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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/10/2006 - Special October 10, 2006 805 Roanoke County Administration Center 5204 Bernard Drive Roanoke, Virginia 24018 October 10, 2006 The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the Roanoke County Administration Center, 5204 Bernard Drive, Fourth Floor Training Room, Roanoke, Virginia, for the purpose of a joint meeting with the City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission. IN RE: CALL TO ORDER (COUNTY OF ROANOKE) Chairman Wray called the meeting to order for the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors at 12:17 p.m. The roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Michael A. Wray, Vice-Chairman Joseph McNamara, Supervisors Michael W. Altizer, Joseph B. "Butch" Church, Richard C. Flora MEMBER ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney, County Attorney; John M. Chambliss, Assistant County Administrator; Dan O'Donnell, Assistant County Administrator; Diane D. Hyatt, Chief Financial Officer; Brenda J. Holton, Deputy Clerk IN RE: CALL TO ORDER (CITY OF ROANOKE) Mayor Harris called the meeting to order for the Roanoke City Council at 12:19 p.m. and declared that a quorum was present. The roll call was taken. 806 October 10, 2006 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor C. Nelson Harris, Vice-Mayor David B. Trinkle, Alfred 1. Dowe, Jr., Gwendolyn W. Mason MEMBERS ABSENT: Beverly 1. Fitzpatrick, Jr., Sherman P. Lea, Brian J. Wishneff STAFF PRESENT: Darlene L. Burcham, City Manager; William M. Hackworth, City Attorney; Stephanie Moon, Acting City Clerk IN RE: CALL TO ORDER (ROANOKE REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION) Chair James M. Turner, Jr., called the meeting to order for the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission at 12:20 p.m. The roll call was taken. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman James M. Turner, Jr., Vice-Chair Jane Milliron, Commission Members Claude N. Smith, Arthur M. Whittaker, Sr. MEMBERS ABSENT: J. Granger MacFarlane STAFF PRESENT: Jacqueline L. Shuck, Executive Director; Efren Gonzalez, Deputy Executive Director; Dan Neel, Director of Administration and Finance; Mark Williams, Attorney for the Commission; Sherry Wallace, Manager of Marketing and Communications; John Katon, Director of Safety and Security; Mike Stewart, Director of Operations and Maintenance; Cathy Pendleton, Secretary IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES The invocation was given by John M. Chambliss, Jr., Assistant County Administrator. IN RE: REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS Mr. Turner expressed appreciation for the willingness of the County Board, City Council and staff to meet with the Airport Commission (Commission). He introduced the members of the Commission and staff who were present and advised October 10, 2006 807 that Ms. Shuck would make a power-point presentation updating the status of the airport. He advised that the Commission members serve at the discretion of the County Board and City Council, and they are pleased to have the opportunity to serve the community and meet annually to review their activities. He advised that they would appreciate any recommendations, observations or suggestions from those present and invited the newly elected officials to tour the airport. He advised that the Commission meets the third Wednesday of each month at 9:00 a.m., and invited those present to attend any of the meetings. INRE: ROANOKE REGIONAL AIRPORT PRESENTATION Ms. Shuck advised that at the joint meeting that the County Board, City Council, and Airport Commission held March 7, 2005, she made an in-depth presentation which provided educational and historical information about the airport. She stated that she would provide an update on the activities of the airport during 2005 and 2006. Ms. Shuck advised that the regional affiliates of the four airlines operating at the Roanoke Regional Airport provide service through eight major hubs. These airlines and hubs include the following: (1) US Airways Express - Charlotte, New York LaGuardia, and Philadelphia; (2) Northwest Airlink - Detroit; (3) United Express - Chicago, Washington, Dulles; and (4) Delta Connection - Atlanta and Cincinnati. Ms. Shuck reported that Allegiant Air, Roanoke's first low fare carrier, started non-stop twice weekly service to the Orlando-Sanford Airport in May 2006. Due 808 October 10, 2006 to the success of the current flights, Allegiant Air is adding an additional two flights per week to the Orlando-Sanford Airport in November 2006 for a total of four daily flights per week. She also reported that Allegiant Air has announced plans for Tampa Bay twice weekly service to the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport beginning December 12, 2006. Ms. Shuck advised that the Commission continues to target low fare service by encouraging new service by legacy carriers such as Continental or American