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05-13-1998 ARC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MAY 13, 1998 - MINUTES The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, May 11, 1998 in the City Hall Large Conference Room, 1 10 1 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were present Beaty, Leuman, Stein, Roszak and Fitzer. Commissioners May and Des Roches were excused. Also present were City Administrator Kevin Batchelder and Senior Secretary Kim Blaeser. DISCUSSION OF MONITORING NON -SIMULTANEOUS DEPARTURES Administrator Batchelder explained that the MASAC Operations Committee has discussed the City's request to monitor non -simultaneous departure procedures. He stated that at a recent MAC meeting, MAC staff presented a Scope of Analysis: Crossing in the Corridor as their proposed methodology for fulfilling the City's request. Batchelder informed the Commission that Ms. Cindy Greene, FAA, has stated that the FAA will not provide MAC the information necessary to detail controller time periods, as requested in Section 1.2 of the Scope of Analysis: Crossing in the Corridor. Batchelder stated that Ms. Greene has indicated that there are too many variable factors the controller has to weigh in making a decision to release a departure. He stated that Ms. Greene is concerned that the flight track data and ANOMS will show departure headings inconsistent with non -simultaneous departures without the explanation of why the controller made this decision. He stated that the FAA has indicated that they are not willing to devote a lot of time and resources to providing these explanations on every flight during non -simultaneous periods and does not want their controller's decisions to be micro managed. Batchelder stated that the MAC will move forward with the study on the basis that there is only one controller in the tower between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and during time periods on the weekends. The Commission discussed head to head operations and how often these operations occur negating the opportunity to use non -simultaneous AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 13, 1998 1 departures. They discussed the use of Runway 4-22 during these operations. Chair Beaty stated that during head to head operations the air noise is not equitably distributed and that Runway 4-22 should be used to help relieve the constant air noise. Batchelder discussed the Runway Use System and stated that head-to-head operations are in place to help give the City of Minneapolis some relief. Chair Beaty stated that this is unfair. Beaty stated that air noise is significant during the day. Batchelder stated our request for information regarding non -simultaneous operations is during nighttime and weekend operations. Beaty stated that there are people home during the day and that the City should push for centerline headings not only during evening hours but also during daytime hours. Batchelder stated that during non -simultaneous periods, the FAA will follow the specific tower orders but that non -simultaneous periods only last for brief periods of time during weekdays and the FAA may not shift to one controller. He stated the FAA is claiming it is too difficult to log non -simultaneous periods during the weekday. He stated that the City's request is a practical one and that we should consider focusing our concerns during nighttime and weekend operations. Chair Beaty stated that he is home during the day and that the air traffic is bad. He stated that there is some relief when Runway 4-22 is being used. Commissioner Fitzer reminded the Commission that aircraft can drift and that they can be given a runway heading and that it can be changed once departure control assumes responsibility of the aircraft. Regarding runway headings, Fitzer suggested that maybe the tower is giving a heading that departure control is not aware of. Commissioner Leuman suggested that City staff confirm what role departure control plays at the airport. Batchelder informed the Commission that Bruce Wagoner is no longer tower chief and that Doug Powers, is the interim chief. Administrator Batchelder explained that it is time for the Commission to review its Plan of Action which was adopted last August. He stated that in past years, the Commission has reviewed this document in May, June and July and presented its report to the Council in August. The Commission briefly discussed the Comprehensive Plan amendment process and how important it is that the Aviation Chapter does not get too specialized. They discussed how specific action steps should not be included in the Comprehensive Plan because they might become obsolete in the near AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 13, 1998 2 future. Regarding priority issues, the Commission felt that the Equity of Current Runway Use System should be placed as their top priority and that MAC and MASAC Representation should be moved to second on the list. Chair Beaty inquired about the progress regarding the City of Inver Grove Heights suggestion to request a variance in runway separation. Batchelder stated that the Council reviewed the NDCARC Collaborative Issues and determined that the City of Mendota Heights should not play a significant role within the NDCARC. They suggested that the NDCARC consider meeting quarterly as opposed to monthly. He explained that the Council has taken a neutral position regarding Inver Grove Heights' suggestion. Batchelder stated that the Airport Commission should discuss the value of the coalition. Chair Beaty noted his displeasure with Council's position. He stated that he feels the Coalition is an important group and that it is unfortunate that the City Council has such a distrust with the Cities of Eagan and Inver Grove Heights. He