RENO-TAHOE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT USERS COMMITTEE BRIEF OF MINUTES February 8, 2016 4:30 p.m. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Adam Mayberry, Chair Bill Eck, Vice Chair Lt. Col. Tony Machabee Tracy Kalbfleisch Tom Hegge Robert Meurer Trent Brownlee Don Clark MEMBERS ABSENT/EXCUSED Karl Scribner REPRESENTING Trustee Trustee Nevada Air National Guard Dassault Aircraft Services (SASO) Reno-Tahoe Aviation Group Reno-Tahoe Aviation Group Atlantic Aviation (FBO) Southwest Airlines Federal Aviation Administration RTAA BOARD MEMBERS/STAFF PRESENT Marily Mora Dean Schultz David Lazo Ken Moen Dan Bartholomew Stacie Huggins Tina Iftiger Jamie McCluskie Laurie Weeks Claire Johnson The Reno-Tahoe International Airport Users Committee met at the Airport Authority Fire Station, Reno, Nevada. Chair Adam Mayberry called the meeting to order at 4:33 pm. I. ROLL CALL Roll was called. It was noted that in Melissa Ogg Farnsworth absence, Don Clark of Southwest Airlines was in attendance representing the commercial air carriers. Trustee Adam Mayberry, Chair of the Committee, acknowledged Katherine Greenwood, President, and Leah Ochs, Vice President, of the Reno High Sierra 99s, as being present in the audience. II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES November 9, 2015 The Reno-Tahoe International Airport Users Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the November 9, 2015 meeting. III. PUBLIC COMMENT
Page 2 of 8 Tom Hall, Chair of the Reno-Stead Airport Association (RSAA), reminded the Committee and audience of the RSAA meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 4:45 pm. IV. AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION UPDATE a. Taxiway C Reconstruction David Lazo, Manager of Engineering and Construction, provided a brief update on the Taxiway C Reconstruction project at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Mr. Lazo reminded the Committee that this project is currently in a winter shutdown due to the severe weather conditions experienced in late December 2015 and early January 2016. The primary concern was for safety and productivity on the project, but also for the quality of the placement of asphalt shoulders on the taxiway and vehicle service road. The winter shutdown became effective on December 30 th and the startup date will be determined dependent on weather, but based on the weather forecast, an early April start is anticipated. Mr. Lazo said there are approximately 40 calendar days of work remaining, with three phases of work partially constructed that need to be finished. Phase II-B is the reconstruction of the center section of Taxiway C with concrete placement and installing asphalt shoulders. The center section of the vehicle service road (VSR) needs to be reworked. Currently, the VSR only has a single width of asphalt to accommodate the shutdown, and ultimately requires two widths. The single layer of asphalt has deteriorated during the shutdown to the point where it will be removed and reconstructed at no additional cost to the Airport. The final phase will be the installation of permanent asphalt shoulders on the Juliet connector and the tie-in to Taxiway C. Mr. Lazo continued with a brief review of the phasing matrix, showing when the remaining work is planned to occur and the closures that will be necessary. He concluded his presentation by saying that stakeholders will be kept informed as the project starts up again and closure dates are pinpointed. V. UPDATE ON RTIA GA MINIMUM STANDARDS REVIEW Ken Moen, Economic Development Specialist, provided an update on the GA Minimum Standards (GAMS) review process. Mr. Moen reminded the committee of the objective of the CEO Advisory Group which was to review and update the RTIA GA Minimum Standards to align with the RTAA strategic priorities related to general aviation. He also showed a list of the membership of the group which is comprised of Airport stakeholders and RTAA support staff. Next, Mr. Moen reviewed the timeline and activities undertaken by the CEO Advisory Group since the process began in April of 2015. A public workshop was held on December 2, 2015 to gather stakeholder input and feedback on the proposed
Page 3 of 8 revisions to the GAMS document. A final draft was completed and copies were made available at today s meeting. Mr. Moen stated that the next step in the process is to present the final draft document to the RTAA President/CEO for consideration and possible action. The end result will be a final document that will go before the Board of Trustees for adoption at a future meeting. Trustee Mayberry opened the floor for public comment. Jim Rundle, recently elected President of the Reno-Tahoe Aviation Group (RTAG), took the floor. Mr. Rundle began his remarks by thanking the Trustees in attendance, as well as those not present, and Marily Mora, RTAA President/CEO, for putting this process together. Mr. Rundle asserted that it has been a transparent process and indicated his appreciation of the fact that there have been two members of RTAG serving on the GAMS Advisory Group the entire time. He stated this is another step in the right direction toward improving general aviation at the Airport and that discussions held during the review process are ones that have been needed for a long time. Mr. Rundle said the review process has gone very well and that he wanted to make sure it s on the record that RTAG appreciates that. He