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2003-03-12 Airport Relations Commission MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES March 12, 2003 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, March 12, 2003, at 7:00 p.m., in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. The following Commissioners were present: Scott Beaty, Vern Edstrom, Liz Petschel, Mike Povolny, John Roszak, and Ellsworth Stein. Staff present: Cari Lindberg, City Administrator, Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant; Jack Vitelli, Council Member and NOC Representative; and Bonita Sullivan, Recorder. Ms. Sullivan took the minutes. Not Present: Commissioner Gregg Fitzer and Sandra Krebsbach, Council Member and NOC Representative Chair Beaty introduced Mike Povolny as the newest member of ARC. Approval of Minutes Approval of the February 12, 2003 minutes. Commissioner Petschel stated that she had two items that she would like to further clarify for the record. She referenced page two, second paragraph, she asked that it be clarified that the statement should be 'Her belief that with their (Metzen & Pugh) support.' Commissioner Petschel referenced the second paragraph from the bottom should be clarified 'that they are serious management and government issues.' Commissioner Petschel referenced page 8, top paragraph and requested that "She" be replaced with "Commissioner Petschel" to further clarify who made the statement. A motion was made by Commissioner Roszak, seconded by Commissioner Stein to approve the minutes for February 12, 2003 as amended. Motion carried 5 -0. Unfinished/New Business A. Garron/Acacia Site Update City Administrator Lindberg stated that the Developer submitted draft proposal on February 19, 2003. She stated that they have hired Barr Engineering to review the draft EAW. She stated that Barr Engineering would let Council know if the information Ron Commission Meeting —March 12, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Clark submitted is adequate and complete. She reviewed the process with the Commission stating that if Council determines that it is incomplete it would be sent back to the developer for further revisions. She stated that if they fmd the information is complete it would be certified and published for a 30 -day review and comment period. She explained that once the comments are submitted, in writing, the City has to respond to each in like fashion and make the necessary decisions regarding significant environmental impacts. She stated that this would be on the City Council agenda for the first meeting in April. City Administrator Lindberg stated they are preparing for litigation noting that no matter how it ends up someone is not going to be happy. She stated that it would probably be the end of the summer before Council makes any determinations. Chair Beaty asked if the City had any idea of how the residents feel about this issue. City Administrator Lindberg explained that there has not been a lot of organized or single /individual public comment. Administrative Assistant Hollister stated that this is not an issue that an average resident would take interest in unless they are of Native American descent or live within close proximity of the area. He stated that he did receive a call of a historic nature. He explained that a neighbor who had originally lived in the area and since moved, called to express their feelings with regards to being forced to move from an area that is now being considered for residential zoning. Commissioner Povolny asked why it is not zoned commercial. Chair Beaty explained that when the City developed the Comprehensive Plan in 1998/99 timeframe the ARC was not asked for their input. He stated that the ARC did not realize what was happening and the City ended up guiding the area for high -end residential use and zoning it for commercial use. City Administrator Lindberg provided the Commission with a brief history of the project. She stated the new City Council has not had the opportunity to address the issue because the EAW was already in process before new Council became effective. Commissioner Petschel stated that due to the Native American concerns the EAW was bound to happen. She stated that each piece of the process has to happen in order for the City to move forward. Administrator Lindberg provided the Commission with an overview of the EAW process and costs. Chair Beaty asked if the Native Americans expressed concerns when American Lung was involved. City Administrator Lindberg stated that Bob Brown was present with each proposal. Administrative Assistant Hollister further clarified noting that they claim the area to be a historical burial ground. He stated that prior to this proposal they had never had legal representation or were as mobilized. Commissioner Edstrom stated that if the EAW process is completed and approved, under the guise of residential, would the EAW be valid for commercial development if they determine at a later time that the area is better suited for commercial zoning. City Commission Meeting — March 12, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Administrator Lindberg stated that she is not clear adding that it is her understanding that the EAW would be valid. Administrative Assistant Hollister further clarified stating that there are two pieces to the process. He explained that the EAW process is used to determine if there are any detrimental environmental effects of a project. He stated that even if the EAW comes back completed and approved, City Council could still turn the development down due to the zoning issues. Commissioner