Airport Commission

. . . creating a better quality of life Airport Commission Meeting Monday, March 9, 2020, 4:30 pm Murfreesboro Municipal Airport 134 Dejarnette Lane, TDK Hangar Conference Room. Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance: Presented by Council Member Bill Shacklett. 1) Call the meeting to order a) Listing of Airport Commission Members, Staff, and guests present Airport Commission members: Steve Waldron, Chair George Huddleston, Jr. Vice Chair Butch Jones Clay Cook John Polk Bill Shacklett, City Council Representative Dr. Wendy Beckman, MTSU Ex-officio City Staff: Gary Whitaker, Assistant City Manager Greg McKnight, City Planner and City Project Development Services David Ives, Assistant Deputy Attorney Katie Driver, Staff Attorney Chad Gehrke, Airport Manager Jennifer Hodgdon, Airport Administrative Aid also in attendance: Tim Keach Cindy Cook Dean Bud Fischer Mark Baker Frank Stephenson 2) Consider approval of conceptual MTSU Airport Campus Development Plan Chad Gehrke reviewed with the Airport Commission the proposed MTSU Airport Campus Development Plan. He reviewed a five phased development plan. Mr. Gehrke stated that Phase 1 which included the expansion of the MTSU apron and construction of Taxiway E. He stated Phase 1 also included the construction of a new MTSU Aircraft Fleet Maintenance Hangar (16,000 square feet hangar bay) with offices and shop space. It also included an annex to the Jean A. Jack Flight Training Facility which would include classroom, briefing, and office space. Phase 1 also included a round about area in front of the new annex building which will assist in creating a new, very visible, and attractive entry into the MTSU Airport Campus area. Mr. Gehrke reviewed the remaining phases and what buildings and other improvements were included in each phase. Mr. Gehrke reviewed the relocation of the parkway access road the additional parking that would be created at that time. Mr. Gehrke reviewed how the proposed MTSU Airport Campus Plan was inline with the Airport Master Plan/Airport Layout Plan Update completed in 2013. He pointed out that there was still space available for the expansion of the Hangar 3 area for the construction of another hangar or replacement hangar. The Airport Commission discussed various aspects of the proposed development plan with Dr. Bud Fischer, Dr. Wendy Beckman, and Nickolas Lenczycki. One item discussed was the green area that was proposed for the ultimate buildout of the area. The green area would be located where current auto parking near the front of several of the existing facilities. Mr. Gehrke stated that this was only a development plan and is subject to change as the planning, programming, and budgeting for each of these facilities is completed. The development plan gives the Aerospace Department, the University, and the Airport/City a plan by which to strive towards and to allow for possible funding to occur. The Airport Commission discussed the relocation of the access road. Gary Whitaker stated that the relocation of the road would be a joint project with the City and University. He stated that it would occur in the planning and construction of the large academic building. Dr. Beckman and the members of the Airport Commission discussed the plans for the entrance into the campus area and landscaping that would occur Clay Cook moved to approve the plan as presented. John Polk seconded the motion and all voted in favor. Motion passed. 3) Consider approval of City requirements for MTSU Boeing 727 David Ives presented to the Airport Commission a list of requirements that a company contracted to remove the MTSU Boeing 727 would have to comply with to protect not only the City, the University, but also people and aircraft that might be operating in and around the MTSU ramp. Nickolas Lenczycki reported that the University did agree that this State asset given what it is would not have to go through the traditional process for disposal and appear on Govdeals.com but could be contracted out for recycling and disposal. The Members of the Airport Commission reviewed the requirements and noting the agreement with the requirements by the representatives of MTSU agreed with Mr. Ives list and had no additional comments or requirements to add. 4) Consider approval of Airport Economic Development Grant – MTSU Apron and Taxiway E Chad Gehrke presented to the Airport Commission the Tennessee Airport Economic Development Grant that was awarded to the Murfreesboro Airport for the expansion of the MTSU aircraft parking apron and construction of Taxiway E. Mr. Gehrke reviewed the location again with the Airport Commission of these improvements. He described the aircraft parking area that was attached to the first dedicated area designed specifically for the runup of aircraft engines and preflight check lists. The Airport Commission discussed the importance of this area but how it may be designed to be more efficient, perhaps including aircraft parking locations as well. Mr. Gehrke stated that he was requesting a term of two years. Butch Jones moved to approve the Grant as presented. Clay Cook seconded the motion. All voted in favor with George Huddleston abstaining from the vote. Motion passed. 5) Consider approval of Runway 5K event with Park and Recreation Chad Gehrke requested that the Airport Commission approve a 5K Run at the Airport on a proposed date of September 26, 2020. Mr. Gehrke stated that this date was being considered as a grand opening/ribbon cutting event for the Airport Terminal as well. Mr. Gehrke stated that this event will be hosted by the Airport and the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department. He stated that the race will occur on the runway in the early evening. He stated that this event will be coordinated with the State and FAA. John Polk moved to approve the 5K run and Butch Jones seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Motion passed. 