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2004-02-11 Airport Relations Commission MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES February 11, 2004 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, February 11, 2004, at 7:10 p.m., in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. The following Commissioners were present: Scott Beaty, Liz Petschel, Mike Povolny, John Roszak and Ellsworth Stein. Staff present: Jim Danielson, City Administrator; Jack Vitelli, Council Member and NOC Representative; Sandra Krebsbach, Council Member and NOC Representative; and Bonita Sullivan, Recorder. Ms. Sullivan took the minutes. Not Present: Commissioners Vern Edstrom and Gregg Fitzer. Approval of Minutes None Unfinished/New Business A. Chad Leqve Presentation Council Member Vitelli introduced Mr. Leqve stating that after last month's meeting with ARC he decided to meet with Mr. Leqve to discuss some of the issues and concerns that have been raised by the ARC. He explained that he suggested that Mr. Leqve attend tonight to review the new contour maps and clarify any issues or concerns the Commissioners might have. He further explained that Mr. Leqve would like to understand their feelings and frustrations with respect to the MAC and urged the Commission to be open and honest with Mr. Leqve. He stated that it is important for all parties to work to a mutual point of trust in order to address issues and concerns in a positive and construction manner. He stated that Mr. Leqve would also provide the Commission with an update on the Part 150. Chair Beaty indicated that Mr. Leqve has been in the business already for a number of years and is quite aware of their concerns and the discontent in various Cities. Mr. Leqve agreed stating that he prides himself on developing a good relationship with the communities surrounding the airport. He explained that it is his job to help and assist communities with airport issues. He stated that he was taken a bit aback by the conversation he recently had with Council Member Vitelli and asked to the Commission to be honest and provide him with feedback. Commission Meeting February 11, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Commissioner Petschel clarified that Mr. Leqve is not this issue and that the ARC Commission has never had issue with Mr. Leqve. She noted that the Commission has been allowed to be very frank and honest in their discussions with Mr. Leqve adding that their issues are with respect to the Eagan Agreement and Tower Order Change. She stated that this was what began their distrust and noted that Mr. Leqve has no control over those issues. She explained that circumstances occurred that negatively impacted Mendota Heights where they had a runway system implemented without an environmental impact study and the MAC denied it. She stated that this has been their issue all along, never with Mr. Leqve. Mr. Leqve stated that he wants to make sure, throughout the process, that as many issues as is possible, are address. He encouraged the Commission to continue, as they move forward, to be open and honest in their communications. He expressed his appreciation for the open communication with the Commissioners and provided an overview of the runway use. Council Member Krebsbach asked Mr. Leqve if he felt his personal integrity was on the table. Mr. Leqve stated no that he did not feel his integrity was being questioned. Chair Beaty and Commissioner Petschel agreed stating that this is a business issue, not an issue with Mr. Leqve or his integrity. Council Member Vitelli clarified that he understood the issue was not with Mr. Leqve noting that there are still problems to be addressed. He suggested that the Commission work with Mr. Leqve to address these concerns to the MAC. Commissioner Povolny asked Mr. Leqve to clarify the north boundaries noting that the flights do not go south of the 12L. Mr. Leqve reviewed the runway operations with the Commission. He acknowledged the frustration and the move to get the north boundary traffic down. He explained that Mendota Heights would go from the mid- twenty percent range down to nine percent after the new runway opens. He noted that Mendota Heights would receive the biggest affect and decrease of all communities surrounding the airport. He asked the Commissioners what would be a reasonable way to move forward. He suggested an update of '07. Commissioner Petschel stated that she would like to request a Percentages Report. She stated that Augusta Shores is paying a lot of attention to this noting that the President of the Association had written a letter asking when the 17 -35 would be completed. Mr. Leqve stated that the numbers have been updated and reviewed the 2002 Base Case Noise Contours with the Commission. He also provided an overview of the 2007 Unmitigated Noise Contours, the 2007 Mitigated Noise Contours, the 2007 Mitigated Noise Contours as compared to 2005 Mitigated Noise Contours and the table including draft counts of units that would be added for the Commission. Commission Meeting February 11, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Council Member Krebsbach asked if these contour maps include the takeoffs over Highway 110. Mr. Leqve clarified that it does take into account all takeoffs around the airport and is consistent with the flight tracks in use. He explained that the DNL is an average annualized day, which takes the information from a year and averages it to a day activity. Commissioner Povolny expressed concerns and indicated that the fanning over Mendota Heights is not accurately reflected on the maps. Chair Beaty agreed stating that this is also his concern. Commissioner