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2004-06-09 Airport Relations Commission Minutes2004-06-09 Airport Relations Commission Minutes.txt[1/25/2018 4:21:22 PM] 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES June 9, 2004 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, June 9, 2004, at 7:00 p.m., in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. The following Commissioners were present: Scott Beaty, Vern Edstrom, Liz Petschel, Mike Povolny, John Roszak, and Ellsworth Stein. Staff present; Jim Danielson, City Administrator; and Bonita Sullivan, Recorder. Ms. Sullivan took the minutes. Not Present: Commissioner Gregg Fitzer. Approval of Minutes A. May 12, 2004 Minutes Commissioner Petschel stated that she would like it noted that considering the difficult nature of their last meeting the minutes were excellent. She stated that the minutes really captured the context and content of the meeting. She said that she had a few minor corrections noting that overall the minutes were fantastic. She referenced page three, third paragraph, stated ‘Commissioner Edstrom suggested that the Commission discussion possible candidates’ noting it should read ‘Commissioner Edstrom suggested that the Commission discuss possible candidates’. Commissioner Edstrom referenced page three, fifth paragraph, last line shows ‘Commissioner’s want input’, and suggested removing the apostrophe to read ‘Commissioners want input’. Commissioner Petschel referenced page three, last paragraph, last sentence beginning with ‘He reviewed his discussion’, change to read ‘He reviewed his discussions with the Commission and suggested that the ARC table the discussion for now and take it up at a later date.’ Commissioner Edstrom referenced page four, fifth paragraph states ‘Chair Beaty He explained; should read ‘Chair Beaty explained’. Commissioner Petschel referenced page five, second paragraph, last sentence, reads ‘this issue could end up back in Legislation for resolution’ noting it should read ‘this issue could end up back in the Legislature for resolution.’ Commission Meeting June 9, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Commissioner Petschel referenced the Public Comments section noting that Mr. Kosel had referenced a lunch meeting with a Van ?. She suggested that it read that ‘he and Mr. Hyde recently had an informal lunch with two representatives from the NOC’. Commissioner Stein referenced page seven, fourth paragraph reads ‘400 flights’ noting it should read ’40,000 flights’. A motion was made by Commissioner Edstrom, second by Commissioner Stein to approve the May 12, 2004 minutes as amended. Motion carried 6-0 Public Comments NONE Unfinished/New Business 2004-06-09 Airport Relations Commission Minutes.txt[1/25/2018 4:21:22 PM] A. Discussion Regarding the City Council and the NOC Representative Chair Beaty stated that the City Council reviewed the ARC’s selection process recommendation for the Second NOC Alternate Representative at their last City Council meeting. He reviewed the Council discussion with the Commission and expressed his frustration with the decision that was made. He also expressed frustration with the current situation between this Commission and the NOC Representative. He explained that he believes this is an important issue for the ARC Commission to discuss as a group and suggested that they try to find a way to positively address the situation. He provided the Commission with a brief history of the NOC, the selection process used for the current NOC Representative and Alternate, and the selection process the City Council used to choose the current Second Alternate NOC Representative. He stated that he is not very happy with the current process that the ARC should be willing to work with it as it could offer a potential to learn. He noted that from the beginning it appeared that there was confusion regarding the role of the NOC Representative. He stated that each group had their own vision of how the NOC Representative would represent the City of Mendota Heights on the NOC. He explained that because there seemed to be different perspectives by Council, the ARC and the NOC Representative regarding the role of the NOC Representative, this Commission developed their recommendation for the NOC Representative selection process and a position description and provided a draft to Council Member Vitelli for his review. He noted that during the review of the draft during the last City Council meeting, Council Member Vitelli was not seem supportive of the ARC recommendation and suggested considerable changes to the draft. He stated that he also discussed their recommendations for the NOC position and selection process with the Mayor noting that the Mayor did agree with the ARC recommendation that the selection process should include the ARC. He stated that the Commission Meeting June 9, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Mayor also agreed that the potential candidate pool should not be exclusively held to Council Members. He stated that he agreed that the candidate pool should be open to the best person for the position. He noted that the Council discussed the issues and concerns raised regarding the ARC recommendations adding that the Council agreed to table further discussions to a later date. He reviewed with the Commission the public comments made by Mr. Kosel at their last meeting making them aware of the opportunity for a Second Alternate NOC Representative for the City of Mendota Heights. He reviewed their discussion with Council Member Krebsbach stating that she fully supported a Second Alternate NOC Representative. He noted that she was not clear on how she would vote on the process adding that she was clear that she was in support of the Second Alternate position. Chair Beaty stated that the City Council briefly discussed the ARC Commission recommendation and explained that the majority of the City Council, excluding the Mayor, felt that all NOC Representatives should be a City Council Member. He stated that City Council decided not to take the ARC recommendation to include the ARC Commission in the selection process. He stated that City Council took a vote, which they did not need to do, that evening on the process and the representative. It was apparent that Council Member Vitelli had discussed this issue with the other Council members and pushed for a vote during that meeting. He stated that Council Member Ultan Duggan was selected as the Second Alternate NOC Representative for the City of Mendota Heights. Commissioner Edstrom agreed that Council Member Vitelli has not been supportive of their suggestions or recommendations from the beginning and there is a need to address the issue. He reviewed his concerns with the Commission and agreed that there is a need to address the issues between this Commission and the NOC Representatives. 