*** These draft minutes have not yet been approved and are subject to revision at the next regularly scheduled meeting. *** RENO-TAHOE AIRPORT AUTHORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE BRIEF OF MEETING MINUTES Thursday, at 5:30 pm River Room in Baggage Claim COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Daniel Farahi (Co-Vice Chair) Richard Jay (Co-Vice Chair) Jennifer Baker Brianna Bullentini Michael Knox Don Kornstein Rick LaMay Tiffany Morris Thomas Petersen Ann Silver Noah Silverman Sharon Spangler Jaime Tibaduiza Vick Wowo ALSO PRESENT: Art Sperber (Trustee) Marily Mora (CEO) Dean Schultz (COO) Brian Kulpin Dan Bartholomew Heidi Jared Mary Lee Mansfield COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT/EXCUSED: Jessica Sferrazza (Chair) Patrick Flynn Matt Harris Karl Hutter Rick Murdock Jim Nadeau Aaron West Charlene Bybee (Liaison) Jennifer Cunningham (Liaison) Bob Lucey (Liaison) Hillary Schieve (Liaison) The Community Outreach Committee (COC) met on Thursday,. 1. Call to Order, Roll Call Co-Vice Chair Richard Jay called the meeting to order at 5:35 PM. Roll call was taken. Self-introductions were made. 2. Public Comment (Limited to 3 Minutes) There was no public comment.
Page 2 of 8 3. Approval of Meeting Minutes from January 19, February 16, and May 18, 2017 On motion by Committee member Vick Wowo, seconded by Committee member Tom Petersen, which motion duly carried by unanimous votes, the Committee approved the minutes from the COC meetings of January 19, February 16, and May 18, 2017. 4. New Business: Update on Key Issues Facing the Airport Authority a. Airport Master Plan Update and Review of Conceptual Drawings - Presentation by Dan Bartholomew, Manager of Planning/Environmental Brian Kulpin, Vice President of Marketing and Public Affairs, introduced the agenda topic, and explained that COC member feedback is critical and encouraged member participation and discussion in today s meeting. Mr. Bartholomew began by posing the question, What is a Master Plan? He stated that an Airport Master Plan is very different than a City Master Plan because airports are bound by strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines. An Airport Master Plan is a technical study addressing airport growth, aviation industry changes, and FAA standards for the next 20 years. It considers the airfield, terminal and landside operations and must be balanced, comprehensive, technical, strategic and flexible. The project vision is to provide an achievable, flexible, fiscally, and environmentally responsible road map for Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The Master Plan project kicked off in October of 2016 and is now in the phase of presenting alternatives. Aviation forecasts for passenger and cargo growth were considered, along with non-commercial operations such as general aviation and military, as was the Airport s land use plan. The Master Plan is expected to wrap up by summer of 2018. Mr. Bartholomew presented various airport alternatives for the passenger terminal, including the concourses, ticketing and passenger flow; landside alternatives including parking and rental car operations; and supporting facilities such as cargo, general aviation and maintenance. In the terminal area, Mr. Bartholomew mentioned the future integration of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility and this led to a question from Committee member Jaime Tibaduiza about current CBP staffing and the Volaris flight. Mr. Bartholomew explained that staffing has to match the facility. So the Master Plan considers the size of the facility needed to accommodate the anticipated number of international passengers. Marily Mora, President/CEO, gave an update on the CBP situation and explained that the Cross Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2016 will improve the RNO situation. Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) was recently approved to and has an agreement to fund from one to five CBP Officers. The RTAA is in process
Page 3 of 8 of arranging funding for one new CBP officer by spring of 2018, which will bring the Customs processing time from 90 minute to 60 minutes for the current Volaris flights of approximately 180 passengers. Committee member Sharon Spangler asked about size of aircraft and if RNO can accommodate large aircraft, such that a 300 passenger international aircraft would bring. Mr. Bartholomew explained that the RNO airfield can accommodate large sized aircraft and our runway length is longer than many other larger airports. However, due to the air density and elevation of Reno-Tahoe, at certain times of the year, large bodied aircraft can be limited in the weight/number of passengers they can carry. Committee member Don Kornstein asked about the balance between the number of CBP officers and number of international flights. Ms. Mora explained that with the existing Volaris flights operating three flights a week, only one additional CBP Officer is necessary. Mr. Kulpin pointed out that a