Petschel agreed stating that zoning and guidance are two completely separate issues. She stated that this has been an ongoing concern in this area. Commissioner Stein asked where the ARC would become involved in the process. City Administrator Lindberg stated that the ARC Commission could become involved in the process during the open comment period. She explained that the EAW includes a question regarding noise stating that the question is not about outside noise but rather noise generated from the project Commissioner Edstrom stated that the ARC Commission has already issued a joint statement, by motion, against any residential building on this site. Commissioner Roszak clarified that the record of statement and resolution had nothing to do with the EAW process. Commissioner Edstrom clarified that it was his understanding that the ARC has made their position formally as a Commission. Commissioner Roszak clarified that the ARC letter and resolution would not be a part of the official EAW record noting that someone would have to testify. City Administrator Lindberg agreed stating that if they want it to be part of the record a new letter would have to be sent requesting that it be incorporated into the record as part of the EAW. Administrative Assistant Hollister reviewed the letter and resolution with the Commission noting that as far as the planning file, Council does review this file completely. He stated that the ARC statement would be reviewed and that it is part of the record. City Administrator Lindberg agreed that it is part of the planning file adding that it would not be included as part of the official EAW process unless specifically requested. She further stated that the letter is in the file for the development application. Administrative Assistant Hollister confirmed that City Council has reviewed the document. Commissioner Povolny clarified his understanding of the project and agreed that it would make more sense to build commercial in this area. He stated that commercial would add revenue for the City. B. Rogers Lake East Neighborhood Update Chair Beaty asked if they have received any updates from the Rogers Lake East group. City Administrator Lindberg stated that she has not heard anything at this time. Commission Meeting — March 12, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission City Administrator Lindberg stated that the Council did send a letter of support. Chair Beaty and Commissioner Petschel acknowledged noting it was a great letter. Commissioner Petschel referenced a letter from William Earhart stating that he wants $30,000 before addressing any concerns, she asked for further clarification. Chair Beaty reviewed with the Commission stating that it was his understanding that it had something to do with the new runway and how it would affect Richfield residents or it was the low - frequency noise issue. Commissioner Petschel stated that the low frequency noise issue is what drove Richfield to redo its planning and reviewed the issue with the Commission. Chair Beaty asked City Administrator Lindberg to contact the group and provide Commission with an update. City Administrator Lindberg confirmed that she would contact and provide the Commission with an update. Council Member Vitelli stated that he recently received an update from Roy Fuhrman regarding the Part 150 Noise Assessment. He stated that Mr. Fuhrman explained that they are in the process of updating the Part 150 Noise Assessment. He referenced a fax that he received from Mr. Fuhrman announcing the new NWA Representative. He stated that Kathleen Nelson would replace John DeCosta as the Airport Chair and Airlines Committee. He explained that this position is responsible for appointing the five NOC positions. He stated that some positions are scheduled noting that the Chartered and Cargo Aircraft and the Pilot representative positions have not been filled. He stated that since Kathleen Nelson is new, this issue is probably not a high priority for her at this time. He stated that he would be getting her email address and provide it to City Administrator Lindberg. He stated that he would discuss the issues further with City Administrator Lindberg for further feedback and request that Council forward a memo to Ms. Nelson regarding this issue. Chair Beaty agreed and suggested getting other affected Cities involved. Council Member Vitelli referenced the Part 150 update stating that the MAC Commission is going to review the assumptions for the next update. He stated that the assumptions would be an agenda item at the next meeting of the Environmental Committee of MAC. He stated that they would be meeting on April 8, 2003 in the Commission Chambers with the intent to review the assumptions recommended by the consultants. He stated that it is possible that they could have a Preliminary Part 150 ready for approval. He suggested that the Commission review the assumptions prior to this meeting stating that this is a key meeting. He stated that if they do not have public input the results could cause serious issues. City Administrator Lindberg stated that she would contact Mr. Fuhrman for further information on the meeting and email everyone with the information. C. Appointment of ARC Chair and Vice Chair Chair Beaty stated that they have not had an election for the Chair position in a long time. He suggested that the Commission nominate the Chair and Vice Chair for 2003. Commission Meeting — March 12, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission A motion was made by Commissioner Roszak, seconded by Commissioner Petschel to nominate and appoint Scott Beaty as