Chair Brian Rennie called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: By Chair Brian Rennie, seconded by Member Tom Polley, to accept the meeting minutes of the April 25, 2002 meeting with corrections. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

1. MANAGER'S AIRPORT UPDATE

   Operations and Noise Complaints

   Operations were reported by Manager Propst as follows:

   • April 2001 - 8,394 operations
   • April 2002 - 8,321 operations
   • May 2001 - April 2002 (12 consecutive months) - 92,715.

   Manager Propst reported that there were nine noise complaints during April 18, 2002 through May 17, 2002. He commented that most often complaints are about helicopters, but during this period there were more complaints about fixed wing aircraft. One exception was that an Anaheim resident frequently calls to complain about public safety and military helicopters. Manager Propst commented that this individual has written and complained to the City Manager and the Fullerton and Buena Park City Councils. Manager Propst stated that he is not quite sure how to respond to this individual.

   South Ramp Reconstruction Project

   Manager Propst reported the following:

   • The South Ramp Reconstruction project is almost finished.
   • The low spots have been repaved three times, and while some areas still hold water, they will not be repaved again.
   • Some of the striping needs to be finished.
   • Many of the pilots have chosen to remain on the north side rather than relocate to the south ramp.

   Master Plan Update

   Manager Propst reported the following:

   • The consultant has four or five elements out of fifteen completed.
   • The planning advisory committee will meet to discuss these in about five weeks.
   • With little potential for development at this airport, determining what type of hangars to build, and changing rates and charges, are the two main issues for discussion.

   2002-03 Budget

   Manager Propst reported the following:

   • There have been very few changes in this budget from the last one, but there may be significant changes in the next one.
   • There are increases in both revenues and expenses in the 2001-03 airport budget. This is due, in part, to the cost of paying for a half-time airport service worker, who will be hired during the next fiscal year. This cost is estimated at about $30,000 per year. One of the reasons for hiring this new staff member is for security, to have staffing from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. seven days a week. Additionally, this individual may be available to cover shifts during regular staff absences.
   • No changes in fees are budgeted.
   • One change has been made in capital improvements. Instead of storm water improvements, the west corner ramp (by Air Combat) will be redesigned and reconstructed.
   • The airport does not use money from the General Fund but does contribute $120,000 annually to it.
   • The budget hearing with the City Council is June 4, 2002. Manager Propst will attend.

   Questions from Committee Members

   Hangar Waiting List Policy - Responding to Chair Rennie, Manager Propst explained that he did not think a public hearing on the issue of the Hangar Waiting List Policy will be necessary in the near future. He explained that the Master Plan Update will call for building additional hangars. If the City Council approves this, then he will notify all who want to remain on the Hangar Waiting List that they will be required to pay a deposit of one month's rent, which will be applied to first month's rent of a new hangar. He explained that he does not want to ask for this deposit until he knows for sure that a promise of hangars being built within one or two years can be fulfilled. This will prevent individuals from having to pay for a deposit that might be held for several years before acquiring a hangar.

   Responding to Member Polley, Manager explained that a public hearing will be scheduled only if at some point the Master Plan is not definitive about building hangars. This is not likely, since the Master Plan Update consultant has recommended that 36-48 hangars need to be constructed in the next five years. He will also make a recommendation, based on surveys, as to the type of hangars that should be built.