large contingent of corporate aircraft also use the Customs facility and must be cleared through Customs upon arriving from international destinations. Committee member Tiffany Morris of Atlantic Aviation added that they experience times when the current CBP staff is busy/unavailable for arriving corporate flights, either because they are not in the office or they are busy processing the Volaris flight. Ms. Morris stated there have been occasions when internationally arriving private jets have been turned away. Trustee Jay added that the Master Plan looks at the big picture to include all these concerns. Mr. Bartholomew talked about the organization of a concourse with alternatives such as linear, piers, satellites, and transporters, etc. The taxi lanes are a consideration; RNO currently has one-way taxi lanes to get from the gate to the taxiway. Options include linear, but this doesn t work with the configuration of the RNO airfield. Mr. Bartholomew stated that a pier organization would be better at RNO due to the number of gates needed. The RTAA would like to widen the size of the concourses to 150, about double from what they are now. This would allow for larger aircraft but also expanded concession opportunities. The Master Plan includes alternatives to improve circulation and passenger flow in the Ticketing Hall and Mr. Bartholomew reviewed the different options that are being considered. Ms. Morris asked when the ticketing area was most recently remodeled and Mr. Kulpin replied in 2009. He briefly explained the Airport Baggage Check-in Project which incorporated an enhanced security baggage screening system behind the ticket counter, while giving the ticket lobby a face lift with a new Reno-Tahoe look and feel. Committee member Noah Silverman asked about the number of passengers the terminal can hold. Mr. Bartholomew explained that several years ago RNO had
Page 4 of 8 more than 5 million annual passengers and that more passengers than we have today could easily be accommodated. However, one must maintain a balance between capacity and a positive customer experience. Committee member Jennifer Baker remarked that her experience from the parking garage to the plane is easy and convenient. She asked about building up and adding a second floor to the ticketing hallway. Mr. Petersen asked whether the slot machines could be relocated to improve passenger flow, or if the revenue is so significant that the gaming machines should remain at RNO. Ms. Mora commented that the revenue is roughly 1 million per year, and the Airport wouldn t consider removing them. Mr. Kulpin responded that roughly half the passengers remark on the RNO customer service surveys that they like the slot machines and half say they don t. Trustee Jay mentioned future changes to the parking garage to try to address that balance between growth while maintaining convenience. Committee member Ann Silver said the entire region is grappling with the challenge of expansion and opportunity while keeping convenience; and she encouraged the Airport to keep the beautiful, convenient existing Airport. Trustee Art Sperber and Trustee Jay thanked the committee for their great input at the meeting and assured them that We hear you, and that the Board of Trustees also wishes to maintain the current convenience at RNO. Mr. Bartholomew talked about the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint area and described options for changing the configuration to accommodate screening in the future, improving circulation and queuing, while improving passenger flow and intuitive wayfinding for passengers. The Master Plan includes alternatives for Landside/Parking options to expand the existing vehicle parking options, and consolidates the rental car area. One challenge is to provide increased parking, while maintaining the convenience of the proximity of both parking and rental car operations. Committee member Brianna Bullentini asked where Airport staff park and if additional parking for staff is needed. Mr. Bartholomew replied that there is adequate parking for employees, just south of the terminal. Ms. Bullentini asked what percentage of passengers park their car versus using a transportation network company (TNC) such as Uber or Lyft. Mr. Bartholomew stated he did not have that data readily available. Ms. Bullentini asserted that in her opinion, parking is archaic. Ms. Mora said that rental cars represent visitors to the region and parking represents locals using the Airport. Ms. Bullentini asked if locals are using Uber. Ms. Mora responded by explaining that the entire airport industry is considering autonomous vehicles and how that
