YAMPA VALLEY AIRPORT COMMISSION April 12, 2012 Meeting

Transcription

1 YAMPA VALLEY AIRPORT COMMISSION April 12, 2012 Meeting MINUTES The regular meeting of the Yampa Valley Airport Commission (YVAC) was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at Bob Adams Field, Steamboat Springs, Colorado. YVAC members present: Ray Beck Craig City Council member, representing Craig and Moffat County Kevin Kaminski Steamboat Springs City Council member Chris Diamond Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp Mark Halvorson Chamber Resort Association Steve Frasier Resident of Routt County Eric Meyer Resident of Routt County/Aviation Community (arrived late) YVAC members absent Doug Monger Routt County Commissioner Bill Hayden Representing the Town of Hayden Douglas Kiesau Resident of Routt County Others present: Dave Ruppel YVRA Philo Shelton City of Steamboat Springs Mel Baker Steamboat Springs Airport Tracey Rogalski Go Alpine Taxi Dave Torgler Hayden Town Manager Don Kaplan Galaxy Aviation Dennis Corsi Armstrong Consultants Janet Fischer Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp Tom Sullivan Routt County Manager Betsy Nauman Cook Craig Moffatt EDP Angela Folkestad Jviation, Inc. Jeremy Lee Jviation, Inc. Tom Kern Chamber Resort Association Lester Vickkey visitor Dan Porter SEH, Inc. Ryan Pritelett Armstrong Consultants I. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS 1. Approval of Minutes February 9, 2012 Chris Diamond moved to approve the minutes of the February 9, 2012 regular YVAC meeting as written. Kevin Kaminski seconded the motion. The motion carried Approval of Minutes February 9, 2012 Strategic Planning Meeting 1

2 Steve Frasier moved to approve the minutes of the February 9, 2012 YVAC strategic planning session as written. Kevin Kaminski seconded the motion. The motion carried 5 0. II. PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. Lester Vickkery said that he had been flying out of Bob Adams Field for over 30 years. He complimented the new FBO facility, but expressed disappointment that the planned fireplace had not been included in the final budget. Mr. Vickkery reviewed his proposal for raising the majority of the funds needed to build the fireplace, if City Council would agree to provide the balance. He said that he had spoken with Philo, who agreed to submit the proposal to the City Manager for consideration. Mr. Vickkery suggested that $4000 of the total estimated cost for the fireplace of $6,800 might be the fundraising goal. He said that fundraising would be conducted by word of mouth and e- mail contacts, and that he would underwrite the pledges he receives. III. OLD BUSINESS 1. FAA/TSA Issues Dave distributed a couple of articles: one pertaining to airline fees and taxes from the Seattle Times and another regarding the potential for using airport land for biofuel production. Dave noted that because birds are often attracted to crops, growing crops for biofuels may not be compatible with airports. He added that the airlines and the military will soon be testing biofuels for use in aircraft. Dave reported that the new Advanced Imaging Technology scanners and carry-on baggage scanners had been installed at YVRA, giving TSA better scanning capabilities. He said that CPAXL was expected in the next few months. This will increase the efficiency in scanning ski bags and other over-size items. 2. YVRA AIP 36 Project Review Dave reported that the terminal project is essentially finished. He said that the remaining minor punch list items are being completed, and that the building is functioning well. Dave reported that work is progressing on the fire suppression system, and will be finished as soon as possible. He added that the need for an additional large water storage tank at YVRA is being evaluated. In response to a question from Ray, he said that there is some difficulty maintaining constant water pressure, particularly on the second floor. Mark asked about the RFP that was put out recently. Dave stated that this was for the water storage tank. He said that there is no way for the Hayden water system to adequately serve YVRA because of the delay in water pressure due to the distance between town and the facility. He said the storage tank would provide immediate constant pressure for all fire suppression and potable water issues. He said that engineers are currently evaluating the total water needs of YVRA and whether sufficient elevation can be found on the property or whether the tank would have to be elevated. Dave explained that the fire suppression tanks currently being installed would be included in the calculations of how much water is needed to meet code. In response to a question from Ray, Dave said that all the systems related to the new fuel tank are grounded in conformance with the State of Colorado. 2

