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2004-04-14 Airport Relations Commission Minutes CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES April 14, 2004 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at 7:00 p.m., in the Large Conference Roomat City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. The following Commissioners were present: Scott Beaty, Gregg Fitzer, Vern Edstrom, Mike Povolny, and Ellsworth Stein. Staff present; Jim Danielson, City Administrator; John Huber, Mayor; Jack Vitelli, Council Member and NOC Representative; and Bonita Sullivan, Recorder. Ms. Sullivan took the minutes. Not Present:Commissioners Liz Petschel and John Roszak. Approval of Minutes A.March 10, 2004 Minutes Chair Beaty stated that there are no changes to the minutes. He noted that Ms. Sullivan did a great job on the minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Edstrom, second by Commissioner Fitzer, to approve the March 10, 2004 minutes as presented. Motion carried 5-0 Unfinished/New Business A.Discussion with Mayor John Huber Mayor Huber thanked the Commission for the opportunity to meet. He stated that this is a good opportunity to touch base and update the Commission on the recent City Council meeting. He stated that Guy Heide and Mike Kosel had recently contacted the City Administrator to request an opportunity to be placed on the agenda to present their concerns to the City Council. He explained that it was suggested that Mr. Heide and Mr. Kosel meet with the Airport Relations Commission first noting that the Council wants input from the ARC. He further explained that he would prefer to have issues like this routed through the Commission first to determine how and where it all fits prior to presenting to City Council. He noted that both Mr. Heide and Mr. Kosel are doing an unbelievable amount of work with respect to airport issues affecting their neighborhood and reviewed previous presentations made by Mr. Heide with the Commission. He stated that Mr. Heide appeared at a recent City Council meeting during the comments portion of the agenda and reviewed Mr. Heide’s presentation with the Commission. Commission Meeting April 14, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Chair Beaty clarified that the Airport Relations Commission is not necessarily the expert on matters relating to the airport.He explained that the members of the Commission have a combined knowledge with respect to airport issues. He stated that he recently received a letter from Mike Kosel requesting time on their agenda to discuss what happened during their meeting with Council Member Vitelli and Mr. Leqve’s letter. He explained that he spoke with Mr. Kosel regarding their request noting that Mr. Kosel had explained that they feel Council Member Vitelli should be replaced as the NOC Representative. He stated that he was clear that he does not want this to be a public issue noting that this is not appropriate. He stated that he reviewed the work the Commission has done on the NOC Job Description with Mr. Kosel noting that it appears that there is some confusion and disagreement with respect to what they thought the position responsibilities should be. He stated that the important thing to do, as a Commission, and with Council Member Vitelli’s input, is to develop a clarified description of the NOC Representative’s role and responsibilities. He stated that he did try to convince them that it was not a good idea to present to Council at this time. He stated that he did suggest to Mr. Heide and Mr. Kosel that they take the next month to work through the issues. He stated that he received a telephone call prior to the City Council meeting from Mr. Kosel informing him that he and Mr. Heide had decided to go to City Council with their concerns. He stated that it is important that they put together a description, to present to the public, that clarifies the NOC Representatives roles and responsibilities. Council Member Vitelli stated that it is his belief that Mr. Heide’s and Mr. Kosel’s key objective is to draw the City into their camp to support their attacks on the MAC. Commissioner Fitzer expressed some agreement noting that the Commission has explained to them, several times, that the City would not become involved. He stated that the Commission had also suggested other avenues for assistance. Council Member Vitelli reviewed his meeting with Mr. Heide and Mr. Kosel with the Commission and explained that his reason for walking out on the meeting is that he has accepted the City Council’s position on how they prefer to handle this situation. Commissioner Povolny stated that the City Council should clearly tell Mr. Heide and Mr. Kosel where the City stands. Council Member Vitelli clarified that he did explain to Mr. Kosel that he is willing to listen to their issues but that he could not become involved. He reviewed his conversation with Mr. Kosel with the Commission stating that he did agree to meet with them to listen to their issues. He referenced a handout that Mr. Heide provided at the meeting and reviewed a paragraph at the end of the document noting that this was the reason he left the meeting. Chair Beaty noted that this supports his point with respect to the need for clarifying the NOC Representative’s roles and responsibilities. Commission Meeting April 14, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Council Member Vitelli stated that his understanding of the key duty is forthe ARC and NOC Representative to work on issues that he could work through the