Airport Commission

AIRPORT COMMISSION WORKSHOP Monday, July 17, 2023, 4:30 pm Murfreesboro Municipal Airport Business Center 1930 Memorial Blvd. Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance: AGENDA 1. Call to order – Attendance 2. Period for public comment/questions 3. Update on Airport Pavement Rehab 4. Update on Approach Management Projects 5. Update on development hangar pads and Taxiways E and F 6. Update on Fuel Farm Project and Aviation Fuel Provider RFCSP 7. Update on Whataburger development 8. Update on Hangar One 9. Other Business, comments, concerns, questions 10. Next scheduled Airport Commission meeting -August 21, 2023 Stakeholders meeting regarding participation in the FAA Contract Tower Program 8-3-2023 11. Adjourn 3. Update of Pavement Rehab and Maintenance Project Chad Gehrke, Ryan Hulsey, and Benson Hadley will be providing the latest information regarding the Pavement Maintenance and Rehab Project. Next week, weather permitting, all work that can be completed at this point will be completed. Until the FAA Asphalt mix is approved no other work can occur. There has been no indication from Blue Grass when the FAA asphalt mix will be approved. Chad Gehrke has contacted the Tennessee Aeronautics to question the status of the FAA approval of the Tennessee State mix. Christopher Starr has shared information as to where they are in the process but it is far from receiving approval to assist Murfreesboro in this situation and provide a timely option. As of 7-13 the completion date of paving completion and airport open is 8-7. The latest schedule and pertinent information coming out of the 7-14 weekly progress meeting will be shared with the Airport Commission Monday. 4. Update on Approach Management Project Benson Hadley will share the latest information regarding the Approach Management Project. Two key meetings will occur 7-14 and 7-19. 7-14 representatives of Barge and the City of Murfreesboro will meet with representatives of the Tennessee Aeronautics to address how this project will be funded over the next few years and ensure it is well represented and documented in the ACIP. The second date, 7-19 Benson Hadley and Chad Gehrke are meeting with representatives of W D Schock to discuss more specifics of the Approach Management Project. The focus will be initial high level planning all aspects of the project which will include data gathering, identifying most effective and efficient approach, legal compliance, project budget, funding, and schedule. This information will be incorporated in the State ACIP update which is due 9-1 and will be included in City CIP discussions. 5. Update the development of hangar pads and taxiways F and E Chad Gehrke and Benson Hadley will review 90% drawings of the development plans for hangar pads, utilities, and taxiways on the north end of the airport. They will also discuss the budget for this project, estimated cost, and efforts being taken to address questions regarding land lease agreements. There are some questions that the City will be addressing with Barge especially if the drainage system as designed effectively addresses drainage issues on the latest five acres recently provided to the airport west of the existing development area. A date for the review of these plans has not been set. Input, questions, and any concerns will be addressed at that meeting. 6. Update on Fuel Farm Project and Aviation Fuel Provider RFCSP Ryan Hulsey and Chad Gehrke will update the Airport Commission on the construction of the fuel farm pad. Last area of pavement to be poured next week. 7. Update on Whataburger development Chad Gehrke will update the Airport Commission on the development of a Whataburger restaurant at the corner of Memorial and Airport Road and City/Airport coordination. 8. Update on Hangar One Chad Gehrke will update the Airport Commission on a list of items still being addressed by Morgan Construction regarding various leaks and issues with the bi-fold electric doors. AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING Monday, April 17, 2023, 4:30 pm Murfreesboro Municipal Airport Business Center 1930 Memorial Blvd. Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Attendees: Steve Waldron, Airport Commission Chair Cannon Loughry, Vice-Chair Shelby Hunton, Area Resident Drew Shelley Bill Shacklett, City Council Representative Dr. Chaminda Prelis, Ex-Officio MTSU Representative Also in attendance: David Ives, Deputy City Attorney Katie Drive, City Staff Attorney Chad Gehrke, Airport Director Ryan Hulsey, Airport Manager Kim Fann, Airport Account Clerk Sam Huddleston, Assistant City Manager Benson Hadley, Barge Design Solutions Doug Palmer, MTSU Mason Marshman Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance: Steve Waldron 1. Call to order – Attendance Meeting began at 4:37 pm Recognition of New Member: Drew Shelley Recognition of passing of previous Airport Commission member, Dr. Payne Hardison 2. Consider approval of February 2023 Airport Commission meeting minutes Motion to approve the minutes as amended by Shelby Hunton and seconded by Bill Shacklett. All voted in favor and motion passed. 