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2003-12-10 Airport Relations Commission Minutes2003-12-10 Airport Relations Commission Minutes.txt[1/25/2018 4:24:18 PM] CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES December 10, 2003 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, December 10, 2003, 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, Gregg Fitzer, Liz Petschel, Mike Polovny, John Roszak and Ellsworth Stein. Staff present: Jim Danielson, City Administrator; Jack Vitelli, Council Member and NOC Representative and Bonita Sullivan, Recorder. Ms. Sullivan took the minutes. Not Present: Approval of Minutes Approval of the November 12, 2003 minutes. Commissioner Petschel stated she had corrections. She referenced page 2, paragraph 5, it should be noted that an environmental impact study has to be done for each if the percentage exceeds EIS by 1.5%. Chair Beaty stated he had corrections. He referenced Item C, page 3, paragraph 2 and explained that because the City Council takes recommendations from the Airport Relations Commission the Council did not feel that it would be appropriate for the ARC, as a body, to issue the letter, but that it was ok, as an individual citizen with concerns for the City of Mendota Heights. He noted that he did write a letter as a concerned Citizen of Mendota Heights. Chair Beaty clarified with City Administrator Danielson that the ARC minutes were not being sent to Council prior to ARC approval. City Administrator Danielson confirmed that ARC minutes are not being forwarded to City Council for review unapproved. A motion was made by Commissioner Fitzer, seconded by Commissioner Edstrom to approve the minutes for November 12, 2003 as amended. Motion carried 6-0. Unfinished/New Business A. Bernie Friel – Les Case Information Commission Meeting December 10, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Commissioner Petschel stated that the file had several interesting documents noting several from the MAC in the 1980’s that discussed the Preferential Runway Use issues. She reviewed the documents noting specifically the letters regarding the Minneapolis to London flights, discussion of the Acacia property, Robert G. Lock, 84-38 Resolution and a letter from Les Case. She noted that the entire corridor and air noise level patterns have always been conflicted. Chair Beaty referenced the Rogers Lake East group petition noting that it was requesting a review with the Court of Appeals regarding the new FONZI for the airport. He reviewed the petition with the Commission. Commissioner Roszak clarified that it is regarding the south boundary of the corridor path. Commissioner Petschel reviewed the 84-38 Resolution noting that Council Member Krebsbach stated, all along, that Mendota Heights provided a safe corridor with 2003-12-10 Airport Relations Commission Minutes.txt[1/25/2018 4:24:18 PM] surrounding land provisions. She stated that the Residents were asking in 1984, to shut the 12 Left runway down for a decrease in the noise levels and explained that the letters address the increased noise activity in the neighborhoods as a result of the Eagan Tower Order. She noted that Les Case, in his letters to Mr. Friel, states that they can’t because of the 15-degree separation when in fact that had nothing to do with it. Commissioner Edstrom took the file to review for the January 2004 ARC meeting. Commissioner Petschel referenced the cones of departure and clarified her understanding of the concerns with the Commission. She noted that they were approved by the MAC yet it appears the tower was not following the agreed upon procedure. Commissioner Roszak noted that the procedure was not an approved FAA process and that the tower did not have to abide. The Commission held a general discussion regarding the file. Chair Beaty referenced a letter received from Don M. Holst, dated November 10, 2003 and reviewed with the Commission. He noted that the documents could also be of interest to the Rogers Lake East Group and suggested that they make the file available for their review. The Commission agreed. Commissioner Edstrom stated that he would provide the file to Mr. Heide for his review. B. City Administrator Update City Administrator Danielson referenced the ARC’s Third Parallel Runway Agreement recommendation noting that part of their request was that the City file with Hennepin County. He explained that the City Attorney did not believe it was allowable to do against a public agency. He stated that he spoke with Merland Otto to determine how they handled the request and reviewed with the Commission. He stated that they have a copy in their file in addition to the City Attorney file in Minneapolis. He explained that because MAC is a public agency they couldn’t file liens. Commission Meeting December 10, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Commissioner Roszak asked if the land was located in the City of Minneapolis. City Administrator Danielson stated that it is located in Hennepin County but that he does not believe it is a part of Minneapolis. Chair Beaty noted the Airport Noise Report, Volume 15, Number 44, November 1 and reviewed with the Commission. He explained that it involved Logan Airport runway issues noting that the Judge ruled in favor of the airport for the new runway because there would be fewer delays. He expressed concerns that this is what could happen to Mendota Heights some day. Commissioner Roszak clarified