2009-11-18 Airport Relations Commission MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES November 18, 2009
The joint meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission with Eagan was
held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers 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, David Sloan and William Dunn.
From Eagan: Carol Whisnant, Chuck Thorkildson, Chair; Chad Stambaugh, James
Casper, Curtis Aljets, Dan Johnson, Steve Beseke, Luke Olson and Dianne Miller,
Assistant to the City Administrator.
Also present were: David McKnight, City Administrator; Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to the City Administrator and John Bergman (Apple Valley).
Not Present: Gretchen Keenan and Joe Hennessy.
Chair Petschel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Chair Petschel requested corrections to page one, Commissioner Dunn was present and
Commissioner Sloan was not present.
A motion was made by Commissioner Odland, seconded by Commissioner Ehrlich, to
approve the minutes of the October 14, 2009 ARC meeting as amended. The motion
passed unanimously.
Unfinished and New Business
Chair Petschel brought up the work plans of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations
Commission for discussion in regards to the Eagan plan. The issue of keeping airplanes
in the corridor was discussed. Chair Petschel reported that MAC considers 3% deviation due to weather as acceptable. The importance of the issue to both cities was stressed.
The relationships between the cities and the airport related entities and local legislators
was discussed. Keeping these relationships positive with open communication was
reviewed.
Chair Thorkildson of Eagan discussed noise abatement programs in Eagan that are
planned in 2010. He also discussed plans for a public meeting with airport staff planned
for January. A review of the impact of the new runway will also be reviewed. The city
will also be doing a survey on airport noise in 2010. Eagan will share the questions they will be asking with Mendota Heights.
Commissioner Odland talked about the communication efforts of the Mendota Heights
group. The issue of televising meetings was discussed. The pros and cons of televising
meetings were shared between members.
Assistant to the City Administrator Sedlacek discussed the Metro Cities legislative
policies airport noise mitigation proposal. Councilmember Duggan discussed Mendota
Height’s policy on disclosure of noise issues when homes are sold. Eagan and Mendota
Heights seemed to have similar positions on the matter.
Chair Petschel asked about the airports long term comprehensive plan. Eagan members
brought up issues related to the Delta takeover and the potential impact on the airport.
This is a wait and see issue that impacts the entire airport. The impact of the change in
the fleet mix was discussed. Both communities shared concern that changes in fleet mix might have a negative impact in terms of noise. There could be a detrimental affect to the
economy. Both cities will actively monitor this issue.
The NOC meeting held earlier today was discussed. The night time noise issue was
reviewed. Traditionally, runway use on the parallel runways was balanced, there is a clear trend emerging where the northern runway is taking a majority of departures in
nighttime hours. Mendota Heights is concerned that this approach will become standard
operating procedure. The outcome of the NOC meeting on this issue will be a discussion
issue at the January 2010 NOC meeting.
Eagan members left the meting at 8:35 p.m.
Discussion continued on the NOC meeting and the issue of night time noise. This topic
will continue to be reviewed at both the ARC and NOC meetings.
Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports/Correspondence
1. September 2009 NOC Technical Advisor’s Report
2. September 2009 Eagan/Mendota Heights Departure Corridor Analysis
3. September 18, 2009 Airport Noise Report 4. September 25, 2009 Airport Noise Report 5. October 2, 2009 Airport Noise Report
6. October 9, 2009 Airport Noise Report
7. October 16, 2009 Airport Noise Report
8. October 23, 2009 Airport Noise Report 9. October 30, 2009 Airport Noise Report 10. November 4, 2009 Airport Noise Report
Other Commissioner Comments or Concerns
Motion by Commissioner Lorberbaum, seconded by Commissioner Dunn to cancel the December 2009 meeting unless an issue arises.
Upcoming Meetings
City Council Meeting 1-5-09 7:00 p.m.
ARC Meeting 1-13-10 7:00 p.m.
Public Comments
None.
Adjourn
Commissioner Sloan made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Dunn, to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted, David McKnight, City Administrator