stated that there is enough common interest to keep the Coalition to meet on a regular basis. He stated that there are several positive issues the Coalition has discussed and that they have stood united on several topics such as the Close In Departure procedures and MASAC restructuring. Commissioner Stein concurred with Chair Beaty. Chair Beaty stated that the Coalition should be revitalized. Batchelder stated that he will continue to attend the meetings and that the meetings do help educate Mendota Heights as to the issues other Cities face regarding the airport. Commissioner Roszak suggested that the Coalition generate a new set of ideas to pursue. Commissioner Leuman suggested that the Coalition continue pursuing the Runway Separation Issue. The Commission noted how the Coalition helped to make the MASAC run more efficiently. It was noted that the City is receiving improved agendas with cover memorandums. The Commission made the following changes to its Airport Plan of Action: Issue: Noise Reduction Through Modified Takeoff Procedures Goal: Implementation of Non -Simultaneous Takeoff Procedures Which Minimize Mendota Heights Air Noise Exposure Action Steps Who When AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 13, 1998 3 1 Request Copy of Tower Order that Staff July Implement's NSDP's 2. Monitor Compliance with Tower Order Staff/ARC Continuous 3. NSDPs - Request Compliance Staff/ARC Sept. The Commission noted that Action Steps 1-3 have been accomplished. It was noted that the City will be receiving a report regarding NSDP compliance. 4. Pursue Magnetic Shift Affect on Staff/ARC FAA is 105 Degree Heading on 11 L Implement. Administrator Batchelder stated that the MASAC has review of the Southeast Corridor scheduled as a goal during 1998. The Commission felt that this item should remain within the Action Plan. Issue: Noise Reduction Through Modified Takeoff Procedures Goal: Adoption of "Close -In" vs. "Distant" Takeoff Procedures to Reduce Noise Generation Over Mendota Heights Action Steps Who When 1 Seek Political Assistance from Staff/ARC August legislative leaders - Send Correspondence to MAC 2. MAC Planning and Environment reports Staff/ARC August recommendation to MAC. 3. MAC recommends to FAA procedure Staff/ARC To be implemented. Regarding No. 3, Administrator Batchelder stated that this did not go in favor of Mendota Heights. It was noted that the FAA did not implement the Close In procedure until March 1. It was noted that the review of NADP's is a part of the MASAC 1998 goals and that the MASAC Operations Committee will be discussing this item in September. The Commission felt that this item should remain a part of the Action Plan. Issue: Noise Reduction Through Modified Takeoff Procedures Goal: Adoption of Mandatory Nighttime Takeoff Regulations to AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 13, 1998 4 Reduce Noise Generation Over Mendota Heights Action Steps Who When 1 Inquire with FAA Control Tower about Staff August current head-to-head operations 2. Suggest using crosswind runway more ARC Fall 1997 frequently during head-to-head operations 3. Monitor MSP Mitigation Comprehensive ARC/Council 1997 Plan designated Stage III only from 10:30 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. and assist MAC in implementing voluntary agreements with airlines. The Commission discussed how the MAC is working with airlines, although runway construction is affecting the operations at MSP. Commissioner Fitzer stated that the construction should be cutting down the head-to-head operations. It was noted that the City is receiving air noise complaints from residents living in northern Mendota Heights. Issue: Noise Reduction Through Modified Takeoff Procedures Goal: Implementation of Narrowed Air Traffic Corridor which Minimizes Mendota Heights Air Noise Exposure Action Steps Who When 1 Advocate for maintenance of 5 mile final Staff/ARC Continuous arrivals and 3 mile corridor for departures 2. Pursue the benefit of updating tower orders Staff/ARC Fall 1997 to original intent before shift in magnetic headings. 3. Presentation for Commission on GPS by Staff Fall 1997 MAC or other expert (Mr. Harold Pierce) Issue: Heighten Awareness of Mendota Heights Air Noise Concerns Goal: Expand Distribution of Air Noise Related Information AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 13, 1998 5 Action Steps Who When 1 Continue to inform the community Staff/ARC Continuous on ARC projects and concerns using the City's newsletter and separate single page mailings. 2. Work with NDCARC on possible legislation Staff/ARC Continuous for MAC representation. 3. Mail letters and Heights Highlites to Staff Continuous State Senators and Representatives regarding ARC issues. 4. Invite guests to monthly ARC meetings Staff Continuous (i.e., Mr. Hamiel, Mr. Wagoner, State (Quarterly) elected officials) Regarding No. 4, the Commission felt that a stronger effort should be placed in inviting more guests to Commission meetings. 5. Expand coverage of air noise issues Staff/ 1997 by pursuing informational meetings with Council editorial staffs of major papers. Regarding No. 5, the Commission felt that this is still an excellent idea and that the City should take a more proactive role in informing the media of Mendota Heights concerns. 6. Continue to send press releases to newspapers, State Senators and Representatives. 