HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 11042020 - Airports Cte Agenda Pkt
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE
November 4, 2020
11:00 A.M.
550 Sally Ride Drive, Concord
VIRTUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
https://zoom.us/j/95097576508?pwd=UW53ZTVQTzYzZC9NRlh0ME16Q0oyZz09
By Phone
Dial-in: (669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 950 9757 6508
Passcode: 148954
Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Chair
Supervisor Diane Burgis, 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. Interview candidates for the BOS Appointee 1 seat on the Airport Land Use Commission and determine recommendation for the
Board of Supervisors consideration.
4. Interview candidates for AAC Member-At-Large position and determine recommendation for the Board of Supervisors
consideration.
5. Interview candidates for AAC Neighbor of Buchanan Field position and determine recommendation for the Board of
Supervisors consideration.
6. Interview candidates for AAC Neighbor of Byron Airport position and determine recommendation for the Board of Supervisors
consideration.
7. Review and Approve record of meeting for August 12, 2020 (Chair)
8. Presentation of Airport Terminal Project (Paul Powers, KPA Group)
9. Receive update from the Aviation Advisory Committee Chair (Maurice Gunderson)
10. Discuss progress regarding the Byron Airport General Plan Amendment (Daniel Barrios, Department of Conservation and
Development)
11. Discuss Runway 14L/32R Pavement Replacement Project, Buchanan Field Airport
12. Discuss Byron Airport Infrastructure Analysis (water, wastewater and utilities)
13. Discuss the Airport Innovation and Business Attraction Program, Buchanan Field and Byron Airport.
14.Discuss Airport's Project Development Update.
a. Discuss Proposed Development of 4.1-acre phase 1 aeronautical use at, Byron Airport.
b. Discuss relocation of Con Fire Station 9 to Airport property, Buchanan Field.
c. Discuss Development of 16-acres non-aeronautical use, Buchanan Field.
d. Discuss 0.86-acre Development at Buchanan Field.
e. Discuss Proposed Development of 4.1-acre phase 1 aeronautical use at, Byron Airport.
15. Future Agenda Items.
16.The next meeting date to be determined.
16.The next meeting date to be determined.
17.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, Airports Director
Phone (925) 681-4200, Fax (925) 646-5731
keith.freitas@airport.cccounty.us
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 2.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on
this agenda (Speakers may be limited to three minutes)
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
Referral History:
Referral Update:
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this agenda
(Speakers may be limited to three minutes).
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 3.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Interview candidates for the BOS Appointee 1 seat on the Airport Land Use
Commission and determine recommendation for the Board of Supervisors cons
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
Referral History:
NA
Referral Update:
NA
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Interview candidates for the BOS Appointee 1 seat on the Airport Land Use Commission and
determine recommendation for the Board of Supervisors consideration.
Attachments
ALUC Applicant T Barrow
ALUC Applicant C Kauffman
ALUC Applicant T Weber
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 4.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Interview candidates for AAC Member-At-Large position and determine
recommendation for the Board of Supervisors consideration.
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
Referral History:
NA
Referral Update:
NA
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Interview candidates for AAC Member-At-Large position and determine recommendation for the
Board of Supervisors consideration.
Attachments
Member-At-Large R Alam
Member-At-Large M Gunderson
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 5.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Interview candidates for AAC Neighbor of Buchanan Field position and
determine recommendation for the Board of Supervisors consideration.
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
Referral History:
NA
Referral Update:
NA
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Interview candidates for AAC Neighbor of Buchanan Field position and determine
recommendation for the Board of Supervisors consideration.
Attachments
BF Neighbor D Dietrich
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 6.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Interview candidates for AAC Neighbor of Byron Airport position and
determine recommendation for the Board of Supervisors consideration.
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
Referral History:
NA
Referral Update:
NA
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Interview candidates for AAC Neighbor of Byron Airport position and determine
recommendation for the Board of Supervisors consideration.