3 IV. NEW BUSINESS 1. Strategic Planning Update Dave noted that list of points submitted by Hilary regarding agenda development. He said that he and Hilary had not yet had an opportunity to meet to review the other issues that had come out of the Strategic Planning session in February. He asked YVAC to provide feedback regarding the handout and he would implement the points on which there is consensus. 2. CMEDP Introduction Betsy Nauman Cook Ms. Nauman Cook, the new Executive Director for the Craig Moffatt Economic Development Partnership, stated that air travel is an important element in the economic development of the Yampa Valley. She said that she intends to improve the presence of Craig and Moffatt County at YVRA and improve the communication between the CMEDP and the airport. She stated that 30 new corporate and entrepreneurial businesses are planning on moving into Moffatt County in the near future and that there is a high level of optimism regarding economic growth. Ms. Nauman Cook distributed some CMEDP brochures and added that the CMEDP would also be working with the Chamber on joint projects. 3. Armstrong Consultants presentation on FAA Reauthorization Mr. Dennis Corsi of Armstrong Consultants reviewed that it had been five years since the last FAA Authorization Act had expired, with the Adminstration operating on a series of continuing resolutions which provided no long-term funding security. The newly passed legislation will cover the FAA through He reviewed a handout outlining the key differences between the former legislation that expired in 2007 and the recently passed legislation. He said that total AIP funding had been reduced from $3.5 billion annually to $3.2 billion annually. He noted that the most significant change will be the reduction in the share of AIP projects paid by the FAA from 95% to 90%. This will increase the state and local cost shares to 5% each from 2.5% each. Mr. Corsi noted several of the specific provisions included in the bill, citing NextGen air traffic control modernization, biofuels R & D, energy audits and PFC use and planning. Mr. Corsi stated that despite heavy lobbying by the airlines, users fees were not included. He noted that the funding is subject to annual appropriations approval by Congress. Mr. Corsi stated that the funding supports safe airports and provides jobs. He stressed the economic benefits of airports and aviation to communities. Mark asked about the labor reforms mentioned in the handout. Dave stated that this provision changes the ways in which traffic control personnel are allowed to strike. In response to another question from Mark, Mr. Corsi said that he does not know the significance of the lithium battery regulations. Regarding the statistic cited that 28% of Colorado s total employment is aviation related, Mr. Corsi said that this includes direct, indirect and induced relationships. Regarding the proposed user fees, Eric stated that a fee of $100 per flight to use the IFR system had been defeated. He said that the proposed fee would have applied to all 3

4 flights. He reviewed how such a fee would negatively impact the system by discouraging pilots from using it. Steve asked how the increased state and local cost share would affect the ability of airports to acquire funding. Mr. Corsi stated that every airport has a 5-year Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) that is updated annually. These plans will have to be adjusted to reflect the new cost share. Mr. Corsi suggested that many municipalities have already done there budgeting for the upcoming year and may need to delay projects or find the funding elswhere. He said that state is working with airports that suddenly need additional funds for planned projects to enable them to get underway. Dave stated that this will not affect YVRA because the project is mostly done. Mr. Corsi stated that, in general, Colorado aeronautics is in good shape due to the fuel surcharge. Ray said that Craig and Moffatt County had run into a problem due to the new match requirements, increasing their share from $25,000 to $50,000. Eric asked if the decision to delay the construction of a new runway at DIA will free up additional funds for other airports. Dave explained that DIA doesn t access AIP funding for its projects, so its projects do not affect other airports funding. Mel stated that some GA airports may be affected by changes in discretionary funding. 4. Steamboat Airport FBO Parking and Apron Presentation Philo stated that the biggest obstacle to finishing up the site work around the new FBO building is the availability of asphalt. He said that ADG has four hangars under contract for development on the other side of the terminal building, which will require the fuel canopy to be moved to the area currently used by the maintenance barn for parking. He stated that the circulation pattern around the facility will also be changed, and indicated on a site plan the areas of additional asphalt that will be needed for these projects. He stated that when the project is finished, the FBO and Smartwool will have separate entrances and a new parking area will be created for the FBO. Philo stated that this entire project, including the FBO building, is being funded through a loan from the general fund as part of the deal with SmartWool; no grant funds will be used. The loan will be repaid through the 10-year lease with SmartWool. In response to a question from Mark, Philo stated that SmartWool is proceeding with the remodel of the former FBO space, but will not be constructing the mezzanine as originally planned. Philo explained that in an effort to reduce the fumes entering the terminal building (SmartWool offices), he had been working closely with Eric to revise the parking plan for aircraft on the apron. He stated that a box for aircraft parking would be delineated on the tarmac. Eric stated that the issue is parking configuration and taxi dimensions. He said that they will encourage nose-in parking of aircraft to see if this makes a significant difference in fumes. He stated that the alternative to this relocating the parking area, electrical service and tie-downs to the other end of the apron would be very expensive. Eric stated that it makes sense to try the easiest option first to see if makes a difference. Mel stated that he had worked with Armstrong Consultants on this issue. He noted the importance of ensuring that the taxi lanes are wide enough to accommodate the aircraft that use the airport. He said that the request to park nose-in would be noticed in all the pertinent publications. Mel stated that the proposed clearances are good up to a