while working with the incumbent regional affiliate carriers to increase and improve service. Ms. Shuck advised that since 1998, the Commission's capital program has virtually rebuilt the airfield. She reported that the airport projects from 1999 to 2005 included: (1) completed and awarded engineering contracts totaling $8,759,918; (2) completed and awarded construction costs totaling $51,210,609; and (3) all contracts completed and awarded totaling $59,970,527. She advised that 90% to 95% of the funding source was the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AlP) with Commission funds utilized for the remainder of the costs. She reported that the airfield projects proposed for 2006 to 2008 include: (1) Rehabilitate Taxiways A and G with total awarded engineering and construction costs of $18,210,609, with work beginning on October 9, 2006, and being completed in November 2008. (2) Rehabilitate General Aviation (GA) Phase III at an estimated cost of $6,000,000, with construction in 2008. She advised that 95% of the funding source for these projects will be from FAA AlP and State aviation entitlement funds will be used for the remaining costs. October 10, 2006 809 Ms. Shuck advised that in 2005 the Commission issued $1.4 million in bonds through the Virginia Resources Authority to fund an 18,000 square foot storage hangar capable of storing larger corporate jet aircraft. This hangar was completed and opened in August 2006. She reported that plans are underway to construct up to four 4,800 square foot hangars with office space for use by general aviation businesses or corporate aircraft owners and after the master plan update is complete, additional hangars may be constructed. Ms. Shuck reported that the master plan, which should be completed by spring 2007, will project the airport's needs for the next twenty years (2005 - 2025) concerning the airfield, terminal, general aviation, air carrier and air cargo demands and will make recommendations to manage, fund, and accommodate growth. The Technical Advisory Committee, which was created with representatives of the various aviation users as well as City Council, County Board, and regional planning commission representatives, will provide input as the master plan is developed through regular meetings. Ms. Shuck advised that the seventeen-year old terminal meets today's needs as well as projected needs for the reasonable future. The terminal contains 96,000 square feet with six gates, four jet bridges which have been modified to accommodate regional jets, and 1,882 total available parking spaces. Ms. Shuck reported that the Commission continues to make improvements to the terminal facility, and the following improvements have been completed or planned: (1) The 810 October 10, 2006 communications/electrical upgrade project was completed in 2006. (2) The exterior terminal plaza will be redesigned to enhance building security and safety in 2007. (3) The HVAC system project will upgrade the controls from pneumatic to digital to improve efficiency for heating and cooling during 2006-2007. (4) The initial design has been completed for new floor covering concepts, improved lighting, replacement ceilings, and renovation of all public restrooms. (5) A project to upgrade the public address and flight information is underway. (6) A new roof is being designed and will be installed in 2007. (7) Future expansion of the security checkpoint and movement of the baggage screening process is being reviewed. Ms. Shuck advised that the Commission is working with the City of Roanoke to relocate and realign the entrance road into the terminal to improve traffic flow at Towne Square Boulevard and Aviation Drive. These modifications will be beneficial to both airport and Town Square shopping center customers. Ms. Shuck advised that there are three Noise Compatibility Programs which include: (1) easement acquisition; (2) purchase assurance; and (3) sound insulation. There are 173 eligible homeowners with 165 residing in Roanoke City and 8 in Roanoke County who can choose voluntarily in which program to participate. The Sound Insulation Program was recently approved by the FAA, and Phase 1A will insulate 21 homes for sound. When Phase 1 B is approved, an additional 15 homes will be insulated for sound. She reported that 46 people participate in the easement acquisition program, 12 in purchase assurance, and 60 homeowners have expressed October 10, 2006 811 interest in the sound insulation program; however, 55 of those citizens are still waiting to make a decision regarding participation. She advised that if the programs are discontinued at some point in time, the Commission will ensure that the citizens are notified that this will be their final chance to participate. Ms. Shuck advised that the FAA has proposed a new rule to address the potential for increased congestion and delay at New York's LaGuardia Airport when the High Density Rule (HDR) expires on January 1, 2007. The new rule, if adopted, would: (1) establish an operational limit on the number of aircraft landing and taking off at the airport by restricting operations (a landing or take-off) to no more than 75 per hour Monday through Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 9:59 p.m.; and (2) increase utilization of the airport by encouraging the use of larger aircraft through implementing an airport- wide, average aircraft size requirement designed to increase the number of passengers that may use the airport within the overall proposed operational limits. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation is requiring that the FAA consider several objectives which include: (1) Keeping available a variety of adequate, economic, efficient, and low-priced air services; (2) Placing maximum reliance on competitive market forces and on actual and potential competition; (3) Avoiding airline industry conditions that would tend to allow at least one air carrier unreasonably to increase prices, reduce services, or exclude competition in air transportation; (4) Encouraging, developing, and maintaining an air transportation system relying on actual and potential competition; (5) Encouraging entry into air transportation markets by new and existing air carriers and the continued 812 October 10, 2006 strengthening of small air carriers to ensure a more effective and competitive airline industry; (6) Maintaining a complete and convenient system of scheduled air transportation for small communities; and (7) Ensuring that consumers in all regions of the United States, including those in small communities and rural and remote areas, have access to affordable, regularly scheduled air service. Ms. Shuck advised that there are three options to be considered which would affect existing service from non-hub airports to LaGuardia. Roanoke Regional Airport is the eighth largest non-hub airport. These include the following: Option #1: would exempt the number of operations from non-hub airports with existing service at LaGuardia from the target aircraft size calculation which is currently approximately 23 round trips or 4% of all proposed operations. This would result in other operations average of 105 seats. Option #2: would exempt the number of operations from non-hub airports with existing service at LaGuardia and small-hub airports within 300 miles of LaGuardia from the target aircraft size calculation which is currently approximately 60 round trips or 10% of all proposed operations. This would result in other operations average of 116 seats. Option #3: would exempt the number of operations to non-hub airports and all small-hub airports with existing LaGuardia service from the target aircraft size calculation which is currently approximately 100 round trips or 17% of all proposed operations. This would result in other operation average of 122 seats. Ms. Shuck advised that comments on these options are due to the FAA by October 30, 2006, and the Commission is currently analyzing these options to October 10, 2006 813 determine the best alternative for Roanoke. The Commission will send their recommendations to the local officials and are requesting that the Mayors and Chairs and other organizations send letters of support to the Commission to be attached to their transmittal to the FAA. Ms. Shuck advised that she would be glad to answer questions. In response to Chairman Wray's inquiry, Ms. Shuck advised that the overflow parking lot across the street from the terminal is opened for use when the main parking lot has reached its capacity. She reported that there are 600 parking spaces in that area and shuttle bus services are provided. Council Member Mason inquired about how the community is informed about emergency services for the airport. Ms. Shuck advised that the FAA requires the airport to hold a "table top" disaster drill every year and a "live" disaster drill every three years which was done three weeks ago. Ms. Shuck advised that the Commission contracts with the City of Roanoke for additional firefighters, and Fire Station 10 provides services for the airport and the community. She advised that they try to include the media and conduct interviews to inform the public about safety issues. Council Member Dowe inquired if the issues at LaGuardia Airport could also surface at the Chicago Airport. Ms. Shuck responded that the flow of traffic through the Chicago Airport is different but the FAA is very involved with regulations there, as well as with issues at the Atlanta Airport. Ms. Shuck advised that because this 814 October 10, 2006 is an ongoing issue, the Commission has to submit their recommendations so they can be heard on the subject now. Council Member Dowe advised that he realizes that people use airports for the low-cost carriers but he feels that the airport itself should have some type of "WOW" experience for the users. He requested that while doing renovations to the Roanoke Regional Airport, the Commission use that opportunity to create some type of quality aesthetic improvements that will create a