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04-08-1998 ARC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION APRIL 8, 1998 - MINUTES The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, April 8, 1998 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, Roszak, Leuman, Des Roches. Commissioners Stein and May arrived late. Also present were City Administrator Kevin Batchelder and Senior Secretary Kim Blaeser. Mr. Darwin Pruitt resident of Mendota Heights (Swan Lane) was also present. Chair Beaty noted that Mr. Pruitt has made several inquiries as to how the MSP operations are conducted and why Mendota Heights seems to be bombarded with aircraft noise. APPROVAL OF -MINUTES Commissioner Des Roches moved approval of the March 11, 1998 minutes. Commissioner Roszak seconded the motion. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 DISCUSSION OF MASAC ASSESSMENT Commissioner May arrived at 7:06 p.m. Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that the City Council concurs with the Commission's opinion that the MASAC needs to generate specific ideas on how the MASAC can become more effective in its purpose, communication and motives. Batchelder stated that the Council agrees that the MASAC should pursue the following concepts to help make the organization a more effective organization: 1. Develop a handbook which includes a statement of purpose. AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION - APRIL 8, 1998 MINUTES 1 5 2. Developed an organizational chart. 3. Prepare a monthly communication package which should also include MAC meeting information. 4. Encourage MASAC membership to develop reports and have each member keep in touch with their City Officials as well as community residents. 5. Develop a quarterly newsletter - Maybe consider televising MASAC meetings on local government channels. 6. Maintain a higher profile. 7. Conduct new membership orientation meetings. Batchelder stated that the assessment results will be forward to the MASAC P&E Commission and that the MASAC will have results and begin its formal discussions in April. Batchelder informed the Commission that he is a new member of the MASAC and that he will provide the Commission with copies of orientation information as soon as they are available. As part of the "keeping everyone in touch" process, the MASAC has scheduled two informational meetings to discuss Noise Contour Modeling and FAA Airspace Usage and Control. He reminded the Commission of the April 28, 1998 and May 26, 1998 meetings. Batchelder suggested that Mr. Pruitt, resident in attendance, attend these meetings as well. He stated that these meetings should help provide information as to how the MSP operations are conducted. Commissioner Stein arrived at 7:15 p.m. In response to a question from Commissioner Roszak, Commissioner Fitzer explained that aircraft are assigned a specific heading but that it does not mean it is a ground tracking reading. He stated that this all depends upon winds, lift off capability and when the planes are able to turn. Batchelder briefly reviewed an aerial map which depicts runway location as well cities which surround the airport. Chair Beaty stated that this type of information is available on the Internet. He informed the Commission that maps can be order through the US Geological web site and that maps are available for $75. DISCIISSION OF PROPOSAL ON PARALLEL RUNWAY • REQUIREMENTS AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION - APRIL 8, 9998 MINUTES 2 Administrator Batchelder explained that an initiative had been presented to ' ) the yJOCARC6«the City ofInver Grove Heights torequest aVariance from F/\/l procedures for the 15 degree parallel runway separation requirement. He explained that the FAA requires 4,30() feet of separation for parallel runways to operate independently. Batchelder reviewed a map, submitted by the City Of Inver G[OV8 Heights, which depicts the specific location in which aircraft could turn. Batchelder reviewed the map and informed the Commission that Inver Grove Heights' request would require a Standard Instrument Departure. Commissioner RoSzak inquired if the process would nullify the 1972 tower order. Batchelder explained that in 1990, the City requested that the southern boundary boeliminated and that the City of Eagan opposed this request. The Con)rnioSioO discussed how the aircraft operations have changed over the years and that operations exceed the air traffic from the 197{}'s' Commissioner May suggested that the City consider petitioning the FAA and request a formal hearing to discuss the equity ethicity of the 1972tower order. Administrator Batchelder stated that the &4ASAC has established the Eagan/Mendota Heights Corridor issue as 1998 priority. H8stated that itis an appropriate time to begin gtraLegizing especially with the construction of the north/south runway and that a new runway use system will need to be discussed. Chair Beaty stated that the City should move in the direction of abolishing the preferential runway use system. Hestated that head'to-haad operations create on inequitable air noise distribution, especially at nighttime. Administrator Batchelder stated that this is why it is so important to get the MAS/\C to monitor the non -simultaneous departures. Batchelder stated that one of MASAC 1998 goals is to review the corridor issue. Chair Beaty stated that Inver Grove Heights' variance proposal will benefit Mendota Heights. Batchelder reminded the Commission that K]DCAFlC had diGoUoaad the variance proposal and that the Ai[ Commission recommended support Vfthe concept. Heexplained that the City Council did not support the recommendation because the request was too conceptual and that the City needs to be careful when making 8 request to the MAC because the Council does not want tojeopardize Mendota Heights good standing with the MAC. The CODlrDiSSiOO diSCUSS8d how this concept needs refining and that 8 SI[] vVoU!d be needed. Administrator Batchelder stated that the NDC/\AC is trying to fO[Dl a united front F8g8njiOg this iSSU8. He stated that the City Of Eagan is willing to COOp8[8t8 because this CODCeDt can ShOVV the COOlpliaDC8 AIRPORT RELATIONS COMNISSION-APRIL 8, 1998 MINUTES 3 of the southern boundary. The Commission was of the consensus that the proposed Variance concept