2009-08-12 Airport Relations Commission MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
August 12, 2009
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on
Wednesday, August 12, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., in the Large Conference Room at City Hall,
1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
The following Commissioners were present: Liz Petschel, Chair; Robin Ehrlich, Vice
Chair; Sally Lorberbaum, Lyle Odland and Ultan Duggan, Commissioners.
Also present were: Jim Danielson, City Administrator; Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the
City Administrator; Gretchen Koenen, Sunfish Lake and Rochelle Russo, Recorder.
Not Present: Bill Dunn, Joe Hennessy and Dave Sloan, Commissioners.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Lorberbaum requested a correction to the June 10, 2009 Minutes on page
one, Approval of Minutes, to replace Commissioner X, with the correct Commissioner.
It was noted that Vice Chair Ehrlich was Commissioner X.
Commissioner Odland corrected the spelling to his last name.
A motion was made by Commissioner Lorberbaum, seconded by Vice Chair Ehrlich, to
approve the minutes of the July 8, 2009, ARC meeting as amended. It was approved by
majority, with Chair Petschel and Commissioners Odland and Duggan abstaining.
Unfinished and New Business
A. Update from meeting with Diane Miller, City of Eagan
Chair Petschel reported on her discussion with Diane Miller regarding the changes in
RUS and that they were disturbing, as well as concerns regarding parallel runways. They
discussed the possibility of a jet way between the two parallel runways, which would
make moving the planes between the two runways more efficient. They also discussed
disparity between the runways. Chair Petschel noted that she would like to see equality
between the City Mendota Heights and the City of Eagan. She stated Ms. Miller was very
open and excepting, that she didn’t know how the Eagan City Council feels, but that she
didn’t foresee a problem. Ms. Miller noted she wanted to start working together with the
Noise Committee, to hold joint meetings with the Airport Commission and would like to
start working on a Plan of Action for the City of Eagan.
Commission Meeting – August 12, 2009 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission
2
Commissioner Duggan explained a challenge Eagan NOC has, is that they don’t have a
full commission; therefore, they are not able to come up with a quorum.
B. Updates from May and July NOC Meeting – Liz and Ultan
Commissioner Duggan reported that an extensive update was given on the insulation of
surrounding homes, noting 7 % of people don’t opt for the insulation program offered.
An update on the website improvements was given stating information on airport
operations is more quickly available due to a software upgrade. He also stated RNAF
procedures were partially approved, yet discussion is continuing. He added Metro Cities
and Metro Council are interested in the expansion of the regional airports and Staff will
contact for an update. Commissioner Duggan also stated the City of Blaine is interested
in establishing a stronger Airport Relations Commission.
Chair Petschel reported on the 2030 Plan that Dennis Probes presented. Discussion
focused on, a better cargo carrier, light rail addition and the impact on the community due
to the terminal changes. Plans include moving non partners to the Humphrey Terminal
and amenity improvements to be made. Upgrades including baggage handling, similar to
what is used at the Lindbergh Terminal, more seating and rental car company access. It
was also noted that freeway reconstruction is proposed in the 2030 Capital Improvement
Plan. Delta Airlines is going to start carrying mail for the U.S. Postal Service, which will
entail changes at the airport. It was also projected there would be the need for a third
parallel runway by 2030 being at 60% capacity. Capacity described as waiting times,
time it takes for planes to take off and the time it takes for planes to reach the terminals.
Commissioner Odland stated he felt it was wise that ARC continues to obtain information
in advance, anticipating future issues.
Chair Petschel stated John McDonald, MAC Representative, would be attending the
September 9, 2009 ARC Meeting.
C. Approval of 2009 Plan of Action
Commissioner Lorberbaum made a motion, seconded by Vice Chair Ehrlich, to approve
the 2009 Plan of Action. It was approved unanimously.
Discussion ensued regarding presenting the 2009 Plan of Action to the City Council on
September 15, 2009.
Discussion ensued regarding Item 12, “Providing communication to the residents” and
the possibility of ARC going “live” in September.
D. Updates for Introduction Book
None.
Commission Meeting – August 12, 2009 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission
3
E. July MAC Meeting Update - Robin
Vice Chair Ehrlich reported on topics addressed, which included the new terminal
changes and signage. He stated the Director of Public Affairs and Marketing spoke on
how to educate the public of the new airport signs. Extensive studies that were done on
the signage were also discussed. Public education costs were reviewed with the decision
being that the existing budget would be used. A neutral website update was given, a site
offering real time information on flights, terminals and baggage claim.
Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports/Correspondence
A. June 2009 NOC Technical Advisor’s Report
B. June 2009 Eagan/Mendota Heights Departure Corridor Analysis
C. June 5, 2009 Airport Noise Report
D. July 3, 2009 Airport Noise Report
E. July 24, 2009 Airport Noise Report
F. July 21, 2009 Airport Noise Report
G. MSP Noise News
Other Commission Comments or Concerns
Chair Petschel stated that Ms. Koenen, Sunfish Lake Representative is a permanent guest
to the ARC Meetings and she will inform City Council of the guest when she presents the
2009 Plan of Action September 15, 2009.
Upcoming Meetings
• MAC Full Commission Meeting 8-17-09 1:00 p.m.
• City Council Meeting 8-18-09 7:00 p.m.
• Planning Commission Meeting 8-25-09 7:00 p.m.
Public Comments
None.
Adjourn
Commissioner Odland made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Ehrlich, to adjourn the
meeting at 8:26 p.m. It was approved unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle Russo TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.