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2002-03-13 Airport Relations Commission MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES March 13, 2002 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, March 13, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The following Commissioners were present: Scott Beaty, Liz Petschel, Gregg Fitzer, Joseph Leuman, Vern Edstrom, and Ellsworth Stein. Staff present: City Administrator Carrie Lindberg and Recorder Bonita Sullivan. Ms. Sullivan took the minutes. Not Present: Commissioner John Roszak. Approval of Minutes Approval of February 13, 2002 Minutes. Commissioner Petschel stated that she had a correction to the minutes. She referenced page one stating that it was the 727's that were gas - guzzlers and DC9's were better because of the smaller passenger load. A motion was made by Commissioner Leuman, seconded by Commissioner Stein, to approve the minutes as corrected. Vote 6 Ayes, 0 Nays. Unfinished/New Business A. MAC/MnDOT Issue City Administrator Lindberg reviewed the results of the MAC /MnDOT meeting stating that she attended a two and half hour discussion regarding the Tim Wilkins bill adding that it never made it out of Committee. She explained the decision making process to the Commission. There was a general discussion amongst the Commissioners regarding the legislative process. City Administrator Lindberg stated that the MAC/MnDOT is out. Chair Beaty noted that Northwest Airlines was not for it yet MAC/MnDOT was and asked why. City Administrator Lindberg explained that Northwest Airlines was not happy with the way they were being treated by the Metropolitan Airport Commission adding that Commission Meeting — March 13, 2002 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission because they are a central hub they want more control. She reviewed Mr. Hamel's statements with the Commission stating that he was very persuasive. Commissioner Petschel stated it goes back to the noise abatement issues adding that there are those constituents that have made the 60/65 a priority. Chair Beaty asked if City Administrator Lindberg could tell how they were leaning. City Administrator Lindberg explained the process stating she was not very familiar with the players. Chair Beaty explained that Doug Johnson is the Senate author from Ely, Minnesota and Tim Wilkins is the House author. Commissioner Leuman stated that he doesn't understand how placing the Metropolitan Airport Commission under MnDOT would give more power. Commissioner Petschel clarified that they want more input on MAC priorities. City Administrator Lindberg stated that she spoke with Guy Heide and that he is going to call Tim Wilkins with their issues. She stated that Mr. Heide did call Don Gimberland regarding the data practices issues and that he and Wes Skoglund testified in front of the FAA regarding the MAC/Rogers Lake East issues. She stated that he would be at the next meeting and give the same presentation. She explained that now, since they spoke with the FAA, the Metropolitan Airport Commission will not speak with them, as it has become a FAA investigation. She stated that the Rogers Lake East issues were discussed. She stated that Mr. Heide did not know about these bills so she updated him and told him they had died in committee. City Administrator Lindberg stated that for the next meeting she would get copies of what passed and did not pass in the legislation for the Metropolitan Airport Commission. B. Airport Noise Plan of Action Chair Beaty provided an update to the group stating that the video is now complete and suggested that the group revisit and deteunine their priorities and goals. City Administrator Lindberg asked if they had any further comments about the video. She stated that the Mayor has taken copies of the video and that they have received several really great comments. Chair Beaty stated that he had received a call from someone at KSTP noting he clarified his committee involvement regarding the video. Commissioner Petschel stated she would like to see it shown more often. City Administrator Lindberg stated she could call NDC /TV and ask that they schedule more playtimes for the video. Commission Meeting — March 13, 2002 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Commissioner Edstrom stated that there was a flyer showing the schedule as Tues. /Thurs. /Sat with several different timeframes for viewing and asked if they are following that schedule. City Administrator Lindberg confirmed that this was the schedule stating that it was her understanding that they were following it. Commissioner Edstrom stated that he did try to view at one of the scheduled times noting that it was not played. He suggested placing an announcement in the Sun News with the schedule. Chair Beaty agreed stating that it should have been included in the Heights Highlights. City Administrator Lindberg stated that they can include it for the May issue. Commissioner Petschel stated that there is an entire pocket of people that do not receive the Sun News on a regular basis adding that we always assume everyone gets it and sees the information when in reality they don't. City Administrator Lindberg referenced a meeting regarding the power lines noting the attendance was unbelievable. She discussed the number of neighborhood groups and residents in attendance that was not aware of the issues. Commissioner Petschel stated that she