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05-14-1997 ARC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 14, 1997 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, May 14, 1997 in the City Hall Large Conference Room, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were present: Beaty, Fitzer, Stein, Gross, Des Roches and May. Commissioner Leuman was excused. Also present were City Administrator Kevin Batchelder and Senior Secretary Kim Blaeser. Also in attendance was Councilmember Jill Smith. INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSIONER Chair Beaty welcomed new Airport Relations Commissioner George May. Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that he intends to meet with new Commissioners Des Roches and May to discuss current topics presently being discussed by the Commission and provide an orientation. Chair Beaty introduced Councilmember Smith to the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Fitzer moved approval of the April 9, 1997 Minutes. Commissioner Stein seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 DISCUSSION OF NOISE ABATEMENT DEPARTURE PROFILES Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that the MAC has briefed the MASAC Operations Committee and MASAC about their proposal to implement the Close -In departure procedure for all departures off the Minneapolis end of the parallel runways (29L and 29R). He stated that the MAC staff is recommending that the Distant departure procedure be continued for all departures over the Eagan/Mendota Heights corridor. AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 14, 1997 1 Administrator Batchelder reviewed Parcel Count information for each community by Distant and Close In departure procedures. He explained that this analysis is based an 1994 data on noise and airport operations and 1996 population figures from the Dakota County GIS system. He explained that this analysis assumes that MSP will be using two departure procedures and that it will be up to the local airport operator to decide which departure procedure will be used. He stated that the FAA and Airlines Pilots Association (ALPA) have taken the position that they will not accept different procedures off the same ends of the parallel runways. In response to a question from Commissioner May, Administrator Batchelder stated that there is no affect on the operations when different departure procedures are used at different ends of the runway. He explained that the FAA and ALPA have taken the position that the same departure procedure will be used off of the parallel runways in each direction. He explained that according to the model analysis of DNL contours, the Close In departure procedure will benefit Mendota Heights. He stated that according to the Parcel Count information, Mendota Heights would have 101 fewer homes in the LDN 65 noise contour with a change to the Close In departure procedure. He explained that the Distant departure procedure favors the Cities of Inver Grove Heights and Eagan. Councilmember Smith inquired how changes in decibels are measured. Commissioner Gross arrived at 7:14 p.m. Administrator Batchelder stated that the shift from 65 decibels to 68 decibels is greater than the shift from 52 decibels to 55 decibels because of the logarithmic scale. Batchelder stated that the Close In departure procedure will benefit DNL contours (in Mendota Heights) 75, 70 and 65. He explained that the DNL 60 contour, homes near Huber Drive and Delaware Avenue, have a slight benefit from the Distant departure procedure. He stated he is unaware at which point between the DNL 65 and DNL 60, the benefit switches from the Close In to the Distant departure, and how many homes this involves. Chair Beaty stated that he would like a test of the different departure procedures before a final decision is made. He stated that he inquired with Mr. Foggia, who stated that the testing procedure would take too long. Commissioner Fitzer suggested that a comparison be completed between last June and this coming June. Councilmember Smith stated that the current scientific information is not in accordance with what people are AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 74, 1997 2 actually experiencing. Commissioner Fitzer stated that the departure procedure used leaving Europe is the Close In departure procedure. He stated that population does not dictate what procedure is used. He stated that he would like to see a test conducted at MSP. He stated that the results may be better than what the MAC is currently proposing. Administrator Batchelder explained the following procedures: The Close In Procedure: At 800 to 1000 feet above field elevation (AFE) thrust cutback is initiated. At 3000 feet (afe) the flaps are retracted and normal climb is resumed. This procedure helps reduce noise close in by reducing the thrust at the beginning of the climb. The Distant Procedure: At 800 to 1000 feet (afe), flaps are slowly retracted and a little while later thrust is reduced, but not as much as with the close - in procedure. At 3000 feet (afe) normal climb is resumed. This procedure helps reduce noise to distant communities by gaining more altitude close to the airport and combining reduced thrust and altitude for noise reduction. Commissioner Des Roches inquired if fuel consumption is a major factor in determining which departure procedure is used. Batchelder responded that he has been told no. He stated that NW Airlines has indicated that the Distant procedure is used more frequently by their pilots. In response to a question from Councilmember Smith, Commissioner Fitzer stated that the aircraft's flap setting dictates the type of procedure used. He explained that speed of the aircraft is predicated on the gross weight of the plane along with other issues such as temperature. He