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03-12-1997 ARC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 12, 1997 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, March 12, 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, Leuman, Stein and Fitzer. Commissioner Gross was excused. Also present were City Administrator Kevin Batchelder and Senior Secretary Kim Blaeser. CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS The Commission interviewed three applicants to fill two vacancies on the Commission. It was noted that a fourth applicant, Mr. James Lilly, was unable to attend the interview session. The Commission interviewed Mr. John Hagman, Ms. Mary Des Roches and Mr. George May. Commissioner Fitzer moved to recommend that the City Council appoint Mary Des Roches and George May to fill the two vacancies on the Airport Relations Commission. Commissioner Leuman seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 PRESENTATION ON CONSTRUCTION OF RUNWAY 11 R IN 1997 - MR. BRUCE WAGONER - FAA Mr. Bruce Wagoner, FAA Control Tower Manager, was present to discuss operational changes expected during the construction of Runway 11 R. Mr. Wagoner explained that the Runway construction will begin on May 1 and end approximately August 30. He explained that the construction of a feeder taxiway for runway 22 south of the north runway and west of runway 22 will begin on April 1. Chair Beaty inquired if this process will consist of three phases. Mr. Wagoner responded yes. 1 Wagoner stated that the west 3,000 feet of Runway 11 R will be closed which will leave 6,000 feet of available runway space. He explained that narrow body aircraft such as DC -9, 757, 737, 727 and MD -80 can use this runway. Mr. Wagoner informed the Commission that there is a concern that Northwest Airlines may decide to block the reconstruction of Runway 11 R. He explained that Northwest is apparently opposed to the reconstruction of Runway 11 R until the North/South Runway is completed. Chair Beaty stated that the Commission was unaware of this development. As a result of the construction process, Mr. Wagoner explained that there will be some major operational changes. He explained that the two main operational modes will be land/depart Runway 11 L/R, depart Runway 22 and land/depart 29L/R, depart runway 22. Mr. Wagoner explained that Runway 29L/R/22 will be used as much as 75 percent of the time during the summer. He explained that this configuration is the least complex and has the least amount of potential for delays due to the independent operations that can be conducted on Runway 2911/11 L and Runway 22. Wagoner explained there will be more jet operations on the north runway than normal due to runway length with more props utilizing the south runway due to increased jet traffic on the north runway. The Commission expressed concern regarding the amount of aircraft landing over Mendota Heights and whether the City should be concerned with safety issues. Mr. Wagoner responded that the City should not be concerned. Mr. Wagoner informed the Commission that all heavy departures will require the north runway or the cross runway. Regarding the taxiway construction, Mr. Wagoner stated that there will be increased taxiway traffic and that each controller will be responsible for not only air traffic but also taxiway traffic. Mr. Wagoner stated that this will be a very complex time for the air traffic controllers. Commissioner Fitzer inquired if there will be an increased use of Runway 4. Mr. Wagoner responded no and that it will only be used during severe weather patterns. 2 Mr. Wagoner stated that the operational changes may cause delays and that the regular "rushes" may last a little longer than normal. In response to a question from Commissioner Stein regarding Northwest Airlines opposition, Mr. Wagoner stated that the MAC feels this project is a "go". He stated that he believes that Northwest Airlines is concerned with the possible delays and the fact that delays cause airlines to lose money. He stated that Northwest Airlines wants to push the construction of the north/south runway. Mr. Wagoner stated that the City can expect a significant increased use of Runway 22 for departures, a minimum of 50 percent will depart on Runway 22 when the wind allows. He stated that it is anticipated that the airport capacity will remain close to what it presently is. He stated Dakota County can expect more arrivals with departures on 29R and 22. In response to a question from Administrator Batchelder, Mr. Wagoner stated that 6,000 feet of available runway is an adequate amount of runway for an aircraft. He further informed the Commission that pilots have the option to decide whether they are comfortable in departing or arriving on a specific runway. Commissioner Stein inquired about air traffic projections in the next ten years. Mr. Wagoner responded that the traffic is expected to grow three percent per year. He stated that even with the construction of the north/south runway, the amount of traffic will be significant. He stated that right now, there are 8 or 9 "pushes" a day and that 2 of these "pushes" are at or over the capacity. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Leuman moved approval of the February 12, 1997 Minutes. Commissioner Stein seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 DISCUSS STAGE 11 BACKSLIDING - LETTER FROM NORTHWEST AIRLINES The Commission acknowledged receipt of a letter from Jennifer Sayre, Northwest Airlines, regarding Stage 11 and Stage III aircraft operations at MSP. The Commission acknowledged receipt of information regarding NWA 3 Fleet Conversion Plan. It was noted that Ms. Sayre states that NWA is in full compliance with the federal law mandating complete Stage 11 elimination by the year 2000. Ms. Sayre pointed out that NWA continues to hushkit their DC9-30 fleet at an accelerated rate, reaching a total of 80 in February of 1997. NDCARC LETTER TO JEFF HAMIEL, MAC The Commission acknowledged receipt of a March 3, 1997 letter from Mr. Jon Hohenstein, representing NDCARC, to Mr. Jeffrey Hamiel, requesting that the MAC make a better effort in communicating information to City representatives. It was noted that the NDCARC letterhead should be given to the City of Eagan. MSP MITIGATION PROGRAM - LETTER TO MR. SANDY GRIEVE, MAC CHAIR The Commission acknowledged receipt of a letter from the NDCARC to Mr. Sandy Grieve requesting that a work plan or timeline for the implementation of the Mitigation Program be established. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF VARIOUS REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Agenda for February 25, 1997 and January 28, 1997 Minutes. The Commission noted that the MASAC Minutes record two representatives from each business/city. The Commission felt it necessary to review the MASAC By -Laws for further clarification. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC's Technical Advisor's Report for January 1997. It was pointed out that the Furlong neighbor received the third highest measurement of noise in January. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC monthly complaint summary for January 1997. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Corridor Gate Penetration Analysis for January 1997. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Operations Committee Minutes for February 21, 1997. Administrator Batchelder M pointed out that the Committee discussed pursuing public relations efforts in relation to runway construction projects. It was noted that the City of Bloomington has created an effort to inform its own residents of the construction process which was contrary to what the MASAC Operations Committee had originally discussed. Batchelder stated that the original discussions focused on the MAC informing all of the surrounding cities of construction process. The Commission acknowledged receipt of an Agenda for Eagan's Airport Commission for March 11, 1997. Chair Beaty asked that a copy of the NDCARC Agenda be included on all future Airport Relations Commission agendas. The Commission acknowledged receipt of MASAC's Current Roster and By - Laws. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MSP 1994 Runway Configuration Use Charts. The Commission acknowledged receipt of MASAC's request for Information Program from City of Bloomington. a 0 o k 111111 There being no further business, the Airport Relations Commission adjourned its meeting at 9:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kimberlee K. Blaeser Senior Secretary 5