NOC. He asked the Commission to provide him with three objectives that he could work with through the NOC. He stated that if they could provide him with the facts on the top three issues that he would be willing to work on it through the MAC and NOC. Chair Beaty agreed that there is a need for the Commission and the NOC Representative to work closely on issues affecting the Community. He stated that he believes that there should also be a forum available for the Community to be able to present their issues and concerns. He explained that the Community has a need to feel their concerns are being heard and assured that their messages are being forwarded to the appropriate people or groups. He stated that the Commission, with Council Member Vitelli’s assistance, should work to develop a system or process that the public could use to present their issues and concerns. Commissioner Edstrom agreed noting that they should also incorporate a process that helps to determine whether the issue is a valid complaint and should be presented. Chair Beaty noted that the old MASAC process allowed Citizens the opportunity to present their issues noting that the NOC system has changed that process considerably. Council Member Vitelli stated that an individual does have the opportunity available to address the NOC. He explained that the NOC has a specific process in place for listening to resident concerns. He noted two processes, a written form that is completed and provided to Mr. Leqve. Mr. Leqve then forwards the written request to all NOC members for their review. He stated that a preliminary discussion is held to determine whether it should be an agenda item or not. He noted that no decisions are made during the preliminary discussion. He stated that the second process available is through the NOC Representative. He explained that the NOC Representative could present the concern at an NOC meeting and request an opportunity for the Citizen/Citizens to speak. He stated that Citizens do have the opportunity to present and speak with the NOC noting that he could request time for the ARC to discuss the night operations issues. Mayor Huber stated that Mr. Heide has done an unbelievable amount of work. He explained that his responsibilities, as Mayor, are both to Mr. Heide and the Residents of Mendota Heights. He expressed concerns regarding the potential issues that could affect the City and Residents noting that it is his preference that the ARC, review issues and concerns, as a part of the process, prior to presenting to the City. He suggested that the Commission review the NOC Charter to gain a better understanding of what their intent was with respect to having a neighborhood representative. He referenced the vote recently taken on how to handle the 60/65 noting that issues like this should come through the ARC for review and feedback prior to presenting to the City. He stated that this would ensure that everyone is on the same base. Commission Meeting April 14, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Chair Beaty noted that the NOC Representatives roles and responsibilities are included for discussion on the agenda. He agreed that the NOC Representative is not the lightening rod for the City or Community to blame for unresolved issues. He stated that they definitely should clarify the process and roles. Mayor Huber stated that he is available to discuss the issues and is willing to sit in, be available for questions and work with the Commission on the process. Council Member Vitelli referenced the Council vote on the 60/65 and reviewed with the Commission. He explained that the issue came up very quickly noting that he had received a phone call from Vern Wilcox, Co-Chair of NOC, the evening before to ensure that he was on board with the other members. He explained the compromise agreement for the home insulation/abatement stating that initially Northwest Airlines would only agree to 65db, no less. He further explained that Mr. Wilcox had called to provide the full package down to 62db and had the support of at least one Airport Representative. He stated that the 60/61 would have a payout/reimbursement of approximately $13,000 adding that the City of Minneapolis continues to argue that when the MAC and the Airport made the decision, it was at 60db. He noted that Scott Benson continues to provide evidence and is questioning why there is discussion. He reviewed the votes with the Commission noting that he was not sure at the time if Scott Benson would vote. He acknowledged that he voted for the package and noted that the final vote was 7 to 4; with one abstain, to bring the proposal up the ladder to the NOC for consideration and recommendation to adopt. He stated that Northwest Airlines Representative, Kathleen Nelson, did her best to delay the vote by proposing that presentations be made first to the Policy and Environment Committee. He stated that Ms. Nelson was upset noting that they were supposed to meet this week but cancelled due to the issues regarding the meeting process. Chair Beaty clarified that it was approved and asked if it was supposed to go to the P&E for review. Council Member Vitelli stated that he did speak with Mr. Leqve and was told that they are not meeting this month. Council Member Vitelli indicated that the Zoning Board is having their final meeting on nd the 22to finalize the zoning change. Mayor Huber reviewed the zoning issues noting that Council Member Vitelli would probably abstain from voting due to personal issues and clarified with the