HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 11132019 - Airports Cte Agenda Pkt (2)
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE
November 13, 2019
11:00 A.M.
550 Sally Ride Drive, Concord
Supervisor Diane Burgis, Chair
Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Vice Chair
Agenda
Items:
Items may be taken out of order based on the business of the day and preference
of the Committee
1.Introductions
2. Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this
agenda (speakers may be limited to three minutes).
3. Review and Approve record of meeting for September 11, 2019 (Chair)
4. Receive an update from the Aviation Advisory Committee Chair (Maurice Gunderson)
5. Discuss progress regarding the Byron Airport General Plan Amendment (Will Nelson,
Department of Conservation and Development)
6. Discuss Historic Noise Complaint Data for Buchanan Field Airport
7. Discuss FAA Grant Funding ($5,300,000) for Runway 14L/32R Pavement
Replacement Project, Buchanan Field Airport
8. Discuss the Airport Innovation and Business Attraction Program, Buchanan Field and
Byron Airport
9. Discuss the New Terminal, Administration Office and Aircraft Rescue and
Firefighting Facility for Buchanan Field
10. Discuss the Buchanan Field Airport Layout Plan Update (ALP) and Runway Safety
Analysis
11. Airport Director’s Report
a. 36-acre non-aviation development project, Byron Airport
b. 4.6-acre development, Buchanan Field
c. Proposed relocation of Confire Station 9 to Airport property, Buchanan Field
c. Proposed relocation of Confire Station 9 to Airport property, Buchanan Field
d. Development of 16-acres for non-aeronautical use, Buchanan Field
e. Discuss Proposed Development of Rows A & B for aeronautical use at, Byron Airport
12. Review and approve the 2020 Airport Committee Schedule (see attachment)
13. Future agenda items
14. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at 11:00
AM
15.Adjourn
The Airports Committee will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
planning to attend Airports Committee meetings. Contact the staff person listed below at least 96
hours before the meeting.
Any disclosable public records related to an open session item on a regular meeting agenda and
distributed by the County to a majority of members of the Airports Committee less than 96 hours
prior to that meeting are available for public inspection at 550 Sally Ride Drive, Concord, during
normal business hours.
Public comment may be submitted via electronic mail on agenda items at least one full work day
prior to the published meeting time.
For Additional Information Contact:
Keith Freitas, Committee Staff
Phone (925) 681-4200, Fax (925) 646-5731
keith.freitas@airport.cccounty.us
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 2.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on
this agenda (speakers may be limited to three minutes).
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
Referral Update:
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 3.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Review and Approve record of meeting for September 11, 2019 (Chair)
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
Referral Update:
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 4.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Receive an update from the Aviation Advisory Committee Chair (Maurice
Gunderson)
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
Referral Update:
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 5.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Discuss progress regarding the Byron Airport General Plan Amendment (Will
Nelson, Department of Conservation and Development)
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
The Byron Airport Master Plan, adopted in 2005, identified a diversity of aviation and
airport-related land uses for the long-term build-out of the airport. To fully implement the Airport
Master Plan, it is necessary to adopt a General Plan Amendment (GPA) to allow for the range of
contemplated land uses. The GPA requires an environmental review pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
In December 2012 the Board of Supervisors authorized the Department of Conservation and
Development (DCD) to initiate a GPA for Byron Airport, to be funded from the Mariposa
Community Benefits Fund. DCD staff is overseeing the project in collaboration with Airports
Division staff.
In April 2015 DCD staff issued a Request for Proposals for the Byron Airport Development
Program and CEQA analysis. Only two proposals were received, and only one was within the
budget for the project as established at the time. That August the Board of Supervisors approved a
$180,545 contract between Contra Costa County and Dudek, Inc., to prepare a development
scenario for Byron Airport and the environmental impact report (EIR) for the GPA.
At the April 2016 Airport Committee meeting there was a general discussion about the project.
Staff and the Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the apparent lack of progress. In the
weeks following the meeting, staff of DCD and Airports, and the consultant, had several
discussions to determine why the environmental review was not proceeding as originally planned.
