ARC 9-21-2022 Meeting MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION
September 21, 2022 6:00 p.m.
City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday,
September 21, 2022 at Mendota Heights City Hall; 1101 Victoria Curve.
1. Call to Order
Chair Norling called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.
The following commissioners were present: Gina Norling, William Dunn, David Sloan, Jeff
Hamiel, and Jim Neuharth. Absent (excused): Kevin Byrnes and Arvind Sharma.
Staff present: City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson and Office Support Assistant Sheila Robertson.
2. Approval of Agenda
Motion by Dunn/Second by Sloan to approve the agenda.
Motion passed 5-0.
3. Approval of Minutes
a. Approval of Minutes of the May 18, 2022 Regular Meeting
Motion by Hamiel/Second by Dunn to approve the minutes.
Motion passed 5-0.
b. Approval of Minutes of the July 12, 2022 Joint Meeting with the Eagan ARC
Motion by Dunn/Second by Neuharth to approve the minutes.
Discussion: Commissioners observed the makeup and schedule of the Eagan ARC as compared
to that of Mendota Heights ARC.
Motion passed 5-0.
4. Public Comments
Rose Agnew, of 671 Woodridge Dr, was present. She stressed the importance of the Mendota
Heights ARC and the work the commission is doing. She attended a community event regarding
the long-range 2040 comp plan and shared some feedback. She suggests the commission thinks
about the challenges on the land-side; i.e. traffic congestion to and from and within MSP
(Minneapolis-Saint Paul) Airport. Ms. Agnew shared that she is also interested in the future of
drone and air taxi facilities and how that will impact Mendota Heights.
5. Unfinished and New Business
a. ARC Data/Metrics Review
Commissioners Byrnes and Neuharth worked on the charts, with Commissioner Neuharth
proposing the removal of all data over the COVID-19 timeframe.
Chair Norling suggested keeping that data but differentiating it somehow. Commissioner
Hamiel agreed that it should be kept, but perhaps in an addendum or appendix form to
reference.
Commissioner Sloan pointed out that from of a control chart standpoint it’d be normal to take
the data out so they can accurately project future data.
Chair Norling noted that there are estimates of the post-COVID-19 data becoming regular again
in 2024.
Commissioner Neuharth noted that to calculate the mean he could use the data prior to March
2020, and then again after April 2022.
Commissioner Hamiel asked whether the data from April 2022 to present, which spans the
pandemic recovery period, would also skew the data.
Commissioner Neuharth thought the distortion would be minimal. He added that we will create
two charts; one with the 24-month COVID-19 data and one that excludes it.
b. Homes and Noise Mitigation Discussion
Mendota Heights staff created a pamphlet to help address noise mitigation for new builders and
residents. There is a link to the document on the Mendota Heights website. The commission
agreed it was a very well-done document.
Commissioner Hamiel compared the Mendota Heights document to that of other airports and
commented that the city’s is very well written and easy to read. He suggested thanking Brad
Juffer, of the MAC (Metropolitan Airports Commission), for his work on this.
Commissioner Sloan suggested adding an article or note regarding this piece in the next
“Heights Highlights” issue.
c. Noise Oversight Committee Update
i. Eagan Request to FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)
City Administrator Jacobson reported on an FAA letter from Eagan, as well as how
they hope to plan to keep the positive changes happening for both Eagan and
Mendota Heights. She also noted there are opportunities for the Mendota Heights
ARC and the Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission (NRC) to hold joint
workshops regarding trees and noise mitigation.
Chair Norling suggested that Michele Ross, of the Noise Oversight Committee (NOC)
attend the Mendota Heights ARC’s next commission meeting.
ii. NOC 2023 Draft Workplan
Commissioners should send comments or additions to City Administrator Jacobson
for review.
6. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports and Correspondence
a. Review of Airport Operational Statistics (link: https://www.macenvironment.org/reports/)
i. Complaint Information
Chair Norling will reassign commissioners to each report task.
ii. Runway Use Information
Chair Norling will reassign commissioners to each report task.
iii. Turboprop Information
City Administrator Jacobson will follow up with the MAC to see who the new contact
will be for working on Turboprop data.
iv. Noise Monitor Information
b. News Articles
City Administrator Jacobson will share the articles with the group via email.
7. Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Neuharth demonstrated a good control chart example using the chart titled
“Departures North of the Corridor”.
Chair Norling asked the group for ideas on thanking and celebrating Brad Juffer. She will work
with City Administrator Jacobson to organize a thank you card.
8. Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Neuharth/Second by Sloan to adjourn the meeting.
Motion passed 5-0.
Chair Norling adjourned the meeting at 7:14pm.
Minutes taken by Sheila Robertson
Office Support Assistant