2013-04-10 ARC minutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
April 10, 2013
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, April 10,
2013 at 7:00 p.m. at 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN.
The following commissioners were present: David Sloan, Kevin Byrnes, Jim Neuharth, Sally Lorberbaum,
William Dunn, Gina Norling and Paul Portz
Absent: None
Also present: Councilmember Liz Petschel, Guest Speaker Brian Petschel, and City Administrator Justin Miller
Approval of Minutes
Lorberbaum made a motion, seconded by Dunn, to approve the March 13th minutes as submitted - all voted in
favor.
Guest Speaker – Brian Petschel
Councilmember Petschel introduced her son, Brian Petschel, as this month’s guest speaker. Brian has a
background in electrical engineering and has previously worked in the aerospace industry, specifically on
sensor systems and air data systems. He detailed to the commission where the latest in airplane technology was
headed, specifically in terms of noise and fuel economy. He stated that the engines of the future will continue
to be quieter, but that it was more of a side-effect of the airlines looking to find fuel savings by designing more
efficient engines. He also discussed new entrants into the airplane market, specifically companies from
overseas. Finally, he spoke about the noise impacts to the area if different military aircraft were based out of
MSP International Airport, as is sometimes mentioned to be in the plans.
Legislative Update
Councilmember Petschel updated the commission on a letter that was recently sent to our legislative delegation
relating to HF 1717, a bill to require an Environmental Impact Statement on the recently approved MSP 2020
Capital Plan. The letter expressed the city’s opposition to this legislation, and the letter was shared by MAC to
other NOC cities.
Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports/Correspondence
The monthly reports for February 2013 were acknowledged and commissioners updated their respective areas
of focus. Commissioner Norling pointed out that a trend has occurred where the number of loud noise events at
the three monitoring towers has decreased for three consecutive months. While this is a positive trend, the
commission should continue to monitor these data points.
Miller noted that the next meeting will be a joint meeting with Eagan and Inver Grove Heights at Eagan City
Hall on May 8th at 7:00 pm. The topic will be a State of the Airport presentation by Jeff Hamiel. Miller will
send an email as the date approaches about carpooling.
Adjourn
Lorberbaum made a motion, seconded by Neuharth, that the meeting be adjourned. All voted in favor. Meeting
adjourned at 8:40 pm.