stated that the aircraft can climb to 3,000 feet quicker and faster with the Close In departure procedure. Chair Beaty stated that he is concerned that the aircraft will accelerate to 3,000 feet over Mendota Heights neighborhoods. Commissioner Fitzer explained that the same power setting is used for each departure procedure and that the Close In procedure means that the aircraft will be accelerating over Inver Grove Heights and not Mendota Heights. Batchelder explained that the MAC is of the opinion that the Close In procedure should be used over Minneapolis because of the amount of homes impacted by air noise and that the MAC is of the opinion that the Distance procedure is best used over Mendota Heights and Eagan because AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 14, 1997 their are not as many homes affected by air noise as in Minneapolis. Councilmember Smith stated that this will be a short term benefit according to the computer models because the maximum benefit is three decibels. Chair Beaty stated that the Commission needs to make a recommendation on the type of procedure Mendota Heights should pursue. He noted that the Mayor favors the Close In departure procedure. Administrator Batchelder stated that the Mayor is of the opinion that -this departure procedure be in place prior to the Runway 11 R reconstruction.. He noted that a test of procedures was requested last year, and that it was not pursued. Commissioner May suggested that the City consider requesting an abbreviated test in which this information could be "plugged" into the computers which would give a more accurate accounting of what is really happening with the air noise in all of the communities. Councilmember Smith concurred and stated that there are mobile ANOMS units available. Commissioner Des Roches inquired if data is available to research what aircraft used a specific departure procedure. She stated that this information could be helpful in reaching a more educated recommeod ionOJT by the MAC. Commissioner Fitzer concurred and stated that an unscientific comparison may prove to be very helpful. He stated that if the Close In procedure is implemented over Minneapolis, why not test the procedure over both Minneapolis and Eagan/Mendota Heights. He suggested that a three or six month testing period should be considered and that ANOMS data should be used. Councilmember Smith concurred and stated that there is a big difference between the amount of households (101 households) who would benefit with the Close In departure procedure over the Distant departure procedure (11 households). Smith pointed out that these numbers include only households and not residents living in apartments (Lexington Heights Apartments) and schools. She stated there are more individuals who are impacted by air noise than just households. Councilmember Smith stated that the City Council needs to consider the political nature of our stance. She stated that except Minneapolis, Mendota Heights experiences more air noise than any other community. She stated that the Distant departure procedure discounts loudest noise in our community. Administrator Batchelder stated that the underlying assumption is that MAC operates in reducing noise in the most heavily impacted areas first then worry about other communities who are further away from the MSP. He stated that there are 111 homes who could benefit from the Close In departure procedure with only 11 homes in Eagan that would not benefit. Councilmember Smith stated that while the Close In departure procedure AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 14, 1997 4 benefits the City of Mendota Heights, it will not benefit other communities with the Northern Dakota County Airport Relations Commission (NDCARC). It was noted that the Cities of Eagan and Inver Grove Heights were in favor of the Close In departure procedure until the Parcel Count data information was released. Chair Beaty inquired if the departure procedures could be runway specific. Batchelder stated that the FAA and ALPA have taken the position that they will not accept different procedures off the same ends of the parallel runways. Councilmember Smith stated that runway specific departure procedures may be complicated due to different air born scenarios. Commissioner Des Roches suggested that the City consider getting other communities involved in pursuing a test of departure procedures. She stated that if everyone had better data, then we all would have bette information to make a better decision. She stated that factual datae;ore accurate than computer modeling data. rylay'.10-e- Administrator Batchelder stated that the NDCARC will meet on May 20 and that this topic could be discussed at that time. Chair Beaty moved to recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution which formally requests a change in the departure procedures for the Mendota Heights Eagan corridor. He stated that the resolution should include the following information: 1 That the MAC has established the practice of giving prime consideration to those areas most heavily impacted by air noise; and 2. That the MAC analysis demonstrates that 101 households and school properties within Mendota Heights would experience a reduction in noise levels within the DNL 65 noise contour if the current Distant departure procedure was switched to a Close In departure procedure; and 3. That a test period of Close -In departure procedure over the Mendota Heights/Eagan corridor would provide data to the ANOMS that could determine the real benefit of a Close -In departure procedure for noise mitigation purposes. ( I ) AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 14, 1997 5 Commissioner Fitzer seconded the motion. AYES: 6 NAYS: 0 Commissioner Stein stated that he would like to see the testing process begin immediately