible accident.
Could the Airport approach the City Council for an appropriation of money? Planning
Director Krauss said it would have to be a reasonable number as any "fix" will be torn up
in 12 months time. John Gallo asked if the process could be moved up from the 2004
time frame, as the temporary fixes aren't working. Chairman Peloza asked would the FAA
determine if the cracks are a serious problem? Planning Director Krauss answered that
he is not aware of a certification program for cracks. Are we talking about the taxiways
and not the runways? Interim Manager Ellingson answered that yes there are cracks in
taxiways and runways that are too wide for a tar fill. However, small cracks in the
taxiways can be repaired. There are some blacktop problems, especially around the fuel
pump area. Rodger Campbell asked if the runway will be resurfaced by blacktop?
Planning Director Krauss said the process is to grind down, repair and then resurface.
Chairman Peloza asked Airport Manager Ellingson if he could give some type of
information to the City Council. Jamelle Garcia added that maybe staff could prioritize the
cracks and also, contact Thun Field to see what their process is for the same problem.
Ray Richcreek asked if a temporary bond be floated and paid back with the FAA money
when it is received? Chairman Peloza reiterated that the need is to determine if this is
truly a safety issue. Airport Manager Ellingson said he will prioritize the cracks and also
will contact the Boeing Field manager on their process. Chairman Peloza also would like
an answer for next month's agenda as to any safety issue. Ron Wanttaja added that the
National Guard also does runway repair as a training process
4. Chairman Bill Peloza asked if the City has responded to Jamelle Garcia's letter
about the minimum standard rules. Planning Director Krauss answered that part of it has
gone to committee. Chairman Bill Peloza asked if Mayor Lewis could send a formal
response to letter? Planning Director Krauss will check into it.
5. The response to the letter from Classic Helicopters dated 10-22-02 will be
tabled until the January meeting.
6. The board discussed the Airport's financial situation in connection with the
Airport Quarterly Financial Report. Planning Director Krauss said there has been a
problem with the Auburn Airport outspending the income and at this time the Finance
Department has asked the Airport to trim it's budget. Also, staff has been directed by City
Council and the Airport Advisory Board to proceed with many repairs. The Airport is
dealing with old hangars that need repairs and has spent money to get ahead of
maintenance issues. At this time most of the work is done. The Airport has a new fueling
facility, has replaced 15 new header boards in the hangars, plus other ongoing repairs.
The Airport Income not shown on this statement as the update is quarterly.
7. Planning Director Krauss said he has had no feedback from his letter to
Hangers Unlimited. He added that the construction crews have been pulled from the
building project. John Vodrey's hangar project is complete, Jacobsen's project is still
being built, also the Vandenberg project is progressing.
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8. Airport Manager Ellingson brought the board up-to-date on the progress of
Hanger #2 . The contractor has started bringing in the materials. Also, the aircraft are
out of hangar 7.
9. On the status of the GPS approach Chairman Peloza asked if W & H Pacific
has been contacted regarding the day/night survey for the GPS approach? Airport
Manager Ellingson said that he contacted Jan Olson and received an e-mailed back that
discussed a generic non-precision approach. The Board discussed a number of different
IFR approaches. Planning Director Krauss added that it is time to sit down with Jan Olson
and have a discussion. The meeting should include Jamelle Garcia, Ron Wantajja, and
Planning Director Krauss. In his letter, Mr. Olson stated that the approach has high
enough minimums. Chairman Peloza felt that the Airport was not really getting a yes or
no and if it not, why? Airport Manager Ellingson added that the information keeps
changing each time a letter is written or a conversation takes place. Chairman Peloza
asked if a letter stating the chronological event order could be sent to Jan Olson's boss.
Jamelle said he will find out the name of Jan Olson's boss. Planning Director
Krauss will also work on it. Planning Director Krauss will set up a meeting in January and
include the ALPA representative, Auburn Flight Service, and Chairman Bill Peloza.
10. Airport Manager Ellingson will post Delinquent Tenant account status in the
airport office. Five of the planes with delinquent rent payment should be chained down.
Some of the tenants are making payments. He said if these accounts aren't settled by
the end of the year the City will move forward with the attachment process. Board
member Wanttaja said there are FAA databases that might show the location of the owner
of the airplane. Airport Manager Ellingson will check on this. City has a collection agency
they use.
11. On the issue of security Chairman Peloza asked if any one has been stopped
by the Security people. Airport Manager Ellingson said it would be noted on the report
and so far he has seen nothing. John Gallo reported that he has seen the security cars
going the wrong way on the one way area. Ray Richcreek stated that he has seen a post
bent over by the gate where someone could squeeze through. Jan Bouchard added that
he has noticed that gates are being left open due to malfunctions or what ever. Chairman
Peloza asked if the tenant security fee of $3 cover the cost of hiring a security company?
Planning Director Krauss answered that this security company is more expensive but the
City had accrued money, so the fee is ok for now. Staff is currently making adjustments to
the fee structure and how each tenant pays. Jamelle asked about condo hangars and
Planning Director Krauss answered will bill the association for the tenants.
12. The tenant letter has been mailed and Airport Manager Ellingson and Board
member Wantajja did the mapping. The mapping is also on the City web site.
13. Chairman Peloza displayed the aerial view that is on AirNav.com. That view
was also added to the web site by Airport Manager Ellingson. Chairman Bill Peloza said
his name is misspelled on the City web site. Also, he would like the word "monthly"
added to the line "hangar and tie down rates". An e-mail address could be added, too.
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Planning Director Krauss said there are a select number of e-mail addresses that are on
the site and will link to Planning Director Krauss's address.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Airport Manager Ellingson has created a chart that tracks the fuel sales. The
Airport is down on sales at this time and that is not unusual for this time of year. Planning
Director Krauss said he actually expected to see an increase but this has not yet
happened. The board discussed the prices around the area. John Gallo added that the
Valley Flyers has approximately a $20,000 a year fuel bill, and approximately only $8,000
is from Auburn. This is because fuel is cheaper elsewhere. Would like to see the City be
a little more competitive in their pricing. Airport Manager Ellingson stated that the Airport
sets the pricing. A formula has been created to come up with the pump price. Airport
Manager Ellingson added that the prices are on the high side. Chairman Peloza asked
Airport Manager Ellingson if he would bring in a survey to the next meeting that includes
prices at other airports. Jamelle added the past history included labor costs since there
was no self-serve. Planning Director Krauss said the Airport's contract is with Chevron,
and since it is up shortly the City may look around for a different account.
2. Chairman Peloza asked what type of usage and what kind of expansion can be
done at the airport? Can the City purchase back from the tenants? What is the future
expansion? Planning Director Krauss said that nothing at this time. If land is needed for
AFS future expansion that is OK, if AFS does not need the land, Planning Director Krauss
has someone who might be interested. Also, In the master plan on the west side. But the
south end park and ride area will not be for hangar use but displaced threshold and take
off for bigger planes. Planning Director Krauss added that some cities have negotiated
with Metro to take over the pools and the City is working along that line in connection with
the park and ride area.
John Gallo said the ALPA has received money to implement an airport watch program.
ALPA requests everyone look at training aids at the airport.
Board member Campbell moved to adjourn, and was seconded by Board member
Buchanan.
ADJOURN at 9:15 am
NEXT Meeting: January 21 @ CITY HALL 8:00 AM
Respectively submitted by Carolyn Brown, Planning Secretary
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