The consultant indicated they were having difficulty formulating an acceptable project
description, which forms the basis for the environmental review, because:
The Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) predates the 2005 Byron Airport Master
Plan and does not accurately reflect proposed aviation activities and proposed non-aviation
development.
The ALUCP policies for Byron Airport are overly restrictive compared to those for
Buchanan Airport and relative to current guidance per the California Airport Land Use
Planning Handbook published by Caltrans.
While ALUCPs generally do not apply to airports themselves, the 2005 Master Plan specifically
states that the policies and regulations of the ALUCP are applicable to Byron Airport, thereby
artificially limiting what can occur on the airport property. Staff and the consultant determined
that the best way forward would be to expand the scope of the project to include updating the
portions of the ALUCP pertaining to Byron Airport. While this would extend the project timeline
and increase cost, the final product would be consistent and compatible General Plan, zoning,
ALUCP, and Master Plan documents for Byron Airport. On July 20, 2016, the Airport Committee
reviewed the revised scope of work and directed staff to prepare a contract amendment for
approval by the Board of Supervisors.
In March 2017 Dudek presented the Airport Committee with updated development scenarios for
Byron Airport. In the months following the meeting, DCD and Airports staff worked to refine the
project description. With the project description seemingly complete, in September 2017 DCD
issued the Notice of Preparation (NOP), which formally began the EIR process.
Also in September 2017, Airports staff began discussions with Caltrans regarding Byron
Airport’s classification (i.e., rural versus suburban). This classification affects the allowable
intensity of aviation and airport-related development, which in turn could impact the airport’s
long-term economic viability. Classifying Byron as a suburban airport would be more consistent
with its FAA designation as a reliever airport, and the long-term build-out as detailed in its Master
Plan. However, Byron Airport is surrounded by undeveloped land that is outside the Urban Limit
Line, giving the impression that the airport should be classified as rural. Dudek’s work on the
DEIR slowed significantly while the airport classification issue was being resolved because the
project’s impact in certain environmental topic areas (e.g., Traffic, Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas
Emissions, Noise, Energy) could not be determined until the intensity of development was
known.
In January 2018, Airports staff received a letter of interest from Mark Scott Construction, Inc., to
develop and lease a light industrial project on the approximately 36.3 acres located generally
northeast of the main runway.
In March 2018, Dudek indicated that the administrative draft EIR (ADEIR) would be submitted
for County staff’s review in June or July, and that completion of the Transportation section was
delaying the submittal. Throughout 2018 the project was delayed by the traffic subconsultant’s
inability to complete the traffic impact analysis (TIA) that forms the basis for the DEIR
Transportation section.
In May 2018, Dudek presented the draft ALUCP update materials to the Airport Land Use
Commission. Following this meeting, the project description was again refined.
In August 2018, the Mark Scott proposal was expanded to potentially include an 11.67-acre
private parcel located on Armstrong Road between airport property and the Byron-Bethany
Irrigation District Canal. Because this private property was not part of the original EIR scope, it
was necessary to perform additional environmental studies and revise several sections of the
ADEIR (e.g., Aesthetics, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Hazardous Materials). The
expansion also pushed the overall project over the threshold for requiring a water supply
assessment (WSA) pursuant to Senate Bill 610. Ultimately, these revisions to the ADEIR and
preparation of the WSA caused little-to-no delay because of the ongoing delay in preparing the
traffic analysis.
On November 6, 2018, Dudek submitted the first TIA for staff’s review. The analysis assumed a
substantial portion of future airport-related development might be commercial, which inflated the
projected vehicle trip generation to an unrealistic level. The proposed mitigation measures, which
included installation of traffic signals at several local intersections, construction of new turn
pockets and lanes, and widening of nearby roads, were impractical and cost prohibitive.
On December 13, 2018, Airports staff met with Dudek to again revise the project description so
that a new, more realistic TIA could be prepared. On the same day, Dudek submitted the first few
sections of the ADEIR for staff’s review. The remaining sections were submitted throughout
January and into February 2019. Staff reviewed several sections of the ADEIR and found myriad
problems including flawed analysis, portions copied and pasted from other EIRs, and numerous
grammatical errors. Staff also reviewed the second TIA and determined it was woefully
inadequate, in large part because it was not prepared in accordance with the Contra Costa
Transportation Authority Technical Procedures. The ADEIR was so flawed that continued review
was a waste of staff’s time. Dudek indicated it would prepare a second ADEIR responding to
staff’s initial comments.