5 wing span, which would accommodate most aircraft at Bob Adams Field. A King Air 350 might be a problem. Mel stated that many pilots prefer to park into the wind. He said that by providing an area for drop-off and pick-up, the number of cars on the apron will be minimized and reduce congestion. Mel reiterated that they will give the parking reconfiguration a try before considering the more difficult options. Chris asked if reducing the fumes was an obligation of the contract with SmartWool. Philo stated that although it is not an obligation, it is the right thing to do considering the good faith of the agreement and the importance of the ten-year contract. He described the problem and added that the fresh air intakes facing the apron have been closed, which will also reduce HVAC costs. V. COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS Kevin congratulated YVRA on its newly remodeled facility. He said that he had heard many compliments regarding the improvements. Mark agreed that the terminal looks great and works great. Ray agreed. He noted that the Denim Girls two teenage musicians from Craig come up and play at YVRA on the weekends and really enjoy doing it. He offered that the travelers love it and that having them on site provides excellent public relations. Ray announced that he and Kevin would be attending the state Republican assembly as delegates. At Ray s request, Mr. Corsi provided an overview of the apron rehabilitation project at the Craig-Moffatt County Airport. He said that the project, which is currently in the design phase, would be completed in two phases using AIP funding. He said that the bids would be going out towards the end of the month. VI. REPORTS FROM YVAC COMMITTEES 1. Airport Marketing (direct flights) Committee Chris stated that the direct flight program had gone into the season with a 6% increase in available seats over the previous year and had finished with 4% decrease in total passengers. He stated that this indicates that load factors were down significantly, but offered that given the kind of ski season we had, it wasn t too bad. Chris reported that the recent meetings with the airline partners went as expected. He said that the numbers were very close to caps and that they would be paying a record amount for last year s performance. He stated that there are many variables in play for next year, but that they are planning for an increase of approximately 3% and will be spending a record amount to achieve it. Janet added that whether Frontier will return is still uncertain and would not be known until early May. She said that Frontier represented approximately 12,000 seats this year. She said that United is anxious to expand service into new markets, but doing so would be very expensive. 2. Finance/Lease Committee Absent. 5

6 3. Capital Improvements Committee No report. Ray suggested that this committee should meet before the June meeting. VII. MANAGERS REPORTS provided via 1. YVRA Dave Ruppel Ray asked for a report on the response to the crash. Dave stated that the response to the incident went just as it was designed to go. He described the communications with the aircraft and stated that when contact was lost they sent a truck to drive along the runway to look for the plane. He said that the truck found the plane just as the 911 call from the survivors was received. Dave said that the chain of emergency procedures began, an Incident Command post was established and the NTSB and FAA were notified. He said that a public information officer was designated to ensure that a coherent and accurate response was provided to the news organizations. Dave stated that given the circumstances of the accident, it was very lucky that there were survivors. In response to a question from Ray, Dave reviewed the protocol for designating an incident commander. He stated that once he and Fire Chief Rickman were on site, they served as co-incident commanders to ensure that airport and EMS issues were both handled appropriately. Ray reviewed that YVAC was not included in the initial response for good reasons, citing the importance of ensuring accuracy in how information regarding the incident is reported. Dave noted that this incident was unusual because the father of the family, a survivor of the accident, posted information regarding the incident almost immediately to his Facebook page. He noted that such postings can be neither confirmed nor denied. In response to a question from Eric, Dave stated that the official conditions reports use the AWAS (?) figures. He noted that the comments regarding zero visibility were anecdotal. Eric noted that this kind of misinformation always comes back to the aviation community as a whole. In response to a question from Ray, Dave said that a full-scale exercise is held at the airport every three years. 2. STEAMBOAT SPRINGS AIRPORT Mel Baker No questions. VIII. SET DATE FOR NEXT MEETING The next YVAC meeting is scheduled for June 14, 2012 at YVRA. IX. PRELIMINARY AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE APRIL 2012 YVAC MEETING Capital project update Strategic planning update Three Wire update. 6

7 XI. ADJOURN MEETING The YVAC meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Minutes Approved:, 2012 By: Ray Beck, Chairman Yampa Valley Airport Commission 7