HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 12161986 - T.7 r. 7
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Adopted this Order on December 16, 1986 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Fanden, Schroder, McPeak, Torlakson, Powers
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: Hearing on Proposed New Ordinance for Buchanan
Field Airport
Chairman Powers convened the hearing on the proposed new
Ordinance providing for the operation and control of activities at
Buchanan Field Airport.
Harold Wight, Airport Manager, advised of the procedure utilized
in developing the proposed Ordinance. He noted that the Ordinance has
had circulation within the Contra Costa Aviation community including
the Airport commercial aviation tenants and the non-commercial users
of the Airport. Mr Wight advised that concerns have been raised
relative to the use of a low-lead type automotive fuel (mogas) in
certain aircraft. Mr. Wight noted under Federal Air Regulations the
Airport is liable for refueling incidents. He advised of strict
controls and monitoring procedures in place at the Airport to guard
against refueling accidents. To insure that mogas meets required
aviation standards, Mr. Wight proposed requiring the supplier of the
fuel to certify that it does. He also advised that the State
Department of Agriculture will test fuels at no cost to the County.
The Airport Manager called attention to the fact that the proposed
ordinance allows pilots to fuel their aircraft with automotive fuel
but that it must meet ASTM D439 standards and all requirements of the
Supplemental Type Certificates (STC' s) . He also stated that the fuel
is to be tested and results provided to the Airport Manager.
Joe Kollmann, 370 David Drive, Alamo, expressed support for the
proposed odinance and commented on the use of automotive fuel. Mr.
Kollman proposed that wording in the ordinance be changed to provide
that if automotive fuel is used that it be tested for contaminants.
He expressed concern that the text in its present form might be too
restrictive and prohibit the use of mogas in aircraft. He recommended
an alternative to the wording "test results be submitted to the
Airport Manager" be replaced with "if automotive fuel is used that it
be tested for contaiminants. " Mr. Kollmann also spoke about fueling
areas readily accessible to pilots who fuel their own airplanes.
He also spoke about fuel transfer devices that must meet local county
and state fire codes. He noted that the Contra Costa County Fire
Protection District will be responsible for approving these transfer
devices.
Barry Basse, Chairman of the Contra Costa County Aviation
Advisory Committee, spoke in support of the proposed Ordinance. He
noted that several members of the Committee have expressed concerns
that fueling stations may not be readily accessible to planes in the
tiedown areas and proposed that this section in the proposed ordinance
be further reviewed.
The Chair noted that written comments were received from Charles
E. Hull, 489 Mt. View Drive, Martinez, objecting to that portion of
the Ordinance requiring fueling of aircraft in a specified area of the
airport and possible consequences to pilots and aircraft.
The Chair also advised that a letter was received from George M.
Saunders , 1931 Vicki Lane, Pleasant Hill, expressing support for the
Ordinance as it relates to the airport proper and its management.
However, Mr Saunders expressed reservations relative to the reporting
of infractions or violations in the vicinity of the Buchanan Field
Airport. He requested that instructors be involved in reviewing the
Ordinance and requested additional time for this purpose.
All persons desiring to speak having been heard, IT IS BY THE
BOARD ORDERED that the hearing is CLOSED.
The Board considered the testimony presented and concurred that
there was a need to modify the text of the ordinance relative to fuel
testing compliance.
M. Walford, Public Works Director, proposed consideration be
given to replacing the fuel testing requirement with the following:
"Evidence of compliance shall be made available upon request to the
Airport Manager. "
Following further discussion, IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED that the
proposed Ordinance as amended regulating activities at Buchanan Field
Airport is INTRODUCED, reading waived, and January 13 , 1987 , fixed as
the time for adoption.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Public Works Director and Airport
Manager are INSTRUCTED to meet with interested parties to review
and/or revise language relative to compliance of evidence of testing
of fuel and to report to the Board on January 13 , 1987.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the letter from George Saunders is
REFERRED to County Counsel for review of legal issues raised.
IT IS ALSO ORDERED that the Airport Manager and the Aviation
Advisory Committee are REQUESTED to continue to address the issue of
self-fueling areas.
I hereby certify that this Is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
ccz; Public Works Director Board of SuperviserG on the date shown.
Airport Manager ATTESTED: - 12d-
Aviation Advisory Committee
County Counsel J.R. OLSSON, COUNTY CLERK
and ex officio Cleric of the Board
By Deputy
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