The second ADEIR was submitted in June 2019. Staff began its review and again found the types
of problems that plagued the original ADEIR. Staff also reviewed the third TIA and found it to be
flawed. DCD and Airports staff met with Dudek’s regional director, Steve Peterson, on August 4,
2019, to discuss the issues with the ADEIR and Dudek’s continued poor performance. Mr.
Peterson asked staff to complete its review of the second ADEIR, and assured staff that all
deficiencies would be corrected in the next version of the document.
Referral Update:
At its August 2019 meeting, the Airport Committee expressed its dismay, and indicated that
Dudek would be given one final opportunity to correct the situation or the contract would be
canceled. Dudek responded by agreeing to thoroughly review the second ADEIR, correct any
deficiencies, and submit a revised version by the end of October. The third iteration of the
ADEIR was submitted October 24 and staff has begun its review. Staff notes that the
Transportation section of the ADEIR remains incomplete. A meeting between County staff and
Dudek to discuss the deficiencies with the TIA is scheduled for November 21.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss the status of the Byron Airport Development Program. The timeframe for completion of
the DEIR remains unknown. The next step after completion of the DEIR will be the public review
period, which will last from 45-60 days.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
As amended, the contract with Dudek is for $272,586, to be paid out of the Mariposa Community
Benefits Fund. This figure does not include County staff costs associated with the project.
Attachments
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 6.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Discuss Historic Noise Complaint Data for Buchanan Field Airport
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
At their September 11, 2019 meeting, the Airport Committee requested that staff provide a report
of noise complaints annually going back to the 1970s for Buchanan Field.
Referral Update:
Not applicable.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss the historical noise complaint graphs prepared for Buchanan Field.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
The fiscal impact has generally been limited to the Airport Enterprise Fund and associated with
staff time
Attachments
Noise Data Graph
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 7.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Discuss FAA Grant Funding ($5,300,000) for Runway 14L/32R Pavement
Replacement Project, Buchanan Field Airport
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
In December of 2016, the Board authorized the Director of Airports to submit applications and
accept Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and California Department of Transportation
grants related to Runway 14L/32R pavement reconstruction at Buchanan Field.
In August of 2017 the FAA and California Department of Transportation awarded a grant for
approximately $261,000 to the County to complete the design and engineering portion of the
Runway 14L/32R pavement reconstruction project. The design of the project is now winding
down and a construction bid package is expected to be advertised in early 2019. In September of
2018, Airport staff submitted an application for approximately $3,800,000 to complete the
construction portion of the project.
Referral Update:
Due to requested changes to the design of the project, the construction bid package costs came in
significantly higher than the estimate. The FAA agreed to fund the increased cost of
approximately $5,300,000 for the construction project. The winner bidder has been selected. The
project is projected to start when the weather clears in 2020 (approximately April/May
timeframe). The Airport has received the 5,300,000 grant for the FAA portion of the project. The
Caltrans grant for the State of California portion was granted in an amount of $150,000.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss the FAA grant funding and project timing for Runway 14L/32R pavement rehabilitation
project, Buchanan Field. The Airports Division will commence with the project. The construction
will start in March 2020. The Design/Construction Division will be soliciting for a project
manager this fall.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
There will be no County General Funds expended on this project. The total project cost is
There will be no County General Funds expended on this project. The total project cost is
estimated to be $5,800,000 with $5,300,000 being funded by FAA and $150,000 funded by
California Department of Transportation. The remaining funding will be shared by the Airport
Enterprise Fund.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 8.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Discuss the Airport Innovation and Business Attraction Program, Buchanan
Field and Byron Airport
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
On January 16, 2018, the Board of Supervisors (Board) ratified the execution of a Letter of Intent
between the County and the California Department of Technology to partner in participating in
the FAA sponsored UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP).
District III, District IV, and Public Works Department Airports staff continue to explore business
opportunities with UAS companies. On October 8, 2018, 3DR conducted UAS pavement
inspection testing at the Byron Airport. The test was successful and 3DR has requested that the
County consider additional testing opportunities at Byron and Buchanan Field.