said the business atmosphere displayed during the GAMS process has been very encouraging. Next, Mr. Rundle listed the components of the GAMS document that RTAG supports: Article 7 - Placing non-commercial flying club rules into the Airport Operations Rules and Regulations document Article 4 - Limited service with fixed base operators to include a 15,500 lb. maximum certified takeoff weight and below, Option B with inclusion for both 100 low lead as well as Jet A fuel service Article 4 - Limited service fixed base operators which is under Option A, to include the sale of aviation fuel and aircraft lubricants, transient aircraft tiedown parking services, and provisions for passenger and aircraft down service and support amenities Article 4 - Option A language for a full service fixed base operators Appendix A (Business Plan) - Reducing the minimum year experience requirement. It is currently 5 years and RTAG would support moving it down to 3 years Mr. Rundle said that concluded the points that he wanted to make on the GAMS process and asked that these bullet items be considered as the process moves forward. Trustee Mayberry thanked Mr. Rundle for his comments and asked if there were any further public comment. Ms. Greenwood described the mission of the Reno High Sierra 99s which is the local chapter of the 99s international organization of women pilots. She stated the local chapter wishes to show their support for general aviation. She indicated that the 99s support establishing another fixed base operator (FBO) in order to create
Page 4 of 8 competition on the Airport for general aviation. Ms. Greenwood stated it would make fuel prices more competitive, and that due to high cost, there are currently a lot of pilots who fly to either Carson City or Stead just to fuel up, resulting in a significant loss of money at the Airport. Tom Hegge, Committee member and member of RTAG, voiced his input from having been on the CEO Advisory Group. He discussed the idea behind establishing both a full service FBO, or Jet Center, and a limited service FBO. He stated this idea was modeled after what is being done at Colorado Springs Airport (COS) and listed some of the general aviation amenities and successes at that airport. He said that another important aspect is the GAMS document was rewritten to be simplified, and to open the door for qualified service providers to come to this airfield, which will provide more options for service providers. Mr. Hegge stated that as part of working through the review process, the fact that the RTAA Airport Operations Rules and Regulations were outdated was highlighted. Mr. Hegge asserted that the integration of three components a new set of GA minimum standards, updated rules and regulations, and the rates and charges set by the Board of Trustees on an annual basis - will allow for greater development on the airfield. GA pilot Trygve Inda reiterated the need for competition on the airfield. Referring to ForeFlight, a digital logbook for pilots, Mr. Inda read the comments of an unknown operator from approximately 1 month ago, who criticized Atlantic Aviation for charging too much for fuel and providing poor customer service, and encouraged pilots to go to Stead or Carson City for fuel. Mr. Inda also shared his opinion related to Atlantic Aviation being the only service provider and said the situation discourages pilots from locating at the Airport. Committee member Bob Meurer commented that the update of the GAMS was greatly needed in order to make it more viable for new businesses to locate at the Airport. He pointed out there has not been a new business come to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RTIA) to serve the GA community in approximately six years, i.e. avionics shop, mechanic shop, etc., which necessitates pilots having to go to Carson City, Stead, and California to get their radios serviced. Mr. Hall added that a few operators are going as far as Portland, OR to get their avionics work done. Trustee Mayberry stated that from his perspective, the fundamental role as an Airport is to provide capacity, a high level of safety, and efficiency. He said that the Airport cannot create the demand, but hopefully market conditions will over time allow for increased business and growth. He stated that he supports the limited service FBO concept, to include providing a level of jet fuel to the lighter aircraft, and creating more competition on the airfield. Trustee Mayberry stressed the need for everyone to work together and not take an adversarial role, but to work with the Airport. He said he is confident that the GAMS proposal will be adopted and asked Ms. Mora to provide the timeline for approval. Ms. Mora said that staff is aiming for the final draft to go before the Finance Committee on April 12 th and to