Commission. Council Member Vitelli stated that there are no objections to the zoning proposal noting that it would probably pass. He explained that he would discuss his concerns prior to the meeting and also explain to the Committee his reasons for abstaining. Chair Beaty asked if they have considered contacting the news agencies regarding the issues. Mayor Huber suggested the possibility of writing a letter to the editor and reviewed the potential lawsuit issues with the Commission. Commission Meeting April 14, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Chair Beaty thanked Mayor Huber for meeting with them. B.NOC Position Description Chair Beaty asked if the Commission had received and reviewed the draft document for the NOC Representative. He provided the Commission with a copy of the roles and responsibilities description he drafted and explained that when he developed the document it was created with the thought that it would apply to anyone in this position. He clarified that this is only a draft for review and joint input from everyone to present to the Council. He reviewed the thought process behind the primary objectives and duties with the Commission Council Member Vitelli stated that there is an identified alternative, Sandra Krebsbach noting that he is not sure how they would identify a third alternative to just step in. Chair Beaty clarified that his intent was to ensure coverage at most meetings and make an effort to ensure that there would be representation at the monthly meetings. Commissioner Fitzer asked if the NOC Committee has anything written that addresses the alternate representatives. Council Member Vitelli explained that there is a process that they would have to go through to identify and authorize a third alternative. Council Member Vitelli assured the Commission that he would make every effort to attend the meetings and asked who they would expect to attend if he can’t. Chair Beaty stated that they would expect the NOC Alternate to attend. Chair Beaty reviewed the availability to listen to Mendota Height’s residents with Council Member Vitelli and theCommission. He further reviewed the duties and responsibilities, knowledge and skills required for the position. He referenced a possible selection process for the Mendota Heights NOC Representative that he drafted that would include representatives from the City Council and ARC and reviewed the selection process with the Commission. Commissioner Edstrom asked Council Member Vitelli if he had any input on the document. Council Member Vitelli stated that he felt the City Council should review and approve. Council Member Vitelli referenced the second bullet item under knowledge and skills noting ‘the willingness to advocate’ the ARC Plan of Action and stated that it should be re-worded to state ‘the willingness to support’ the ARC Plan of Action. Mayor Huber referenced the ARC Plan of Action stating that it would make sense to present several of these issues through the NOC for discussion. He clarified that Council Member Vitelli stated that as a NOC Representative it would help, as an aid, to know the main concerns when trying to champion an issue with the NOC. Commission Meeting April 14, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Chair Beaty acknowledged that Council Member Vitelli has requested two or three issues to work through noting that they want the NOC Representative to understand the ARC Plan of Action and be willing to advocate/support the plan as needed. He acknowledged that there is a lot going on and it is not their expectation that the NOC Representative speak out and work through all of the issues. He clarified that it is their expectation that the NOC Representative is aware of and knowledgeable of the issues that affect Mendota Heights. He stated that the Commission does not want a plan to be developed in a vacuum and encouraged NOC input on developing the ARC Plan of Action. He stated that it is important that the NOC Representative has familiarity and flexibility with the ARC Plan of Action. Mayor Huber asked Council Member Vitelli what kind of issues are on the NOC agenda. Council Member Vitelli clarified the agenda content noting that it has included discussions regarding the Part 150 and fleet mix changes. He stated that they have progressively approved the assumptions that allow the consultants to complete the contour maps. Council Member Vitelli referenced the ARC Plan of Action noting that when he first discussed the Plan of Action with the Commission he did not make any friends with his criticism of the plan. He stated that they have included too many items and suggested that the Commission narrow the issues down to at least four main items. Chair Beaty stated that the Commission has already stated their willingness to work with him through the process of identifying three to four key issues. He stated that the Commission understands that this is how he prefers to operate. Commissioner Edstrom agreed that the Commission is willing to move forward with Council Member Vitelli and identify at least four key issues. He stated that the ARC should continue to identify and monitor all open issues, as it is important for theARC to stay informed on what is happening in Mendota Heights. Chair Beaty clarified that the ARC has internal items that they work on separately from the main issues presented to the NOC. Commissioner Povolny stated that he is in agreement with Council Member Vitelli that the Commission cannot do twenty things at a time. He agreed that it does make more