COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

Transcription

1 GAIL FARBER Director of Public Works IN ATTENDANCE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES AVIATION COMMISSION To Enrich Lives Through Effective and Caring Service 900 SOUTH FREMONT AVENUE ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA Telephone: (626) LOS ANGELES COUNTY AVIATION COMMISSION August 20, 2014, Meeting Compton/Woodley Airport 901 West Alondra Boulevard Compton, CA (310) Chairman Peter M. Amundson Vice-Chairman Harvey A. Holloway Secretary Penelope Cornwall Commissioner George G. Butts Commissioner Angelo R. Cardono Commissioner Marc Carrel Commissioner Clinton Simmons OFFICIALLY EXCUSED Commissioner Bobby E. Chase Commissioner Aron A. Wolf Commissioner Dennis C. Lord COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS STAFF Mr. Richard Smith, Aviation Division Chief Mrs. Claudia Delgado, Staff Assistant AMERICAN AIRPORTS CORPORATION - AIRPORT SERVICES STAFF Mr. Scott Wardle, Regional Director Mr. Cyle Woodruff, Manager, Brackett Field Airport Mr. Rafael Herrera, Manager, Compton/Woodley Airport Mr. Alvaro Escobedo, Manager, San Gabriel Valley Airport Mr. Steve Irving, Manager, General William J. Fox Airfield GUEST COMMISSIONERS PETER M. AMUNDSON CHAIRMAN HARVEY HOLLOWAY VICE-CHAIRMAN PENELOPE CORNWALL SECRETARY GEORGE G. BUTTS ANGELO R. CARDONO MARC CARREL BOBBY E. CHASE DENNIS C. LORD CLINTON SIMMONS ARON A. WOLF Mr. Gary Golson, Compton/Woodley Airport Tenant Mr. Henry Roy, Compton/Woodley Airport, California Black Aviation Association Mr. John Jerabek, Santa Monicans for Open and Honest Development Decisions, Volunteer Mr. Jonathan Pacheco Bell, County of Los Angeles, Department of Regional Planning Mr. Edward Sause, President, American Airports Corporation

2 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Amundson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Cardono led the Pledge of Allegiance. II. MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION AND ACTION BY THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY AVIATION COMMISSION A. Minutes The minutes for the June 25, 2014, meeting were unanimously approved on a motion from Secretary Cornwall, seconded by Commissioner Simmons. B. American Airports Corporation - Contract Manager Report Mr. Scott Wardle reported on Whiteman Airport items Management and Maintenance The replacement bulbs for the stadium lights at Hangar Row J were installed and are working properly. Mr. Wardle informed the Los Angeles County Aviation Commission that locks on the publicly accessible hose bibs were installed as part of a water conservation effort. Projects Mr. Wardle informed the Commission that construction on all three vehicle access gates is complete, and 1,200 new gate cards were distributed to airport users. Development and Activities Eighty-two percent of the aircraft hangars are occupied, and 6 percent of the occupied hangars are used for non-aviation storage purposes. Avgas fuel sales are down 7 percent, and Jet-A fuel sales are down 28 percent, year to date. Aircraft operations are up 1 percent, year to date. Page 2

3 Meetings and Events The Whiteman Airport Association held its annual summer barbeque on Sunday, July 13, 2014, in front of the administration building. On June 23, 2014, the Experimental Aircraft Association s Young Eagles held its annual event at the airport. On June 28, 2014, the Aviation Explorers Post 747 held its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at the airport. On August 9, 2014, a Great Lakes biplane had difficulties, but landed safely. No damage to the airplane or injuries were reported. Commissioner Simmons questioned the increase in flight operations. Mr. Wardle will have Mr. Marino look into it and provide an explanation for the increase. Mr. Cyle Woodruff reported on Brackett Field Airport items Management and Maintenance Mr. Woodruff informed the Commission that a waterless urinal in the men s restrooms in the terminal and two shut-off faucets in the restrooms on the north side of the field were installed. Airport Management purchased and reinstalled a new ILS sign on taxiway November approaching 26/R. Mr. Woodruff informed the Commission that all repairs are completed on the underground storage tanks for aviation fuels, as a result of the recent SB 989 testing. Public Works Environmental Programs Division will be present on August 22, 2014, for the official SB 989 retest. Projects Mr. Woodruff reported that the helipad project is near completion on the north side of the field, and the southeast hangar project is also close to completion. Page 3