since the summer months are the most difficult time for Mendota Heights neighborhoods and the fact that NW. Airlines may uphold Runway 11 R reconstruction in 1998. Councilmember Smith reminded the Commission that the MASAC is not the "end of the line". Administrator Batchelder stated that after MASAC reviews the City's request the P&E Committee and the full MAC board will review the request. Councilmember Smith stated that the MAC may not look favorably on our request. She stated that NW Airlines favors the Distant procedure and that she is sure that other carriers will follow suit with NWA. She stated that she has serious reservations that this request will make it to the full MAC. She stated that it is very important that the City be put on record with our concerns and suggestions as soon as possible. Chair Beaty suggested that the NDCARC support our request because it will be hard for the MASAC to not listen to more than one City. Commissioner May inquired about the legislature. He wondered if it is really necessary to have the support of other communities when the City should have support from its own legislators. Councilmember Smith stated that the City has no direct power to the MAC. She stated that the procedures at MSP are regulated by the FAA. She stated that the Governor appoints MAC representatives and that Mendota Heights does not have MAC representation. She explained that the MASAC was created many years ago to discuss noise related topics and to take the pressure off of the MAC to discuss these issues. She stated our State legislators have very little power over MAC and FAA regulations. She stated that the City of Mendota Heights does not advise directly to the MAC but to the P&E Committee which advises the MAC. She stated that the City has a very small "say" at the MASAC level. Smith stated that the City should continue to put political pressure on MAC and to keep pursuing our State legislators. She stated that the City could influence the press and court system. Commissioner May stated that you do get attention through the court system. He inquired if there is a more direct way to get our concerns through to the MAC. Commissioner Fitzer stated that using the court system has been discussed in the past and that cost is a real concern. He stated that another concern is that one half of the City (north of Highway 110) does not believe that AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 14, 1997 6 there is a real air noise concern or that tax dollars should be used to pursue litigation. Councilmember Smith stated that the City should pursue noise mitigation through the established channels and that the City should continue to be on record stating our air noise concerns. Chair Beaty stated that he believes the City should continue to pursue the political end of air noise beginning with the Governor's office. He stated that he believes the MAC should be elected representatives and not appointed representatives. He stated the City of Mendota Heights needs MAC representation. Commissioner May stated that the City should use Representative Commers and Senator Wiener. Councilmember Smith stated that Senator Wiener has supported the City in the past, in particular, supporting the Third Parallel Runway - Third Party contract. Chair Beaty reminded the Commission that Representative Commers and Senator Wiener also represent Eagan. Commissioner Gross stated that even if someone from Eagan is on the MAC board, it would be better than the current Apple Valley representative. Chair Beaty stated that the City has one vote on MASAC. Councilmember Smith stated that Minneapolis has 4 votes, St. Paul has 3 votes and Burnsville has 1 vote. It was noted that St. Louis Park has 1 vote. Commissioner Des Roches inquired if adding additional representative to MASAC requires new legislation. Chair Beaty stated no, that MASAC has their own by-laws. He stated that the MASAC by-laws requires equal representation between communities and commercial. Administrator Batchelder stated that on April 22, the MASAC Executive Committee discussed adding Sunfish Lake as a voting member on the MASAC. It was also discussed that there are several issues that are negatively plaguing the MASAC such as sending agenda information out too late to members and the actual structure of MASAC. Batchelder stated that the NDCARC will be discussing these issues at their next meeting in May. He stated that other communities are frustrated with the MASAC. The Commission concurred that it does not make sense to have St. Louis Park as a voting member on the MASAC when MSP operations do not directly impact that City. Batchelder stated that the MASAC is considering changing its quorum requirements from seven to four. Councilmember Smith stated she is opposed to this change. She stated how can there be a quorum with less than 50 percent of its membership present. Commissioner Des Roches stated that attendance may be hampered because information is being sent out too late to its members. Councilmember Smith stated there are AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 14, 1997 7 currently 32 members on the MASAC. Commissioner Gross suggested that the quorum be changed to 17 and that it not matter who is in attendance. Maybe there will be more of an incentive to attend the meetings if the quorum expectation is higher. Councilmember Smith concurred. Councilmember Smith announced that SMAAC will be meeting on Thursday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. Chair Beaty inquired about the SMAAC newsletter and stated that the City has not received one in quite a while. Chair Beaty thanked Councilmember Smith for attending the meeting. Councilmember Smith was excused at 8:00 p.m. DISCUSS ARTICLE TOPICS FOR MAY HEIGHTS HIGHLITES The Commission discussed topics to include in the