Petschel clarified that it does not address the 55 DNL and the only noise contours shown on the map is the 60 DNL. Mr. Leqve agreed indicating that historically they have not done anything with the 55 DNL. He explained that the flight track information on the map is based on the actual operations at the airport. Council Member Krebsbach clarified her understanding and asked if this is because they have so many flights in the area that the averaging pulls the flights into account. Mr. Leqve confirmed and further clarified the annualized averaging of the flights for the Commission. Commissioner Petschel indicated that during Ms. Green's meeting with the Commission she stated that the number of planes leaking out of the corridor had been increasing and that she would try to address the issue. She stated that the Commission should follow -up on their progress noting that the training and turnovers that the tower was experiencing should have settled down some. Mr. Leqve provided the Commission with an overview of the I &M Core Subtract Map noting the tracks that are used and incorporated into the view. He explained that the Federal Government provides funding for various projects and that the FAA has stated that there is a need for some form of measurement. Council Member Krebsbach asked if the FAA directs the flight trajectories and the hinging policies. Mr. Leqve confirmed that the FAA directs them. Mr. Leqve stated that where they are at now in the process is to try to build and develop inputs for the Integrated Noise Modules. He stated that they are built on actual raw flight data and reviewed with the Commission. Council Member Vitelli asked Mr. Leqve to clarify what it means for someone to be in the 60/65 DNL. Mr. Leqve explained that in the Integrated Noise Module each aircraft has a noise value assigned to it. He stated that the FAA developed a per aircraft requirement where every plane is required to be noise tested in order to determine the noise impact levels. He stated that this process allows them to develop a profile for each aircraft style that is based on the geometry of how the aircraft is flying. He noted that the Commission Meeting February 11, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission acronym DNL stands for Daytime/Nighttime Levels and reviewed the formula used to create the event values with the Commission. Commissioner Povolny stated the traffic going west bows out and asked why it does not do this over Mendota Heights. Mr. Leqve explained the north side is the 350/360 and south side is 260/270 and reviewed with the Commission. He noted that both are used quite heavily. Chair Beaty stated that what the Commission is trying to understand is why there are no spikes shown in their area that would reflect the fanning. Mr. Leqve reviewed the actual flight tracks with the Commission. He explained that the reason they see fanning to the northwest of airport is because these are extremely predominant headings that drive the lobes. He stated that they have developed the tracks along the north runway noting that the percentage of use is not that great. He further explained that they want the contours and flight tracks to be based on actual radar data, which dictates the input that develops the flight contours. Commissioner Petschel referenced the wheels up turn and asked if there is a special calculation used because of the topography and geometry of the track. Mr. Leqve confirmed and reviewed the calculation with the Commission. Chair Beaty referenced the I &M Model and asked if the MAC has considered any other models to use as examples. Mr. Leqve explained that if they were to try to develop a different model the program could suffer. He stated that if this were to be presented to the FAA as a part of the Part 150 it would not be considered. He suggested that the Commission work at a federal level and with government officials to help initiate a National/Federal Standardized Process. Chair Beaty expressed concerns stating that it seems like something is not right with the maps because they cannot actually see the spikes. Mr. Leqve stated that the model is accounting for the changes to the track and reviewed the formula with the Commission. Mr. Leqve suggested that the Commission work with their NOC Representative to encourage the MAC to update their contours and also encourage a review of the 2007 maps. Chair Beaty stated that this is the reason why the ARC has asked for a report that would allow them to track the runway use. Mr. Leqve referenced the Technical Advisory Reports and the Runway Use Reports noting that all of them are available for review on their website. He stated that they could put together a packet of the information the Commission would like to review. Council Member Krebsbach noted that if they compare 2002 and 2007 it does appear that Minneapolis /St. Paul and Eagan have the majority of the benefit and reviewed with the Commission Meeting February 11, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Commission. She noted that the same strength is in the north parallel with the same fanning and no change and that she does not see any pullback over Mendota. Mr. Leqve reviewed the benefits with the Commission noting that it would decrease the nighttime flights. He stated that the out layers are included on the 2007 maps adding that in comparison there are a number of differences between the two maps and reviewed with the Commission. Commissioner Roszak asked if there is a way to stop the leaking. Mr. Leqve acknowledged stating that the flight leaks are not at the same magnitude as Minneapolis /St. Paul or Eagan. Council Member Vitelli asked if it would be possible