7. Update and promote air noise mitigation document. Staff/ARC Annually Regarding No. 7, Administrator Batchelder stated that the Mitigation Needs Statement document needs to be updated. He suggested that the Commission consider discussing this issue at their June meeting. Issue: Heighten Awareness of Mendota Heights Air Noise Concerns Goal: Appointment of City Resident to the MAC AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 13, 1998 6 Action Steps Who When 1 Discuss concerns with State Senators ARC/ Dec. 97/ and Reps. Regarding composition of Council Jan. 98 MAC. Pursue legislation to amend MAC Commissioner appt. process. Regarding No. 1, Chair Beaty suggested that state officials be invited to attend Airport meetings bimonthly. He stated that a stronger lobbying efforts needs to be made by the City. 2. Discuss and compare cities affected by ARC 1998 air noise to MAC representatives 3. Review MASAC representation and ARC/Staff 1997/ MAC representation with NDCARC ... 1998 Propose new structure and representation on MASAC. Regarding No. 3, the Commission noted that the City has been very successful in getting MAC's attention. It was, noted that additional seats have been added for the Cities of Mendota Heights, Eagan and Minneapolis. The Commission discussed MAC representation and that it should not be statewide representation but metro wide, elected, representation. In response to a question from Chair Beaty, Administrator Batchelder stated that the AMM is the lobbyist for metropolitan communities and is currently reviewing this issue. Issue: MSP Long Term Comprehensive Plan Goal: Prevent Construction of Third Parallel Runway Action Steps Who When 1. Monitor MAC Compliance with Contract Staff/ARC Continuous 2. Research MAC Acquisition of Bureau of Staff 19987 Mines property and MAC interest in off airport properties in 3rd runway area. 3. Monitor EIS Process for N/S Runway Staff/ARC 1997/ 1998 AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 13, 1998. 7 Regarding No. 3, Administrator Batchelder stated that this past week, the City has received the EIS document. 4. Monitor EIS for 12,000 foot Runway Staff/ARC 1997 Issue: MSP Long Term Comprehensive Plan Goal: Implement Noise Mitigation Requirements in MSP Mitigation Committee's Comprehensive Plan Action Steps Who When 1 Implement MAC's MSP Mitigation Plan Staff/ARC 1997/ 1998 a. MASAC Action Plan for Implementation b. Joint Efforts with NDCARC C. Dakota County Assistance d. Legislative Assistance Regarding Letter a., Administrator Batchelder stated that this items is being addressed by the MASAC. Issue: Conversion to Stage III Quieter Aircraft Goal: Assure Conversion by Federal Deadline of Year 2000 Action Steps Who When 1 Work with MAC to assure 1996 Staff Completed legislation to convert to all Stage III aircraft by Year 2000 is implemented. 2. Consider backsliding of Stage III Conversion ARC Upon response of NWA 3. MASAC consideration of Stage III compliance The Commission noted that NWA is behind in converting their fleet to Stage Ill. Issue: Noise Reduction Through Litigation AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 13, 1998 8 Goal: Determine Feasibility of a Legal Challenge to Current Air Noise Distribution Action Steps Who When 1 Continue to be kept abreast of other Staff/ARC Continuous communities' issues and possible litigation process 2. Consider Freedom of Information Request Staff/ARC 1997 for EIS or FONSI's on increased operations 3. Consider legal challenge options if north/ Staff/ARC 1997/ south runway is delayed 1998 The Commission felt that this issue should remain within the Action Plan. Issue: Expand Eligibility for Part 150 Sound Insulation Program in Areas Affected by Air Noise Exposure Goal: Air Noise Mitigation Through Sound Insulation Action Steps 1 Continue to monitor changes in the Ldn contours and monitor the Part 150 Sound Insulation program completion process. 2. Examine the feasibility of purchase or acquisition through Part 150 for severely impacted areas Who When Staff/ARC On-going ARC/ 1998 Council 3. Ensure ANOMs data used for Noise Contour Staff/ARC 1998 generation for 2005 Part 150 DNL 60 Regarding No. 3, the Commission acknowledged that they are currently working on this step and that they will continue to discuss how more effective the ANOMs data can be reported and used by the City. AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 13, 1998 9 The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Airport Noise Report for April 24, 1998. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC agenda for April 28, 1998 and March 31, 1998 minutes. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Technical Advisor's Report for March 1998. It was noted that MSP Stage 3 Count for 1998 is 55.2 percent. Chair Beaty noted that there are more air noise complaints in March of 1998 than March of 1997. Administrator Batchelder noted that the full ANOMs report should be available by June. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Corridor Gate Penetration Analysis for March 1998. It was noted that four percent of the departures are penetrating the northern boundary of Mendota Heights. The Commission felt it necessary to keep an eye on the northern excursions. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Operations Committee Agenda/Minutes for April 17, 1998. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Appointments to Executive and Operations Committee. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Monthly Part 150 Status Report. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the MASAC Audit Summary. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Minnesota Military Expo and 934th Airlift Wing Fact Sheet. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the handouts presented to MASAC on DNL Contours. The Commission acknowledged receipt of the Eagan ARC Agenda for May 12, 1998. AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 13, 1998 10 There being nofurther business, the Airports Relation Commission moved to adjourn its meeting at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, KinnborlEfe K. BleeS8r AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES - MAY 13, 1998 11 C