12-11-1996 ARC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 11, 1996
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was
held on Wednesday, December 11, 1996 in the City Hall Large Conference Room,
1101 Victoria Curve. 3he meeting was called to order at.7:.00 p.m. The following
members were present: Beaty, Leuman, Olsen and Stein. Commissioners Fitzer
and Gross were excused. Commissioner Surrisi was absent. Also present were
City Administrator Kevin Batchelder and Senior Secretary Kim Blaeser.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Leuman moved approval of the November 13, 1996 minutes.
Commissioner Olsen seconded the motion.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
REVIEW DRAFT CONTRACT FOR
THIRD PARALLEL RUNWAY
Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that on December 4,
1996 Mendota Heights was able to reach preliminary agreement with MAC
over the terms and conditions of a contract giving the City approval
authority over the construction of a third parallel runway.
Batchelder explained that after many hours of negotiations, only minor
changes to the draft proposal are needed. He stated that the Mayor does
not feel a need to argue over the changes. He explained the Council will
review this document on Tuesday, December 17.
Batchelder explained that the primary issue was the term of the contract.
He explained that the City of Minneapolis is reluctant to give support to the
portion of the contract which stipulates that "the City promises that it shall
take no action to oppose the planning and construction of a North South
Runway". He stated that there is a political movement in Minneapolis to
oppose any expansion to the airport. He stated that Minneapolis is
continuing to negotiate with the MAC and that an agreement is needed
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before December 31, 1996.
Batchelder stated that Minneapolis supports Mendota Heights' signing of the
contract and that there is a provision to allow Minneapolis or Eagan to join
our contract, should they do desire.
The Commission inquired about the minor changes within the contract.
Regarding Section I - Recitals - No. 4 - the clause "good faith" should be
removed and Section III - Terms - No. 6, the "MAC added deadline of July 1,
1997" could be removed.
A discussion ensued regarding the City of Eagan and how they are
responding to the proposed contract.
The Commission acknowledged the hardworking efforts of Mayor
Mertensotto, Councilmember Smith and Administrator Batchelder in
negotiating a contract which will benefit the City of Mendota Heights.
Administrator Batchelder submitted an article from the Star Tribune which
indicates that MSP International Airport may not be growing as fast as
originally indicated.
DISCUSS NON SIMULTANEOUS DEPARTURE
PROCEDURES - FAA LETTER
Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that he had spoken with
Ms. Annette Davis, of the FAA Great Lakes Office in Chicago, who
indicated that the FAA has made a determination that the magnetic heading
issues originally impairing the non simultaneous departure procedure from
being implemented at MSP is no longer a concern and that the finished
document will be open for public comment. She indicated that she does not
anticipate any public comments. Batchelder stated that the City of Eagan
requested an expanded environmental review and that the FAA believes the
conflict resolved. He stated that the City of Eagan will probably insist on an
EIS. He stated that the City of Mendota Heights has requested a FONSI and
that one has not yet been issued. Chair Beaty encouraged staff to send a
letter to the FAA informing them that the City of Mendota Heights is
anticipating the preparation of a FONSIand that copies of the HNTB's report
be attached to that letter.
Batchelder explained that the Commission desired to know more about the
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process the MSP Noise Mitigation Program and the implementation of the
MSP Mitigation Program since it was adopted by MAC in October. The
Commission acknowledged receipt of copies of the full MSP Mitigation
Program. He stated that this program is to be reviewed by the State
Advisory Council on Metropolitan Airport Planning, as indicated in a letter
from Jeff Hamiel, Executive Director of MAC.
Chair Beaty inquired when there will be a move on decreasing nighttime
activity.. He wondered how this will take place and how it will be "policed".
The Commission discussed having the City's MASAC representative pursue
this further. Chair Beaty felt that the Commission should give suggestions
to Councilmember Smith by February. The Commission was of the
consensus to provide a list of suggestions to Administrator Batchelder who
will then forward to Councilmember Smith for her review.
AIRPORT NOISE REPORT - SUBSCRIPTION
Commissioner Stein moved to request the City Council to approve a one
year subscription to the Airport Noise Report with funding to be allocated
from the airport noise budget.
Commissioner Neuman seconded the motion.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 0
The Commission discussed how, according to the GAO article, in 1990, a
survey of the 66 largest U.S. airports revealed that 85 percent of their gates
were leased to established airlines under long-term, exclusive -use leases.
The Commission discussed booking incentives for travel agents and how it
limits competition for business traffic.
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The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Agenda for December
3 and October 22, 1996 Minutes.
The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Technical Advisor's
Report for August, September and October.
The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Complaint Summary
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for October 1996.
The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Corridor Gate
Penetration Analysis for August and October 1996.
The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Part 150 Buyout Update -
Issue 35.
The Commission acknowledged receipt of the NOISE Conference in
Minnesota. It was noted that this conference is to be held in Eagan.
The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Eagan Airport Relations
Commission Agenda for December 10, 1996.
The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Northern Dakota County
Airport Relations Coalition Minutes of October 15, 1996. It was noted that
this group needs to refocus on its original airport/air noise concerns.
MISCELLANEOUS
Chair Beaty noted that Commissioner Surrisi has not been in attendance for
quite some time. He stated that he would call her and inquire about her
intentions. Commissioner Olsen informed the Commission that he intends to
resign from the Commission at the end of January. Administrator
Batchelder requested a written resignation to staff who will then forward to
the Council for their acceptance.
There being no further business, the Airport Relations Commission moved to
adjourn its meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kimberlee K. Blaeser
Senior Secretary
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