As discussed in the previous Airport Committee meeting, Airport Staff is working to create a
program to proactively attract aviation innovation and technology businesses. The efforts have
already attracted two aviation innovation companies to Buchanan Field. The Airport Committee
requested a memorandum of the expected UAS operations at both Buchanan Field and Byron
Airports over the next few years
Referral Update:
Keith Freitas created the memorandum outlining expected UAS operations at the Airports. It is
expected that the majority of UAS operations at the Airports will be conducted by the Public
Works Department-Airports Division. In order to facilitate those operations, Airport Operations
staff is designing a UAS program to fit the Airports needs and Airport Administration Staff is
working with the FAA to get approval for those operations. The benefits of the use of UAS by
Airport Operations is that staff will become more familiar with the requirements necessary for
UAS operations and therefore be better able to assist an aviation innovation and technology
business in navigating the requirements.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss the Memorandum regarding Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations at County
Airports. Discuss the Airport Innovation and Business Attraction Program, Buchanan Field and
Byron Airport. Continue to work with various UAS entities to explore business and partnership
opportunities.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
The fiscal impact has generally been limited to the Airport Enterprise Fund and associated with
staff time.
Attachments
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Operations at County Airports
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 9.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Discuss the New Terminal, Administration Office and Aircraft Rescue and
Firefighting Facility for Buchanan Field
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
The Buchanan Field Airport Master Plan adopted by the Board on October 28, 2008, identifies a
new general aviation terminal (Terminal) on the capital improvement list. The Terminal will
replace the existing terminal building at the north end of John Glenn Drive. The Terminal would
include space for the Airports Division Administrative staff, Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting
(ARFF) staff and equipment, public space to support scheduled/unscheduled air service providers,
office space for aviation businesses, and general public meeting space.
The Airports Division currently rents office space from one of the airport businesses and moving
those functions into the Terminal will allow for expansion, while resulting in a long-term savings
to the Airport Enterprise Fund. The first critical step in this process is to design the facility in
order to refine project costs and undertake the environmental review process.
On February 27, 2018, the Board authorized the submission of an Airport Improvement Program
(AIP) grant to the FAA and the California Department of Transportation-Division of Aeronautics
(Caltrans) for the design of the ARFF eligible component of the new Terminal. The County was
awarded a total of $283,500 from the FAA and Caltrans for design of the ARFF facility.
On October 1, 2018, Airport staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Terminal
architectural services to the five firms prequalified as a company to perform engineering and
planning services for Contra Costa County Public Works Department - Airports Division
(Airports). The Proposals were due by 5:00 pm on December 13, 2018. The Airports received
three proposals from The KPA Group, Stevens & Associates, and C & S Companies.
A Selection Committee comprised of County staff and members of the Aviation Advisory
Committee, reviewed and scored the three proposals based on the criteria noted in the RFP. The
ranking outcome was The KPA Group was the unanimous top ranked firm, C & S Companies was
ranked second, and Stevens & Associates was ranked third.
Upon completion of the design process, Airport staff will forward a second FAA and Caltrans
Upon completion of the design process, Airport staff will forward a second FAA and Caltrans
grant application approval request to the Board, while applications will seek funds for the
construction of the ARFF related Terminal components.
Referral Update:
The KPA Group has been working on design and site plans for the ARFF facility, administrative
office and general aviation terminal. The plans have been reviewed by the Aviation Advisory
Committee at several meetings and staff is scheduling meetings with aviation businesses to also
review the draft design and site plan. Airports staff had an initial discussion with the Department
of Conservation and Development and Public Works staff regarding the proposed project and the
related environmental review process.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss the updated terminal, administration office and aircraft rescue and firefighting facility
design and site plans for Buchanan Field. This is a general discussion regarding status of the site
plan and design of the new facility.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
The total cost for architectural services through construction management is $1,092,209 of which
$765,002 is related to the Terminal design. The County received a grant in the amount of
$270,000 from the FAA and $13,500 from Caltrans for the design portion of the ARFF facility.
