Members in Attendance:  Rick Bryant, David Downing, Bob Newton

 

The meeting was called to order by Rick Bryant at 6:40 PM.

1.      Because of a lack of a quorum, the April meeting minutes were put aside and will be reviewed at the June meeting.

2.      City Airport Manager report - Debbie Van Saun

Debbie reviewed a number of issues, including:

 The Sanitary Sewer System Project has been added to 2002 CIP for utilities.  The Project is waiting for a review of the project study from KDHE.  Debbie will write a letter to KDHE to try to expedite the review process..

The final plat for the Storm Water Management Plan has been put on the PC agenda.

The Permit application for the Water Improvement Project was sent to the DWR.  It is expected that it will take 2-3 weeks to receive the permit.  It is estimated that the well construction will occur around June 15.  The procurement of the needed equipment will take approximately 12-14 weeks.

At the request of the Aviation Advisory Board, several activities have been initiated.  These include:

A.                 The City Engineer can draw up a concept for a left turn and deceleration lane at the entrance to the airport on Highway 24/40.  When this concept is completed, it will be submitted to KDOT.

B.                Regarding the Board’s request for new airport signage, Debbie will get a cost estimate and identified any restrictions for new airport signage.

C.                A phased upgrade of the Terminal Lobby furniture has been added to the project list.

D.                Debbie alerted the Board to a problem caused by the rapid and unexpected rise in the cost of natural gas.  Although an adjustment will be made for future years, there will be a major short fall for the current year.

E.                 Discussions continue with the Union Pacific Rail Road relative to their potential relocation of their tracks near the airport.  For current status see the attached Memo from Debbie and Rick.

F.                 Debbie has had a meeting with the Fire Chief to determine what standard fire/medical procedures are in force for the airport.  The Fire Chief supplied Debbie with a copy of the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical Standard Operational Procedures: SOP II-302 – Aircraft Incident Response that defines the current practices.  Debbie distributed a copy of the SOPs to the Board.  See attachments.

G.                In anticipation of the increased traffic at the Lawrence Municipal Airport during the NASCAR races, Debbie has initiated discussion with the local FAA personnel.  This has included contacts with Ron Jenkins with the Air Traffic Control Division at the Kansas City International Airport and Vince Shobe with the FAA’s Central Region Air Traffic Division Requirements Branch.  These discussions are investigating possible permanent or temporary options that would facilitate improved operations at the Lawrence Municipal Airport.  The FAA representatives are developing a set of recommended options and will be getting back to Debbie.

H.                The CIP Project design contract approval process has been delayed so that an updated I.E. and cost analysis can be done with the project having two sets.  A meeting will be held on may 24 or May 25 with TerraCon and Fred DeVictor to look at potential wetland mitigation sites.  Also, the City Legal staff is investigating the land acquisition process relative to the runway extension.

I.                    Current plans are for the City to hold sometime in June a Public Information Meeting for all of the shareholders that will be impacted by the Airport construction project.  The Board unanimously supports this meeting and will be represented at the meeting.

J.                  When the platting process is completed an RFP will be issued for the engineering/construction services of the new T-hangars.  Debbie reminded the board that this project is not in the current CIP budget.

3.      Fixed Base Operators report - Lloyd Hetrick

Lloyd made discussed two items.

A.                 Lloyd distributed letters and a brochure that will be mailed to the NASCAR racing teams and professionals.  This brochure highlights the services and facilities available at the Lawrence Municipal Airport as well as contacts information for local lodging establishments.  The Board felt this was an excellent representation of the City and local facilities.

B.                Also announced that Rob Mohr within a month will no longer operate a flight instruction business.  Lloyd is investigating various options to replace this important airport service.

4.      Gold Circle Entertainment Inquiry

Rick Bryant briefed the Board on an inquiry made by the Omaha based Gold Circle Entertainment Company into the feasibility of their constructing a 80’x100’ hangar at the Lawrence Municipal Airport.  They would use this hangar as the main operation of the company’s business jet.  The Board felt that such a facility would be good for the airport and recommended that the appropriate individuals actively pursue this opportunity.

5.      The Aviation Advisory Board has decided to initiate a study to establish guidelines for operation of Ultra Light vehicles at the Lawrence Municipal airport.

6.      Annual budget request items

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CIP Projects – matches for grants, master plan updates,

Rick – new parking areas, t-hangar, utilities infrastructure, highway turn lane, airport sign

7.      June Meeting

The next meeting of the Aviation advisory board will be held on June 14.  Before the June meeting board members are asked to review and be prepared to discuss the “Forecast and Demand” section of the current Master Plan.  Those that do not have a copy of the Master Plan please contact Debbie Van Saun. 

The Board members are also asked to prepare a list of suggested airport improvement that would be appropriate for the 2002 City of Lawrence Public Works Budget.  These suggestions will be collected and discussed at the June 14 meeting.

8.         The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 PM.