MANAGER'S AIRPORT UPDATE
Manager Propst reported on airport operations for October 2002, which were 8,554, and that total operations for 2002 have reached over 100,000, which has not happened in over six years. He also said that for the last four months operations have been over 9,000, which is a positive trend. He reported that operations have increased dramatically over the past six years. He commented that while general aviation airports have recognized an increase in operations, air carrier airports have seen a decrease in their operations. In his opinion, the increase at most general aviation airports is probably because of an increase in charter flights, whereas this is not true for Fullerton. He said he thinks our community is just flying more. He reported that, comparatively, October 2002 operations are the highest they have been in six years, despite less than favorable weather conditions. He commented that, typically May, June, July, and August are the busiest months. He mentioned that when operations are over 100,000 per year, FAA funding for the control tower is more readily justifiable.
Manager Propst reported that there was an accident on the airfield on November 11, 2002. He explained that, the engine on the aircraft quit after having trouble on take-off. The aircraft went over the fence, and then went into the localizer. Manager Propst said that, having the presence of mind to keep the gear up, the pilot avoided a serious incident. Although there was some damage to the plane, there were no injuries and no damage to property.
Manager Propst also reported that there was a fatal crash a few days before this accident, involving a pilot based at Fullerton Airport. The crash occurred early in the morning around 4:30 a.m. while the pilot was in route to Fullerton from Temecula in foggy and rainy weather conditions. Apparently flying low along the freeway at about 200-300 feet, the pilot hit power lines and crashed in the Santa Ana Canyon. Manager Propst commented that the pilot was experienced and probably would not have taken the same actions in favorable weather conditions, but he was caught up in a set of circumstances that he was not able to recover from. A discussion about this incident ensued.
Manager Propst spoke about another agenda item he plans to present to the City Council, if approved by the City Manager, which will ask for approval to request funds from the underground storage clean-up fund for clean-up of the site near Ray's Flying Club, formerly occupied by Liberty Aviation. He spoke about the plans for constructing nine new monitoring wells. He mentioned that the "Wing's" site near the Orange County Fire Authority lease property has been monitored by the Water Quality Board since 1996. He predicted how these monitoring wells might influence the master planning process, suggesting that there were three options. One option is to keep the facility that is occupied by Ray's as it is while the wells are present. A second is that the facility be demolished and grass would be planted on the area. A third option would be to demolish the facility and install asphalt for tiedowns. He predicts that, unless the Water Quality Board requires that the facility be removed, the facility housing Ray's Flying Club will remain on the site. Manager Propst explained that Liberty Aviation left the site in 1989 and the underground fuel tanks were left in the ground until 1992 when they were removed. The Fire Marshal discovered that the site was not closed by the City and no documentation was sent to the Water Quality Board to close the site.
Manager Propst continued, telling members that the City is reconsidering commercial operating insurance requirements, and he discussed this issue in detail.
Manager Propst updated the committee on the status of staffing for the airport. He explained that Robert "Bob" Nelson, retired from the aerospace industry, was hired recently as a part-time Airport Service Worker, and that he is doing a very good job. With adequate staffing, the airport can provide service from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day of the week. He mentioned that the Airport Service Workers would be wearing new uniforms and orange vests for safety purposes. He commented that Leonard "Lenny" Jimenez, Airport Operations Lead Worker, is "extremely motivated and service oriented."
Manager Propst reported on two noise complaints that were received last month.
Manager Propst spoke about the survey that was mailed to all who are on the Hangar Waiting Lists (about 100 surveys). He reported that about 99 percent of the surveys have been returned with responses and four people have asked to be removed from a list. He commented that, one question not asked on the survey but that should have been asked was, "Do you own an airplane, or do you plan to purchase one in the near future?" He expects that there are people on the list who may not have an aircraft. In response to an inquiry by a member, it was reported that there are over 100 people (combined) on the hangar waiting lists.
Manager Propst stated that once the master plan update is approved by the City Council he intends to apply for funding to build new hangars. He disclosed that state funding for hangars is not available. He mentioned a conversation he had with the director of aeronautics who admitted to having difficulties with funding for his department caused by the effects of the state budget deficit. Manager Propst commented on this issue, explaining how some decisions by state officials to mitigate problems with the state budget are affecting airports, particularly the safety inspection process.
Manager Propst spoke about the number of new requests for hangars that have been made in the past several weeks. He commented on his thoughts about the apparent demand for hangars and the probability of renting hangars if more were built. He suggested that he could assuredly rent 36 new hangars. In response to an inquiry by Member Sid Gillman, Manager Propst explained that he is reluctant to require a deposit of one month's rent from everyone on the hangar waiting list. This, he said, is because he does not want to hold the deposits for several years when he cannot guarantee that hangars will be built or become available in a reasonable period.
Manager Propst discussed the Master Plan Update process. He said that once the Master Plan is adopted by the City Council, he will proceed with seeking financing to build new hangars. He proclaimed unequivocally that he will never ask the City Council for a bond issue. He said, "I will never ever indebt the Fullerton citizens to be obligated to pay airport debts." He spoke briefly about his plans for entering into contract negotiations to build hangars. In response to an inquiry by Member Chuck Blumer, Manager Propst discussed the fate of the old wooden hangars in relation to plans in the Master Plan Update. Manager Propst explained that he hopes to build 50 new hangars, which would include replacing the first two rows of wooden hangars. Member Blumer suggested that it would be "good public relations" if Manager Propst would begin discussing his thoughts about replacing the wooden hangars with the wooden hangar renters. Manager Propst agreed. He explained that after the first of the year, he may send a letter to the wooden hangar tenants explaining what the future plans entail and inviting them to attend a meeting to discuss this issue.
Manager Propst introduced Steve Allison from DMJM - P & D Aviation, the consultant for the Fullerton Municipal Airport Master Plan Update. Mr. Allison proceeded to update the committee on the status of the Master Plan Update process. He began by talking about the schedule, explaining the stages of planning and the working papers that have been produced. He mentioned plans for the next Fullerton Municipal Airport Master Plan Update Planning Advisory Committee (Planning Advisory Committee) meeting, which will occur some time in December 2002. He also said that a public meeting would be held, in a workshop format, which could be a forum for hangar renters to express their thoughts. He proposed that additional meetings could be held to discuss design concepts. Mr. Allison outlined the process and timeline for finalizing the documentation that will be presented to the City Council for their review.
Continuing, Mr. Allison discussed "requirements." He described the results of a survey that was sent to airport customers. He said that, the number one need expressed by customers was for hangars. He explained that he estimated that there is a need for about 39 new hangars, and he talked about how he decided on this amount. He went on to explain that of the four design concepts he has developed, one allows for a maximum of 50 hangars. He emphasized that space is a limiting factor in planning for new hangars. committee members inquired about possibilities, and offered suggestions, for expansion or alternative locations for new hangars. A discussion ensued. Mr. Allison explained that he is proposing a mix of types of hangars, with consideration for the various sizes of planes that may need hangars. Manager Propst emphasized that the runway size dictates the type of aircraft that use the airport, and that larger aircraft are not likely to use or be based at the Fullerton Airport.
Manager Propst discussed future planning meetings, and he invited the committee to attend the Planning Advisory Committee meeting in December 2002. The committee briefly discussed dates that were convenient for them to attend this meeting.
In response to members' questions, Mr. Allison and Manager Propst explained how the Master Plan Update is a phased process and that there are no environmental issues that will impede airport development.
Mr. Allison concluded his presentation.
