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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 01111994 - IO.8 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS I .O.-8 s----L Contra FROM: INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Costa o'p g Count �... January 3, 1994 DoT: --- DATE: yq-couN`­ SUBJECT: REPORT ON HELICOPTER TRAINING OPERATIONS AT BUCHANAN FIELD AIRPORT SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS: 1 . CONCLUDE that none of the sites identified to date as possible off-airport helicopter touch-and-go landing sites is feasible at this time. 2 . CONTINUE the existing forum (the Off-Airport Training Site Working Group) including representatives from the Airport Advisory Committee; Concord Chamber of Commerce; representatives of the community of Pacheco, including the Pacheco Municipal Advisory Council and Pacheco Town Council; representatives of People Over Planes; the owner of Helicopter Adventures, Inc. ; the cities of Martinez, Hercules, Concord and Pleasant Hill; the owners of land identified as possible off-airport touch-and-go landing sites; and any other interested or concerned individuals or organizations who wish to be involved in these discussions . . The dual purpose of the Off-Airport Training Site Working Group, in addition to the assignments provided to the Working Group by the Board of Supervisors on May 18, 1993, should be: A) to explore the viability of any future sites which are identified as .possible off-airport touch-and-go helicopter landing sites as alternatives to the use of Buchanan Field Airport' and CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE: RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD C ITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURES fy M T mu ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED _ OTHER Board members discussed the matter in some detail. The Chair called.for comments from those in the audience who submitted cards requesting to speak: Comments were heard from Joyce Jones of Pacheco Town Council; Wally 0. Wiggs, Pacheco Municipal Advisory Council; Will Price, The Airport Coalition; and Don Mount, People over Planes. The Chair read a card from Donna Davidson asking the Board to continue looking for a solution and to move helicopter training from Buchanan Field. VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE X_ UNANIMOUS (Supe►'vi sors Smi th anrd Rowers voted AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES: no n 2,A) NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. ATTESTED January 11, 1994 Contact: PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF cc: County Administrator SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Public Works Director Manager of Airports BY DEPUTY r I .O.-8 -2- B) to identify any operational problems with the current helicopter training flights and work toward making the current program compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. This should include adaptation of the FAA' s "Fly Neighborly" Program to the helicopter operations at Buchanan Field Airport, as has already been undertaken by Patrick Corr, President of Helicopter Adventures, Inc. 3 . DIRECT the Manager of Airports to provide staff support to the Off-Airport Training Site Working Group so that an accurate record of the discussions and agreements reached in the Working Group is available. 4 . REQUEST the Manager of Airports and the Off-Airport Training Site Working Group to make a further status report to the 1994 Internal Operations Committee at the Committee' s second meeting in March, 1994 . 5. REMOVE this item as a referral to the 1993 Internal Operations Committee and instead REFER it to the 1994 Internal Operations Committee. BACKGROUND: On September 21, 1993, the Board of Supervisors approved a report from our Committee. Among the items included in that report was a recommendation that the Board of Supervisors write to the owner of each of the parcels of land which were considered possible sites for off-airport touch-and-go helicopter landing sites to determine the property owner's interest in considering the use of their property for this purpose. In addition, the Off-Airport Training Site Working Group was asked to review the responses to these letters and provide their comments and recommendations to our Committee on January 3, 1994 . On January 3, 1994, our Committee met with airport staff and a number of members of the Off-Airport Training Site Working Group. We reviewed the attached reports from the Public Works Director, which includes copies of each of the responses from the property owners, as well as the report from the Off-Airport Training Site Working Group and reports from its Complaint Handling Procedures Subcommittee and Noise Mitigation Subcommittee. We also reviewed a memorandum dated December 30, 1993 from Don Mount on behalf of People Over Planes . It seems clear that there is a general consensus that none of the sites which have been identified to date meet all of the criteria for an acceptable alternative site. The barriers to the use of each site include some combination of the unwillingness of the property owner to consider the use of the property for this purpose, the unacceptability of the site in terms of distance from Buchanan Field Airport, the proximity of other residential neighbors, environmental concerns, and flight safety concerns . As a result, it appears that we have no choice at this time but to rule out all currently identified sites for one or more of these reasons . There is general agreement that the forum which has been created by the Off-Airport Training Site Working Group is a valuable one which has brought all interested parties together in an effort to share various points of view and seek mutually acceptable solutions to identified problems and that this forum should be continued. Supervisor McPeak believes that this forum should be used to review the acceptability of any additional sites which may be identified or to review any changes in the viability of existing sites . Supervisor Smith restated his belief that there are no acceptable alternative sites and that the Working Group should serve as a forum for identifying and solving problems with the current helicopter operations at Buchanan Field Airport. We are, therefore, charging the Working Group with both of these responsibilities . I .O.-8 -3- In response to questions from Don Mount regarding the timing for the Byron Airport, the Manager of Airports indicated that the contract for the paving would be let by the Board of Supervisors in February, 1994 and that the paving should be completed by late summer of 1994, although the construction of all of the necessary structures will not be completed until early 1995 . Mr. Wight also noted that it is unlikely that Byron will have an FAA-operated tower at the Byron Airport in the foreseeable future because there will not be sufficient volume of flights to justify the location of a tower. Representatives from the Pacheco Municipal Advisory Council and Pacheco Town Council indicated that they would not give up the search for an acceptable alternative site and that the residents of Pacheco will not continue to tolerate the current noise problems . As a result of our review of the attached reports and the discussion at our meeting on January 3, 1994, we have formulated the above recommendations, which appear to represent an acceptable consensus of the views of those who were present at the meeting. