ARC 01-13-2016CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
January 13, 2016
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on
Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at Mendota Heights City Hall.
Acting Chair Lorberbaum called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
The following commissioners were present: Sally Lorberbaum, William Dunn, Arvind Sharma,
Gina Norling, and Jim Neuharth. Absent (excused) were David Sloan and Kevin Byrnes.
Also present: City Administrator Mark McNeill, Public Works Director John Mazzitello
Approval of Minutes
Neuharth noted that the November 10, 2015 minutes, contained an incorrect spelling of his
name, and that there had been discussion to ask Dana Nelson of MAC as to the lack of a balance
in use between Runways 12 R and 12L. Lorberbaum asked that changes be noted in the minutes
of that particular meeting.
Motion by Dunn, second by Sharma to approve the minutes of the November 10, 2015 Airport
Relations Commission meeting as amended. Motion carried 5-0.
Unfinished and New Business
4.a Discussion of the March 9th Public Open House. McNeill said that an Open House would
be held in the City Council Chambers on March 9th and hosted by the ARC. The public will be
invited to hear updates on MAC plans, and a report on de-confliction actions which have been
taken or have been considered by the FAA. Dana Nelson of MAC, and Elaine Buckner of the
FAA have been invited to present at the meeting.
The ARC Commissioners made the following suggestions regarding topics:
• Speak about the MAC’s economic impact on the Twin Cities region, and that of Mendota
Heights. Sharma said that Jack Hart had presented something similar regarding Delta’s
impact on the region.
• Invite Sun Country to attend, as it is a Mendota Heights-based business.
• The relationship between the NOC and the City should be highlighted—what does it do
for us?
• Ask Ms. Nelson and M.s Buckner if they are OK with taking questions.
It was decided that the Eagan ARC should not be invited to attend, as Eagan has airport issues
which differ from that of Mendota Heights.
4.b Airport Overlay Zoning District Discussion Mazzitello was present to address how the
Building Code was applied in the Airport Overlay Zoning District. Commissioners had
previously asked how the Noise Overlay Zone (NOZ) was applied, as the boundaries change
annually.
Mazzitello said that the Building Code was applicable to repairs, additions, and new
construction. He distributed information showing the 2007 NOZ, and the most recent version
from 2014. He said that the perimeter of the 2007 boundaries have actually shrunk since then.
He said that Lemay Shores was no longer within the boundaries which required more noise
attenuation, but its developers’ agreement specified the higher noise construction standards. He
said that it was likely that the contours will grow again as air traffic increases.
Mazzitello went on to say that the possibilities of redevelopment in the area is great. He asked
the Commission whether they felt that the NOZ should change from year to year, or whether the
City should determine and go with a larger contour now, one that could withstand changes as the
airplane noise increased. Opting for that would provide the most protection for future buyers,
but it was also noted that the City would be mandating something of developers which wasn’t
technically required. Norling asked if the MAC could provide any forecast as to what the future
might be. Mazzitello said that he would check.
Lorberbaum asked what noise contour level to which other cities enforce? Mazzitello reported
that Eagan enforces to 60, and Burnsville is 65; both are static. He will report on Richfield and
Bloomington.
The consensus of the ARC was to stay with the current standards, but to get more information.
Then, after that was seen, a recommendation could go to the City Council.
4.c ARC Involvement in Noise Complaints. McNeill said that this topic could be deferred to the
next meeting.
4.d Review of Airport Operations Statistics The Commissioners noted that 12L broke the upper
limits in November. Mazzitello said that that was due primarily to southerly winds and a warmer
November, which put more traffic over Mendota Heights. Neuharth said that 12R was going
down in the amount of traffic, and that traffic appeared to be shifting to 12L. Overall, the
trending was up on 12L and 12R. Mazzitello will check with MAC as to how to get a better
balance between the two runways.
Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports/Correspondence
Norling said that she hadn’t been able to print her reports, but said that indices for November and
December were up. She also suggested a 15 minutes meeting for each commissioner to do
research on aircraft operations.
Lorberbaum asked that the Commission talk about yearly operations at the February meeting.
She also said that we should invite the MAC Commissioner who represents Mendota Heights to
the April or May ARC meeting.
Sharma provided updates on Airport quality results for MSP. He said that overall satisfaction
with the airport facilities is trending upwards, with best in class for shopping and restaurants.
MSP also rans highly in the area of security. Sharma also noted wind driven changes in runway
use, as the airport had recently used Runway 4 for departures, and 35 for arrivals. He said that
he would hand out a report on air service at the next meeting. Finally, he said that the Denver
airport was currently receiving the most flights from MSP.
Lorberbaum commented on the articles which had been distributed by Commissioner Byrnes.
One was a story on Long Beach, CA, and the amount of complaints generated for only 41 flights
each day.
Public Comments
There were no members of the public present.
Commissioner Comments
In response to a question from Lorberbaum, McNeill reminded the Commissioners about Open
Meeting Law requirements, and reminded them not use “reply all” when commenting or
communicating via electronic mail.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Airport Relations Commission will be February 10, 2016. McNeill said
that one of the topics on the agenda will be to plan the March 9th Open House.
Adjourn
Neuharth made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Dunn at 8:04 PM. All voted in favor.
Minutes Taken By:
Mark McNeill,
City Administrator