3. Election of Airport Commission Chair and Vice Chair Bill Shacklett nominated Steve Waldron as Chairman; Shelby Hunton seconded. Bill Shacklet nominated Cannon Loughry as Vice-Chair; Shelby Hunton seconded. Both nominations passed, all in favor. 1 4. Information regarding State funding Project Rating System (4:44 pm) Chad Gehrke and Benson Hadley explained the new Tennessee Aeronautics Project Rating System to the Airport Commission. It was explained that, due to state legislation, the Tennessee Aviation Fuel Equity Fund is down to a few million dollars a year and that the Tennessee Aeronautics Division (TAD) has a great degree of difficulty determining funding. The new system is a point system and does not allow for airport management to have the same level of confidence if a project will receive funding. Mr. Gehrke described how points are awarded to each airport and each specific project. Status of an airport’s State License, pavement condition, Grants being handled in a timely manner are all examples of items that the Tennessee Aeronautics Staff can determine an airport’s points. Certain projects that are safety related get much higher points awarded compared to a hangar project. 5. Consider approval of the Airfield Pavement Maintenance Project (4:55 pm) Chad Gehrke opened the discussion by reviewing the bid numbers. All the bids came in well overestimate. Benson Hadley, with Barge Designs, explained that this has been the norm for construction projects recently due to the economy. Rebidding it was not considered due to the small window of time to complete the work before the start of the MTSU fall semester. Discussion over the alternates ensured. It was agreed that Alternate 1, a full depth reclamation of the pavement around the oldest sets of T-hangars, would not be done because of the cost and lack of available funds. The Airport Commission members discussed and agreed that perhaps crack repair and seal coat could buy some time while the condition, life cycle of those buildings is considered before committing to such an expensive pavement repair project. The original foundation of the buildings was done poorly, and the surrounding asphalt is heavily impacted. Alternate 3 with Grip-Flex was turned down due to the excessive costs and P-608 was to be utilized in its stead – to yield a superior final product to what the state was paying for. The FAA had shared with Barge that Grip-Flex was not an approved seal coat material on runways at this time. Alternate 2 would be completed because the City was committed to covering the cost of the Blast Pad project through their CIP funds. The City views the airport pavement as it does any roads, a gateway to the community that needs to be supported. The base bid and Alternate 2 was to be funded through two years’ worth of Non-Primary Entitlement (NPE) funds, one year of Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislative (GIL) funds, and a 5% share of local and state investment. Steve Waldron called for a motion of approval, so moved by Drew Shelley and seconded by Cannon Loughry, all voted in favor. 6. Consider approval of proposed Airport Budget (5:08pm) Chad Gehrke began by sharing that airport budget review begins in January to provide the final product being presented. The budget included within it a freeze on T-hangar and tie-down rents for the entire fiscal year. Mr. Gehrke recommended that the Airport Commission review how well the Pavement Project was executed if it was completed in a timely manner to determine if the rates should be adjusted starting January 1 or the rental rates should remain frozen for the entire fiscal year. Mr. Gehrke reported that the budget reflects the Airport Commissions goals for several projects discussed through the fiscal year. One of the budget goals was to help improve our meeting spaces by hiring a full-time employee to assist in managing those facilities to the standard the airport holds itself to. Also, withing the budget is a promotion of an employee from part time to full time, to increase our performance and efficiency of weekend staff. It also shows a decrease in expenses including staff costs as well as revenue during the summer while the construction project occurs. Steve Waldron called for a motion of approval, so moved by Cannon Loughry and seconded by Drew Shelley, all voted in favor. 2 7. Update on Aviation Fuel Provider and Equipment (5:17pm) Chad Gehrke provided an update to the Airport Commission on the procurement of a fuel provider and equipment. The Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals (RFCSP) had been out for several weeks. The question period had ended, and the selection committee was ready to begin reviewing proposals. The RFCSP was for a five-year agreement with a fuel provider, to also supply trucks, and equipment needed for a new fuel farm. The pad construction was already underway under a separate contract. 