6) Airport Manager’s report regarding proposed FY21 Airport Budget Chad Gehrke stated that the proposed Airport Budget is still in the review process. He reported that a number of projects were being considered as being included in this year’s budget including the addition to Hangar 3 and paving the runway overlay. He stated that this budget may not be a balanced budget this year to take advantage of this time to complete some much needed projects. The Airport Commission stated that he had met with Clay Cook and John Polk to discuss the list of projects and the T-hangar rental rates. He stated that a decision is not due until May so that any change in hangar rental rates can be announced to the customers on June 1 st. The Airport Commission discussed the issue with the difference that the rent will be on the north end of the airport compared to the hangars on the south end of the airport due to the high cost of construction. They discussed what the rates would have to be to pay off the bond issue on a 15-year term even with adjusting the rent annually 3%. The Members of the Airport Commission also discussed options such as public private partnerships on T-hangar and box hangar construction and management. The Airport Commission Members also discussed if it would be against FAA Grant Assurances if the rent were adjusted at a higher rate when a tenant has left the hangar and a new higher rate to meet current replacement values. Mr. Gehrke reminded the Airport Commission that he had budgeted a very low amount of revenue from event space rental in the new Terminal. 7) Airport Manager regarding neighbor complaints Chad Gehrke stated that complaints have continued when operations are at their peak. Mr. Gehrke stated that he does continue to share with people that call to complain about the number of operations about the national pilot shortage. He reported that most people appreciate the information and did not know or do remember hearing about the issue. Mr. Gehrke stated that he has kept the Members of the City Council informed of this as well. He stated that he has met with MTSU’s Chief Pilot and Assistant and have discussed the need to address operations in some way. Mr. Gehrke stated that one tool that would assist in this endeavor is a product developed by Blueavion. Mr. Gehrke presented a presentation of the Blueavion system which uses ADS-B to count and report aircraft operations as well as aircraft type and N-number. Mr. Gehrke reported the Tennessee Aeronautics Division had discussed the possibility of purchasing a couple of units and installing them at airports in Tennessee to conduct a study. The Airport Commission Members discussed the system and asked if NPE funds could be used to purchase a unit. Mr. Gehrke stated that the unit would cost approximately $8,000. John Polk the Member of the Airport Commission representing the neighborhoods surrounding the airport, stated that he had gone up on a flight with Clay Cook. He stated that he witnessed the concerns of the number of aircraft in the pattern and asked what the Airport could do to manage the traffic pattern. The Airport Commission Members discussed the desire to develop some policies to assist in the possibility of being more neighborly while not contradicting our FAA Grant Assurances or hindering flight training and aviation activity in any way. Steve Waldron asked George Huddleston and Butch Jones to be on a new committee to come back to the Airport Commission with some recommendation to address this issue. He suggested that they should consider meeting with MTSU and Murfreesboro Aviation and discuss this matter with them. The Members of the Airport Commission discussed the positive aspects of controlled airspace that an air traffic control tower could provide to address these types of issues. They discussed that to get approval and installation of a tower is a five-year process. 8) Airport Manager’s report regarding other projects. Terminal Mr. Gehrke stated that the Terminal was on schedule and inline with the approved budget. Approach Clearing Project Mr. Gehrke stated that trimming of trees continues on the south end and that the Airport was working with ATKINS and the State on a planning project for management of the south approach using FAA Non-Primary Entitlement funds. Hangar 1 Replacement Mr. Gehrke stated that they are meeting with Morgan Construction to get the budget closer to the initial budget. He stated that this will be over the initial budget. Fuel Farm Replacement Mr. Gehrke stated that he had met with Titan Aviation to discuss the possibility to see how they might assist with the cost of the installation of a new fuel farm. Mr. Gehrke stated that funds received from the sale of the land at Memorial and Airport Road would be used to construct the fuel farm and the replacement of Hangar 1. Gary Whitaker stated that they were negotiating with Circle K for the sale of the property. He stated they are expecting to receive $1.4 million for the sale of that property. Mr. Whitaker stated that that will require the Airport to move the Airport sign at Memorial. Mr. Gehrke stated that will be part of an overall sign program to improve the directional and destination signs at the Airport. 9) Consider any other business to come before the Airport Commission Tennessee Airports Conference – Awards Lunch 11:30 March 17th 10) Consider next Airport Commission meeting Monday, March 20, 2020, 4:30 PM Airport Commission Members agreed to meet on March 20th at 4:30 pm. The Members of the Airport Commission thanked Tim Keach for allowing them to continue to meet in the beautiful TDK Hangar facilities. 11) Adjournment The Airport Commission agreed to adjourn.  