Page 5 of 8 the Board for approval on April 14 th. John Howitt asked if the GAMS document is applicable to Reno-Stead Airport as well. Trustee Mayberry responded that this GAMS document is specific to RTIA. Ms. Mora indicated that a similar process will be initiated for Reno-Stead Airport. Dean Schultz, Executive VP/COO, added that the plan was to get the RTIA GAMS substantially completed, and then a similar process will be conducted with the tenants and stakeholders at Reno-Stead. Trustee Mayberry thanked all members of the CEO Advisory Group for their participation and partnership in the process, and commended staff for spearheading the process. Mr. Meurer stated that this progress is evidence that the RTAA, the Trustees, and the GA community are working together to move forward toward the future. VI. UPDATE ON T-HANGAR MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES Mr. Moen presented a quarterly update on Hangar maintenance activities. He reviewed the list of hangar repairs completed so far during fiscal year (FY) 2015-2016. These maintenance activities included work on hangar roofs, doors and siding as needed, an upgrade at GA East row electrical circuits to eliminate overload, a rebuild of E14 door, replacement of incandescent lighting at GA West, and bird proofing of GA West T-Hangars W9-W17. Mr. Moen said that GA East and West gutter repairs and replacement will be completed in February as weather permits. He indicated that staff is currently conducting a survey of Hangar door bearings and will develop a work plan to address any needed repairs. In addition, a survey is being conducted of the GA East lighting. Next, Mr. Moen discussed T-Hangar maintenance activities planned for the remainder of FY 2015-2016. These planned activities include: GA East crack seal, fog seal and restriping of the GA East Ramp, asphalt repairs at GA West, service and repair of T-Hangar doors at GA East and West, prepping and making available of office space at GA West, and prepping and making available of storage space at GA East. Trustee Mayberry asked whose role it is to provide maintenance for hangars and who is the main point of contact. He indicated he has received calls from tenants who are confused and unsure of the appropriate point of contact. Mr. Moen responded that Atlantic Aviation, on behalf of the RTAA, has a management contract to provide hangar maintenance. However, hangar maintenance is handled through a collaborative relationship between the RTAA and Atlantic Aviation. Mr. Moen said that ultimately it is the RTAA s and his responsibility to oversee maintenance activities and assure that issues are being addressed in a timely manner. Trustee Mayberry referred to issues of inadequate service levels and response times that have been raised by tenants. Mr. Moen responded that he believes these comments are anecdotal and explained how maintenance issues that require an outside contractor, or that occur after hours would be handled, and what his involvement is in assuring that issues get resolved. Several Committee members and attendees in the audience commended Mr. Moen on his responsiveness. Trustee Mayberry stated he wants to assure that service levels on
Page 6 of 8 the GA side are at the same level as on the commercial side. Mr. Moen expressed support of Atlantic Aviation and their efforts to respond in a timely manner to maintenance issues that are within their control. Mr. Schultz added that the points being made are well taken and that the RTAA will do everything within its control to respond to needed repairs as quickly as possible. However, there are some services that require a contractor to be brought in and the lead time may be longer in those cases. Mr. Schultz said that communication is the key if there is a problem in a hangar, he asked that the tenants communicate that simultaneously to both Mr. Moen and Trent Brownlee at Atlantic Aviation. Discussion continued about some specific issues related to tie downs and drainage. Trustee Mayberry encouraged the tenants in the audience to communicate any ongoing issues with their hangars to Mr. Moen and Atlantic Aviation. Discussions continued regarding snow removal procedures and some specific issues related to snow removal around the T-Hangars. Mr. Moen tried to clarify some of the confusion surrounding snow removal and how the areas on the Airport are prioritized. Mr. Schultz explained that for snow removal issues, Atlantic Aviation is the point of contact for ramps and hangars, and for runways and taxiways it would be the RTAA. Trustee Bill Eck stated that this has been an unusual year with a lot of snow and therefore everyone needs to work together. Mr. Meurer brought up that during the last snow storm, the run up pad at the north end of Taxiway C was not plowed at all, and perhaps the plow drivers need to be educated on the importance of that area. Mr. Rundle suggested that perhaps a mechanism could be added to Atlantic Aviation s website or the RTAA website to enable electronic submission of maintenance requests via email, which would provide documentation for tracking purposes. Trustee Mayberry specifically asked for a more formal method for tracking hangar related issues. VII. UPDATE ON RTIA MASTER PLAN PROCESS Dan Bartholomew, Manager of Planning/GIS, provided an update on the Airport Master Plan for RTIA. Mr. Bartholomew explained that a master plan is a scenario based guideline for how the Airport will be developed in the short and long term. It is a living document that can be adjusted and changed over time. There are regulatory guidelines that are followed to select a consultant and it is a qualifications-based selection process. In addition, the FAA must approve the final scope and contract prior to awarding grant monies for the project. Mr. Bartholomew indicated the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) advertisement will be presented to the Planning & Construction Committee for approval on February 9, 2016. Once approved, the RFQ will be advertised via a number of professional outreach venues within the industry, as well as the Reno Gazette- Journal and on the RTAA website. There is a 5-week timeframe between release of the RFQ and the due date for submittals. Mr. Bartholomew reviewed a list of next steps in the process and the approximate timeframe when each of the steps will occur. He said staff anticipates bringing the consultant contract to the Board of Trustees for award in June 2016. Mr. Bartholomew outlined the general components and timeframes that go into doing the master plan, and pointed out that