The Airport Enterprise Fund will pay the grant match and all non-grant eligible costs, including
the design of the Airport’s administrative office space and general aviation portion of the facility.
Attachments
Terminal Floor Plan
Terminal Renderings
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 10.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Discuss the Buchanan Field Airport Layout Plan (ALP) Update and Runway
Safety Analysis
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
The Buchanan Field ALP needs to be updated to identify future facility needs, land use
designations on airport and development direction. County staff sent a project-speific technical
services solicitation to the five on-call consultants in order to determine the most qualified firm to
perform this work. Public Works and Airport Division staff reviewed the proposals and
determined unanimously that Kimley-Horn was the preferred consultant for this work.
Om December 13, 2016, the Board approved and authorizes the Director of Airports, or designee,
to (i) submit and Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant application to both the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) and Caltrans, and (ii) sign an acceptance of funds under the
California Aid to Airports Program Grant Agreement-Ferderal AIP Matching Funds grant
program to perform an ALP update. The grant funds can be used to reimburse the Airport
Enterprise Fund. In addition, the Board approved and authorized the Chair of the Board to sign a
Statement of Acceptance with the FAA for grant funds to perform an ALP update. The Airports
Division requested authority to execute a two year contract (July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019)
with Kimley-Horn for $309,400 to perform the engineering and planning for the Buchanan Field
ALP update project.
Referral Update:
Airport staff are currently looking at options to understand the cost, implications and benefits in
order to make a more informed decision as to the future of Buchanan Field in regards to a runway
safety analysis. At the May 10, 2018 Aviation Advisory Committee meeting, a motion was made
to add a runway safety analysis to the ALP update.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss the Buchanan Field ALP update and runway safety analysis. This is a continuing
Discuss the Buchanan Field ALP update and runway safety analysis. This is a continuing
discussion from the March 8, 2017 Airport Committee meeting regarding an update to Buchanan
Field's ALP and runway safety analysis.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
The ALP update received approximately $285,425 in grants from the FAA and Caltrans.
Subsequently the project was expanded to include a runway safety analysis which increased the
total project cost by approximately $100,000.The contract term was extended to June 30, 2021.
The Airport Enterprise fund will be used to cover the project expenses.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 11.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Airport Director’s report
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
Referral Update:
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 11. a.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:3-acre business park development, Buchanan Field
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
On December 8, 2015, the Contra Costa County Public Works – Airports Division received a
letter of interest from a private party to develop an industrial business park use on approximately
3 acres of land owned by the County and located on the northeast corner of Marsh Drive and
Sally Ride Drive on the west side of Buchanan Field Airport. The parcel is designated for
non-aviation use on the Buchanan Field Master Plan.
Per adopted procedures, the County notified existing commercial tenants at Buchanan Field and
Byron Airport and publicized the notice to solicit other competitive interest in the property. The
response deadline was January 14, 2016, and the County did not receive any additional letters of
interest to develop this property. On March 29, 2016, the Board authorized County staff to
negotiate a lease with the proposed developer.
In November 2016, the development team submitted a development plan application to DCD for
the proposed project. Public Works staff would perform the environmental analysis for the
project. Airports staff will draft a lease for the 3-acre business park. The lease will be scheduled
for the Board’s review and consideration when the environmental review process has been
completed (the lease may be approved concurrently with the environmental component).
Development of this 3-acre vacant parcel for business park use would expand economic
development activity at Buchanan Field Airport and lead to increased revenues to the Airport
Enterprise Fund. This development will also facilitate the growth and development as identified in
the adopted Buchanan Field Airport Master Plan. A business proposal must be consistent with the
Airport Master Plan and General Plan for consideration.
The project was reviewed by DCD and they found that it does not require a planning approval
process. On January 11, 2017, the project sponsors submitted the paperwork necessary to initiate
the environmental review process. The environmental process was estimated to take 4 to 6 months
to complete. However, it has been 14 months and the environmental process is not yet done.
On Tuesday, April 10, 2018, the Board approved to lease with Montecito to develop a business
park on the northeast corner of Marsh and Sally Ride Drive.
park on the northeast corner of Marsh and Sally Ride Drive.