sense to concentrate on one to three main items versus spreading themselves too thin. Commissioner Stein also agreed with Council Member Vitelli with respect to the number of items the ARC could reasonable work on. He stated that he sees the plan of action as the ARC wish list to work through as they move forward. Commissioner Edstrom stated that he stands by the ARC Plan of Action the Commission has developed. He agreed that they could work to identify two or three items that Council Member Vitelli could work on through the NOC. Commission Meeting April 14, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Council Member Vitelli suggested that the Commission pull together the documentation and history for each item they would like him to address, fine tune the information and he can then discuss the issues with Mr. Leqve and Nigel. Mayor Huber clarified that the selection process would have to be reviewed by the Council. Chair Beaty expressed concerns and explained that the way the NOC Representative was selected angered this Commission because they had made recommendations and nothing happened. He expressed frustration that the City Council made the decision with no communication or input from the Airport Relations Commission. He suggested that, in the future, when selecting an NOC Representative, they include at least two representatives from the ARC in the selection process. Mayor Huber explained that it is his belief that the City Council would prefer to meet the candidates prior to making any decisions. Chair Beaty stated that the ARC Commission would also like to be involved in the process. City Administrator Danielson clarified that the City Council is involved in all selection processes for all Commission memberships. Commissioner Edstrom agreed with Chair Beaty stating that it does not make sense that the City Council would have final decision for the NOC Representative without input from the Airport Relations Commission. Mayor Huber clarified the hiring process with the Commissioners noting that the City Council is an integral part of the process. He explained that the City Council carefully listens to what is recommended prior to making their decision. He stated that it is his feeling that if they havea review panel it should include the City Council and a representative from the Airport Relations Commission. He assured the Commission that it is his hope that the City Council would take into serious consideration any recommendations made by the Airport Relations Commission. Chair Beaty stated that the Commission would determine who their representative would be in the process. Mayor Huber stated that he envisions a process that would include advertisement in the paper, receive applications for membership, forward the names to the ARC for discussion and recommendation to the City Council for final selection. Council Member Vitelli stated that all but two Cities have City Council Members as their representative on the NOC. He strongly recommended that the NOC Representative should be a City Council Member, as they tend to listen more closely to a Council Member. Chair Beaty stated that there are pros and cons for either side. Mayor Huber stated that in his view the NOC Representative should come from either the City Council or the ARC. He encouraged the Commissioners to keep in mind that the NOC Representative is voting consistently with the issues of the City they represent. Commission Meeting April 14, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Commissioner Edstrom suggested including the Mayor, City Council, ARC Chair, an ARC Commissioner and the City Administrator as part of the NOC Selection Process Team. Chair Beaty suggested creating a second bullet under Duties and Responsibilities that the NOC Representative be involved in the development of the Airport Relations Commission Plan of Action. Commissioner Fitzer agreed stating that it should also include a statement that the NOC Representative should have a clear understanding of the Airport Relations Commission Plan of Action. Mayor Huber suggested including it as a Consent Agenda item for acknowledgement or adoption. C.Introduction Packet The Commission agreed to table this discussion until the May ARC meeting. D.City Administrator Update City Administrator Danielson provided the Commission with the following update: Pilot Knob Road lawsuit was scheduled to be heard on April 2 but has been nd rescheduled for April 22because the father is a member of the firm representing the City and the Judge is being replaced. Golf Course appeal has not been scheduled. Mayor Huber reviewed the legal processes and funding with the Commission. He indicated that if the City does not win the appeal that houses would be built at the location. Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports/Correspondence : The Commission briefly reviewed the following documents: February 2004 ANOM Technical Advisor’s Report. February 2004 ANOM Eagan/Mendota Heights Departure Corridor Analysis. Airport Noise Report, March 12, 2004. Airport Noise Report, March 19, 2004. Airport Noise Report, March 26, 2004. Airport Noise Report, April 2, 2004. MSP Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) Member –Draft Position Description. OTHER COMMENTS OR CONCERNS NONE Commission Meeting April 14, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission AGENDA ITEMS Introduction Packet Identify Issues for Council Member Vitelli The Commission agreed, by consensus, to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.