8. Update on Terminal landside parking and access improvements Chad Gehrke described how in the Hangar 1 project an access road to the main ramp security gate was intended to be installed but was cut due to funding reasons. Fuel deliveries have been struggling to safely access the airfield and exit without damaging vehicles or property. Leftover funding from the terminal building construction was being diverted for the construction of this access road. The City was also working on a project to connect the access road behind Chick-Fil-a directly into McKnight Park to better improve access to and from the park as well as the airport. Steve Waldron called for a motion to approve the road project, so moved by Shelby Hunton, seconded by Bill Shacklett, all voted in favor. 9. Any other business to come before the Airport Commission Steve Waldron invited Benson to provide a project update to the Airport Commission. Benson reviewed the projects being grouped together under the pavement maintenance project. Mr. Hadley reported that the hangar development project was waiting on geotechnical information to continue further planning. Mr. Hadley that the major issue with the art of the Approach Management project was how to properly conduct the tree removal and replacement given the various federal, state, and local regulations and policies. Planning was underway to come up with a phasing strategy to tackle specific obstructions as well as obtain property or easements. Mr. Hadley stated that determining funding sources is a big part of the planning discussion as well because it determines the airport’s obligation to the property owners and how each property owner will be approached. He reviewed that there are two areas of concern one being trees located in the avigation easement and those outside the avigation easement but under the City’s Airport Height Zone. Date of Airport Commission Workshop TBD Chad announced that Mike Jones Aircraft Services has a new partner, Milt Owens, with Owens Telecom. Milt has been involved in aviation for several years. Hangar 1 lease discussions are still ongoing. Mike Jones is committed to Hangar 1 and this partnership increases the strength of that commitment. 10. Consider date and time for next Airport Commission Meeting Next meeting was set for May 15, 2023 11. Adjourn Steve Waldron called for adjournment at 5:39 pm 3  AIRPORT COMMISSION WORKSHOP Friday, May 26, 2023, 11:00 am Murfreesboro Municipal Airport Business Center 1930 Memorial Blvd. Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Attendees: Steve Waldron, Airport Commission Chair Cannon Loughry, Vice-Chair Shelby Hunton, Area Resident Drew Shelley Paul Myers Valeska Starnes Bill Shacklett, City Council Representative Craig Tindall, Ex-Officio, City Manager Dr. Chaminda Prelis, Ex-Officio MTSU Representative Also in attendance: Dave Byers, Quadrex Aviation David Ives, Deputy City Attorney Katie Drive, City Staff Attorney Chad Gehrke, Airport Director Ryan Hulsey, Airport Manager Kim Fann, Airport Account Clerk Sam Huddleston, Assistant City Manager Darren Gore, City Executive Director Benson Hadley, Barge Design Solutions Doug Palmer, MTSU Larry Williams Bernie Doubler Donald McDonald Dr. Bill Baker Milt Ownes, Mike Jones Aircraft Services Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance: Council Member Bill Shacklett 1. Call to order – Attendance Meeting began at 11:14 am 1 2. Introduction – Purpose of Workshop Chad Gehrke and Steve Waldron opened the workshop by explaining that the purpose of the workshop was to establish an open discussion environment, to discuss the major events occurring at the airport, and the direction the Airport Commission would like to see the airport go in the next five years. 3. Update on Standard Operating Procedures, operating forecast, and results of benefit cost analysis for proposed application for FAA Contract Tower Chad Gehrke began by explaining that the explosive growth of Murfreesboro, the surrounding areas, and the airport, triggered the partnership with Virtower, Quadrex, MTSU, and MA to complete a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The SOPs have yielded lots of success, but the document is limited in its ability to control the airspace. Data has yielded that the biggest area of conflict is the 45- degree entry and conflicts on the direct entry vs base/final traffic. Part of the original agreement with Quadrex included a discussion of the contract tower program and conducting a cost benefit analysis. Mr. Gehrke explained that the contract tower portion of the original study was removed from the contract to see