Attachments
Byron Neighbor S Starratt
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 7.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Review and Approve record of meeting for August 12, 2020 (Chair)
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
Referral History:
NA
Referral Update:
NA
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Review and Approve record of meeting for August 12, 2020 (Chair)
Attachments
Minutes 8-12-20
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 8.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Presentation of Airport Terminal Project (Paul Powers, KPA Group)
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
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 portion of the
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 plans for the ARFF facility, administrative office
and general aviation terminal. The plans have been reviewed by the Aviation Advisory
Committee at several meetings. Airport staff and the architects held a stakeholder workshop on
January 22, 2020, to elicit final comments to on the site plan and design. The environmental
review process has been completed. The KPA Group is finalizing layout and anticipates having
the construction documents completed by late fall. WSP has been retained to act as a Construction
Manager for the County.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Presentation of Airport Terminal Project (Paul Powers, KPA Group)
Discuss the new draft terminal, administration office and aircraft rescue and firefighting facility,
Buchanan Field. This is a general discussion regarding status of the site plan and design of the
new facility. Airport staff had a meeting with the FAA to review the project. A grant application
has been submitted for the construction of the ARFF component. Pre-application meetings have
been held with the Department of Conservation and Development, Central Contra Costa Sanitary
District, and Contra Costa Fire Protection District. The plan set is nearing completion and, when
completed, will be submitted for building permits to the Department of Conservation and
Development. The plans will be put out for bid in January 2021 with the bids expected back by
the end of March. Construction will commence when the FAA funding is available which is
expected around July 2021.
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 and office 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.
A grant request for construction of the facility has been submitted for FY 2021 funding, with a
projected total cost of $11,500,000.
Attachments
Terminal Replacement Project
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 9.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Receive update from the Aviation Advisory Committee Chair (Maurice
Gunderson)
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
Referral History:
NA
Referral Update:
NA
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Receive update from the Aviation Advisory Committee Chair (Maurice Gunderson)
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 10.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Discuss progress regarding the Byron Airport General Plan Amendment
(Daniel Barrios, Department of Conservation and Development)
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
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
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.
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 drain on 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 sorts
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 problems with the ADEIR and Dudek’s continued poor performance. Mr.
Peterson requested that County staff complete its review of the ADEIR and guaranteed that the
draft EIR (DEIR) would meet the County’s expectations.
On November 21, 2019, staff from DCD, Airports, and Transportation Engineering met with
Dudek to review a proposed updated TIA that included additional study intersections. Following
this meeting, Dudek submitted a revised technical memo to DCD and Transportation Engineering
staff for review prior to beginning traffic counts at the proposed intersections. County staff has
reviewed this memo and provided their comments to Dudek with direction to begin the traffic
counts at the established locations. DCD staff continues to review the ADEIR concurrently with
the TIA study.
On May 26, 2020, Dudek submitted a revised technical memo to DCD and Transportation
Engineering staff for review prior to beginning traffic counts at the proposed intersections that
responded to County staff’s comments on the previous proposal. The proposal provided a revised
plan for traffic counts to comply with CCTA requirements, included VMT analysis, and put forth
a plan for covering the additional costs associated with the expanded scope of work. County staff
has reviewed this memo and provided their comments to Dudek with guidance to move forward
with the traffic analysis and a proposal for the additional cost. HCP staff has provided their
comments on the Biology section of the ADEIR.
Referral Update:
On August 24, 2020, DCD staff and Dudek reached consensus on the technical and
administrative aspects of the new traffic impact analysis, and on August 31, 2020 Dudek
indicated that the analysis had begun. The TIA is expected to take approximately 6-8 weeks to
complete. At the previous meeting of the Airport Committee, DCD staff was directed to work
with Dudek to complete the ADEIR by the end of the year 2020. With this timeline, DCD staff
continues to review the ADEIR concurrently with the TIA’s production. Numerous sections that
are not directly influenced by the TIA have been reviewed and returned to Dudek for editing.
DCD staff expects that by the time of the November 5, 2020 Airport Committee meeting, all
non-TIA-related sections will have been sent to Dudek and that DCD staff will have received the
TIA for review and distribution to other appropriate County staff. Staff acknowledges that Dudek
has put considerable effort into correcting the problems that plagued previous versions of the
ADEIR, and the current ADEIR shows much improvement overall compared to previous drafts.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss progress regarding the Byron Airport General Plan Amendment (Daniel Barrios,
Department of Conservation and Development).
Staff continues to review the ADEIR. The timeframe for completion of the DEIR is the end of
2020. 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
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 11.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Discuss Runway 14L/32R Pavement Replacement Project, Buchanan Field
Airport
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
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.
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.
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 costs of
approximately $5,300,000 for the construction project. The winner bidder has been selected and
the Airports Division is waiting for the final documentation from the FAA. The project is
projected was scheduled to start when the weather cleared in early 2020.