should be researched further to determine benefits as well as negative impacts on Mendota Heights. They further felt that all of the NDCARC cities need to agree on this issue before it is considered by the FAA. Commissioner Des Roches suggested that the Commission discuss the 1972 tower order at their May meeting. Administrator Batchelder stated that the Commission should consider updating its Action Plan as well. The Commission was of the consensus to tour the new FAA tower on Wednesday, April 22 beginning at 4:30 p.m. It was noted that those interested would meet directly at the tower. Administrator Batchelder stated that he would be in attendance. Administrator Batchelder stated that the Commission had requested that St. Thomas Academy test Roger's Lake for possible airplane emissions (benzene and formaldehyde). He informed the Commission that the St. Thomas students can test the lake for formaldehyde only. He stated that benzene is an air pollutant and that it would be very expensive as well as difficult to test for this toxin in the water. Batchelder stated that St. Thomas had indicated that they will have information available in time for the City Council's May 21, 1998 regular meeting. DISCUSSION OF DRAFT NDCARC COLLABORATIVE ISSUES Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that the NDCARC adopted the List of Collaborative Issues at their March 19, 1998 meeting. He informed the Commission that none of the issues were unanimous and that each City had a list of their top priority topics to discuss. Batchelder stated that this document will be considered a working document with the NDCARC and that he would inform the Council of the Committee's issues. Commissioner May moved to recommend that the City Council adopt the suggest list of NDCARC Collaborative Issues. Commissioner Leuman seconded the motion. AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION - APRIL 8, 9998 MINUTES 4 AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 Mr. Pruitt, Mendota Heights resident, left at 8:10 p.m. UPDATES: LETTER TO MASAC ON MONITORING NON -SIMULTANEOUS DEPARTURES Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that the MASAC Operations Committee would be discussing this issue at their April 17, 1998 meeting. He stated that he is unclear as to how the non -simultaneous departures will be monitored since the operations are in this mode at different times on a daily basis. He stated that it would be interesting to find out how they classify head-to-head operations. Commissioner Leuman noted that on Saturday, during the day, head-to-head operations were being flown. He stated that this is not a very busy time and that these sort of operations should not be occurring. Chair Beaty stated that he really notices the 5:00 a.m. departures. NOTICE OF CORRECTIONS - AVIATION GUIDE PLAN Administrator Batchelder informed the Commission that the Mayor, Councilmember Krebsbach and himself along with other City staff members met with Met Council representatives regarding the Met Council's Aviation Guide Plan. He informed the Commission that he believes the City did an excellent job in communicating to the Met Council representatives the City's displeasure with the change in the guide plan. He noted that they discussed, at length, the inequitable distribution of air noise and how Mendota Heights is severely impacted by the air noise. He informed the Commission that they also discussed how they feel the City of Eagan should not be allowed to interfere with Mendota Heights' concerns with its comprehensive plan amendment process. Batchelder stated that as a result of their meeting, Mr. Chauncey Case, Met Council Transportation Planner, sent a letter informing the City of a correction to the Aviation Development Guide. Batchelder noted that the changes involve the two land use categories: Multiplex/Apartment with Shared Entrance and Cultural, Entertainment, Recreational (Indoor). Batchelder stated that while this change clarifies the City's concerns, it does not help the Hoffmann Homes request. AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION - APRIL 8, 1998 MINUTES 5 Batchelder stated that he believes the meeting was an eye opening experience for the Met Council and that the City is waiting for a formal response from the Met Council. FAA - FINAL POLICY ON PART 150 LAND USE COMPATIBILITY The Commission acknowledged receipt of information from the FAA regarding its Final Policy on Part 150 Approval of Noise Mitigation Measures: Effect on the Use of Federal Grants for Noise Mitigation Projects. The Commission noted that as of October 1, 1998, the FAA will not approve remedial noise mitigation measures for new non -compatible development that occurs in the vicinity of airports after the effective date of the final policy. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF VARIOUS REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Airport Noise Reports for February 27, 1998 and March 13, 1998. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Agenda for March 31, 1998 and March 2, 1998 Minutes. The Commission noted that the City of Eagan has sent a letter to Representative Oberstar requesting him to lean on the FAA, (Washington), to sign the memorandum of Agreement that would allow the local FAA tower and the MAC systems to be compatible. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Abbreviated Technical Advisor's Report for February, 1998. Batchelder informed the Commission that it has been requested that Mr. Fuhrman generate an activity log which would allow everyone to be made aware of specific requests made by other cities. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the NDCARC Agenda for March 19, 1998. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Airport Fact Sheet 106 - MASAC. Commissioner Stein submitted Advisory Circulars which include information on new airport designs, etc. It was noted that the City can order information AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION - APRIL 8, 1998 MINUTES 6 from the FAA. Mf�.- k k M � There being no further business, the Airport Relations Commission moved to adjourn its meeting at 8:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kimberlee K. Blaeser Senior Secretary AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION - APRIL 8, 9998 MINUTES 7