is aware of a group that were going out, door to door, working the areas and getting signatures. She stated that this group was a very good example of what can be accomplished at a grassroots level. She stated that the signatures were coming from areas not directly affected by the powerlines. Chair Beaty noted that this Commission should be involved stating that they can recommend things that others may not be able to suggest. He referenced the Augustus Shore issue stating that they never made a formal recommendation to the Council and now there are problems. City Administrator Lindberg agreed and referenced several examples. She stated that Jeff Hamel addressed the Council urging commercial use in the area versus residential housing. Chair Beaty agreed stating that he is right not having residential development in the area. He stated that after listening to Mr. Hamel it is apparent that the airport management has intention of changing things at the airport. He stated that this was what made him consider re- establishing the Commission goals and priorities noting that they need some type of body to assist in governing this group. He stated that there is a need for a political force to assist in the decision process. He stated that this Commission might not be able to stop these individuals but they could make some effort in trying to determine a way to stop or they will continue to increase the addition of sites like Augustus Shores. He further stated that to continue placing residential in this area would be unjust to the individuals being placed in this area, as they have no intention of changing the flight plans. City Administrator Lindberg asked if they wanted to make statements regarding zoning and land issues affected by air noise. She explained that it is a very highly political issue. Commission Meeting— March 13, 2002 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Chair Beaty stated that he would like to see the City Council come to this group for some form of recommendation. Commissioner Petschel stated that on issues such as this that this group should have just as much input as the Planning Commission. City Administrator Lindberg suggested that the Commission make a recommendation as a group instead of waiting for the Council to come to them. She asked if everyone feels that the area should be commercial instead of residential. She explained that the City plans to place high density residential on this site and that they would not be eligible for sound mitigation because it is new construction like Augustus Shores. She stated that Jeff Hamel claims he has gotten calls from a Resident in Augustus Shores complaining about the noise. Commissioner Petschel stated that everything handed out in their packets is stating that the noise complaints are down. Commissioner Petschel asked if the houses were built with the right specifications. Commissioner Edstrom confiinted that they were. Chair Beaty stated that the people living in this area would experience much higher noise levels. City Administrator Lindberg confirmed that the noise levels would be at 95 to 100 decibels because it is straight on. Commissioner Petschel asked what the trade off would be, from a tax base issue, if they collect corporate tax as opposed to residential. City Administrator Lindberg stated that one of the reasons they did not want the American Lung Association in that area is because there was no tax revenue as it is a non profit organization. She stated that the comparison between residential and commercial is question to put to Larry. Commissioner Edstrom stated that usually there are incentives offered to get commercial into the area. City Administrator Lindberg referenced Tollefson stating that it would be a perfect site for corporate development noting the lack of desirability for residential due to the airport noise. She stated that Council has stated this is the gateway to the community as it has the best views in the City. She stated that Council wants the best for this area, something classy. Chair Beaty agreed that it is a great location and would be perfect for a corporate office location. Commissioner Edstrom stated that he would like to identify the area and listen for the air noise before putting together a recommendation. He stated that they raise a good point in that they tend to get caught up in the location without thinking of the noise levels. Chair Beaty stated that they might not have planes taking off directly over the area but they would experience the backwash noise from the takeoff. City Administrator Lindberg provided the Commission with a map to review the location in discussion. ■ Commission Meeting — March 13, 2002 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Chair Beaty stated that the Commission could make a statement that they do not want residential in the 60/65 areas. City Administrator Lindberg noted that the only other major development coming into the area is the Super block development. She reviewed the relocation of the barns with the Commission. She stated that it is coming before the Council again noting that there are easement issues to be discussed. Commissioner Fitzer joined the meeting at 7:50 p.m. City Administrator Lindberg stated that she could draw up a statement for the Commission that would address their recommendation for no development in the 60/65 area and also address the Garcon Site issues at the same