The final documentation was received from the FAA and the project started in late May due to
COVID-19 related delays. Phase 1 repaving of the west side of the runway is completed. Phase 2
repaving of the east side started on June 30th and is expected to be completed by early August.
Phase 3 consists of night work and will require full closure of the Airport from 10 pm to 7 am.
Project appears to be under budget at this time and has made up some of the delays including by
having the final phase work already substantially completed. The Airport has submitted and
received the first reimbursement from the FAA for the project.
Referral Update:
The paving and electrical work was significantly completed by the end of September. All marking
The paving and electrical work was significantly completed by the end of September. All marking
was completed by October 8 th . The project final walk through was completed on October 9, 2020
with some minor additional work found to be necessary. The additional work did not impact
opening the runway which also occurred on October 9, 2020.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss Runway 14L/32R Pavement Replacement Project, Buchanan Field Airport.
The Contractor will arrange with Airport Operations to return for the additional work resulting in
the full completion of the project. This work is expected to be completed in November 2020.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
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. The remaining funding will be
shared by the California Department of Transportation and the Airport Enterprise Fund.
Attachments
Discuss Runway 14L/32R
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 12.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Discuss Byron Airport Infrastructure Analysis (water, wastewater and utilities)
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
Referral History:
The Byron Master Plan identifies areas for development. The Airport, however, is located in a
very rural area and does not have domestic water or sanitary/sewer connections that are needed to
support the long-term build out. As such, the County had an infrastructure analysis performed
which was completed in 2013. Subsequently the County initiated the General Plan Amendment
process which has refined the development potential and projected land uses. To best facilitate
the anticipated growth of the Airport, the County is contracting with Kimley Horn and Associates
to update the study based on the new development detail and building codes.
Referral Update:
The County executed a contract with Kimley Horn and Associates on April 1, 2020, to update the
infrastructure (water, sanitary/sewer, and fire system) analysis to provide options and associated
costs for these needed services. Kimley Horn and Associates provided a draft report and had a
follow up discussion with Airport staff. They are incorporating the changes and will be providing
a revised draft to Contra Costa County Environmental Health for review.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss Byron Airport Infrastructure Analysis (water, wastewater and utilities)
This is a general discussion regarding the status of the infrastructure analysis update. The Airport
Committee reviewed and recommended allocation of approximately $43,400 from the Mariposa
Community Benefit fund to cover the expense of updating the infrastructure analysis for the
Byron Airport to the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors supported the Airport
Committee recommendation at their September 22, 2020 meeting.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
The total contract cost is $43,400 which is being funded by the Mariposa Community Benefit
Funds.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 13.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Discuss the Airport Innovation and Business Attraction Program, Buchanan
Field and Byron Airport
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
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 Unmanned Aerial System (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.
Referral Update:
Airport staff continues to market UAS and AI opportunities at Buchanan Field and Byron
Airports. The most recent discussions have been with Wing and Kespry looking to conduct UAS
testing operations at Byron Airport.
Additionally, two existing companies based at Buchanan Field (Volansi and XWing) have
recently received new venture capital funding totaling $50,000,000 and $14,000,000 respectively.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss the Airport Innovation and Business Attraction Program, Buchanan Field and Byron
Airport.
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
The fiscal impact has generally been limited to the Airport Enterprise Fund and associated with
staff time.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 14. a.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Discuss Proposed Development of 4.1-acre phase 1 aeronautical use at, Byron
Airport
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
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
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. The team submitted a development
application to the City of Concord in October 2019, and the application is proceeding through the
entitlement process County staff has negotiated lease and development terms with the
development team. The project has been reviewed and approved by the City of Concord’s Design
Review Board and is scheduled before the City’s Planning Commission in September 2020. The
lease has been drafted and is being reviewed by the development team. The lease will be
scheduled for the Board of Supervisor’s review and approval when the City planning process is
nearing completion which is anticipated to be by late fall 2020. The development team conducted
additional seismic testing which is being peer reviewed by the City of Concord’s staff.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss Proposed Development of 4.1-acre phase 1 aeronautical use at, Byron Airport.