what impact the SOPs would have on the issues in the pattern. He stated that while there have been significant improvements there were still issues that occur on a frequent basis that prompted the contract with Quadrex to complete the contract tower study. Chad Gehrke introduced Dave Byers to continue the discussion. Dave Byers began by going over the history of the Federal Contract Tower Program (FCTP) and how there is an application requirement that defines the cost benefit analysis and the performance that must be met. He described how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) quantifies the cost of the program and compares it to the quantified benefits of the program (i.e., the cost of life and property). Utilizing various FAA approved methodologies, Dave presented that the airport is a “very solid candidate” as is, without any growth. Utilizing a composite forecast model strengthens the airport’s qualifications for the program further. Dave goes on to describe the potential costs if accepted into the program and informed the Airport Commission that after acceptance into the program, all costs associated with planning, design, and construction are eligible for federal aid; and that the conclusion of construction would leave the city with approximately $50,000/year in maintenance costs. Quadrex’s recommendation was that the City should apply for the contract tower program because the data supports the need as well as carries no risk to the City to apply. Steve opened the discussion to the Airport Commission Members and guests. Dave reported that “virtual” towers are still a few years off from being a reasonable discussion. That funding of the equipment and staff are still unclear. Dave answered a question from Cannon Loughry concerning the equipment available to the controllers. Dr. Byers stated that the tower would be bound to visual flight rules and be able to unofficially use a VirTower-like (ADS-B) software. Cannon asked about the impact of MTSU’s departure. Dave re-iterated that even with a loss of MTSU operations, that MBT is still a strong candidate per the cost/benefit ratio calculation. Shelby Hunton questioned if the need will still be present at MBT for the tower after the MTSU departure; in which Dave responded, that even with the SOPs in place – traffic pattern issues are still best resolved with an FAA tower. Steve Waldron asked about the staffing costs. Dave reported the average tower has 5 controllers, with one being a manager. The cost of those staff members would be covered 100% by the FAA. One member of the public, Dr. Bill Baker, asked if Dave’s study considered future airport capacity concerns. Dave said, “No”, that the FAA doesn’t look at capacity and that an airport manages the peaks and valleys of capacity best with a control tower. 2 4. Update on Airport Pavement Rehab and Approach Management Projects Chad Gehrke continued the airspace topic with transitioning to the Runways 36-approach issues. An original study was done by Quantum Spatial Solutions that identified 70 property owners and over 700 potential obstructions to the approach area. Barge Design Solutions is considering contracting with W D Schock to coordinate and conduct all work with the identified property owners. Before that can be done, funding sources need to be established to determine how the negotiations can be managed (ex: buying / replacing trees/landscaping or buying an easement, compliance with FAA regulations and policies). Barge’s focus, along with the airport’s, is to get the threshold displaced and then move on to the obstruction clearing. The long-term goal, five years, was to have the approach clear of obstacles and the threshold located back to its original location. Benson Hadley, Barge Design Solutions, reviewed that one of the challenges with working with the State is their new point-based, grant reward system. Mr. Hadley stated that it appears that the Tennessee Aeronautics Division (TAD) is stricter on placement of projects into the Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP), and it is more unclear lately if funding will be available and when. Mr. Hadley stated that Barge intends on addressing the obstructions in the easement first. That provides the clearest solution how to address those trees identified as possible current or future obstructions. The priority will focus on clearing the state approach. Once they’ve learned how to work within that system, handling the obstructions in the federal approach will be the next priority. Barge has been working with W D Schock on other airports and used them to negotiate with property owners and purchase easements. Steve Waldron requested additional references for W D Schock, along with Barge’s high reviews. Steve Waldron asked for a plan to tackle the issue by the fall of 2023. Barge agreed. Topic transitioned to the second part of the line item, pavement