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2003-05-14 Airport Relations Commission MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES May 14, 2003 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, May 14, 2003, at 7:05 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, Gregg Fitzer, Liz Petschel, Mike Polovny, and Ellsworth Stein. Staff present: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant; Jack Vitelli, Council Member and NOC Representative; and Bonita Sullivan, Recorder. Ms. Sullivan took the minutes. Not Present: Commissioner John Roszak and City Administrator, Cari Lindberg. Approval of Minutes Approval of the April 9, 2003 minutes. Chair Beaty reference page two stating that he would like to clarify paragraph three. He explained that he wanted to know if the Rogers Lake East Group had received any responses after their meeting with Mike Hatch. Commissioner Edstrom referenced page four regarding the letter from the ARC to Sandy Green. He noted that Ms. Green owes them a response and asked Administrative Assistant Hollister to follow up. A motion was made by Commissioner Edstrom, seconded by Commissioner Fitzer to approve the minutes for April 9, 2003 as amended. Motion carried 6 -0. Unfinished/New Business A. Jack Vitelli — NOC Update Council Member Vitelli provided the Commission with a memo he received from the MAC. He reviewed the memo stating that the MAC is trying to schedule the first meeting of the NOC. He reviewed the potential dates with the Commission stating that he would update them on the actual date of the meeting. He stated that the Airlines have designated a representative and the membership has been finalized. He stated that he does not have an agenda available adding that he would forward a copy to Administrative Assistant Hollister as soon as it becomes available. Commission Meeting — May 14, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Council Member Vitelli stated that a very important meeting is scheduled to review the assumptions. He explained that reviewing assumptions is the most critical piece when beginning a study. He stated that he would attend the meeting and provide the Commission with an update. He noted that he had discussed this meeting with Mr. Leqve and Mr. Fuhrman adding that he had explained to them that he wanted to know when this meeting would take place. Commissioner Petschel agreed that it is very important adding that would be very interested in an update after the meeting. Council Member Vitelli stated that he would provide this information to the Commission as soon as it is available. Council Member Vitelli referenced a memo he received from Scott Benson, Minneapolis City Council Member regarding the insulation program. He reviewed the memo with the Commission. Chair Beaty stated that it was his understanding that the MAC would be voting on this issue at their May 19, 2003 meeting. He stated that the Commission should be out there supporting the continuance of the insulation program. Council Member Vitelli agreed and suggested that the Commission review this issue. He stated that it might not be too late if they would like to present a resolution in support of the continuance of this program. He further stated that if the Commission feels that it is important for the City Council to pass a resolution to support that they should review the issues and make a recommendation. He suggested to Administrative Assistant Hollister that the resolution be included as an agenda item for the next City Council meeting. Commissioner Petschel expressed her agreement stating that the MAC is backing out on promises and commitments they have made to Residents. She stated that the MAC made two commitments that she believes should be honored, soundproofing and addressing the actual noise. She stated that the contours should reflect the original agreement. Commissioner Vitelli urged the Commission to consider a resolution and suggested that the Commission include this item on the agenda for discussion this evening. He acknowledged that the MAC meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 19th and Mendota Heights City Council is the next evening. He suggested that the Commission put together a resolution and forward to Administrative Assistant Hollister for review with the Mayor. He suggested notifying the MAC of their intent on Monday, prior to their meeting. Council Member Vitelli stated that he would forward information to Administrative Assistant Hollister, as he receives it, for the NOC meeting schedule and the assumptions for the Part 150 Update, for their review. B. Garron/Acacia Site Update Administrative Assistant Hollister stated that there has been no change. He stated that the EAW is still incomplete adding that there is no state mandated time limit for completion of the EAW. Commission Meeting— May 14, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission C. Rogers Lake East Neighborhood Update Administrative Assistant Hollister stated that Guy Heide would be on the ARC agenda for the June meeting. Chair Beaty stated he had received a letter from Mike Hatch and reviewed with the Commission. He stated that Mr. Hatch has forwarded a letter requesting an investigation. He stated