Minutes Airport Update Fall 05
MEMO
TO: Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Teri Goodmann, Chair, Dubuque Regional Airport Commission
RE: Airport Update
Dubuque Regional Airport Commission would like to thank City Council members for
approving the special request for de-ice vehicle CIP. Plans to purchase the new de-ice vehicle is
a part of the commission's long range strategy to maintain and enhance commercial airservice at
the DBQ Regional airport. (see previous airport update)
The snow removal equipment building construction continues to go forward on schedule.
We are anticipating an early December completion. Stumpf Construction is the contractor.
Coffman and Associates, Kansas City, will attend the October 24th Commission meeting to
provide an overview of airport land use and development. Coffman and Assoc. is the firm
that completed the required masterplan for the Dubuque Regional Airport.
The Commission requested this professional development session to learn more about best
practices of development on properties adjacent to airports. Key economic development leaders
are invited to attend. In related news, contracts have been signed with two tenants -Bradley Jo
Charter and Jackson Concrete Pumping. Also, while no official word has been received related
to the Naval Reserve facility (15 acres), it does appear on the military closure list. We continue to
stay in touch with Congressional leadership regarding developments.
The environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed terminal land acquisition will be forwarded
to the FAA sometime in November for their approval. Following approval we can anticipate a
letter initiating the land acquisition process - as federal funding allows. Local match is supported
by our passenger facility charges (PFCs).
American Airlines has requested that the Airport Manager attend a US Senate hearing on the
Wright Amendment. Council members, business leaders, and Commissioners can also attend in
a show of support. We have not been asked to testify. Steward Sandstorm may be available to
fly to DC to represent local business support for American Airlines/American Eagle and President
Arpey while he is giving testimony. More information will follow regarding dates and times, etc.
Currently airport staff is working with City staff in the budgeting process.
TSA authority at DBQ has changed. We are now under the jurisdiction of the TSA - Des Moines
hub rather than the TSA - Moline hub. This federal adjustment of authority has created a much
more efficient working relationship with the TSA.
Staff continues to work through the FAA process in acquiring a secondary radar system. The
secondary system provides a safety enhancement for the airport. We have requested this
upgrade for several years from the FAA but it now seems closer due to possible additional AIP-
federal funds.
We are in lease negations with Don David flying service to renegotiate the operating lease which
is a standard procedure at the airport.
The Commission's first strategic goal-setting session is scheduled for November 15, 2005. The
second goal setting session will be held in November/December. Sid Scott will act as facilitator. It
has been five years since our last session and is part of our ongoing practice as a commission
following the lead of the City Council.
The Airport held a quarterly air service business forum to discuss ongoing air service challenges
and opportunities. Ten business leaders attended with staff and one commissioner. Discussions
focused on improved air connectivity and marketing the airport more aggressively. One strategy
coming out of our meetings with business travelers and leaders is the 1-800-I-FL Y-DBQ
program. This will allow businesses to contact American Eagle DBQ (Terry Mozena and staff)
directly to reconcile discrepancies in air fare.
The airport along with the help of the CVB and Dan Kruse is now the official site of the NATA
North American Trainers Association Annual Practice in Flight Formation event. This will take
place in July of next year. This may bring in over 50 T-6's and 25 T-28 aircraft to the airport and
about 100 to 150 pilots with families. Our main goal is to give them a great place to operate and
visit so we can land this as a yearly event. This is great news and next time you might see Dan
Kruse or the CVB please thank them for their hard work.
The Commission renewed Bill Kincaid's lease to operate the Fly DBQ Cafe for another year.
Response has been positive to Bill's food and service.
Hertz Rent A Car is now officially open on the premises.
We welcome the addition of Mike Santillo to the Commission and recognize the over six years of
service given by Jim O'Neill. He will be formally recognized at the final meeting of 2006 with a
token of our esteem.
Dan Nicholson has resigned his position on the Commission pending an opinion from Attorney
General. He continues to attend Commission meetings as a Council liaison.
On behalf of the Commission, we would like to thank the Mayor and Council members for their
support and vision for the Dubuque community and tri-states. While these are challenging times
in the air service industry - we are buoyed by the constant support we receive from all of you.
Sincerely,
Teri Goodmann