Referral Update:
The project is still completing reports and studies for compliance with its environmental
mitigation requirements which is required before submitting for building permits.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss the 3-acre business park development, Buchanan Field. An application will be submitted
for building permits.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 11. b.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:4.6-acre development, Buchanan Field
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
The development site is approximately 4.6 acres of land owned by the County and located on the
northwest corner of Marsh Drive and Solano Way on the north side of Buchanan Field Airport.
The parcel is commonly referred to as “Parcel C” and is designated for non-aviation use on the
Buchanan Field Master Plan. The parcel is partially (approximately 20%) within the
unincorporated County and the balance (approximately 80%) is within the City of Concord. As
such, on July 20, 2016, the Board approved an agreement between Contra Costa County and the
City of Concord regarding the entitlement process for development of this parcel and the
apportionment of tax revenues.
On December 6, 2016, the Board authorized Airports Staff to negotiate lease terms with another
entity. Unfortunately, the other entity was unable to proceed with its proposed development and
they withdrew its development interest on March 9, 2018.
On March 13, 2018, the Contra Costa County Public Works – Airports Division proactively
solicited and advertised for development interest in the 4.6-acre site. The competitive solicitation
process was consistent with the FAA Airports District Office’s guidance for airport property use.
The Airports Division received seven (7) letters of interest from private parties to develop the
subject site.
On April 16, 2018, Airports Division staff distributed a RFP to select a master developer to the
seven interested parties. The proposals and a $25,000 development deposit were due on May 25,
2018. The Airports Division received two complete proposals, one from Montecito Commercial
Group, LLC and a joint proposal from StoragePRO, Inc. and the Deutscher Properties Corporation.
A Selection Committee comprised of Airports Division staff, a member of the Aviation Advisory
Committee, and a City of Concord staff member was convened to review and rank the two
proposals. The ranking outcome was the proposal submitted by StoragePRO, Inc. and Deutscher
Properties Corporation was unanimously ranked first and the proposal Montecito Commercial
Group, LLC was ranked second. They have been meeting with the City of Concord to proceed
through the environmental process. On June 26, 2018, the Board authorized County staff to
negotiate a lease and development terms with the respondents in ranked order.
Development of this 4.6-acre vacant parcel for commercial use would expand economic
development activity at Buchanan Field Airport and lead to increased revenues for the Airport
Enterprise Fund. This development will also facilitate the growth and development as identified in
the adopted Buchanan Field Airport Master Plan. A business proposal must be consistent with the
Airport Master Plan and General Plan for consideration.
The Claremont Companies, LLC has replaced StoragePRO, Inc. in the development partnership
with Deutscher Properties Corporation.
Referral Update:
Geotechnical work has been performed on the site. The project site plan, design, landscaping, and
other development application components are underway. County staff is in process of
negotiating lease and development terms with the Claremont Properties, LLC and Deutscher
Properties Corporation development team. The team members had a preapplication meeting with
the City of Concord staff and are planning to submit a development application on October 31,
2019.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss the 4.6-acre development, Buchanan Field. This is a general discussion about the status of
the proposed project.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 11. c.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Proposed relocation of Confire Station 9 to Airport property, Buchanan Field
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
ConFire has identified a preferred location to relocate Fire Station 9 which is an approximate
3-acre site of land located generally east/northeast of the Center and Willow Street intersection on
the west side of Buchanan Field Airport. The project would also include an aircraft hangar. The
desired location of the fire station is designated for non-aviation use and the hangar location is
designated for aviation use on the adopted Airport Master Plan. CEQA analysis of the site is
currently underway.
Referral Update:
None.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss the proposed relocation of Confire Station 9 to Airport property, Buchanan Field. This is
a general discussion about the status of the proposed project. On October 8, 2019, the Board of
Supervisors authorized Airports staff to negotiate development and business terms with ConFire
for this project.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 11. d.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Development of 16-acres for non-aeronautical use, Buchanan Field
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
FAA forecasts are used to determine long-term demand for aviation facilities and the amount of
land needed for those facilities. The land denoted for aviation use on an airport layout plan (ALP)
correlates to the long-term aviation facility needs.