that he does not recall the organization adding that he would review the letter and update the Commission. D. Metropolitan Airport Commission — Bert McKasy Chair Beaty stated that Commissioner McKasy was on the agenda for this evening adding that due to schedule conflicts he would be attending the June ARC meeting. He stated that the Commission put together a list of topics for discussion at the last ARC meeting and reviewed with the Commission. He asked the Commission if there were any further suggestions or additional topics. Commissioner Petschel stated that she would be interested in an update on the lawsuit. E. Airport Plan of Action Chair Beaty stated that the Airport Plan of Action is basically done. Administrative Assistant Hollister stated that all changes from the last meeting have been incorporated and reviewed the draft document with the Commission. Chair Beaty suggested removing the numbers that are not being used. He asked for suggestions and feedback from the Commission. Commissioner Petschel referenced the third page, noting the action item to participate in a joint workshop with the City Council regarding land and air noise. She stated that it was her understanding that this had been ruled out. Chair Beaty agreed. Commissioner Petschel acknowledged that this was something they did ask the Council for adding that a workshop would probably not happen. She suggested removing Item 4 from the Action Plan. Council Member Vitelli noted that when Governor Pawlenty was elected he appointed a new Metropolitan Council. He stated that there has been much discussion regarding the revision of the 2020 blueprint. He explained that later this year or early next year the Metropolitan Council would be making changes to the document. He further explained that the changes would be plan revisions recommended by all metro Cities. He stated that in all probability the changes would probably not begin to happen until 2008. Chair Beaty expressed concerns stating that the ARC should be involved in discussions regarding land use in Mendota Heights. He stated that there is not much good land left to develop adding that many of the sites left would have noise or water drainage issues. Commission Meeting — May 14, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Chair Beaty stated that he recently received a letter from the Augustus Shores Association expressing concerns regarding the delay of the new runway. He stated that the Association has asked for the support of the Commission and requested that ARC issue a letter in support of the timely completion of the runway. He asked Administrative Assistant Hollister to respond their request with a letter supporting timely completion of the runway and to explain that the Commission does not have any control over the project timeline. Commissioner Petschel suggested including a note that encourages them to also contact their local representatives and State Senator with their concerns. She suggested including contact names and addresses with their response. Chair Beaty asked Administrative Assistant Hollister to put together a response and forward for his review and approval. Commissioner Petschel noted that the Planning Commission and City Council meetings have recently been very lengthy. She suggested reviewing the Council and Planning Commission agendas to determine the best time to present the Airport Plan of Action. Administrative Assistant Hollister agreed stating that normally the agenda for the third Tuesday is usually relatively light. He suggested presenting in the June or July timeframe. A motion was made by Commissioner Petschel, seconded by Commissioner Fitzer, to Adopt the Airport Noise Plan of Action as Completed and Ready to Present to the City Council. Motion carried 6 -0. F. Resolution Discussion Chair Beaty expressed concerns stating that the MAC should definitely receive a letter, even if not in resolution format, from the Commission supporting continuation of the insulation program. He stated that MAC has a commitment and should be finishing the soundproofmg project. Administrative Assistant Hollister stated that if they want the MAC to receive something before their meeting on Monday, May 19th that they should review and make a recommendation now. He stated that he would meet with the Acting City Administrator and the Mayor to discuss the issues and their recommendation tomorrow, Thursday, May 15th. He suggested including the resolution as an agenda item for the City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 20th. He stated that if the Mayor is comfortable with issuing a letter of support, that he could fax a copy of the recommended resolution, with the letter, to the MAC, notifying them that the resolution is expected to be on the City Council Agenda, Tuesday, May 20, 2003. He stated that it would also state that City Council is expected to adopt the resolution. Chair Beaty agreed and asked the Commission to review the document for any changes. Commissioner Petschel suggested leaving the document basically unchanged except to change the city name to Mendota Heights. Administrative Assistant Hollister stated that he would put the document together and review with the Mayor and City Administrator. Commission Meeting — May 14, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Commissioner Edstrom referenced the dates in the second to last paragraph and clarified that the dates referenced are correct. Commissioner Petschel confirmed that the dates are correct. A motion by Commissioner Edstrom, seconded by Commissioner Petschel, to Request that City Council Adopt and Transmit a Resolution Supporting Continuance of the Insulation Program to the Metropolitan Airport Commission. Motion carried 6 -0. Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports /Correspondence: Commissioner Stein stated that he attended a MAC meeting on April 22, 2003 regarding the Part 150 Update. He stated that Mr. Heide and Wes Skoglund were also in attendance along with many residents. He reviewed the meeting with the Commission noting that they had a huge turnout. He stated that Senator Skoglund would be a good support on airport noise and land issues. He explained that Senator Skoglund presented at the meeting and did an excellent job stating the issues. Chair Beaty referenced the Airport news article from the Pioneer Press regarding the MAC rejecting the request for investigation. He encouraged the Commission to read the documents stating that there is a lot of very interesting and educational information included in their monthly meeting packets. Chair Beaty reviewed the fanning and capacity issues discussed during the 1980's and referenced the Les Case document. He reviewed the histories with the Commission. Commissioner Polovny asked what their reason is for not fanning south. Chair Beaty explained that there is an agreement between the various Cities that clarified areas where they could fly noting that it was possible that they did not realize how quickly the areas would development. Chair Beaty referenced a document prepared by D. Braslau stating that Mr. Braslau was hired by the Blue Ribbon Task Force to develop the recommendations. He explained that from these recommendations came the information that determined the size of the corridor and developed the crossing in the corridor procedure. Commissioner Petschel asked Commissioner Fitzer to review his impression of the industry post 9/11. Commissioner Fitzer stated that one of the biggest concerns is that, from a noise standpoint, they would see more airplanes, but smaller, stage three type airplanes. He explained that the smaller airplanes would give a lot more flexibility in addition, the reduction in operating costs would be considerably less. He stated that the airlines are moving away from the hub and spoke process and dealing more with direct flights. Commission Meeting — May 14, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Commissioner Stein asked if the airport cycle is improving. Commissioner Fitzer stated that NWA is still having struggles financially and reviewed with the Commission. He stated that US AIR, American and United are going to be going back to their employees and creditors for another round of concessions. Chair Beaty asked Administrative Assistant Hollister if they had received any ANOM information for this month. Administrative Assistant Hollister explained that nothing new had been posted to the website since their last ARC meeting. The Commission briefly reviewed the following documents: a. Letter from Guy Heide, RLEANRC to Representative Thomas Pugh, dated March 24, 2003. b. Letter from Guy Heide, RLEANRC, to FAA, dated March 30, 2003. c. Letter from Guy Heide, RLEANRC, to Carol Houle, MAC, dated April 23, 2003. d. MAC Planning and Environment Committee, April 9, 2003 Minutes. e. MAC Full Commission April 21, 2003 Minutes. f. MAC Planning and Environment Committee, May 7, 2003 Agenda. g. Pioneer Press Article: "Airport Board Rejects Noise Investigation," Tuesday, April 22, 2003. h. Letter from George Latimer, Mayor of St. Paul to Jeff Hamiel, Metropolitan Airports Commission, dated October 23, 1989. i. Eagan- Mendota Heights Corridor Document. j. Burnsville- Eagan- Mendota Heights Review of Mutual Interests in Airport Noise Abatement, dated April 23, 1985. k. Summary of Historical Changes Following Adoption of Eagan "Corridor" by D. Braslau and R. Collette, dated July 13, 1989. 1. What's New at the MAC Aviation Noise and Satellite Programs. m. Airport Noise Reports. n. Letter from the Metropolitan Airports Commission to Jack Vitelli, NOC Representative, dated May 13, 2003. o. Letter to Governor Pawlenty and ARC Chair Scott Beaty from Tom Kovarik, Augusta Shores Townhouse Association, dated April 28, 2003. p. Letter from Scott Benson, Minneapolis City Council, to Jack Vitelli, Mendota Heights City Council, dated April 29, 2003. q. Letter from Guy Heide, RLEANRC, to Mayor John Huber, dated May 12, 2003. OTHER COMMENTS OR CONCERNS Commissioner Stein asked if they could include copies of the Planning Commission meeting minutes in their monthly meeting packets. Administrative Assistant Hollister stated that he could provide them with copies of the minutes. Commission Meeting — May 14, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission The Commission agreed, by consensus, to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan Time Saver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.