rehab (including the runway displacement). Mr. Gehrke reported that the runway displacement, taxiway alpha, blast pad, and apron project have been awarded to Cleary Construction per the bid process. Project schedule is pending the pre-construction meeting. As of now, Cleary is requesting to start June 26th, while the airport is pushing for June 15th. Discussion ensued with Craig Tindall about the possibility of going with the 2nd bidder to maintain the City’s timeline. There was discussion regarding construction at the Lebanon Airport, but that construction should not shut down their runway. Emphasis was put on ensuring progress of the contractors while on site. Cannon Loughry stressed that the most important management of the project will be to communicate with stakeholders on the status of the project, holding the contractor accountable to the schedule and set metrics, and to inform every one of the milestones achieved or if they are missed. 5. Update on development hangar pads and Taxiways E and F Benson Hadley of Barge stated that he hoped to have a set of 90% drawings ready for the Airport and Airport Commission to review in the coming weeks. Barge has been working with concept drawing prior to their contract. These new set of plans are for the development of a taxiways, ramps, and pads for hangars to be built in a specific area. The area shows drainage systems needing to be installed and extension of utilities. The conceptual drawing was missing the additional five acres that has recently been set aside for Airport use. The City has set aside 1.2 million dollars in CIP and General Fund monies to invest in this area, to include taxiway extension, utilities, and drainage. The original intent, as shown in the conceptual drawings, was to keep some space available for MTSU expansion and possible future FBOs. Now with MTSU’s relocation and other changes the best use of the space needs further planning and discussion. The City does not currently have monies budgeted to build T-Hangars but perhaps the area can be prepared for private developers to invest in construction. The Airport may have to revisit how it terms its land leases; because the standard 3 30-year amortization is harder to achieve in the current economy. Addition work sessions will be needed to finalize the layouts and proposed Lease Agreements. 6. Update on Fuel Farm Project and Aviation Fuel Provider RFCSP Mr. Gehrke stated that the fuel farm pad was actively under construction. The Selection Committee unanimously selected Titan Fuels as the provider going forth for the next five years. The first agreement with Titan will go into effect July 1, 2023, and will include a zero-dollar lease on two fuel trucks. Titan Fuels partnered with Rebel Services on the fuel farm construction and provided the best proposal and the lowest cost for the purchase of fuel farm equipment for that project as well. The agreements are being reviewed with the Legal and Purchasing Departments. Mr. Gehrke stated that there is an approximate 50-week lead time on the steel materials (tanks) and it will be a long while before we see the farm being installed. 7. MTSU Relocation Timeline Dr. Chaminda Prelis started his briefing off by mentioning delays that had occurred in securing the Shelbyville leases. He stated that MTSU’s goal is to have a handful of planes operating out of Shelbyville in the Spring of 2024. He stressed that MTSU cannot commit to any fixed days because of the fluidity of the situation. By Spring of 2024 they hope to have engineering plans of the permanent facilities and begin breaking ground. On the summer of 2026 is when they plan to transition entirely to Shelbyville, this includes their pro-pilot program, maintenance labs, and fleet maintenance. Dr. Prelis stated that it was still undecided if the King Air will relocate to Shelbyville. Mr. Gehrke stated that the classroom lease is up in August of 2024 and the Master Lease expires in 2031. He reported that there are discussions between the City and MTSU already occurring to handle the three or four years that MTSU may give notice of their desire to terminate the lease early. Engineers have been contracted to assess the facilities on the MTSU Airport Campus and determine what repairs or improvements the City may be required to do before those facilities can be leased out. Dr. Prelis stated that MTSU has not conducted any analysis of the use of MBT after their transition. Practice areas will be relocated, and they may not include MBT. Dr. Prelis does not anticipate heavy practice traffic at MBT. 8. Period for comments, concerns, questions Steve Waldron started the discussion with areas to be addressed, one of which is a new aircraft run-up location. The other item being a mid-field runway taxiway connector– especially if in the future the runway is extended. Steve opened the floor for more comments. Cannon Loughry asked