2009-10-14 Airport Relations Commission MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES October 14, 2009
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on
Wednesday, October 14, 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; Joe Hennessy, Sally Lorberbaum, Lyle Odland and Dave Sloan, Commissioners.
Also present were: Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administrator; and Barb Suciu,
Recorder.
Not Present: Gretchen Keenan and Dave Sloan.
Approval of Minutes
Chair Petschel requested corrections to page 2, first sentence: “MacDonald” should be
“McDonald,” page 4, first paragraph, third sentence: “explaining” should be “provides,”
and page 5, first sentence, last word: remove “is” and insert “would.”
A motion was made by Commissioner Odland, seconded by Commission Dunn, to
approve the minutes of the September 10, 2009, ARC meeting as amended. It was
approved by majority.
Unfinished and New Business
A. Update from September NOC meeting
Chair Petschel indicated since the UPS representative left the noise oversight committee
there hasn’t been a good representative for cargo. There is a new representative from
Federal Express, his name is Darrin Dokerty, and he has been with FedEx for 24 years.
This will be a great addition for the committee. Chair Petschel discussed the adjustments
that were made to the RNAV procedure off of runway 17. The NOC unanimously
approved the changes, and the procedure will now be forwarded to the FAA for approval.
There was discussion of recent changes in fleet mix, namely the replacement of some of
the A320 Airbuses with the MD 90’s.
Commissioner Hennessy indicated this is part of the process called “right sizing” of
aircraft to match demand to get maximum seat yield.
Chair Petschel indicated the trend of the future for airplanes will be sleek, and downsized.
Commission Meeting – October 14, 2009 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission
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There was a general discussion of the inequitable use of the south parallels during the
night-time hours.
Chair Petschel stated it is apparent that the air traffic controllers are becoming used to
having the departures on one runway and landings on another.
The NOC voted to send a request to the FAA to explain its night-time use of the south
parallel runways.
B. Update from MAC Comp Plan Update at City Council
Chair Petschel asked Assistant to City Administrator Sedlacek to give an overview of the
Comp Plan to the Commission.
Assistant to the City Administrator Sedlacek discussed possible expansion at the
Humphrey Terminal and moving the non-Delta partners to the Humphrey Terminal.
Commissioner Loberbaum asked how carriers are moved to the Humphrey terminal.
Assistant to the City Administrator Sedlacek indicated the carriers want to move to the
Humphrey terminal due to lower fees and easier access to gates. He added there might be
a reorientation of the gates.
Commissioner Hennessy indicated that there is a building missing at the G Concourse
and the rumor is that it is for taxiing.
Chair Petschel indicated the intention is to increase the international travel area.
Assistant to the City Administrator Sedlacek indicated City Councilmembers questioned
the MAC representatives about a third parallel runway and were told there is nothing in
the plan calling for one at this time.
C. Eagan Letter Regarding Nighttime Operations
Chair Petschel indicated the letter was unresponsive to the John McDonald letter.
D. Plan for Joint ARC Meeting with Eagan in November
Chair Petschel stated the joint meeting will be November 18 and the agenda consists of
Community Outreach and Comp Plan. Chair Petschel asked for suggestions for the
agenda.
Vice Chair Ehrlich suggested sharing of concerns between Eagan and Mendota Heights.
Commission Meeting – October 14, 2009 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission
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The Commission developed a list of talking points for the Joint ARC meeting in
November.
Commissioner Odland suggested providing some history of the ways the two
Commissions have worked together in the past.
E. Updates for Introduction Book
Noted.
Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports/Correspondence
A. August 2009 NOC Technical Advisor’s Report
B. August 2009 Eagan/Mendota Heights Departure Corridor Analysis
C. September 11, 2009 Airport Noise Report
D. September 18, 2009 Airport Noise Report
E. September 25, 2009 Airport Noise Report
F. October 2, 2009 Airport Noise Report
G. October 9, 2009 Airport Noise Report
H. Letter from MAC Commissioner District G
Other Commission Comments or Concerns
Vice Chair Ehrlich asked about a November MAC meeting.
Chair Petschel reminded the Commission about the October 21st face-to-face meeting
with Jeff Hamill.
Commissioner Odland suggested discussing the Airbus320 and the MD 90’s.
Commissioner Hennessy asked for a Fleet Mix comparison report from MAC.
Upcoming Meetings
• City Council Meeting 10-20-09 7:00 p.m.
• Planning Commission Meeting 10-27-09 7:00 p.m.
Public Comments
None.
Adjourn
Commissioner Dunn made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Odland, to adjourn the
meeting at 8:07 p.m. It was approved unanimously.
Commission Meeting – October 14, 2009 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission
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Respectfully submitted,
Barb Suciu
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.