time. She stated that she could have it ready for review at the next meeting. Commissioner Petschel asked if there is any concern regarding Native American interests or concerns with anything that might be found when construction begins. City Administrator Lindberg explained that the Native American organization would like to place a memorial adding that they presently do not have funds available. She stated that this is a very historical site. Chair Beaty asked if there would be anything happening in the next month. City Administrator Lindberg stated no and reviewed the process that needs to happen adding that they would be meeting again, before the Planning Commission, as they have missed the March deadline. She stated that this would give them time to review and put together a statement. Chair Beaty recommended that they become more involved in the land use issues. He suggested reviewing what they want as priorities and rate them high, medium and low. He suggested sorting out the priorities tonight and discuss the goals and objectives at the next meeting. Chair Beaty suggested placing land use issues as a high priority. He referenced Part 150 noting that Rogers Lake East Issues would be in the forefront for the next year. City Administrator Lindberg asked if Rogers Lake East should be high priority. Chair Beaty stated yes. City Administrator Lindberg asked if Part 150 should be moved to the "to be monitored ". The Commission agreed by consensus. Chair Beaty clarified the news regarding Part 150 stating that it is not dead in the water. He explained that it could not be passed with the number of amendments that were included. The Commission reviewed their issues and priorities list and restructured the assignment of priorities for each issue. Commission Meeting — March 13, 2002 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Commissioner Petschel stated that the high priority items would be monitoring and completion of the 1735 construction and the subsequent impact on this community. City Administrator Lindberg stated that she could revise number three to include this issue. Chair Beaty suggested including any construction in the area as a priority for monitoring. Commissioner Leuman asked if the Third Parallel Runway contract was signed. Chair Beaty stated that it has not happened. Commissioner Petschel asked if the contracts are valid because the person they made the contract with no longer exists. City Administrator Lindberg asked if the want this under high priority. Commission agreed that it should be. City Administrator Lindberg reviewed the high priority issues with the Commission noting the land issues in Mendota Heights, Rogers Lake East, Hush Kits, expansion of existing airport, 1735 and other construction and the Parallel Runway Contract. Chair Beaty stated that he would like to add that the Commission pushes for a body like MASAC to happen. Commission agreed to include this on the high priority. City Administrator Lindberg provided the Commission with a copy of the Heights Highlites that included an article update on the MASAC/Noise Oversite Committee. Chair Beaty stated that this should be made a high priority. Commissioner Petschel stated that it is really too bad that organizations like themselves don't come together similar to a Watershed type meeting. She stated that if they are divided like this they do not have as much power and suggested trying to find a way to meet as an entire group. She suggested including the South Minneapolis and suburban area. Chair Beaty expressed concerns about the lack of information and suggested trying to determine how they can receive more information and updates to stay current on the issues. City Administrator Lindberg referenced the low frequency noise issue and asked if the Commission would like this included in their list of priorities. Commissioner Fitzer stated that he is curious as to whether they are subjected to the low frequency noise. He stated that he is not sure what they consider low frequency and would be interested in learning more. City Administrator Lindberg referenced GPS noting it is a medium priority. Chair Beaty suggested keeping it as a medium priority as it fits with the corridor flight pattern definitions. Chair Beaty asked if they had addressed the equity of the runway system stating that this should always remain as a high priority issue as it was included in the Part 150. He stated Commission Meeting —March 13, 2002 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission that it should be separated and kept high priority. He further stated that the night flight schedule should also remain a high priority issue and that noise abatement departure profiles are issues to be monitored. He stated that many of the items would fall under the Rogers Lake East Neighborhood. City Administrator Lindberg asked where they would want the corridor definitions included. Commissioner Edstrom referenced the Rogers Lake issue stating that in the meetings the discussions were around determining involvement and asked, as the ARC, should they have a documented procedure that can be used when a Resident comes to the Commission with a request. He stated that a documented procedure would assist them in determining how they would or could proceed. Commissioner Petschel stated that she would like input from Commissioner Roszak regarding the legal issues. She stated that she would not be comfortable