   Budget - Responding to Member Blumer, Manager Propst explained that he does not think the airport will have financial problems in a year. He said that part of the master planning process is a rates and charges analysis; however, as long as the airport fund remains healthy, as it is, it may not be necessary to raise rates and charges. This year there was a surplus in the fund balance of over $100,000, until some of the money was used to acquire security upgrades. He has determined that the airport must maintain a 10 percent contingency, approximately $100,000, to avoid raising rates and charges. He said he anticipates that at some time in the future budget requirements will change and rates and charges may have to be raised. He also explained that the FAA disallows revenue diversion; therefore, the City is not able to acquire airport revenue, but may justify asking for an increase in the amount the airport pays annually to the General Fund up to $250,000. This is based on a FAA audit conducted several years ago whereby they determined then, that the City provides service to the airport that is worth twice what is being currently paid. He also explained that the amount the airport pays increases annually, based on what the airport can afford. He stated that the airport is very fortunate that it has the customer base that it has, and that it has hangars. He said that once the new hangars are built, the rental costs generated will cover the building costs, and eventually, the airport can begin making a profit. He commented that he hopes this will bring more airplanes to the airfield, but he realizes that many planes now in tiedowns will be moving into hangars.

   In response to Member Blumer, Manager Propst said that, though the financial picture appears stable through this year and interest rates will probably remain low. Member Blumer suggested that the loan process be expedited to take advantage of low interest rates. Manager Propst agreed that it might be necessary, but that he needs to present to the City Council, a draft document that explains the needs for hangars, and he needs to ask them for approval to borrow money. He said that before he does this he will discuss the draft with the committee so that he can inform the City Council that the airport Advisory Committee has reviewed the draft and voted. He explained that he expects interest rates to remain low at least until the beginning of next year. Member Blumer asked if there was any danger in asking for more money than is needed for building hangars. Manager Propst explained that, what will be required is a building design, and that the loan will be based on the design costs. Member Blumer asked if Manager Propst made any preliminary contacts. Manager Propst responded affirmatively, and explained that the loan would be a simple interest loan rather than a compound interest loan. He said that the interest rate for the last six months has been around four percent for simple interest. Payments of the principal or interest are not required until a year after the money is dispersed, which is different from most construction loans. This, he explained, gives us a year to build hangars and time to build a revenue stream.

   Manager Propst also explained that two years ago there was discussion at a City Council meeting about building new hangars. The City Council decided to give approval for a private developer to build hangars. However, he explained, high costs for the developer combined with the fee paid to the City would have resulted in higher rental fees for the customer. He commented that the City could build hangars for less money and charge less for rent.

   Member Blumer asked if Manager Propst had discussed installing hangar shades with the master plan consultant. He said he had discussed it, but that the consultant had not written about this issue in his report.

   Member Polley stated that Rod should be given some time, perhaps through August to consider these issues. Manager Propst said that if he has the documentation he needs from the consultant he will agendize this for the next meeting.

   Member Harris suggested that Manager Propst provide a status report about the discussions he is having with the master plan consultant.

   Mishap at Troy High School - Manager Propst reported on the plane crash that occurred at Troy High School. He showed photos, explaining that the pilot has flown to work for 20 years from Corona to Hawthorne or Santa Barbara, his airplane was well-maintained, he flew "a point eight every day-point four going and returning-did not use the plane for recreation, and had detailed computer logs and records. Manager Propst showed the committee an image of a typical flight plan from Corona to Hawthorne, which also designated the location close to the crash site. He said when the pilot realized he was having trouble, he tried to make it to Fullerton Airport but couldn't. He had lost engine oil, the engine temperature went up, and the engine seized. The pilot intentionally decided to land at the high school and crash into the fence, at 65 knots, to prevent rolling into the houses. Manager Propst commented that the pilot was very lucky that the fence and the poles absorbed most of the energy.

   Manager Propst reported that the aircraft was damaged severely, though the cockpit and passenger compartment was not. After landing, he reported, there were about eight ounces of oil left in the engine, and there was no fire, despite the fact that the plane had plenty of fuel. The Fullerton Fire Department found no fuel spillage. The pilot was not specific, but he commented to Manager Propst that he thought the maintenance worker(s) had failed to put a gasket on a component of the plane, which the pilot had no access to. He said the crash was not caused by a pilot error, but a mechanical one. Manager Propst said the NTSB inspector told Manager Propst that the engine failed because it was low on oil. Manager Propst commented that the pilot was fastidious and probably conducted a thorough preflight inspection. The pilot, Manager Propst reported, went through the neighborhood, door-to-door, the following week and apologized to the neighbors for the incident.

