ARC 02-11-2015CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
February 11, 2015
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, February
11, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Mendota Heights City Hall.
The following commissioners were present: David Sloan, William Dunn, Gina Norling, Jim Neuharth, Sally
Lorberbaum, Arvind Sharma, and Kevin Byrnes
Absent: None
Also present: Public Works Director/City Engineer John R. Mazzitello and Council Member Liz Petschel
Chair Sloan called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Approval of Minutes
Lorberbaum moved, and Neuharth seconded that the minutes of the January 14, 2015 Airport Relations
Commission meetings be approved with the following amendments:
1. Sloan comment about NOC report should say “one” instead of “on”.
2. Neuharth comment regarding flight statistical measurements should include statement about resident
concerns about departures north of the corridor.
3. Lorberbaum comment about complaint statistics should say “bringing” instead of “brining”.
4. Norling request for a February 2015 agenda item should say “from” instead of “form”.
All voted in favor. Dunn and Sharma abstained as they were not present at the January meeting.
Unfinished and New Business
Sloan was re-elected Chair (Dunn nominated, Lorberbaum seconded, approved unanimously (Sloan abstained))
Lorberbaum was re-elected Vice-Chair (Dunn nominated, Neuharth seconded, approved unanimously
(Lorberbaum abstained))
Sharma was introduced as the newest member of the commission, and he provided some brief personal
background information.
Mazzitello stated the Final 2015 Commission Work Plan was provided to Commissioners as part of their
packets so they would have copies of the document approved at the January meeting.
Norling presented statistical analysis of noise event frequency increases at Noise Sensor #23
- Petschel stated total operations were down and that the noise contour was shrinking
- Sharma asked if noise events could be correlated to number of departures per month
- Byrnes asked about the sensitivity of the sensors; Petschel stated sensors register all noise and specific
events should be tied to specific flights
- Norling stated the purpose of the agenda item was to present the trend identified
- Petschel suggested that after data is correlated, a MAC Noise Representative be brought into the
discussion before any formal action is taken
- Neuharth suggested that departures north of the corridor be included in with the flight data correlation
- Petschel suggested that 2004-2005 be used as an event to flight correlation baseline
- Norling moved to table, Lorberbaum seconded, motion passes unanimously
Commission agreed to hold their May 2015 meeting in conjunction with the Eagan Commission on Tuesday,
May12, 2015 at Eagan City Hall at 7:00pm.
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Commission discussed potential upcoming speakers noting requests for presentations from the 133rd Airlift
Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, State legislative representatives, MAC Noise Representative, and
Commissioner Hamilton.
Reports on Areas of Focus
Council Member Petschel provided the NOC update:
- Legislative leadership change benefits Mendota Heights because NOC will continue as is
- Minneapolis is pushing for change to the Runway Use System
- Provided an overview of the Runway Use System
- Stated Operations are down due to up-gaging flights to larger aircraft
- Delta is purchasing longer tube regional jets and new 737s, which should help noise
- MAC Noise to change resident complaint tracking due to “auto-dialing” residents
- Mentioned North Texas Metropolis’ successful implementation of ARNAV
- Reviewed NOC accomplishments for the year
Lorberbaum reviewed complaint statistics noting that complaint numbers are in decline.
Neuharth noted that all measurements remain within the normal range and below the upper control limits, and
reiterated concerns from residents north of the corridor.
Commissioner Comments
Lorberbaum asked Petschel if she would be willing to provide orientation for Sharma. Petschel stated she
would meet him for coffee to go over issues.
Adjourn
Norling made a motion to adjourn and Dunn seconded at 8:52. All voted in favor.