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06-12-1996 ARC MinutesKill 11 1 1 "1 '. AIRPORT RELATIONS COMIVIISSION JUNE 12, 1996 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, June 12, 1996, in the City Hall Large Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:10 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Beaty, Leuman, Stein and Surrisi. The following members were excused: Gross, Fitzer and Olsen. Also present were City Administrator Kevin Batchelder and Recording Secretary Carla Wirth. Beaty and the Commissioners congratulated Batchelder on his recent appointment as City Administrator. Batchelder introduced Carla Wirth, the Recording Secretary for the next three months. Beaty commented that the Friday News should include the Airport Relations Commission's agenda.to alert Councihmembers their items of discussion. Commissioner Leuman moved approval of the May 8, 1996 minutes. Commissioner Stein seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 ACKNOWLEDGE RE1, 5a. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC May 23, 1996, and April 23, 1996, Minutes. 5b. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Technical Advisor's Report for April 1996 (Incomplete). Beaty explained the report is incomplete due to an equipment failure. 5c. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the May 21, 1996, minutes of the Northern Dakota County Airport Relations Coalition. Beaty noted a major topic of discussion was backsliding and NWA's fleet mix of Stage II and Stage III aircraft. Beaty stated the percentage of Stage III use has declined since September of 1985. Batchelder stated that prior to the next meeting of the Coalition, each city is to bring its list of mitigation efforts so discussion can take place on what to support as a group. Dakota County will then be approached to determine their support level. On June 26, 1996, Pagan, Inver Grove Heights, St. Paul and Minneapolis will be making its presentation to the MSP Mitigation Committee. Mendota Heights already made its presentation but reserved the right to make an addition, if desired. Stein indicated an interest in flying the two departure profiles via the NWA test simulator at NATCO. The Commission indicated an interest in participating and requested Batchelder to schedule this event. Surrisi advised of Sun Country simulator test hours. 5d. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Part 150 Buyout Update - Issues 28 and 29. 5e. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Operations Minutes and Agenda for May 24, 1996. Batchelder explained that Mendota Heights has submitted updated household and population counts for MAC's consultant to work into the calculation; however, several meetings were canceled and City staff was not notified of the outcome until just prior to the May meeting. At the meeting, Northwest Airlines and Bob Johnson of MASAC presented new population counts and noiseP rofiles. He reviewed this data and noted Mendota Heights' statistics for distant departures show a population .t count of 1,580 in the DNL60 contour and 1,180 in the DNL65; however, the close -in departure statistics show population counts of 1, 840 in the DNL60 and 900 in the DNL65 contours. Beaty stated these statistics are impossible. Batchelder concurred and stated staff has submitted current household and population counts to the MAC. Discussion ensued regarding the distance procedure and DNL contours for the close -in departure procedure versus the distance procedure. Batchelder raised the concern, at the MASAC meeting, regarding the validity of the data used in their decision. Batchelder explained Mendota Heights had indicated in the past they would like to try the close -in departure procedure to see if it will reduce noise. He stated Mendota Heights should consider an operational change if the close in departure procedure will reduce noise levels over Mendota Heights. Beaty noted the indication that the benefit will be over Minneapolis but the MASAC intends to run the same take off procedures over Mendota Heights. V Batchelder pointed out that with DNL60, the distance departure procedure is better for Mendota Heights but with DNL65, it is worse. He stated he believes the population counts used in the DNL65 calculations are correct, but the counts used in the DNL60 calculations are not, especially for the close in departures. Batchelder noted the MASAC Operations Committee recommendation for the "Distant Community Departure Profile" utilization on runways 11L/R and runways 4/22 and the "Close -in Community Departure Profile" utilization on runways 29L/R passed on a split 5-2 vote. Batchelder informed the commission that because Jill Smith raised concern about the calculations and commented on the ANOMS system (which generates the noise contours) at the MASAC meeting, they tabled it to their June meeting. Smith has suggested the MASAC