Airport Commission Minutes - October 5, 2009
(10-07-2009)

CITY OF ROSEBURG

AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

October 5, 2009

CALL TO ORDER: The Roseburg Airport Commission met in the City Hall Conference Room on Monday, October 5, 2009. Skenzick called the meeting to order at 12:03 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Commissioners Steve Skenzick, Dave Leonard, John Ward, Robb Paul and Gary Crowe. Chair Tom Ryan arrived at 12:17 p.m.

Absent: Commissioner Russ Noah.

Others: Airport Manager Tony Bunch, City Manager Eric Swanson, Mayor Larry Rich, Public Works Director Nikki Messenger, Civil Engineer Jeff Nelson, Facilities Maintenance Technician Ed Sperry, Management Technician Debi Davidson and Katie Boer of KPIC-TV. Finance Director Cheryl Guyett arrived at 12:44 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Leonard moved to approve the minutes of the August 10, 2009 meeting. Motion was seconded by Crowe and carried unanimously.

CONNECT OREGON III GRANT

Swanson reported on the availability of Connect Oregon III funds for transportation related projects that provide an economic development benefit. (Rich and Boer arrived 12:05 p.m.) In 2007, the City began the application process for a runway extension project. However, due to unresolved issues of project scope, cost and availability of matching funds, the application was never filed. The Connect III application deadline is November 20th. Swanson believed that with the information we now have available, combined with the assistance of a grant work group and professional grant writer, we should be able to apply. Last year, the Airport Commission and City Council narrowed down extension options to four; Swanson recommended proceeding with the first phase. This would be a good regional project for which Swanson believed Douglas County could provide support and financial assistance with the 20% local match requirement. There would be time between application submission and the early 2010 application review to refine the project proposal.

It was clarified that this project would not conflict with the taxiway relocation project as discussed by the Commission in August. (Ryan arrived at 12:17 p.m.) That project is in line for FAA airport improvement project monies. Bill Woods offered support for the project noting a 500 foot expansion will open up the airport for corporate flights. He stated that one factor in the closure of the Bayliner plant was the added time for executives to fly from company headquarters in Tennessee to Eugene and motor travel to Roseburg. This may also be significant for Roseburg Forest Products which has purchased seven sawmills in the southeastern portion of the country. Al Satterla stated he spoke with people interested in relocating to Roseburg but felt there was a development department attitude that Roseburg had all the facilities we needed. While we may have railroad, freeway and airport access, the airport needs to be able to accommodate larger corporate jets.

Runway extension Alternative 5A would extend the runway 800 feet to the north and 150 to the south. In early 2008, estimated project cost was $2,485,800. Leonard moved to request the City Council move forward with a Connect Oregon III grant application for Alternative 5A. Motion was seconded by Paul and carried unanimously. Swanson requested Paul participate on the grant work group to help with the application process. Paul noted he could have a conflict as he serves on the SWACT Committee which makes recommendation to the Oregon Transportation Commission for grant award. Swanson indicated he was also a member of that committee; both would have to recues themselves from participating in a vote on the application. Woods stated he could serve on the work group, along with Ryan.

PAVEMENT EVALUATION/MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REPORT

Bunch shared information regarding a pavement evaluation completed in March as part of an Oregon Department of Aviation program. The Pavement Condition Index shows the airport is in good shape with an overall PCI score of 79 which is “Very Good.” Primary distresses in asphalt concrete were ramp areas where the oldest pavement exists. We do have a capital improvement program in place to address pavement conditions in the future. The report includes recommendations for slurry seals and other steps to alleviate conditions and extend pavement life until we can get funding through the FAA Airport Improvement Program.

AERONAUTICAL STUDY – PROPOSED ANTENNA TOWER ON MT. NEBO

Bunch reported that Brooke Communications submitted an application to install an antenna tower on Mt. Nebo which would raise the RBG climb gradient from 642 feet to 708 feet for RWY 16 departures. The FAA published a notice of presumed hazard indicating the antenna exceeds obstruction standards and/or would have an adverse physical electromagnetic interference effect. Upon Commission affirmation, Bunch has drafted a letter to FAA expressing the Commission’s non-concurrence with the proposal. Jim Stapleton indicated there have been intermittent problems with the RCO which is what pilots use for RFI flight notifications and cancelling flight plans and indicated he would check further on those complaints.

Swanson suggested the FAA letter be copied to Brooke Communications’ owner Pat Markham and indicate the City’s willingness to work with Markham to determine a workable alternative. Leonard indicated while we could work with the owner to find a solution that doesn’t adversely affect IFR operations, he stressed that the response needed to be clear that the Commission was opposed to the application as presented. Skenzick suggested a location to the west may not impact airport operations. Bunch indicated any structure would raise our climb gradient even higher than it currently is. Not only is the obstruction a hazard for electromagnetic interference, but the RCO’s is pretty substantial for the FAA to put out a notice of presumed hazard.

Consensus was to send a letter to the FAA stating the Commission’s objection to the application and to copy that letter to the Commission members. Bunch noted the FAA evaluation did not indicate the antenna would interfere with the RCL for lights. Forward copy of the letter to the Commissioners. (Guyett 12:44 p.m.)

INFORMATIONAL

Monthly Airport Maintenance Report: Sperry reported maintenance will slow down. Mowing is done, and the grass shouldn’t grow much more. There will be a change in security lighting. High pressure sodium 175 watt light bulbs are no longer available. He has found a fixture to accommodate high output 64 watt florescent lights that will work in 0 degree weather and cut electricity costs by 2/3. The runway will be swept early Friday morning.

AIP Project – Taxiway “A” Relocation: Bunch indicated everything is moving well with the consultants on this project. Landmark Surveying has completed most of their work. Leonard indicated his company is providing geotechnical work on pavement design. Once the report goes to the principal consultant, they will have everything needed to put plans together. This project will not interfere with the runway extension project as there is not enough room to extend the taxiway into that area. Leonard indicated he would serve on the grant work group referenced earlier if Paul was unable to do so.

Airport Property Wetland Mitigation: Bunch provided correspondence from Leonard expressing concern about the north end wetlands which serve as an attraction for the bird population. Bunch contacted the FAA to inquire about the use of AIP fund for wetland mitigation. Since this was not deemed an aeronautical use, FAA indicated it likely would not be AIP grant eligible. The City would have to prove that it was a wildlife hazard and pay for a wildlife survey. Since this is not a commercial service airport, it would be a steep hill to climb to justify expenditure of AIP funds for mitigating wetlands. We can mitigate out of City funds. It was discussed that the birds may create an aviation hazard which could encumber commercial development of property; therefore, perhaps the mitigation could be included in the Connect Oregon grant.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Jim Stapleton expressed regret that Bunch was leaving the area. Bunch stated it was a pleasure to work with everyone, but his family desired to move to the Midwest to be closer to family.

Stapleton stated a local non-profit may be interested in hosting a Great Gatsby Themed dinner fundraiser for 350-400 people in one of the hangars. Depending on the location, liquor licenses may have to be obtained for service on City property. A similar event was held in the FBO facility a few years ago. No objections were expressed.

Meeting adjourned at 1:01 p.m.

Debi Davidson

Management Technician

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