   Manager Propst reported that there was one minor injury of a passenger who broke her left arm.

   Manager Propst commended the pilot saying, "I would hope that I have the same presence of mind that this guy had if I was in his shoes."

2. AIRPORT SECURITY

   Security Lights - Manager Propst reported that all of the lights have been turned back on. Member Polley said that some of the lights near his area are not on. Manager Propst suggested that the bulbs may be burned out and that Member Polley should talk to Senior Airport Service Worker Charlie Ferranti about getting his lights working.

   He explained that after the September 11, 2001 tragedy, he decided to turn the lights back on for security reasons. He said that last summer, he and Member Blumer conducted a lighting survey and as a result 25 percent of the lights were taken out of service to reduce energy costs. This cut the electric bill more than 25 percent.

   In response to a Member Blumer, Manager Propst explained that he had a discussion with the City Manager during September 2001 about turning on the lights. There was no discussion about conducting another survey, Manager Propst was simply told to turn all the lights back on. He admitted that during that time he was concerned about the revenue stream and whether the airport could sustain itself financially. He was especially concerned about affording the additional cost for electricity. He explained that the airport is financially better off than many airports, nationally. He said that our operations count is higher than a year ago. April was down about 60 operations, but it is still the second highest month for an April in the last five years. At this time he is not concerned about being able to afford the electric bills. He said he intends to spend even more money on security.

   Manager Propst reported that he is researching a gate system that is internet based, and that uses pager technology. He explained that airport staff could go to a web site on the internet with a secure transmission, enter data for each gate or for a particular person, for a particular day and time and send it to a host on the internet, and that host will send a signal to the gate using a pager technology. He explained that the FAA will not fund this system, and that this kind of system would allow pilots to enter the airport with a special code that could be used after hours, for specified period of time. The system we are using now requires a technician to enter data manually with a lap top computer at each gate separately. The new system would cost about $5,000 per gate, which would amount to about $50-$60,000 for the installation the system, and there would be additional monthly fees for the server. He told the committee that he thinks it would be worth the cost. He also reported that the current gate system is better than most general aviation airports.

   Manager Propst expressed that he did not know why the FAA would not provide funds for a general aviation airport for this type of technology, but will for air carrier airports, even if the Fullerton Airport is one-eighth as busy as LAX and one-quarter as busy as John Wayne Airport. However, he reported, eventually they will probably offer funding. He explained that there is a bill in legislature for State funding for security for general aviation airports. He expressed that he thinks this is a great idea, however, this may not be a priority for the State government because of its 24 million dollar debt. He expressed that, in his opinion, the Fullerton Airport will not be given any State money.

3. DISCUSSION ABOUT NEW MEMBER SELECTION FOR THE MEMBER-AT-LARGE POSITION

   Membership Applications and Interviews - Committee members were given completed membership applications to review. Manager Propst briefly discussed these and asked the committee to decide how they wanted to proceed with the selection process. He explained that the member-at-large position is appointed by the committee.

   MOTION: Member Polley made a motion for a sub-committee to be formed to interview applicants. Member Peggy Lindenberger seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

   Member Polley and Member Blumer volunteered to participate in the sub-committee, with Member Jeff Harris as an alternate. This issue will be agendized for the next meeting. Manager Propst asked that the sub-committee report to the Airport Advisory Committee at the next meeting. The committee can make their decision based on their report.

   Chair Rennie stated that new applications will be accepted. Manager Propst suggested that Jackie, the airport administrative secretary, would determine the deadline for submitting applications so that they can be processed. This, he said, may be delayed because of staff absences during the next few weeks.

   Introduction of New Committee Member - Manager Propst introduced new member John C. Woosley, who was selected to fill the Buena Park Pilot position.