4 The Wildlife Hazard Assessment is completed, and the draft is available for review. Recommendations to prevent future animal strikes should be included in the final report. Development and Activities Ninety-two percent of the aircraft hangars are occupied at the airport. Twenty-four percent of the occupied hangars are used for non-aviation storage purposes. Year to date, Jet-A fuel sales are up 70 percent, and Avgas fuel sales are down 10.5 percent. Aircraft operations on the airport for June were down 2 percent and July was even, compared to last year. Meetings and Events Mr. Woodruff announced that the San Gabriel Valley 99s meet at the airport on the second Thursday of every month, at 7:30 p.m. The Brackett Airport Association meets on the first Thursday of every month, at 7 p.m., and has its Sunday Display Day on the third Sunday of every month. Mr. Woodruff announced that the annual Brackett Field Open House will be held on October 19, On July 6, 2014, there was a pedestrian deviation. The La Verne Police Department was notified, and they were able to apprehend and arrest the individual. Mr. Woodruff reported that on August 19, 2014, airport staff was conducting a routine inspection and found a box on airport property, which contained keys and a note with a threat. The Police Department was called, and the box was confiscated. Mr. Woodruff sent out a memo to all staff, addressing how to handle these situations. Page 4

5 Mr. Steve Irving reported on General William J. Fox Airfield Airport items Management and Maintenance Mr. Irving informed the Commission that, as a water conservation effort, some battery-operated irrigation timers are being installed. Airport staff is working on removing rubbish from different areas on the airport. Projects The perimeter fencing project is near completion. In approximately 2 weeks, the automatic gates maybe out of commission while they are upgraded. Development and Activities Avgas fuel sales are up 50 percent, and Jet-A fuel sales are up 45 percent, year to date. Aircraft operations are up 7 percent, year to date. There are three vacant hangars at the airport. Mr. Irving reported that an aircraft made an emergency landing off of the airport when its engine stopped running shortly after take off. No damage to the aircraft or injuries was reported. Mr. Alvaro Escobedo reported on San Gabriel Valley Airport items Management and Maintenance Mr. Escobedo informed the Commission that replacement of lights and power supplies to all the security camera units took place on August 6, 2014, and August 7, Mr. Escobedo informed the Commission that Carlos Diaz was promoted to Assistant Manager, and David Price and Kenneth Briano were the two new employees hired. On August 12, 2014, a CPR and first aid training class was held for the two new employees and other staff. Page 5

6 Projects On July 27, 2014, a water regulator that was leaking was replaced in the terminal building. The Brivo Gate Card Access System is being updated, and tenants have been very cooperative. Development and Activities Avgas fuel sales were up 2 percent, and Jet-A fuel sales were up 291 percent, compared to the same month last year. The increase in sales is attributed to Southern California Edison s work on local power lines. Aircraft operations at the airport were up 10.5 percent, compared to the same month last year. Ninety-seven percent of the aircraft hangars are occupied, and 29 percent of the occupied hangars are used for non-aviation storage purposes. Meetings and Events There will be an informational meeting in the airport terminal building regarding the Rio Vista Park tree replacement project on September 16, 2014, from 6 to 7 p.m. Mr. Escobedo informed the Commission that October 12, 2014, is the tentative date for the annual San Gabriel Valley Airport Open House. On July 17, 2014, a Cessna 182RG landed safely after being unable to extend the right landing gear. The aircraft sustained minor damage but no injuries were reported. Mr. Rafael Herrera reported on Compton/Woodley Airport items Management and Maintenance Mr. Herrera informed the Commission that new waterless urinals were installed in the men s restroom, and the LED light on the aircraft rescue and firefighting truck was replaced. Page 6

7 The triannual Automatic Weather Observing System Inspection was conducted and the system is fully operational. Projects The first phase of the vehicle access gate system upgrade will begin on October 8, Proper notifications will be provided to all tenants. Development and Activities Ninety-nine percent of the hangars at the airport are occupied, and 29 percent of the occupied hangars are used for non-aviation storage purposes. In June, Avgas fuel sales were up 25 percent, and in July Avgas fuel sales were down 20 percent, compared to last year. The Experimental Aircraft Association s Young Eagles will host its Annual Fly-In and Model Expo event on September 27, Mr. Herrera announced that the annual Hazardous Waste Pickup will be held on October 18, C. County Aviation Division Report Mr. Richard Smith reported on the following items Expense and Revenue Report for June 2014 Mr. Smith provided the Commission with copies of the expense and revenue report for June and offered to answer any questions. Tree Obstruction at San Gabriel Valley Airport Mr. Smith informed the Commission that two community meetings are scheduled, and he will be providing at the meetings the operations aspect of the project. Amigos de Los Rios, on the other hand, will be presenting on the technicalities and the long-term plan. San Gabriel Valley Airport Name Change The Commission was presented with the design for the airport sign, and Mr. Smith provided additional details on the future sign. Page 7