that if that were to happen it would become a political issue that would require considerable lobbying and reviewed with the Commission. City Administrator Danielson referenced Pilot Knob noting that at the last City Council meeting it was made clear that the City of Mendota Heights would not fund the EIS Study. He explained that the first phase is a scoping study and City Council has asked him to get an estimate of the costs for the City to pass on to their Consultant for review. He stated that the EUV has the right to request that the developer escrow the dollars. He stated that they have asked for the estimate of dollars is provided at the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2003. He stated that if they can provide the estimate they could go forward as planned and if they can’t the City has the right to extend the deadline noting that they could withdrawal their application. Commissioner Edstrom asked for clarification of the costs. Council Member Vitelli explained that the escrow amount would be $15,000 noting that this amount does not include the actual cost of the study. He stated that the EIS could cost between $130,000 to $150,000. 2003-12-10 Airport Relations Commission Minutes.txt[1/25/2018 4:24:18 PM] Commissioner Petschel asked if there was anything new on the golf course. City Administrator Danielson stated that it went before the Judge and reviewed the process with the Commission. He stated that after the hearing the Judge has 90-days to make a determination noting that they have 60 days left. Council Member Vitelli provided the Commission with an overview of the issues regarding the financing. C. Introduction Packet City Administrator Danielson provided a draft packet to the Commission for their review. Chair Beaty asked the Commission for their suggestions noting that there is a need for introductions and a glossary. Commissioner Petschel suggested that they include some of the early documents. She noted that she thought there was a binder that includes a review of the ARC purpose, intent and scope. She suggested that they get a copy of the binder for their review. Commission Meeting December 10, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Chair Beaty suggested that the Commission discuss their intent and what they want to accomplish with the packet. He clarified his understanding that the intent is to provide useful information for the City Council, Residents and new Commission members. He suggested including the ARC video and a flyer. He also suggested clarifying the intent and the ARC focus. Commissioner Edstrom noted that they do not need to go into detail for the public and suggested that they create an abbreviated version for public review. He suggested including a narrative and an introduction to the Commission. Chair Beaty agreed and suggested that they create a detailed version for ARC and City Council and provide the video with a flyer to the Public. He asked if there is a system in place for the public to be able to check out the video for viewing. He asked who would be the City resource for airport issues. City Administrator Danielson stated that he is the point of contact for airport issues. The Commission agreed to include an introduction, a history of the Airport Relations Commission, the Annual Plan of Action, flyer, the ARC video, Corridor Maps, a short list of the documents the ARC reviews (MAC Report, Newsletters, Technical Noise Reports), ANOMS Reports, Website locations and a list of important phone numbers. Commissioner Petschel suggested an action item in the City Newsletter that would include an article on airport noise issues and include an explanation of the process. Chair Beaty noted that a resolution was passed to include an article in the City Newsletter that addresses airport noise issues. He stated that this was part of the ARC mission. Chair Beaty asked City Administrator Danielson to bring the binder Commissioner Petschel referenced to the next ARC meeting for their review. D. NOC Update Council Member Vitelli stated that the NOC met on November 20, 2003 and provided the Commission with an update. He stated one item, that passed unanimously and would be placed in the bylaws, is that requests to present to the NOC are reviewed by the co-chairs. If the request is deemed appropriate the co-chairs would put it to a vote with the NOC. He noted that it would take four votes for an item to be placed on the agenda. Chair Beaty asked who the co-chairs are. Commissioner Vitelli stated Nelson from 2003-12-10 Airport Relations Commission Minutes.txt[1/25/2018 4:24:18 PM] Northwest Airlines and Vern Wilcox, City Council member from Bloomington. Council Member Vitelli explained that one of the alleged reasons the MASAC fell apart is because the meetings had turned into gripe sessions noting that this is not the intent of the Commission. He stated that the NOC is working to keep this type of discussion off Commission Meeting December 10, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission the agenda. He explained that they are trying to determine how people are heard and reviewed the current process with the Commission. Council Member Vitelli reviewed the forecast numbers for departures and takeoffs noting that takeoffs comprise 8.5% and landings 21%. Chair Beaty expressed surprise that the 8% had not been increased to 10% noting that in Mr. Leqve’s last presentation to the ARC showed 10%. He noted that the Commission had