base their decision on accurate information and should use ANOMS data. Batchelder noted the location of the additional population counts as shown by MAC for the close in departures would be in the Dodge Nature Center. —The Commission questioned the need for a hasty decision on such an important issue and indicated support to test this method to see if it will help. They concurred with Smith's belief it would be better to use ANOMS data rather than a household count. Batchelder pointed out a discrepancy in the MASAC meeting minutes (middle of page 3) which indicates "the number of dwellings do coincide with the population count" when, in fact, they do not coincide, which was pointed out at the meeting. The Commission requested that this information be presented to Councilmember Jill Smith who can discuss the household and population data discrepancies at the next MASAC meeting. She will also urge them to use ANOMS data instead. Consensus was reached to request Batchelder to supply Councilmember Smith with this information and submit a press release regarding the City's concern with this hasty MASAC decision and with the data used in its consideration. GENERAL DISCUSSION Ken and Mary Weisenbuger, residents of Friendly Hills, asked if airport noise will increase in their neighborhood and whether their neighborhood is eligible for soundproofing. Batchelder advised that the current Part 150 Sound Insulation Program is based on DNL65 which does not extend to the Friendly Hills area. Ken Weisenburger commented on the noise of aircraft which results in loss of their ability to enjoy the outdoors, especially during the summer months. Beaty reviewed the Commission's history and attempts to resolve these concerns as well as procedural changes. 3 Batchelder advised that the Mayor presented the City's position that the Part 150 Sound Insulation Program should be extended to the DNL65 area at the June 3, 1996 MSP Mitigation Committee meeting. •� tKWV V 1 �. 5f. The Commission acknowledged the City of Eagan - ARC Agendas for May 14, May 23, and June 11, 1996. 5g. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the SMAAC Newsletter for May, 1996. Beaty requested his name be placed on the mailing list for this Newsletter. Batchelder explained issuance is irregular but staff will provide copies of the SMAAC Newsletter whenever it is published. 5h. 'The Commission acknowledged receipt of the StarTribune Article of June 4, 1996, on MSP Mitigation Committee. 5i. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Zoning News Article, "The Trouble with Airports. " Batchelder provided a brief synopsis of the articles contained within. Stein requested a copy of the `Airport Noise Report" by Anne H. Kohut. Weisenburger expressed concern regarding stability of property values due to this increasing levels of airport noise. Weisenburger expressed his interest in this issue and volunteered to help get information out to residents. Surrisi suggested an informational handout be considered to better inform residents. She also suggested consideration of signage in various t. neighborhoods and possiblysupport a "walk" at the to ort pp airport which will result in media coverage. Beaty commented on the hesitancy to "raise red flags" due to concern with a drop in overall housing valuations which is what happened in south Minneapolis. Batchelder suggested the meeting agenda be rearranged so consideration is first given to Unfinished and New,. Business to assure these action items receive proper time. Consensus was reached to try this new format at the next meeting with the various reports and correspondence being considered as "Update Items". Batchelder requested input from Commissioners regarding any change they would like made to this draft including prioritization of Topics of Interest, if desired. Beaty suggested Mendota Heights representation on MAC and MASAC be added since it in the Plan of Action. Consensus reached. Stein requested that prevention of the north parallel third runway be placed back on the Topics of Interest as item 16. Consensus reached. Discussion was held with each Commissioner indicating their priority topics with the following consensus reached: 1. Non -Simultaneous Departure Procedures. 2. Global Positioning Satellite Technology (Implemented 1995-96). 4. Nighttime Restrictions on Aircraft Operations. 9-10. Noise Measurement Issues - Usefulness of Ldn 65 Contour and Equity of Current Runway Use System; and Expansion of MAC Aircraft Noise Operations Monitoring System (ANOMS). 13. Equity of Current Runway Use System. The following topics will be added to the list: 15. MAC and MSAC Representation. 16. Prevention of Third Parallel Runway. 