to reduce the number of quick left turns. Mr. Leqve stated that he could discuss these issues with the FAA and suggested monitoring the monthly reports. He suggested inviting Ms. Green to their meetings for periodic updates. Commissioner Petschel noted the referenced decreased to 9.3% and asked if it would be unrealistic to request a review of how quickly the night crossing could be implemented. Chair Beaty agreed and suggested utilizing two, well - trained controllers to manage the process. Mr. Leqve explained that FAA policy is that only one individual could control both runways using this pattern. He further explained that the procedure is too complicated to have more than one individual managing the flights. He indicated that in order to get an accurate review of the data they would need at least six months of data to assess how often the pattern is occurring. He stated that once runway operations begin they could then begin to collect the data need for the analysis. He urged the Commissioners to contact him any time they hear or know of an issue that falls outside of the standard. He stated that he would investigate any concerns brought to him. Commissioner Petschel noted the changes in fleet mix and asked if there were any plans to retire DC9's. Mr. Leqve stated that there would be fleet reductions in 2007 noting that there would also be an increased use of the DC9's. He reviewed the Northwest Airlines fleet reductions with the Commission. Mr. Leqve referenced the EDO (Estimate Daily Operations) stating that it takes into account the nuance of operations. He stated that in reviewing the reductions and the increases it does show a reduction in the daily operations. Commissioner Petschel referenced the major construction project for an airfreight center and asked if this project would have an impact on nighttime flights. Mr. Leqve explained that this would a freight facility and they do not anticipate a large impact on operations. Commission Meeting February 11, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Council Member Krebsbach asked if any of the freight traffic would be shifted to Rochester. She referenced the abatement in Eagan with the new runway and asked why Mendota Heights is not receiving abatement. Mr. Leqve stated that he is not familiar with the Rochester schedule and explained that Mendota Heights is not receiving any mitigation because all of the homes are located in the 60/64. Commissioner Petschel further clarified that they are not doing any abatements in the 60/64 area. Commissioner Roszak referenced the third slide noting the increase from 8.3% to 9.3% and asked what would trigger an environmental impact study. Mr. Leqve clarified that an increase of 1.5 DNL decibels would trigger an EIS and reviewed with the Commission. Commissioner Petschel asked what would happen if it ends up at 10 %. Mr. Leqve suggested putting their expectations in writing by developing an outline that would identify what their requirements would be to trigger a review. Commissioner Petschel agreed noting that this would be a good item to follow -up on in 2007 to see if they have followed what was projected. Council Member Vitelli urged the Commission to look ahead and asked them what would be gained by reviewing what has already happened. He asked what would change by reviewing historical information. Commissioner Petschel agreed that the Commission should continue to look ahead stating that reviewing the information has to do with honesty and good faith. She stated that the Commission wants to maintain good faith with the Community noting that this goes back to a history of trust and mistrust with respect to agreements made in the Part 150. Mr. Leqve reviewed the origin and concept of the runway use percentages with the Commission. He stated that when they took this base to evaluate use they had to ask if they are representing the capacity use stated. He noted that the runway use, to a slight degree, is somewhat dictated by aircraft type stating that the change to smaller aircraft provides more leeway. Commissioner Petschel suggested that the Commission continue to monitor the trends. She thanked Mr. Leqve for taking the time to meet with the Commission. Mr. Leqve thanked the Commission for their time and urged them to contact him with any questions or concerns. B. Council Member Sandra Krebsbach — Airport Zoning Ordinance Council Member Krebsbach provided the Commission with an overview of the Airport Zoning Ordinance stating that the ordinance has gone to the Metropolitan Airport Commission for review and consideration. She stated that if the ordinance is passed City Council would have to pass a vote to change their local ordinance to comply. She stated Commission Meeting February 11, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission that the zoning ordinance is about creating runway and safety zones in Minneapolis and Bloomington. She reviewed the airspace plates and horizontal zone with the Commission noting that it does not change over Mendota Heights, only Minneapolis and Bloomington. She indicated that they have asked to be allowed to develop a corner of the safety zone and reviewed with the Commission. She stated that everything, in terms of questions asked, is on record noting that there would be no changes to land units or land zoning. She indicated that the Acacia and Garron Sites are not included in the safety zones. She noted and reviewed the property losses in the Bloomington area stating that Minneapolis has been very vigilant in their tree permitting process and restrictions for certain heights. She stated that they have also been very active in identifying the grandfathered