better experience for users. Ms. Shuck advised that they are working with the Arts Council and different groups concerning a banner program, and they have tried to make the experience better by offering free wireless access and additional higher quality televisions to the seating area. She advised that another project they would like to do is move the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from the lobby to another location. Commission Member Minnix advised that he would like to dispel the rumor that the Roanoke Regional Airport does not have good airline service for an airport of its size. He advised that citizens will always request direct flights to other locations but direct flights are only possible if an airport is transporting thousands of passengers. The Roanoke Regional Airport has not reached that size and he does not know that it will ever become that large. Based on his experience with aviation, Roanoke has good airline service, and staff does a good job and is constantly seeking ways to improve service. October 10, 2006 815 In response to Chairman Turner's request to comment on the length of the runways, Ms. Shuck advised that the current aircraft operating at the airport are the right size for the runways, and there are no penalties assessed because of the runways. According to the master plan being developed, it would cost approximately $500 million to provide additional length to the runways to accommodate larger aircraft; however, the current cargo and passenger traffic does not generate this need. Vice-Mayor Trinkle inquired if the Noise Abatement Program was required or made possible by grant funding. Ms. Shuck advised that the Noise Abatement Program was considered to be a requirement during the late 1980's and 1990's but because of the considerable necessary funding, the program was not implemented as a requirement. She reported that over the years, the aircrafts have become quieter and the costs for the program decreased. The Commission will require at least two additional grants to complete the program, and she advised that no homes built after 1998 quality for the program. Ms. Burcham advised that any structure which would be constructed today would have developers who understand the importance of the proximity to the airport. She advised that construction would be done to minimize or eliminate noise concerns. She advised that the funding for the program is being used to insulate those houses built before 1998, and there should not be any problem with future construction. Chairman Wray inquired if a house could be purchased through the Noise Abatement Program. Ms. Shuck advised that such a purchase could not be done but 816 October 10, 2006 the buyer of the house could pay a lesser amount for the house since there would be a note on the deed about the navigation easement. She reported that houses in the area are in demand and sell within the normal time limits. COMMENTS BY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, CITY COUNCIL AND AIRPORT COMMISSION Chairman Turner thanked Ms. Shuck for her presentation and the County Board and City Council for the opportunity to meet with them. Chairman Wray expressed appreciation to the members of the Commission for attending the meeting and the information provided. Ms. Burcham advised that while elected officials do not regularly meet with each other, staff does meet regularly with the Commission. She advised that she feels the Towne Square road improvements will be beneficial for all citizens. She advised that she views the airport as an integral part of economic development and asked that the Commission consider adding "international" to the airport's name to promote the Roanoke Valley and Roanoke. Chairman Turner advised that the Commission has the authority to add international to the airport's name, and they have been considering that change. He advised that the Commission would like to know how other people would view that change. NRE: October 10, 2006 817 Mr. Hodge advised that the airport is a great asset, and it has been beneficial to have the City and County working together for the past twenty years to improve it. Commission Member Minnix advised that he would like to point out that the airport staff is receiving almost daily changes from Homeland Security which triples the work loads of the employees. He applauded the excellent jobs that the employees do and would like for the community to understand and realize how much effort is expended to ensure their safety on the planes. He advised that he also understands the need for constant changes and that the work load will not decrease in the future. Supervisor Flora advised that Roanoke is an excellent airport with service as good, if not better, than other airports; however, he does not see the need to add international to the name. He advised that the airport will never be like LaGuardia Airport, and he would not want that. He reported that he approves of the improvements being considered for Town Square, and