17. Noise Abatement Departure Profiles. Batchelder used a map to review the tower headings for the two runways during non - simultaneous departures and change of degrees due to a shift in magnetic headings which results in more airplane activity over Mendota Heights' residential areas versus industrial areas. Mendota Heights would like to continue to pursue a centerline heading which will keep the flight pattern over industrial areas. Beaty noted this was discussed at the last meeting but the Commission determined not to worry about the magnetic shift, at this time, and to focus on the crossing pattern. Consensus was reached to direct staff to draft a letter to the FAA -Great Lakes Region outlining the history of the enforcement issue since 1992 with copies to local staff, Representative Bruce Vento, Senator Paul Wellston, and Senator Rod Grams to update them of these issues and for consideration by the Mayor and Council. Consensus was also reached to add this action to the Plan of Action. R The Commission then reviewed and discussed each of the issues, goals, and action steps in the Air Noise Plan of Action, narrowing the corridor, and need to enforce operational procedures. They suggested City staff scan radio tower communications to monitor transmissions to assure they comply with operational procedures. Consensus was reached to modify the Air Noise Plan of Action, Page 7, #5, December through February, to invite Senators and Representatives to meetings to hear concerns - add date. Surrisi questioned the option of declaring the wetland as a protected area within the proposed path of the third runway area. The Commission requested Batchelder research consultants who have expertise in this area. Beaty requested that Batchelder assign dates to the action steps. With regard to backsliding, Batchelder suggested a joint discussion between communities where the facts can be laid out and then addressed at an upcoming MASAC meeting. The Commission directed Batchelder to fmalize the Mendota Heights Airport Plan of Action for consideration at the July 16, 1996, meeting. DISCUSS NOISE MITIGATION COMMITTEE AND REVIEW NOISE MITIGATION PLAN The Commission complimented Mayor Mertensotto on the Airport Noise Mitigation Position Statement and letter he prepared. Batchelder noted they did reserve the right to present additional information to the MSP Mitigation Committee. Beaty inquired regarding the need to establish a corridor boundary so it can be determined if Mendota Heights supports a narrowing of the corridor. Surrisi raised the option of flying the River in and out. Beaty extended the Commission's appreciation to the Mayor for his active role in this important issue. Chairman Beaty moved to support the City of Mendota Heights Airport Noise Mitigation Position Statement and encourage the Council to pursue it. Commissioner Leuman seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 The Commission reviewed the MSP Runway Configuration Use and noted it indicates Mendota Heights receives 44 % of the takeoff activity. Beaty requested Batchelder 0 determine how the 2005 DNL contour information was derived and how it will be achieved. The benefit of more modem equipment was noted as well as spreading out air traffic once the new runway is completed. The Commission requested Batchelder find out the heading for 11 L during construction of Runway 11 R. Batchelder stated he will inform Jill Smith regarding this issue, as discussed. DISCUSS BACKSLIDING AND NWA FLEET CONVERSION PLAN Batchelder reviewed the history of NWA's Noise Agreements at MSP and stated he will inform Jill Smith and the Northern Dakota County Airport Relations Coalition about this topic. Surrisi commented it would be interesting to review the Noise Agreements which NWA presents to other communities. The Commission next reviewed the NWA Stage III Compliance Plan. The Commission requested Batchelder draft a letter under the Mayor's signature to the NDCARC for review at the next meeting and encourage all Dakota County communities to send a similar letter at the same time. REVIEW NON SIMULTANEOUS DEPARTURE PROCEDURES The Commission reviewed the non simultaneous departure procedures. i,, : r a DI 1) 0 The Commission reviewed the Community Air Noise Update in the Mendota Heights Highlites. OZIIE.R COMMENTS OR CONCHS Stein commented on the DC -9's which are equipped with a hush kit and stated there is a definite difference (reduction) in the noise generated. 7 Stein inquired when a fieldtrip tour of the City will be scheduled. The Commission requested Batchelder schedule an evening tour and Stein ask whether a school bus can be used. Surrisi advised she will not be able to attend the next meeting and will check with her office to see if they receive copies of the Airport Noise Repoli . If so, she will provide the City with a copy. Stein stated he may not be present at the July meeting. There being no further comments, the Airport Relations Commission moved to adjourn `its meeting at 9:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Carla M. Wirth Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 8