without his legal input. Chair Beaty agreed that this should be included as one of their priorities. City Administrator Lindberg asked for the Commission for a decision on the corridor definition issues. Commissioner Petschel suggested leaving it as a high priority issue and when reviewing pull all the items together. Chair Beaty noted that there are several references throughout document and agreed that they should pull them all together under one item City Administrator Lindberg moved on to the medium priority list and reviewed with the Commission. Commissioner Stein suggested monitoring the Australian DNL fotinula. The Commission agreed, by consensus to add this item to the issues to be monitored. Commissioner Leuman asked who their MAC representative was. Commissioner Petschel stated that it was Bert Mathesy City Administrator Lindberg reviewed the items included on the `to be monitored' with the Commission. Chair Beaty suggested a letter to the Metropolitan Airport Commission asking for an update on the Simultaneous Department Procedures Analysis. Commissioner Fitzer suggested asking for a comparison. City Administrator Lindberg stated that she would draft a letter regarding these issues. She stated she would contact Chair Beaty with any questions or clarification. Commissioner Edstrom stated that engine run -ups are what he hears more so than the takeoff and landings. Chair Beaty stated that they are not supposed to be doing runups after 10:00 p.m. Commissioner Edstrom stated enclosures or buffering is an issue and suggested including on the monitor list. Chair Beaty suggested keeping this included. Commission Meeting — March 13, 2002 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission City Administrator Lindberg asked for clarification of the Minneapolis Mitigation Comprehensive Plan. Chair Beaty explained the content of the plan and provided the Commission with a background history. Commissioner Petschel suggested including it as a review and implementation. City Administrator Lindberg stated that she would put together a list of the changes for their review before the next meeting. Chair Beaty asked if they would like to get into identifying the focus issues and noted the time. Commissioner Petschel stated that since they have identified their priorities they could review these items before the next meeting and come back together as a group to discuss their suggestions. Commissioner Edstrom clarified that the intent is to review the focus issues to determine what to keep, add or delete. Chair Beaty confirmed that the next meeting would be to on work on the focus issues. Commissioner Petschel stated that if the focus issues are done well that the plan itself will come together. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF VARIOUS REPORTS /CORRESPONDENCE The Commission briefly reviewed the following documents: Commissioner Edstrom stated that he found the letter from Guy Heide very interesting and acknowledged the FAA website update. He referenced the SMAAC newsletter. Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports /Correspondence: a. Letter from Michael A. Kosel, Guy Heide, and Duane Taylor, Rogers Lake East Airport Noise Reduction Committee, to Mr. Glen Orcutt, FAA Airports District Office, dated February 14, 2002. b. WHAT'S NEW at the MAC Aviation Noise and Satellite Programs. c. Draft January 2002 MASAC Eagan/Mendota Heights Departure Corridor Analysis. d. Draft January 2002 Technical Advisor's Report. e. Information from the Federal Aviation Administration website. f. SMAAC Newsletter Winter 2001 g. Eagan ARC Agenda for March 12, 2002. h. Airport Noise Reports. OTHER COMMENTS OR CONCERNS Commissioner Petschel asked if they have been following the news on the Canadian geese. She explained that they are stating there is no need for Federal approval to thin out Commission Meeting — March 13, 2002 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission the herd and that it sounds like they are planning on a goose hunt. She stated that is has been a news item on television due to the health issues. Chair Beaty agreed stating that in the fall the City becomes a wildlife refuge for all the geese as they are flying south. City Administrator Lindberg provided an update of the preliminary PUD for the Town Center to the Commission. She provided an update of the hockey rink to the Commission stating that it would be presented at the first City Council meeting in April. She stated that it would be located on the St. Thomas Academy Campus. She explained that they are trying to get organized and pull the proposal together to present to the Board. She explained that the location is a big issue in trying to determine whether it should be located on public or private property. Chair Beaty asked if the idea of St. Thomas Academy donating the land to the City has been discussed. City Administrator Lindberg clarified that it would be donated to the City for 99 years. Commissioner Petschel added that St. Thomas would own 65% and the City would own 35 %. She stated that there are several issues that would need to be discussed further and reviewed the issues with the Commission. City Administrator Lindberg provided the Commission with an overview of the development proposal and site map for the Town Center. ADJOURNMENT Chair Beaty motioned and the Commission seconded by consensus, to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.