expressed concerns and asked when an Environmental Study would be initiated. Commissioner Petschel asked if the ARC could receive copies of the report. Commissioner Roszak agreed and asked if the information was available on the website. Council Member Vitelli stated that he was not sure if it was available on the website and that he would forward the email for their review. Commissioner Petschel asked if there was any news on when the new runway would be up and running. Commissioner Edstrom stated that he thought it would be in the October/November 2005 timeframe. Chair Beaty asked if they were still working on the assumptions. Council Member Vitelli stated that the assumptions are done and all were passed. Council Member Vitelli stated that the NOC is scheduled to meet next in January 2004. Council Member Vitelli referenced a memo City Administrator Danielson had received from Mr. Heidi requesting time on the Council agenda. He explained that Mr. Heidi wants to provide the Council with an update on the progress of the Court of Appeals. He stated that Mr. Heide is also requesting that Council ask Council Member Vitelli to come back with the MAC plan for 2010. He suggested that they clarify Mr. Heide’s request prior to placing him on the Council agenda. Council Member Vitelli referenced the Bluffs noting that the initial motion was to conduct the next step, which is the study. He reviewed with the Commission noting that more research needs to be done. Council Member Vitelli stated that he has contacted the Historical Society and asked why, if the area is so vital, that they have not purchased the property. He reviewed the discussion with the Commission. Commissioner Petschel suggested that Council Member Vitelli review the Friel files. Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports/Correspondence: Commissioner Petschel noted that SMAC is in litigation and reviewed with the Commission. Commission Meeting December 10, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Chair Beaty noted the ANOMS Report is available from the website and suggested that City Administrator Danielson review and include copies of the report in the ARC meeting packets. Commissioner Petschel stated that she would like to know what NOC has done to address 2003-12-10 Airport Relations Commission Minutes.txt[1/25/2018 4:24:18 PM] noise issues and changes at the airport at the end of each year. Commissioner Edstrom agreed noting that the NOC should have bylaws available for review. The Commission briefly reviewed the following documents: • N.O.I.S.E. fax regarding attached article from “BNA Daily Report”. • Air Noise Report, October 31, 2003 • Air Noise Report, November 7, 2003 • Air Noise Report, November 14, 2003 • Air Noise Report, November 21, 2003 • Air Noise Report, November 28, 2003 • Email from Chad Leqve • Letter from Rogers Lake East Airport Noise Reduction Committee • SMAAC News Letter, Fall 2003 • Letter from Guy Heide, Rogers Lake East Airport Noise Reduction Committee, to Scott Beaty, regarding Court of Appeals for 8th Circuit Court. • Operational Categories – Table of Existing Annual Runway Use Report OTHER COMMENTS OR CONCERNS Commissioner Petschel referenced the MIT Studies noting that they were going to pursue getting copies of the studies. She referenced an item from the FAA website noting that MIT has studied several of the issues including a study on noise levels. She noted that the FAA asks Colleges to participate and work with them on various studies and reviewed with the Commission. She stated that she spoke with Patty Foley regarding the articles noting that Ms. Foley manages the MIT News Office and website. She explained that they have a Science Writer that provides reports and posts to the website. She stated that Ms. Foley has agreed to keep the Airport Relations Commission in the loop and would provide the ARC with reports and articles via email. Commissioner Petschel reviewed the intent for the Noise Study with the Commission. She noted that there are five other Centers of Excellence that are focusing on several airport issues and reviewed with the Commission. Council Member Vitelli noted that the only problem with the study is that it does not involve the residential. Commissioner Petschel clarified that one of the professors involved in the study specializes in urban studies. Commission Meeting December 10, 2003 Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission Chair Beaty asked City Administrator Danielson to contact Mr. Heide and let him know they have the Friel file available for review. He asked that arrangements be made to make the files available if Mr. Heide does express an interest. He stated that they would like the files returned to the Commission in time for their next ARC meeting. Commissioner Petschel asked if there was anything new at Northwest Airlines. Commissioner Fitzer stated that there is nothing new to report noting that things are improving for the airlines and flights are full. Chair Beaty asked what their schedule is for upgrading the planes. Commissioner Fitzer reviewed their upgrade plans with the Commission. Agenda Items for the January 2004 ARC Commission Meeting: • Friel File Discussion. • Intro packet The Commission agreed, by consensus, to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. 2003-12-10 Airport Relations Commission Minutes.txt[1/25/2018 4:24:18 PM] Respectfully submitted, Bonita Sullivan TimeSavers Off Site Secretarial, Inc.