Airport Noise and Safety Committee January 23, 2003

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Wade Richmond.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

One editorial change was noted on the agenda for this meeting. The committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes of September 26, 2002 and November 21, 2002. There was no meeting in October 2002.

OLD BUSINESS

1. NOISE AND OPERATIONS REPORT/AIRPORT INCIDENTS

   Operations were reported by Manager Propst as follows:

   • November 2001 - 7,152 operations
   • November 2002 - 7,503 operations
   • October 2001 - November 2002 (12 consecutive months) - 103,925
   • December 2001 - 7,951 operations
   • December 2002 - 7,507 operations
   • November 2001 - December 2002 (12 consecutive months) - 103,481

   Manager Propst commented that the increases in operations in January and March are unusual, that peak months are typically in the summer with a gradual decrease beginning in the fall. Members commented on the recent increases in operations, and a brief discussion ensued.

   Manager Propst reported on six noise and safety complaints for the period of November 21, 2003 through January 22, 2003; there were also six complaints during the same period in 2002. The committee briefly discussed these complaints.

   -Public Comments on Individual Complaints

   There were no public comments on individual complaints.

2. AIRPORT MONTHLY SAFETY INSPECTION

   Member Jeff Harris conducted the monthly safety inspection for January 2003. A brief discussion ensued about the corrections and repairs that Member Harris noted during the inspection. Manager Propst reported on the status of these. He added that he appreciates having a full compliment of staff available to attend to repairs promptly, and that the airport service workers are doing a very good job.

3. FAPA REPORT

   Manager Propst stated that there was nothing specific to report; however, he did mention the transitions the organization has been undergoing. He explained that they are seeking replacements for their leadership, but that no one has expressed an interest. He gave some background information about the organization and commented that it is less active than it was six or seven years ago.

4. MANAGER'S AIRPORT UPDATE

   Manager Propst reported that the City of Fullerton is currently working on its two year budget. He talked about possible ways the budget would be affected by the State of California's budget deficit. He added that, CALTRANS Aeronautics Division might be disbanded, which will result in significant consequences for airports. One consequence would be that there would be no annual airport safety inspections, resulting in a possible increase in the cost for liability insurance for the Fullerton Municipal Airport. He also predicted that funding for aeronautics state matching funds for FAA grants might decrease by several millions of dollars. Continuing, he expressed his concerns about how the huge budget deficit may affect the airport. He also spoke about plans the City has to cut costs to mitigate a potential seven million dollar deficit, and how City budget cuts may affect the airport. He briefly explained the franchise fee the airport pays for City provided services, and that this fee may increase. He also reported that, as a component of the master planning process, included in budget planning will probably be a recommendation to raise airport rates and charges.

   Manager Propst spoke about the Fullerton Municipal Airport Master Plan Update process and specific aspects of the design plans. He presented a copy of Assembly Bill 2776 to committee members. He explained how the bill would affect sellers' notification responsibilities for sales of homes in the "airport influence area," commencing in January 2004. He commented that this would be a dramatic change, but that though it may affect developers adversely, from an airport land use perspective it is a positive change.

NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business to discuss.

COMMENTS FROM THE COMMITTEE

A member inquired about the proposed fee increases. A discussion ensued. Manager Propst concluded by saying that fees will likely increase in the upcoming budget cycle.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

There were no public comments.

NEXT NOISE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING

The next meeting will be held Thursday, February 27, 2003.

ADJOURNMENT - 6:26 p.m.