8 New Neighbors at Brackett Field Airport Mr. Smith informed the Commission that he attended a meeting with the City of La Verne and learned about new business developments that might be taking place nearby Brackett Field Airport. Whiteman Leasehold Acquisition Escrow on the Whiteman Lease Acquisition has closed; Mr. Smith informed that Mr. Wardle and Mr. Marino will be meeting with potential vendors to provide services to improve the facility. The Aviation Division has engaged the services from Public Works Road Maintenance Division and other divisions to add a parking lot to accommodate staff that will be housed at the location. The Civil Air Patrol and Mr. Smith met to discuss their interest in finding a new facility at Whiteman Airport now that the new terminal was acquired. Several options are being considered. Aviation Agreements in Progress Mr. Smith briefed the Commission on a few leases for various airport tenants. The lease for Norm s Hangar Café is in its final stages and is expected to go to the Board of Supervisors soon. Vista Aviation signed a 10-year lease agreement with the County, with a 7-year option to renew and will begin paying rent this month. The Barnes Aviation Lease has expired, and they are interested in drafting a new lease contract. Mr. Smith added there are many commercial facilities that are on a monthto-month lease, which will be addressed in order to direct them into termed leases. He also informed that there is a change in the County Code, which allows delegated authority on leases that are under $5,000 a month in rent and under 10 years total term. American Airports Corporation was asked to attempt to complete two leases a month. New Gate Card System at All Airports Mr. Smith thanked the airport managers for their effort in coordinating the issuing of the new gate cards. Page 8

9 Airport Layout Plans The Federal Aviation Administration approved the airport improvement planning grants, totaling $193,000; and a project schedule should commence soon. Brackett Field Airport North Helipads Mr. Smith explained the delays the contractor is experiencing and provided a status update on the project. Restroom Replacement at Brackett Field Airport The funding is available, and the prefabricated building was selected. Aviation staff is working out the details with the job contractors. Compton/Woodley Airport Runway and Taxiway Rehabilitation Project Design The Federal Aviation Administration approved the Airport Improvement Program design grant in the amount of $407,000, which is for the rehabilitation of the south runway and taxiway. Whiteman Airport Master Plan The initial study is complete, and no additional work is pending. The Master Plan is with the Regional Planning Department, and the Airport Land Use Commission will be reviewing it before it goes to the Board of Supervisors. San Gabriel Valley Airport Apron Pavement Rehabilitation Design The consultant continues to make changes to the plans and will provide the 90-percent plans by September. Commissioner Cornwall inquired on the current situation at Santa Catalina Airport. Mr. Smith provided a summary of the information that he has on the situation at Santa Catalina Airport. Page 9

10 D. Santa Monicans for Open and Honest Development Briefing Mr. John Jerabek, a volunteer for Santa Monicans for Open and Honest Development, introduced a PowerPoint presentation and copies of their initiative. After the presentation, Mr. Jerabek asked for a formal endorsement by Commission. Chairman Amundson and Commissioners engaged in a discussion regarding the benefits of having small airports available to the communities. The Commission offered its support of efforts to save the Santa Monica Airport by a unanimous vote on a motion from Commissioner Cardono, seconded by Commissioner Simmons. E. Federal Aviation Administration Notice of Proposed Rule Making on Non-Aeronautical Use of Airport Hangars Mr. Smith provided background information on the proposal and informed that comments are due September 5, A motion to submit comments as prepared by staff on the proposal was unanimously approved on a motion from Commissioner Butts, seconded by Commissioner Carrel. F. Compton/Woodley Airport Items Commissioner Simmons expressed his concern with the location of the breaker panel for his hangar. Mr. Herrera and Mr. Wardle informed Commissioner Simmons that they are aware of the situation and are working on a resolution. Commissioner Butts inquired on the lighting situation on Row Q and Row R and would like to know why they are not functioning at night. Mr. Herrera informed that he will have his staff check the lights to ensure that they are functioning properly. Commissioner Butts expressed his concern regarding a bus that is parked in front of one of the non-aviation hangars. Mr. Herrera informed the Commission that he will be addressing that concern. Commissioner Butts mentioned that there is a hose at the wash rack that has many holes and is causing an excess loss of water when it is utilized. Commissioner Butts suggested repairing the holes, or remove the hose and have the wash rack users check it out from the office or have them supply Page 10

11 their own. Mr. Herrera and Mr. Wardle acknowledged the concern and will be addressing it. III. PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN FORUM Mr. Gary Golsom of the California Black Aviation Association informed the Commission that the California Black Aviation Association is having a bus trip fundraiser on September 27, 2014, and extended an invitation to the Commission. Mr. Golsom requested permission to use the grass area that is on the airport. He also inquired on the term limits for the Commission. Mr. Henry Roy, President of the California Black Aviation Association, briefed the Commission on who they are and their goals as an association. In addition, Mr. Roy requested that the airports have a written policy on the process of issuing the key cards for the vehicle access gates. IV. NEXT COMMISSION MEETING WILL BE ON: Wednesday, September 17, 2014, at 7 p.m. General William J. Fox Airfield 4555 West Avenue G Lancaster, CA (661) Chairman Amundson adjourned the meeting at 8:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted, CD:cb Peter Amundson, Chairman Los Angeles County Aviation Commission Page 11