NEW BUSINESS

1. 1. THE CALIFORNIA WILD HERITAGE WILDERNESS ACT OF 2002

   Committee Response - Manager Propst explained that Member Blumer asked that this issue be agendized. He explained that he researched this subject and found a map, which he displayed for the committee, that shows the areas that the California Wild Heritage Wilderness Act of 2002 proposes to protect. He explained that the only aviation reference was for military training, that they can continue their normal operations. He questioned, if the bill is enacted, will the FAA be required to designate minimum altitude requirements for flying over mountain wilderness areas? Some areas, he explained, are at five or six thousand feet, and if there is a three-thousand foot ceiling over them, there are some airplanes that will not be able to climb to eight or nine thousand feet to get over the top of those mountains. He explained that there is nothing in the bill that requires this altitude requirement, but he is concerned about the possibility of there becoming one.

   Chair Rennie asked what Manager Propst wanted the committee to do about this. Manager Propst explained that he simply wanted to bring this issue to their attention, and that if there had been an altitude requirement in the bill, he would have suggested that the committee write a letter to the City Council asking them to write to local legislators. He explained that he was concerned about the fact that there was no language suggesting that altitude requirements would be imposed on general aviation aircraft, but that in itself could be a concern. Chair Rennie suggested that the committee could write a letter expressing a concern about ensuring the rights of pilots.

   Member Blumer stated that he had done research and found that there is nothing in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) that indicates protected wilderness areas. He said that many of the maps will ask pilots to maintain an altitude of two-thousand feet above the surface. He mentioned a map he has of Northern Minnesota that designates three prohibited areas above wilderness areas. He suggested that this issue could become a bigger one that should be fought by pilots, but he did not know if the committee could do this. Manager Propst explained that, in his opinion as a City staff member, there is nothing that City Council could reference from the bill in a letter to legislators to oppose legislation. He said, "you've got to have (the committee) something to go to this Council to say, 'if this occurs in California, the resulting effect on the Fullerton pilot committee will be this' and even then, sometimes, that's a tough sell." He explained that the City Council reads the committee's minutes and that a statement, for the record, from the committee that says that they are very concerned about this and intend to monitor this situation would be warranted. He assured them that the City Council would read this in the minutes. He did not recommend that they ask the City Council to oppose the bill. He explained that the City Council did write Representative Ed Royce about our air space issue after September 11, 2001. They were strongly opposed to the restrictions being imposed and were ready to take issue with the federal government over it.

   Member Blumer asked about the California pilot's association. Manager Propst said individual pilots could reach the Jay White, the group's president. He said there are regional directors for Southern California who could be contacted. He said he spoke called State Aeronautics and left a message, but he has not heard back. He said he agreed that there is a concern, especially if areas are become prohibited for small planes, which are areas pilots fly over regularly.

   Member Polley asked if the committee could ask the City Council for clarification of this bill as it relates to general aviation. Manager Propst explained that the Council will probably suggest that Manager Propst call the regional headquarters or the FAA for this information. He said he would be willing to contact the Airplane Owner's Pilot's Association (AOPA) and report to the committee on this at the next meeting.

COMMENTS FROM THE COMMITTEE

Responding to Member Polley, Manager Propst stated that he had not heard anything further about the issue of air space restrictions and Class D extensions. He explained that the airport is functioning well, and he did not think the FAA is prepared to make any concessions at this time. He suggested that this issue not be pursued, "we might get an answer we don't want to hear." Member Polley expressed that he did not want Class restrictions to become an issue again. Manager Propst replied that, "we will cross that bridge when it comes to us." Member Harris asked if Manager Propst had heard from any other airports on this issue. Manager Propst said, "Every body was just like us, clamoring to get access to VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight." Manager Propst suggested that we would be seeking relief for a problem we do not have.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

No comments from the public.

NEXT AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

The next scheduled meeting is June 27, 2002 at 7:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

8:30 p.m.

Recorded by: Jackie Rossetti, Administrative Secretary