Page 5 of 8 will impact non-airline revenue. At RNO, non-airline revenue represents 68% of the total revenue, and a large percentage of that comes from vehicle parking. So at RNO and industry wide, airports are considering how self-driving cars and TNCs will impact vehicle parking revenue. She added that that revenue is what helps the Airport keep the costs low to the airlines, which is how new air service is attracted. Therefore, non-airline revenue from parking is critical to the bottom line. TNCs at other airports are overtaking parking and taxi revenue. Ms. Mora stated that at RNO, we are not seeing that; so far parking usage is continuing to climb and taxis remain in high use despite TNCs. Ms. Bullentini encouraged the Airport to consider where income is coming from whether parking or slots - compared to the customer experience. Ms. Mora stated that one reason the Master Plan alternatives for the concourses are so important is that retail, food and beverage opportunities at RNO are limited with the existing concourse size. With expanded concourses, RNO can offer a greater variety of food, beverage, retail and an improved overall experience for the passenger. Mr. Kulpin said that parking is such an important part of the Master Plan that the Airport has partnered with the University of Nevada, Reno to create a Research Class focused on studying the Master Plan and offering input as to what Millennials would like to see in an airport of the future, since today s Millennials will be represent the largest percentage of airport traffic in 20 years. How will future passengers travel? Ms. Spangler asked if we have a typical traveler at RNO. Mr. Kulpin said customer surveys depict a perfect pie chart of passenger mix between age, leisure, and business travel, etc. Ms. Baker stated that passengers coming from Douglas, Yerington, Susanville and beyond will continue to drive simply because the options from rural areas are limited and the convenience of parking at RNO is easy. She added that if the cost went up significantly, or the parking was inconvenient, she personally would make different decisions and may consider a TNC. Mr. Tibaduiza said that 20 years from now, we will be focused on the next generation that follows after the Millennials. Mr. Petersen said the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) considers public transportation in their 20 year plan, and there is a big unknown as to what the public will use. Ms. Bullentini inquired about the 20 year Master Plan timeline and Committee members advised that 20 years is very typical for a city or region s Master Plan.
Page 6 of 8 Mr. Kulpin said that one thing the Reno region doesn t see is rail to and from the Airport, and added if we did it would have a major impact on the Airport parking. Trustee Jay said the Airport will go forward the best we can, with the information we have, to deal with the growth we suddenly have in this community. Mr. Bartholomew advised that optimizing the existing garage space will be the first phase, then expanding and building new. One option in the first phase includes moving all motorists from the first floor and keeping only rental cars on the first floor. Ms. Baker suggested moving rental cars to the second or third floor, keeping vehicle parking on the first floor. Committee member Don Kornstein said we need to make rental cars very convenient for the tourists. Ms. Baker said that second or third row rental car areas would be better than having the rental cars on the first floor, and added she thinks that locals should have access to the first floor for parking. Ms. Mora explained that the Airport must consider rental car and parking simultaneously and cannot separate them. Mr. Kulpin stated that the customer surveys say that the convenience is very appreciated, both for visitors using rental cars and for locals who park. Mr. Kornstein said the difference is that the locals have no choice (which airport to use) and tourists do. Mr. Tibaduiza agreed that the locals will always say their convenience matters most. He added that really the Airport should make it convenient for the tourists who have a choice as to where they fly. Ms. Baker said that if convenience is compromised, the locals will choose to go elsewhere, i.e. a different airport, fly a private plane, use a TNC, etc. Her comment was to let the tourists walk since it s a shorter distance to the rental cars than at most airports. Ms. Silver said that she would like to see more data and is not sure there are many repeat tourists, and therefore, if they have to walk further during one trip for rental cars, it is better to maintain the convenience for the locals who use the Airport on a regular basis. Ms. Bullentini said the Airport is so centrally located that is a big part of what makes it convenient. Trustee Jay again thanked committee members for their engaging dialogue and feedback, stating that all the input is vital and appreciated. Mr. Bartholomew continued with his presentation stating that the Surface Lot could turn into the open air rental car facility, or RNO could maintain all three floors of the garage as public parking and move rental cars to the north. Mr. Bartholomew then moved on to discussing air cargo and explained that the Southwest quadrant near the Moana Extension is an area where cargo is going to be moved in the future, which will separate cargo from commercial operations.
