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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.13.2001COUNCIL WORK SESSION November 13, 2001 4:45 p.m. Council Chambers Members present: Krizek, Murphy, Gronen, Getty, Berry. Members absent: Anders, Jordan. Others present: Pat Cole and Fred Debe. Moved by Gronen, seconded by Murphy that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Five. Absent: Anders, Jordan. Motion carried. Mayor Rooff welcomed Fred Debe, Chairman of the Waterloo Airport Board, and Pat Cole, a member of the Board. Mayor Rooff stated that this was an opportunity for the council to be updated on the projects at the airport. Mr. Debe explained that there are two kinds of projects; state and federal. Mr. Debe stated that Federal Grants can be used for horizontal items such as runways, taxiways, etc. Mr. Debe stated that federal grants require a ten percent match and that the Board uses PFC (Passenger Facility Charges) for the match. Mr. Debe stated that the FAA recommended that flashing yellow holding lights be installed on the taxiways as a safety precaution. Mr. Debe explained that the taxiways cross the runways at the airport and the lights would make them more visible. The addition has been written as a change order, and will be covered by the Federal Grant for Taxiway D. Mr. Debe stated that no city funds are used in these projects. Mr. Debe explained that PFC funding first has to be imposed, then it can be used. PFC funds are collected by airlines when a customer purchases a ticket but that the city holds and invests the funds. In order for PFC funds to be spent, the project first has to be approved by the FAA. Mr. Debe stated that State Funds are used for vertical infrastructure such as heating, cooling and maintaining hangers. Mr. Debe stated that state funds could not be used to build hangers because Waterloo is considered to be commercial airport. Mr. Debe reviewed the process of getting Federal Grant money stating that the process takes about one year to eighteen months to receive authorization and that the Board then has a year to spend the funds once allocated. Mr. Debe stated that only the money received is spent. If the full amount requested is not received then the project would be scaled back. Mr. Debe stated that Congress has approved new money for next year to be used for marketing purposes. Mayor Rooff questioned if having a Regional Airport would help with funding. Mr. Debe stated they have tried to work with cities in the Cedar Valley to form a Regional Airport with very limited success. Mr. Debe stated there are very few successful Regional Airports. Discussion was heard regarding the name to be put on the sign at the airport entrance. Mr. Debe stated that the Board is going to vote next Tuesday on "Waterloo Airport Serving the Cedar Valley". Councilperson Berry stated the importance of the name being inclusive to, promote some support from other communities. Some November 13, 2001 Page 2 suggestions were made including, "Waterloo Regional Airport" and "Cedar Valley Regional Airport". Mr. Debe will take the recommendations of the Council back to the Board for consideration. Mr. Debe stated that the design contract on the terminal is being approved and expects to have a May letting. Mr. Debe discussed some of the changes being proposed since the events of September 11th. Mr. Debe updated the Council on an Airport Director position stating that they had started looking but since the events of September 11t'' that has been put on hold. Mr. Debe stated that the airport has been affected by September 11th, explaining that expenses to date are in line with the budget but that revenues are about $85,000.00 below budget. With no further discussions before the council, it was moved by Krizek and seconded by Gronen that the meeting adjourn at 4:14 p.m. Ayes: Five. Absent: Anders, Jordan. Motion carried. Marge Hirdler Deputy City Clerk • •