The existing ALP shows the approximate 16-acres of vacant land on the northeast of Marsh Drive
and Sally Ride Drive (generally across from the Airports Division office) for aviation use. In
order for that land to be used for aviation facilities, a taxilane would need to be extended from the
airfield. Further, that taxilane would cross Sally Ride Drive causing it to be severed. Thus, a new
second connection to Marsh Drive would be required on the north end so that tenants can
continue to access their hangars/buildings once the taxilane is installed. These combined
improvements would be very expensive which would likely cause the land to remain vacant and
unproductive.
The current forecasts for the ALP update indicate there is substantially more land currently
reserved for aviation uses than needed to meet future demand. This, combined with the high cost
to connect this property to the airfield, make the 16-acres economically infeasible for aviation use.
As such, it was determined that this land should be released for non-aviation use.
County staff discussed the findings the FAA Airport District Office staff and they conceptually
agreed with the approach and suggested that a land release request package be prepared in order
for them to make a determination. The cost to prepare a documented categorical exclusion
(CATEX) is approximately $122,000. It is possible that an Environmental Assessment may be
required if there are identified critical items during the preparation of the CATEX or if the FAA
determines that a higher level NEPA evaluation is necessary.
Subsequently, the Airports Division received a letter of interest to develop this property for
non-aviation use. A competitive solicitation process commenced, and the County did not receive
any competitive interest. On December 4, 2018, the Board authorized negotiations for a ground
lease and development terms with the Montecito Development Company, LLC for the
approximate 16-acres. Completion of the FAA release of the 16-acres for non-aeronautical use is
required before a lease can be executed.
An Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) between Montecito Development Company and the
County was reviewed by the Board at their May 7, 2019 meeting. The ENA is necessary for the
development team to identify potential tenant(s) and to feel confident in proceeding with all of the
review processes, including Federal NEPA environmental review, necessary to complete the FAA
process for the release of the land for non-aviation uses. It will also enable the parties to proceed
with the land use entitlement process and the CEQA process, as mandated by State law.
Referral Update:
On June 18, 2019, the FAA sent written confirmation of their intent to release the airport property
for non-aeronautical use. The final FAA approval of the land release request will be based on
successful completion and review of the formal land release package submittal by the County.
Montecito Development Company is completing partnership terms with other entities to develop
this project. While the FAA was reviewing information related to the land release request, they
found that this property along with the adjacent 3-acres and the Reynolds & Brown lease site
(where Sam’s Club, Enterprise Car Sales, Taco Bell and Jiffy Lube are located) were formally
released for non-aeronautical use on March 11, 1983. As such, the development team will start
compiling the information needed to start the entitlement process.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss the proposed non-aeronautical development of the approximate 16-acres.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
The release of the 16-acres was added to the ALP project which, received approximately $285,425
in grants from the FAA and Caltrans. Adding the land release request package and runway safety
analysis( see item 10) to the to the project increases to the total project cost to approximately
650,000. However, since the property was previously released for non-aeronautical use, the total
project cost is now about $350,000. The Airport Enterprise Fund will be used to cover the project
expenses.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 11. e.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Discuss Proposed Development of Rows A & B for Aeronautical Use at the
Byron Airport.
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
On September 18, 2019, the Contra Costa County Public Works – Airports Division received a
letter of interest from a private party to develop approximately 3 acres of land owned by the
County and located on the northwest corner of Falcon Way and Eagle Court on the southwest side
of Byron Airport. The parcel is designated for aviation use on the Byron Airport Master Plan.
Per adopted procedures, the County notified existing commercial tenants at Buchanan Field and
Byron Airport and publicized the notice to solicit other competitive interest in the property. The
response deadline was October 14, 2019, and the County did not receive any additional letters of
interest to develop this property. A Board Order has been scheduled on the Board’s November 5,
2019, calendar to authorize County staff to negotiate lease and development terms with the
proposed developer.
Referral Update:
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss the proposed 3-acre aeronautical development at Byron Airport.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 12.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Review and approve the 2020 Airport Committee Schedule (see attachment)
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
Referral Update:
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 13.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:Future agenda items
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
Referral Update:
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 14.
Meeting Date:11/13/2019
Subject:The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at
11:00 AM
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact:
Referral History:
Referral Update:
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Attachments
No file(s) attached.