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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-2014 AIRPORT MINUTESMINUTES Caldwell Industrial Airport Commission 4814 E. Linden Street Caldwell, ID 83605 Email: kschara @ci.caldwell.id.us 208 - 459 -9779 Date: June 51h, 2014 Time: 12:00 noon — 1:00 pm Location: Caldwell Industrial Airport — Hubler Terminal Conference Room Commission Members Present: Terrence Biggers (City Council Rep.), Barry Everett, Jr., Phil Fouts, Rob Herndon, Steve Kahn, Marty Koch, Mike Reed, Wayne Thiel, Rob Oates — Airport Manager, Kathy Schara — Airport Manager's Secretary Commission Members Absent: None Guests: Toby Epler — JUB, J.D. Heithoff — JUB, Jim & Anita Shore, Bob McGee, Gordon Reed & August Medellin — City of Caldwell Street Dept. Chairman Phil Fouts called the meeting to order at 12:04 PM. Minutes of May 2014 Airport Commission Meeting Motion was made and seconded to accept the May 2014 Minutes. Motion passed. 2. Airport Improvement Program —Toby Epler Toby Epler reported the progress on AIP 27. He stated that the numbers have been reviewed by the City and a contract will be submitted to City Council for approval. The FAA is ready to write grants and we should have a grant soon. In response to a member's question, Toby stated that the cost for the project was $136,000.00 for design and approximately $1 to $1.3 million in construction costs. Again in response to a question, Toby said the weight capacity will remain the same. Canal Relocation Update — Brent Orton Mr. Orton was unable to be at this meeting. Therefore, this item has been deferred until the next Commission meeting. Rob Oates did say that the City is moving forward on this project. Sidewalk Project — Rob Oates Rob Oates reported that the sidewalk has been designed by the City Engineering Department, and has been submitted to Pioneer for approval. The City is expecting a response with approval soon, with sidewalk construction sometime this summer. 5. Buildable Lots Update — Rob Oates Rob Oates reported on lots on Row GG that were previously leased for the purpose of hangar construction. The one year construction commencement deadline is approaching 90 days. Notification came this week that the lessee is not planning to build on the lots, so the lease will automatically end, and the land will be available for lease by another entity. Rob reported there are no new developments on the lots at gate 6. Marty Koch suggested the possibility of placing an ad in 'Trade a Plane" and other aviation publications, advertising that the airport has lots available for building. Rob Oates stated there are some efforts currently occurring by the Caldwell Economic Development director regarding marketing for the airport. 6. Committee Report: — Barry Everett, Jr. / Rob Oates Rob Oates reported that he has been unable to meet with players, due to their being out of town. He has a meeting scheduled with Catherine of Silverhawk Aviation tomorrow. Barry reported receiving complaints recently that are focused on hang glider activity. Phil Fouts asked if these problems should be referred to the FAA. Steve Kahn suggested that we first try the agreed upon internal effort. Barry would like to set a date for a meeting, inviting all to come or send representatives. Rob proposed a town hall type meeting at the terminal. He suggested that a list of topics be provided and have someone act as moderator. He suggested an evening, probably after July 4'h. Steve Kahn stated that the goal of the meeting should be to accomplish safety overall and not aimed at any one faction. Rob Herndon stated he feels the Commission is on the right track in emphasizing education. He suggests asking what problems each group has seen, and allowing everyone a voice. He suggests the meeting be promoted as "what we can do to help you ". Phil Fouts suggested Rob go forward with setting up a time and place. Rob asked the members for recommendations as to how to present this and suggested topics. 7. Snow Policy Discussion — Barry Everett, Jr. Barry suggested that we need to look at the importance of what the airport is, which should be reflected in the attitude when setting snow policy, since this is the busiest airport in Idaho. He stated that a cost effective policy needs to be established. He recommends the airport have its own truck like we used to have. Rob Oates stated steps have been taken to resolve recent issues, in that the Mayor & City Council have opted to give the Public Works Director and Airport Manager authority to call out the snow team at their discretion. Rob reported that the truck and plow blade that were previously here at the airport years ago were taken to the City Street Department for maintenance, but that the blade was beyond repair due to inexperienced persons using it here at the airport. He stated that maintenance on equipment kept here was a problem. In addition, untrained personnel using the equipment can result in damage to the equipment and grounds. Rob stated that priority is given to removing the snow from the runway. The city is trying to balance rapid removal of snow with the most cost - effective method. Wayne Thiel asked if a snow truck could be purchased with an FAA grant. Toby stated that it could, but to do so would divert monies from other higher priority projects. Gordon Reed of the City Street Department stated that using a single truck to plow the runway as opposed to a road grader is not feasible due to time involved, and inability to move the snow out of the way. He stated that it costs the city about $1,000 each time the runway is plowed and it takes about 5 hours for just the runway, which is given top priority. He stated that they can be to the airport with the graders within two hours of a call. He stated that waiting until a weather event is past and then clearing off the runway is the most cost effective method. Barry recommended the City have its own snow truck and a year -round employee, trained on the mower and a snow plow designated to the airport. Marty Koch suggested that-the Airport Manager prepare a printed snow policy document with the street department, etc. and provide it to the Commission. 8. Courtesy Car Program Update — Rob Oates Rob reported that the City Attorney's office has approved a courtesy car agreement and it is now available during office hours. A copy was provided to each member. Eventually it will be made available on the website as an on -line fill -able form. 9. Announcements — Rob Oates • The repainting process will be done soon. Expect upcoming multiple runway closures with notifications, which will be sent out when the time - windows have been set. Groundhogs have been reported on the airport, and suggestions are welcome. They are in positions not practical for use of the Rodenator. Please submit suggestions by email to the airport office. A ground vehicle has crashed through the fence off Linden. Efforts are being made to have it repaired as soon as possible. A hangar owner has been notified, and their renter has been required to remove their belongings from the hangar and grounds, due to non - aeronautical use. The meeting was adjourned at 1:07 PM. Next Airport Commission Meeting: Aug. 7 `", 2014 at noon (NO MEETING IN JULY)