tree areas. She reviewed the safety zones with the Commission noting that they cannot congregate a large number of people in these areas. She stated that Mendota Heights is not impacted adding that they could have four story buildings inside the area and still be considerably under the height restrictions. She stated that a Public Hearing for the Airport Zoning Ordinance is scheduled for next Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at the Metropolitan Airport Commission headquarters. She urged the Commissioners to review the proposed ordinance, its' findings and conclusions. She asked the Commission for feedback stating that she is confident that Mendota Heights would not be adversely affected by the proposed ordinance. C. Introduction Packet Commissioner Petschel provided Chair Beaty with copies and files of information that could be considered for inclusion to the Introduction Packet. She stated that she was able to locate the original City Council ARC Scope and Agenda, the resolution incorporating the ARC and the original bylaws. She explained that the Commission should determine the content and sequence of content in the packet. She suggested that Staff create the table of content and maintain the contents of the packet for distribution. She suggested that they also consider creating an electronic copy for disbursement via email or by download from the City website. Chair Beaty asked Commissioner Petschel to pull the information together and organize it for future discussion. Commissioner Petschel stated that she would review the documents and organize the information for Commission review at the next ARC meeting. Commissioner Stein took the blue notebook covering the period from 1972 to 1992 to review for documents and information. Commissioner Roszak too the blue notebook covering the period from 1992 to the present to review for documents and information. Commission Meeting February 11, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission D. Third Parallel City Administrator Danielson stated that they received a copy of the Minneapolis agreement and provided a brief overview to the Commission. He stated that it appears to be basically the same and asked the Commission if they were in agreement to return the document. The Commission agreed by consensus that the document can be returned. E. NOC Issues Commissioner Petschel suggested that the Commission consider various projects that could involve Council Member Vitelli's assistance. She suggested implementation of crossing in the middle as a potential project. Chair Beaty agreed and suggested the fanning over Eagan. He stated that he would like to work out an agreement with respect to what the ARC wants to see from the NOC Representative. He stated that this would include an outline of responsibilities and expectations that would be presented to the City Council as a recommendation of expectations. Commissioner Povolny and Commissioner Roszak agreed and suggested including this as an agenda item. F. City Council Update City Administrator Danielson provided the Commission with a brief update of the following City Council activities: • Pilot Knob lawsuit - reviewed the progress with the Commission noting that the EIS Process does not stay the 60 -day rule. • Stated that the newsletter is coming out next week noting that Council Member Vitelli has submitted a NOC /Airport Noise article. He encouraged the Commissioners to consider an article for future issues of the newsletter. Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports /Correspondence: The Commission briefly reviewed the following documents: • Email and Memorandum from Chad Legve Regarding Noise Public Input Meeting — January 2004. • Letter from Metropolitan Airports Commission • MSP Noise News for December 2003 • Airport Noise Report, January 9, 2004 • Airport Noise Report, January 16, 2004 Commission Meeting February 11, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission • Airport Noise Report, January 23, 2004 • Airport Noise Report Annual Index - Summary • 2002 Base Case Noise Contours Map — Draft, from Chad Legve • 2007 Unmitigated Noise Contours Map — Draft, from Chad Legve • 2007 Mitigated Noise Contours Map — Draft, from Chad Legve • 2007 Mitigated Noise Contours Compared to 2005 Mitigated Noise Contours Map — Draft, from Chad Legve • Notice of Second Public Hearing and Comment Period on Amendments to the Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport Zoning Ordinance, from Sandra Krebsbach. OTHER COMMENTS OR CONCERNS Commissioner Roszak suggested meeting and talking with their Minneapolis /St. Paul counterparts. He also suggested that the Commission focus on pulling together information and move forward working with the Federal and State Legislatures on issues that affect Mendota Heights. City Administrator Danielson clarified documents that should be included in the Commission meeting packet. He noted that the next packet would include copies of the minutes, Anoms Reports and Technical Reports. Commissioner Petschel referenced the Ground Breaking ceremony and asked where Mendota Heights is on determining the retail. City Administrator Danielson stated that presently Caribou Coffee, Green Mill and a Specialty Grocery are being considered. Commissioner Petschel noted the power lines and expressed concerns regarding the height. She stated that she does not see any differences between the old and new poles. Agenda Items for the February 2004 Commission Meeting: • Introduction packet for new Commissioners and Residents. • Friel File Discussion. • Issues for NOC The Commission agreed, by consensus, to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.