2004-06-09 Airport Relations Commission Minutes.txt[1/25/2018 4:21:22 PM] Commissioner Povolny asked if the City Council really takes the ARC seriously. He expressed concerns and frustrations stating that he feels that no matter what the ARC says and does the City Council does not listen. Commissioner Petschel agreed with Commissioner Povolny stating that her biggest concern is that most Council Members do not “fully” understand the technical issues relating to the airport and how it impacts the City of Mendota Heights. She stated that it is very difficult to act, react or deal with something if there is no technical understanding of the issues. Chair Beaty agreed with Commissioner Petschel adding that the Mayor has acknowledged in their conversations that he (the Mayor) looks to the ARC for support and recommendations on these issues. He expressed his frustrations and clarified his understanding of the purpose of the ARC with the Commission. Commissioner Roszak encouraged the group and urged them to focus on the process. He stated that they have certainly hit a bump in the road adding that the Commission does have very valid points regarding the process and purpose of the ARC. Commission Meeting June 9, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Commissioner Petschel agreed stating that there are several important issues that the ARC could address. She suggested that the Commission do some problem-solving to better clarify the ARC purpose and direction. She stated that the ARC Commission definitely serves a purpose to the City noting that many cities are filling this function with a Staff person and reviewed this with the Commission. Commissioner Roszak asked how many of the NOC members are governing members from various Cities. Chair Beaty noted that many of the NOC members are in governing positions but many are not and reviewed with the Commission. Commissioner Petschel stated that there should be a sincere desire on the part of any potential member of the ARC and NOC to become familiar and knowledgeable on the current airport issues as it relates to the City of Mendota Heights. She agreed that the NOC Representatives do not have to be a City Representative. Commissioner Roszak suggested revisiting the ordinance establishing the Airport Relations Commission. He noted that when he became a member of the ARC Commission both the City Administrator and the Mayor were very interested and active in the ARC. He agreed that the interest and support has changed and suggested initiating a conversation or discussion with the City Council that would include a review of the ordinance and clarification of the ARC Commission’s role. Commissioner Petschel agreed stating that the Commission should also prepare themselves for the possibility of not getting the answer they are hoping for from the Council. Commissioner Petschel suggested that the Commission identify the issues, as they see them, to include in the letter to City Council. She stated that they could then ask the Council what they would like to do to help resolve the problems. City Administrator Danielson agreed stating that identifying the issues is a good first step in the process. The Commission held a general discussion regarding their focus and direction as the Airport Relations Commission. The Commission agreed unanimously to write a letter to City Council regarding their concerns and requesting a joint workshop to discuss further. Commissioner Petschel stated that she would draft the letter and provide for their review and input prior to sending the City Council. 2004-06-09 Airport Relations Commission Minutes.txt[1/25/2018 4:21:22 PM] B. Cindy Green Letter City Administrator Danielson stated that he received a voice mail response from Ms. Green regarding the ARC inquiry for update on the Crossing in the Corridor procedures. He stated that Ms. Green assured him in the voice mail that she would respond to their inquiry. He indicated that she also noted that the MAC monthly reports do not confirm their concerns and that when they do use this procedure it is caused by the winds. He Commission Meeting June 9, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission further explained that Ms. Green stated that flights are based on headings and therefore cannot mix headings and tracks. Commissioner Edstrom noted that a track could be assigned relatively easy and agreed that if the next plane has a heading it could cause a conflict, especially with crosswinds. Commissioner Petschel suggested a follow-up letter to Ms. Green that would include dates and times that the procedure has occurred. She suggested that they also review the Technical Reports noting that if the flights do not show up in the reports there could be a problem. City Administrator Danielson indicated that Ms. Green did offer to attend a future ARC meeting for further discussion. C. Introduction Packet Chair Beaty referenced the recently completed Introduction Packet stating that Ms. Shipton did a fantastic job in putting the packet together. He asked Commissioner Petschel to thank Ms. Shipton for her work and for doing such a great job. Commissioner Petschel agreed stating that she would forward a thank you note to Ms. Shipton on behalf of the ARC Commission. Chair Beaty reviewed the layout of the packet with the Commission and suggested including tabs for Items 21 and 22 as the last two sections of the book. He suggested including the number and title of the section on the tab for easy searching. He stated that including the titles would make it much easier to locate items in the book quickly. Chair Beaty asked if a regular update process has been put in place to ensure that the manual is current at all times. Commissioner Petschel confirmed that an update process is in place noting that Ms. Shipton has documented the update process to be used and reviewed with the Commission. Motion by Commissioner Povolny, second by Commissioner Petschel to approve the Introduction Packet as presented and to amend the layout to include: 1. Tabs for Item 21 and Item 22; 2. Include Number and Title of the section on all tabs. Motion carried 6-0. D. City Administrator Update City Administrator Danielson provided the Commission with a brief update on the following: • Pilot Knob Road lawsuit – City won the lawsuit noting that John Allen does plan to appeal. Commission Meeting June 9, 2004 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission • Golf course is currently in the appeal process. He stated that briefs have been submitted with no response at this time. He stated that it is his understanding that the hearing would be scheduled sometime in August. Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports/Correspondence: 2004-06-09 Airport Relations Commission Minutes.txt[1/25/2018 4:21:22 PM] Commissioner Petschel referenced the Airport Noise Report dated May 21, 2004, page 66, stating that it reviews Sabo’s intent to derail Minneapolis/St. Paul from the study. She clarified that what she was stating is that MIT wanted to include MSP in their noise study, Vicky Tigwell tried to block this without consulting the other MAC Commissioners. Martin Sabo successfully intervened to keep MSP included in the study. The Commission briefly reviewed the following documents: • SMAAC News Letter • April 2004 ANOM Technical Advisor’s Report • April 2004 ANOM Eagan/Mendota Heights Departure Corridor Analysis • Airport Noise Report, May 7, 2004 • Airport Noise Report, May 14, 2004 • Airport Noise Report, May 21, 2004 • Airport Noise Report, May 28, 2004 OTHER COMMENTS OR CONCERNS NONE The Commission agreed, by consensus, to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.