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 14. b.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Discuss relocation of Con Fire Station 9 to Airport property, Buchanan Field
Submitted For: Keith Freitas, Airports Director
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
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:
On October 8, 2019, the Board authorized Airports Staff to negotiate lease and development
terms for 3-acres of County owned land at Buchanan Field Airport. The Buchanan Field Flood
Report update is nearing completion which will provide the mitigation options for projects
located along the drainage ditch on the west side of the airport. This project is located in the Flood
Report impacted area. The FAA determined that the fire station portion of the project would
require a release for non-aeronautical use if the Fire District wants to pursue the alternative
location.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss relocation of Con Fire Station 9 to Airport property, Buchanan Field.
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.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 14. c.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Discuss Development of 16-acres non-aeronautical use, Buchanan Field
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
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. On
September 9, 2019, FAA staff found a copy of a letter that released the land for non-aviation use
dated October 18, 1982, and FAA staff confirmed that this past action is still applicable. County
staff is in process of negotiating lease and development terms with Montecito Development
Company team. The Buchanan Field Flood Report update has been completed and provide sthe
mitigation options for this project as it located along the drainage ditch on the west side of the
airport. The development team is in processing of identifying a subtenant for the property.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss Development of 16-acres non-aeronautical use, Buchanan Field.
Discuss the 16-acre development, Buchanan Field. This is a general discussion about the status of
the proposed project.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
The Airport Enterprise Fund will no longer need to be used to cover the additional land release
project expenses.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 14. d.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Discuss 0.86-acre Development at Buchanan Field
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
Referral History:
The development site is approximately 0.86 acres of land owned by the County and located on the
west side of the Buchanan Field Airport on the north end of Sally Ride Drive. The site is
designated for aviation use on the Buchanan Field Master Plan.
In February 2020, the County received a letter of interest to develop the 0.86 acres at Buchanan
Field. In accordance with the Airport Division’s standard, the Airport Division solicited for
competitive interest in developing the parcel prior to making a developer selection. This
solicitation of competitive interest was transmitted to the current commercial tenants of both
County airports and to those persons who have asked to be included on a list of developers
interested in developing land at either of the County airports. The County did not receive any
other letters of interest to develop this property.
On March 31, 2020, the Board authorized Airports staff to negotiate lease and development terms
with VOLY RE, LLC.
Referral Update:
County staff is in process of discussing lease and development terms for the project with the
developer. A Request to Initiate the environmental process has been prepared and submitted to
Public Works environmental staff in order to determine the projected cost and schedule to perform
this activity.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss 0.86-acre Development at Buchanan Field.
Discuss the 0.86-acre development proposed for Buchanan Field. This is a general discussion
regarding the status of the project.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
None.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 14. e.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Discuss Proposed Development of 4.1-acre phase 1 aeronautical use at, Byron
Airport
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
Referral History:
The development site is 4.14 acres of land owned by the County and located on the west side of
Eagle Court at the Byron Airport. The site is designated for aviation use on the Byron Master
Plan.
On September 18, 2019, the County received a letter of interest to develop the 4.14 acres at the
Byron Airport. On September 19, 2019, the Contra Costa County Public Works – Airports
Division solicited for competitive interest to develop the 3 acres. The solicitation period ended on
October 14, 2019, and the County did not receive any additional letters of interest.
On November 5, 2019, the Board authorized Airports Staff to negotiate lease and development
terms with Mark Scott Construction, Inc.
Referral Update:
Mark Scott Construction is in process of submitting building permits and anticipates construction
to start by late March 2020. The lease is being developed and anticipated to be scheduled for the
Board of Supervisor’s review at their February 25, 2020, meeting. County staff negotiated lease
and development terms with the development team. A lease has been drafted and is expected to be
scheduled for the Board of Supervisor’s review and approval in September. The effective lease
date will be October 1, 2020. The development team’s construction financing entity is requiring
them to have a signed subtenant in advance of providing the construction loan. Airport staff is
working with the development team to phase the project so that a construction loan will not be
necessary for the project to proceed.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Discuss Proposed Development of 4.1-acre phase 1 aeronautical use at, Byron Airport.
Discuss Proposed Development of 4.1-acre phase 1 aeronautical use at, Byron Airport.
Discuss the 4.14-acre development, Byron Airport. This is a general discussion about the status of
the proposed project.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
AIRPORTS COMMITTEE 15.
Meeting Date:11/04/2020
Subject:Future Agenda Items
Submitted For: AIRPORTS COMMITTEE,
Department:Airports
Referral No.:
Referral Name:
Presenter: Contact: Beth Lee 925-681-4200
Referral History:
NA
Referral Update:
NA
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
Future Agenda Items.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
NA
Attachments
No file(s) attached.