May Heights Highlites. The Commission was of the consensus to include articles on cancellation of runway reconstruction, non -simultaneous crossing pattern, third parallel runway contract, new commissioners and action plan updates. The Commission felt it important to inform the community about their work an the non -simultaneous crossing procedures and that fact that it was quite an accomplishment after working on it for three years. The Commission felt it necessary to inform the community that the action plan will be updated and that the public is invited to attend an August City Council meeting for further information on the action plan. REVIEW CITY COUNCIL TARGET ISSUES ON AIRPORT NOISE Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that the City Council continue to consider air noise as a high priority issue. Chair Beaty suggested that this information be included in the Heights Highlites newsletter. Batchelder informed the Commission that the Council is of the opinion that the Commission has made significant progress throughout the past three years. He stated the Council is anxious to receive an update on the Action Plan. Chair Beaty directed staff to include the Action Plan on the June agenda. Chair Beaty suggested that an article on the north/south runway reconstruction project should be included in the newsletter. He stated that figures depicting runway use percentages should be included. The Commission continued discussion regarding appointments to the MAC. AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 14, 1997 Commissioner Gross suggested that the City politically pursue two appointments on the MAC board. Chair Beaty stated that this would require a significant change to the MAC that would include the passing of a Bill in the House and Senate. He stated that Districts would need to be formed. He stated that the City should consider studying who should co-author such a Bill. Chair Beaty suggested that this topic be discussed by the NDCARC. MISCELLANEOUS Commissioner Gross moved to recommend that the Airport Relations Commission meetings adjourn promptly at 9:00 p.m. Commissioner Fitzer seconded the motion. Chair Beaty stated that he would like to work towards adjourning their meetings by 9:00 p.m. and that he disagrees in making a 9:00 p.m. adjournment time mandatory. Commissioner May stated he agrees with the motion in that a 9:00 p.m. adjournment time may give the Commission an opportunity to discuss items on the agenda in a more efficient manner. VOTE ON THE MOTION: AYES: 3, FITZER, GROSS, MAY NAYS: 3, BEATY, STEIN, DES ROCHES MOTION FAILS UPDATE ON ROGER'S LAKE BOUNDARY BLOCK REQUEST Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that he had revised his request to add three more homes to the Part 150 Sound Insulation Program. He explained that he had spoken with Mr. Steve Vecchi regarding the City's recent letter requesting that four homes on Swan Drive be added to the Part 150 program. Mr. Vecchi had informed the City.that the three homes west of Swan Drive should also be included. Batchelder stated that he has not yet heard from Mr. Vecchi's office confirming the additional homes in the sound insulation program. ( ) AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 14, 1997 9 UPDATE ON FAA TOWER DEDICATION Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that Mayor Mertensotto and himself had attended the recent tower dedication ceremony. The Commission directed staff to pursue dates for the Commission to tour the new tower. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF VARIOUS REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Agenda for April 22, 1997 and March 25, 1997 Minutes. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC's Technical Advisor's Report for March 1997. Chair Beaty noted a low percentage of Mendota Heights complaints in the month of March. He noted that Runway 4-22 has been used more, especially during night time hours. Commissioner Des Roches stated that she would like to discuss interpretation of these reports during her orientation meeting. Commissioner Gross noted that 53.8 percent of aircraft operations were Stage III and 46.2 percent of aircraft operations were Stage II. He stated that NW is using more Stage III aircraft but that other carriers must still be using Stage II aircraft at MSP. The Commission acknowledge receipt of MASAC's Monthly Complaint Summary for March 1997. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC's Corridor Gate Penetration Analysis for March 1997. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Operations Committee Minutes for April 7, 1997. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the NDCARC Minutes for April 15, 1997. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Airport Noise Report. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Northwest Airlines Stage III Compliance Report - April 22, 1997. AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 14, 1997 10 The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Eagan ARC Agenda for May 15, 1997. MISCELLANEOUS Commissioner Stein inquired if the Commission is interested in having an instructor from Inver Hills Community College attend an upcoming Airport Relations Commission meeting to discuss private/commercial aviation forecasts and the possibility of the airport relocating. Chair Beaty suggested that the speaker attend the June Airport Relations Commission meeting. Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that the annual NOISE conference is being hosted by the City of Eagan in July. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Airport Relations Commission adjourned its meeting at 9:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kimberlee K. Blaeser Senior Secretary AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 14, 1997 11