Page 7 of 8 some of the components will occur concurrently. Finally, he highlighted the fact that there will be robust community outreach/stakeholder input facilitation throughout the process and at specific milestones, including public workshops and stakeholder advisory groups. VIII. FIXED BASED OPERATOR (FBO) UPDATE Trent Brownlee of Atlantic Aviation informed the Committee that the ramp construction at Atlantic Aviation is complete. Tiffany Morris of Atlantic Aviation, referred back to Mr. Moen s presentation and reiterated that Atlantic Aviation cannot fix something they are not aware of, and encouraged tenants to notify them if a problem or issue exists. Mr. Hegge asked if there is a plan to make GA West Hangars W1 W8 available for lease. As this is the RTAA s responsibility, Mr. Schultz responded that there has been an increase seen in leasing hangars, and staff has had discussions internally on the timing of when the RTAA might make those hangars available for lease, but there is no conclusion as of yet. Ms. Mora added that it is the RTAA s position that when needed, a plan for leasing those hangars will be brought forward to the Board for approval. Mr. Hegge followed up by asking if there would be a cost associated with that. Mr. Schultz responded that a study was done to determine what would be required to bring those eight hangars up to standard. He explained that there are some challenges with the five hangars located on the far west end, due to the ramp/apron slope in front of them and drainage issues. The other three on the east end are not burdened by that, but that they are large hangars, and there is less of a demand for those. Mr. Schultz indicated he did not want to give a timeframe, as there are currently eight T-Hangars available for lease on the Airport. IX. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) TOWER UPDATE Karl Scribner, FAA Air Traffic Manager at RNO, was absent from the meeting and therefore no FAA Tower update was provided. X. UPDATE ON RENO-STEAD AIRPORT MASTER DEVELOPMENT RFQ PROCESS Stacie Huggins, Economic Development Manager, presented a brief synopsis of the Reno-Stead Airport master development RFQ process. She began by providing an overview of the timeline, which began in March 2014 with the national advertisement of an RFQ. There were five respondents which were narrowed down to three who met all the qualifications. In June 2014, Dermody Properties was authorized to proceed with the due diligence through the RFQ, which they conducted from July 2014 - January 2015. Ms. Huggins explained that in total Reno-Stead Airport encompasses 5,000 acres, of which approximately 1,700 acres are developable, and which do not impact the air race safety corridors. In February 2015, the Board authorized Dermody Properties to complete the RFQ process, with a focus on the 1,700 acres, which encompassed marketing the property, identifying and pursuing financial resources/investment partner, refining
Page 8 of 8 the project concept plan, and obtaining preliminary engineering cost estimates. Ms. Huggins reviewed a map of the Airport, pointing out the areas outside of the air race safety corridors, and reiterated that the development plans do not impact the air races. Ms. Huggins stated that the Dermody Properties and their investment partner, Hillwood Investment Properties (DPHW) are seeking authorization from the Board of Trustees at their meeting on February 11, 2016 for three agreements. The three proposed agreements are 1). a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which outlines the proposed major business terms of RTAA s partnership with DPHW for an exclusive master development agreement and ground lease, 2). an Exclusive Master Developer Agreement which includes the business and financial terms for all of the future phases for the development, and 3). a Phase I Ground Lease for approximately 90 acres. She stated that the infrastructure capital investment for Phase I is approximately $7.5M, including $5M to construct offsite improvements and $2.5M to construct onsite improvements on the 90 acres. Bob Larkin commented on the development plan for Reno-Stead and compared it to the development needed on the east side of the RTIA. He asserted that this process has been an excellent learning experience for staff and that bringing a similar process to the east side here at RTIA would be a logical next step. Mr. Larkin thanked Ms. Huggins for providing the update. XI. MEMBER ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS Mr. Hegge suggested that in light of the all the hangar maintenance issues previously discussed, perhaps a discussion and evaluation of the possibility of pursuing private ownership of T-Hangars should be had. He suggested that this idea be looked at and considered by the Trustees as a goal for this year. The next meeting of the RTIA Users Committee will be held on Monday, May 16, 2016. XII. XIII. PUBLIC COMMENT None. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:03 p.m.