he would like to see them completed quickly because the current alignment creates confusion. Supervisor Church advised that he feels more positive public relations are needed to educate the public about why things can or cannot be done at the airport and that positive things should always be accented rather than the negatives. He advised that he understands the need for the constant changes from Homeland Security because some people have no regard for life. He commended the staff for their efforts to keep citizens safe. 818 October 10, 2006 Vice-Chairman McNamara advised that he flew with Allegiant Air when they first started service but could not obtain tickets on the additional flight because it was already booked. He inquired about Dublin Airport becoming an international airport and how the extra cost was funded. Ms. Shuck advised that originally Roanoke provided funds for one-half of the costs for the custom inspector's office; however, Dublin International Airport (DIA) has reached the point where they have enough international inspections that the federal government is willing to cover the cost of the inspections officer. Ms. Shuck advised that Roanoke could change its name to international which would identify them as having customs inspections available but they would use the same inspector as the DIA. Ms. Shuck responded to Supervisor Vice-Chairman McNamara's inquiry that DIA receives a significant amount of international cargo traffic but not passenger traffic. Supervisor Altizer advised that he lived on Airport Road for many years and knows first-hand of the problems citizens experienced due to noise from the airport. He commended the Commission for the improvements that have been made over the years to alleviate these conditions for citizens who live near the airport. Mayor Harris commended Chairman Turner for writing an excellent article which was recently published in The Roanoker Magazine. He advised that it is incumbent upon elected and appointed officials to correct the record when they see things in error. He advised that City Council has not discussed changing the name of the airport but he would be in favor of putting international in the name. He advised that October 10,2006 819 although there would not be international passenger traffic, the international cargo capacity would be an economic development benefit to market the airport outside of the region. He advised that he would leave this decision in the hands of the Commission. Mayor Harris advised that he and his colleagues on City Council believe that Roanoke has a fine airport. He reported that last week he was checking flights to Reno, Nevada, from all neighboring airports and all of the fares were within $30 of each other, and he believes this happens on a consistent basis. He expressed appreciation to the Commission for their efforts and congratulated them upon the success of Allegiant Air. Commission Member Dooley advised that City Council symbolically appointed him to the Commission to strengthen the relationship between the Roanoke Valley, the New River Valley, and Virginia Tech. He advised that Virginia Tech is aware of the significance of a healthy airport for their future and strengthening their relationship as it relates to economic development. He advised that he is committed to working together to make sure that the airport is as strong as it can be, and he feels it is a privilege and honor to serve on the Commission. He advised that he looks forward to working with the Commission, elected officials and staff to find ways to position the airport so that it can be an important strategy for economic development. With respect to the question of whether to use international in the airport's name, he stated that it is an interesting thought, and the Commission will give it serious consideration. 820 October 10, 2006 Chairman Wray advised that he also feels that the airport is important for economic development. He concurred with Mayor Harris that you can find comparable rates when booking flights in advance with other airports such as Greensboro. Chairman Wray advised that the County will host a joint meeting on October 24, 2006, at 12:00 noon, with the Roanoke City Council and the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority. The meeting will be held at the Roanoke County Administration Center, 5204 Bernard Drive, in the fourth floor training room. IN RE: ADJOURNMENT Chairman Wray expressed appreciation to those attending the meeting and to Ms. Shuck for her presentation. He adjourned the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors meeting at 1 :30 p.m. until Tuesday, October 10, 2006, at 3:00 p.m. for the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. Mayor Harris adjourned the Roanoke City Council meeting at 1 :30 p.m. Chairman Turner adjourned the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission meeting at 1 :30 p.m. Submitted by: Approved by: ~9c~ Brenda J. olten Deputy Clerk to the Board -f'v\~ Q.~~ Michael A. Wray Chairman