Page 7 of 8 General Aviation (GA) and Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) will be maintained on the east side of the airfield, again creating a separation from the commercial airline operations. Committee member Rick LaMay asked about the projections that the RTAA sees for future general aviation growth and Mr. Bartholomew confirmed that the Master Plan takes into account the expected growth in GA traffic and the GA aircraft types. Mr. Bartholomew added that the Master Plan will also take into account a possible new location for the Cell Phone Waiting Lot. Mr. Bartholomew then gave a brief overview of airside alternatives for deicing aprons, taxiways, and run-up aprons. He explained that it is advantageous to have all the deicing operations at the end of the runway, which also makes the run-off from deicing materials easier to collect. At RNO, in bad winter storms, deicing an aircraft must sometimes be done twice due to the distance between the gates and the end of the runway. Mr. Bartholomew stated airfield capacity is not an issue, because RNO has plenty of room for growth on the airfield. However, there are a couple of hot stops on the airfield where efficiencies could be made and best practices could be improved to lower any risk of aircraft incidents. Mr. Bartholomew wrapped up by sharing contact information with the COC members in order for them to ask further questions or provide feedback to the Master Plan group. Trustee Jay thanked Mr. Bartholomew for his time. Mr. Kornstein asked about a timeline with estimates for the different scenarios. Mr. Bartholomew explained that there is indeed a financial feasibility and implementation plan, which will consider proposed alternatives with associated costs. Mr. Kornstein asked about the cost and risk of each alternative and Mr. Bartholomew replied that there is a rough order of magnitude of cost for each alternative, which will give decision makers the ability to make a cost-benefit analysis. 5. Discussion of Upcoming Meeting Dates The next meeting of the COC is scheduled for November 16, 2017. Typically, the COC meets every other month, but due to the December holidays, the group will reconvene in November and there will be no meeting in December. 6. General Committee Comments, Questions & Items of Future Committee Meetings Ms. Baker asked about the shortage of commercial pilots resulting in more private aircraft flying into northern Nevada. She asked about plans at a state level to ensure growth in general aviation. Ms. Mora confirmed that the RTAA supports the private aircraft industry and that the east side of the airfield can accommodate future growth
Page 8 of 8 in all types of aviation. Trustee Richard Jay commented that RTAA fully supports the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry and has even appointed a representative, Sergio Callegari of Granite Construction, to the RTIA Users Committee to help support drone operations at RNO. Ms. Mora talked about the drone activities at Reno-Stead Airport. She added that very soon there will be an app that will allow Part 107 Drone Operators to obtain almost real time approval to fly their drones. RNO is one of only six airports that have this new technology which is going live next week. RNO is at the forefront because of RTAA staff involvement with the drone industry, our seat on the national Drone Advisory Committee (DAC), and RNO s FAA Tower Manager who is very proactive in his work with drones. Ms. Bullentini had to excuse herself, but interjected a few comments prior to leaving. She said she had hoped that the Master Plan would give the public an opportunity to offer their thoughts on ergonomics, design, overall experience and other ways to generate revenue. In addition, she provided her input on the Airport branding and marketing. She offered to help better the design of the marketing materials the Airport puts out since marketing and design is her area of expertise. Mr. Kulpin commented that Flirtey is working on flying drones that might drop heart defibrillators to patients in urgent need. RNO is on the cusp of these kinds of breaking technology uses of drones, and much of it cannot be talked about, due to nondisclosure agreements. Mr. LaMay asked about what type of pilot qualifications are necessary to fly a drone and Mr. Kulpin gave assurance that a drone pilot license is needed for safety of all on the ground and in the air. 7. Update from Public Officials Mr. Kulpin gave a quick overview of two upcoming events: Operation Santa Claus on December 9th to benefit The Children s Cabinet, and the Reno-Stead Airport 75th Anniversary Ruck March on November 4th. 8. Public Comment (Limited to 3 minutes) There was no public comment. 9. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. JS/hj/cj *** These draft minutes have not yet been approved and are subject to revision at the next regularly scheduled meeting. ***