1) Recommend approval of MTSU Airport Campus Development Plan This plan complies with the existing Airport Layout Plan that was adopted in 2013. Design work and construction will begin immediately for the MTSU Aircraft Fleet Maintenance Hangar and MTSU Aerospace Instructional Center along with circle drive and possibly additional auto parking. This will occur most likely after the construction of the new MTSU ramp and Taxiway E. Airport and City Staff have worked with MTSU representatives on this plan. I will be glad to point out the various improvements and items included in this plan. Dr. Wendy Beckman will also be present as well to answer your questions. The City and the Murfreesboro Airport are looking forward to working with MTSU in the removal of the referenced aircraft and repurposing of the leased land upon which it is currently setting. In order to protect the many Airport users and the City’s significant investment in its Airport infrastructure, we request that MTSU’s arrangement with the contractor(s) working on the project include at least the following provisions: 1. That the contractor(s) be required to create and maintain a protected work zone, appropriate to the type of demolition / destruction / dismemberment being performed in order to, among other things, prohibit debris from exiting the work zone. 2. That the contractor(s) be required to capture all fluids and remove for appropriate disposal, prevent any spills, and immediately clean up and restore any spillage or improper discharge that may occur. 3. That the contractor(s) be required to provide proof of general liability insurance, including coverage for, but not limited to, property damage and environmental damage or injury, with the City as a named insured, in the amount of not less than $2,000,000. 4. That the contractor(s) be required to provide a surety bond, from an insurance underwriter and in form satisfactory to the City Attorney, in the amount of not less than $500,000, payable to the City in the event of damage or injury to the ramp, taxiways, or any other City or City Airport property that is not promptly and property repaired. 5. That the contractor(s) be required to notify and coordinate activities with the Airport Manager to assure the minimal, reasonable interference with normal airport operations and the safety of people, aircraft, and other equipment and facilities at the Airport. The City looks forward to the completion of this project. 2) Airport Staff recommends approval of these items and any others the Airport Commission sees fit that MTSU will require of their contractor that will be removing the Boeing 727. 3) I recommend the approval of the Airport Economic Development Grant for the construction of the MTSU ramp and Taxiway E. The Grant is not an outright $1 million Grant. The reimbursed amount is based on the percentage of the dollar amount as entered into Black Cat Grant management program and the bids received. The State will provide up to $1 million and the City/Airport is responsible for whatever amount the bids come in above the stated total cost of the project. The key will be the work that Darren Duckworth and I do on the information that we enter into Black Cat to maximize the $1 million Grant.  6) The FY21 Airport Budget is a work in progress. Good news: Last year FY19 the Airport made around $84,000 and that is with the Airport paying its debt service payment of $150,000. John Polk and Clay Cook are working on the facility hangar rental rates Current budget shows an increase of 1% for hangar rental rates for T-hangars A, B, C, D, and E. All other hangar and other facilities not tied to long term Lease Agreements would be increased by our traditional 3%. Box Hangars are all going up by 4% except for MTSU who has a long-term lease agreement set at a 3% annual rental rate increase. Airport Staff has been surveying event locations in the area to determine rental rates for the various meeting and event space in the Terminal. Current budget has income from rental of event space at $5,000 which I believe is extremely low but will be focusing in on that as the facility gets closer to completion. Airport Staffing includes the same staff as budgeted last year which included an Airport Manager, Administrative Aide, Assistant Airport Manager, a part-time Airport Operations Specialist, six or seven part-time Airport Operations Workers. This budget will also include a part-time janitor and two additional Airport Operations Workers to allow for a night shift/later hours. Capital Improvements include: Approach Management Master Planning and tree work Taxiway A pavement planning and work Addition on Hangar 3 Paved overlay of Runway 36 Installation of new fuel farm Replacement of 855 John Deere mower unit with front end mower. (John Deere tractor is being retired to aircraft towing duty only) As the budget sits, the budget is over budget by $200,000 but it is very much a work in progress. City Admin and the Budget Director are working on the various aspects of the Airport Budget. I believe that we may have to meet again possibly this month to be able to discuss the Airport Budget in more detail. There are so many variables at this time.  7) Neighbor complaints The Airport, City Hall, and the University continue to receive complaints from neighbors of the airport and citizens that live within the pattern of the airport. The calls occur when:  Weather is good for flying  Flight training is in full operation with a majority of the training aircraft fleet flying  Flying begins at 6 am  Flying continues through 10 pm to midnight  Complaints deal with the non-stop drone of aircraft  Neighbors observe more aircraft operations than in the past The airport can currently gage the number of operations through:  Observation  Number of billed hours from the flight training companies  Fuel sales New measures to improve count are:  Video of runway with ability to count activity  New ADS-B runway counter system