for an update on the T-Hangar Bathroom Renovation Project. Chad Gehrke reported that the renovation is almost complete and should be open during the airport shutdown. He reported that the contractor, Tim Rice of Rice Construction, would be wrapping up work after Memorial Day. Mr. Gehrke reported that the bathroom will have new flooring, painted green board with improved insulation, a new heater, new lighting, and new bathroom fixtures. Steve Waldron queried about usage of the wash pad and wishes to ensure that the corporate box hangar ramp area needs to stay clear to increase access through that space. Chad Gehrke included plans to address that concern through the Hangar 1 Project. He stated that the plan was to include additional painted lines in that area in the Pavement Improvement Project to separate areas where aircraft can be parked and areas that must be maintained clear and open for aircraft to be able to taxi from the runway directly to their hangar. 4 Chad Gehrke updated the Airport Commission that MJAS will be out of his leased T-Hangars by July 1, 2023, and the temporary office trailers will be gone next week. Chad Gehrke also updated the Airport Commission on the development of the access road into the main ramp. He explained the necessity of it and the difficulty of getting large trucks onto the airfield. This was done with leftover funds from the Terminal Project. Cannon Loughry asked if the project would have been cheaper as part of the original bid. It was removed because of the concerns with the contractor’s ability. It was reassigned to a company under a City contract and it was believed to be completed at less expensive rates than what Morgan had originally quoted. Darren Gore asked Chad Gehrke about the asset management system (City Works) progress. Chad advised lack of interaction with City Works but mentioned progress with the City GIS Department and incorporating airport drawings into their systems. Darren mentioned the desire for City Works to physically survey the airport. The hope was to incorporate the new ALP into the software and a physical survey was never mentioned by City Works. Darren wanted the consultant to better brief the Airport Staff. Steve Waldron asked Darren Gore about utility work with MTSU and TDK water lines this fall. Darren Gore said they will investigate it and report back to the Airport Commission. Chad Gehrke asked Craig Tindall to update the Airport Commission on the upcoming changes with the State’s required comment period. Mr. Tindall informed the Airport Commission Members of the State Legislator requirement for a public comment period for all meetings. It must be limited to action items on the agenda, how long someone has to comment or speak, and how many people are allowed to speak, can be restricted. He stated that this new legislation impacts the Airport Commission meetings along with all City boards and commission meetings. He stated that the City can also require the public commentor to sign up ahead of time prior to the start of a meeting. Agendas must now go out 48hrs in advanced to the public. The airport staff post agendas to the city’s public website already. Mr. Tindall stated that this regulation goes into effect July 1, 2023. Discussion ensued on the Airport Commission’s comfort level of the application for the FCTP. Craig Tindall said the Airport Commission could vote and take it to City Council in the next couple of weeks. There isn’t any risk and takes 90 days. Cannon Loughry stated that he would prefer more public comment and feedback from stakeholders. Drew Shelley stated that he believed the tower is needed and agrees that stakeholder buy-in is important. Steve Waldron stated that it should be clear in the message that a tower does not mean that there will be airline service at MBT. The types of aircraft and operations will not change. Finally, Chad Gehrke gave a brief explanation of the airspace changes for BNA. The current date of change is October 5-10th, 2023, to expand the east and west side of the BNA airspace by an additional 10 miles. The floor of the new extended airspace over Smyrna and John C Tune airports is 2,400 feet. He stated that the extension of the BNA airspace will completely encompass the John Tune and Smyrna Airport. This is a modification to the current Class B airspace. It is suspected that a full Class C will be implemented some day in the distant future. Mr. Gehrke stated that is speculated that Class C airspace would reach out well over Murfreesboro and have a floor of 4,500 feet above the Murfreesboro Airport. Steve highlighted this moment as a growth for the Nashville area and the changes that will be seen in the future. 5 9. Next scheduled Airport Commission meetings – June 17, 2023 (Consider July 19, 2023, instead) The current date is still to be determined. Chad Gehrke will be out of town on vacation. 10. Adjournment 6