ARC Commission Chair for 2003. Motion Carried 6 -0. A motion was made by Commissioner Roszak, seconded by Commissioner Petschel to nominate and appoint Ellsworth Stein as ARC Commission Vice Chair for 2003. Motion Carried 6 -0. D. Airport Noise Plan of Action The Commission held a general discussion regarding the Airport Noise Plan of Action that included refinement and updates to the Segment for 'Other Issues to be Monitored'. The Commission agreed, by consensus to the following action items: ® Issue 1 - Commissioner Edstrom requested follow -up and clarification to the Magnetic Ground Tracking issue raised by Commissioner Fitzer. He asked if they had received an update from Cindy Green. Chair Beaty suggested sending a follow -up letter to Cindy Green requesting a status on the Magnetic Ground Track issues discussed at the January 2003 meeting. City Administrator Lindberg stated that she would follow -up with Ms. Green and provide an update to the Commission. ® Issue 1 - Commissioner Edstrom suggested making a new issue 4 — Monitor the aircraft capability and progress in aircraft departures utilizing magnetic tracks vs magnetic headings. Commissioner Petschel suggested including it under Issue 1 versus creating a new one. Commission agreed to include under Issue 1. • Issue 1 - City Administrator Lindberg suggested a reminder letter to Mr. Leqve regarding the Quarterly Updates. ® Commissioner Petschel suggested including NOC Representation under Issue 2. ® Issue 2 - Engine run -up and ground -up noise - Commissioner Edstrom asked if there is a schedule for run -ups. Commissioner Petschel suggested that they investigate the schedule for engine testing. City Administrator Lindberg stated that she would send a letter requesting the schedule for engine testing and ground run -up procedures. ® Issue 2 - Chair Beaty stated that he would be interested in learning more about how Australia measures their noise and how it compares to the U. S. system. ® Issue 4 — Part 150 Study — City Administrator Lindberg suggested including attendance at the MAC meetings on the Part 150 Assumptions — City Commission Meeting — March 12, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Administrator Lindberg stated that she would notify the Commission of the date, time and location of the meeting. • Issue 5 - Commission decided to delete the MSP Mitigation Committee Comprehensive Plan from the Action Plan. • Commissioner Petschel suggested that they request publication of the various Commission openings. She stated that communications did not go out in the Highlights or the local newspaper. The Commission held a general discussion regarding the light rail construction and location of the light rail station at the airport. Chair Beaty suggested reviewing all items and be prepared to discuss at the next meeting. Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports /Correspondence: Commissioner Petschel referenced the Airport Noise Report dated February 7, 2003 stating that it discussed a similar situation in the Las Vegas area. She reviewed the article with the Commission. Commissioner Petschel referenced the Technical Advisor Report, page 6, and reviewed the number of 727's that were still operating. Commissioner Edstrom stated that NWA flew the last 727 in January 2003. Commissioner Petschel reviewed the complaint section with the Commission. The Commission briefly reviewed the following documents: a. "Petition for Investigation" letter and attachments from Rogers Lake East Airport Noise Reduction Committee to Commissioner Bert McKasy. b. Letter from Rogers Lake East Airport Noise Reduction Committee to Chair Vicki Grunseth, Metropolitan Airports Commission, dated February 20, 2003. c. Letter from mayor John Huber, City of Mendota Heights, to Chair Vicki Grunseth, Metropolitan Airports Commission, dated February 20, 2003. d. January 2003 Eagan/Mendota Heights Departure Corridor Analysis. e. January 2003 Technical Advisor's Report (Draft). f. Operations Comparison: January 2002 vs January 2003. g. What's New at the MAC Aviation Noise and Satellite Programs. h. N.O.I.S.E Updates. i. Airport Noise Reports Commission Meeting — March 12, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission OTHER COMMENTS OR CONCERNS City Administrator Lindberg stated that Commissioner Povolny is now included on the flyer. Commissioner Petschel stated that as long as NWA is in suit with the MAC there would not be any appointments made to NOC. She noted that as the operating budgets get tighter the new runway has been pushed out to November 2005. City Administrator Lindberg suggested inviting Kathleen Nelson to come speak to the group. Commissioner Roszak agreed and suggested Ms. Spears, a previous member of MAC, to come speak. City Administrator Lindberg stated that she would coordinate for the April meeting. Commissioner Povolny mentioned the removal of the trees and berm area on Highway 110 near the Mendota Bridge. He stated that it was removed when they did the 110/55 bridgework noting that since the removal the noise levels have increased considerably. He asked if this was being addressed at any level. Administrative Assistant Hollister reviewed the new security measures at the airport stating that it involves a more thorough search of vehicles as they are entering the airport. The Commission had a brief discussion on this issue. He stated that one of the latest airport security concerns also includes the possibility of handheld rocket launchers being shot from ground. The Commission agreed, by consensus, to adjourn the meeting at 8:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.