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT CONTRA COSTA COUNTY DATE: December 27, 1993 TO: Board of Supervisors - Internal Operations Committee FROM: J. Michael Walford, Public Works Director SUBJECT: Off-Airport Helicopter Training Site W ng Group Report This report is in response to the Board of Supervisors' action of September 21, 1993, on this matter. The Off-Airport Helicopter Training Site Working Group (Working Group) met on October 12, and November 30, 1993. At the October 12, 1993 meeting, a scope of work was developed and two subcommittees were created to make recommendations. The subcommittees were designated the Complaint Handling Procedures Subcommittee and Noise Mitigating Subcommittee. These subcommittees met on October 20 and October 27, 1993, respectively. The Working Group was chaired jointly by Harry York of the Concord Chamber of Commerce and Virginia Schaefer of the Aviation Advisory Committee. In addition to the original members of the Working Group, those identified in recommendation 4. of the I.O. Committee report of September 13, 1993, were included. During the process the cities of Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, and Hercules were added. Citizens from other jurisdictions, including Clayton,were also at one or more of the meetings. In addition, some of the landowners of sites previously identified as potential off airport remote helicopter landing sites attended meetings. In accordance with recommendations No. 2, 3, and 6, ten letters were sent to the landowners requesting that they respond in writing whether they were interested in exploring in more detail with the County the possibility of allowing their land to be used for helicopter touch and go sites. These letters were co-signed by the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Tom Torlakson and Supervisor Sunne Wright-McPeak, Vice Chair. Airport staff and Helicopter Adventures, Inc. (HAI) flew out to each of the potential sites identified in order to get a "birds eye view" of the sites and determine routes and obstacles that were along the way. Seven of the 10 land owners responded in writing (letters attached - Exhibit "A"). Responses are summarized as follows: Mr. Fred Falender, of Praxis, responded in a letter dated November 8, 1993, that they were currently involved with negotiations with the City of Martinez and would be unable to provide us with an answer until such time as the negotiations were resolved. He further indicated that they expected to have a resolution some time after the first quarter of 1994. 1 that at some future date the Praxis._site may be worth:reconsidering. No additional sites were identified. Recommendation No. 8 directed that the Working Group continue to work on other assignments. These assignments were accomplished through subcommittees mentioned earlier in this report. The subcommittee reports were presented to the full Working Group at the November 30, 1993 meeting. By consensus the subcommittee reports were agreed upon and are included as attachments to this report. Most of the subcommittees' recommendations have been implemented or are being worked on either by airport staff or by the AAC. The AAC will create a subcommittee to work on the "Fly Neighborly Program" and will be assisted by Don Mount and other selected individuals as the program is being developed. The Fly Neighborly Program was developed by Helicopter Association International to give guidance to helicopter operators on minimizing helicopter noise impacts on communities. Our Fly Neighborly Program will be developed specific to the Buchanan Field Airport environment. A draft of the Fly Neighborly Program is anticipated by July 1994. If requested, this can be brought to the Internal Operations Committee soon thereafter. Another recommendation is to mail a letter from our local helicopter operators to all helicopter operators in the Bay Area regarding our helicopter programs. A draft of this letter is attached (Exhibit "B"). At the request of Mr. Val Alexeeff, GMEDA Director, a Constraints Table was developed. by staff. It is a matrix of a numerical rating system (1, 2, or 3) for each of the sites explored by the Working Group. A "1" indicates the least constraints, and "3" indicates the greatest constraint. Please refer to this attachment for more information (Exhibit "C"). The Working Group has been a diverse group that has worked hard through the entire process. The Working Group and the subcommittees have examined all suggested alternatives developed. The group expressed appreciation to Chairpersons York and Schaefer for their diligence in accepting responsibility for this effort. IMW:HEW:rs c:ioc.tl2 Attachments cc: H.Wight,Manager of Airports 3 P CEIVED Phil Batchelor The Soard of Supervisors Contra I Clerk of the Board NOV o 2 1993 and County Administration Building County Administrator Costa (510)646-2371 651 Pine St, Room 106 MAMC ROPERTI 7F J� OF F Martinez, California 94553 County ES "Tom powers.1st District Jeff Smith,2nd District Gayle Bishop,3rd District Sunne Wright McPeak 4th District Tom Tortakson.5th District October 29, 1993 Steve Boeri, Property Manager East Bay Municipal Utility District 2130 Adeline Street Oakland, CA 94607 Dear Mr. Boeri: The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has been struggling for some time with issues regarding noise at Buchanan Field Airport in Concord. Of particular concern has been the helicopter training flights which are based at Buchanan Field Ait.port. We are looking for a way to reduce the noise complaints we receive without creating a problem elsewhere. One option we are exploring is the possibility of leaving the helicopter training flights based at Buchanan Field, but asking them to practice their touch-and-go operations at another location which is more removed from residential areas, but which provides adequate safety for all involved parties and which is fairly close to Buchanan Field Airport. We have been exploring a number of possible sites and have eliminated most of the possible sites either because they are too far from Buchanan Field, or because of safety concerns or because they are still too close to other residential areas. We have identified land you own as one of the sites we would like to explore in more detail. Obviously, in order to consider private land as a touch-and-go site, we need the cooperation of the property owner. U FALENDER C4ORPD'RATI4920 54N *6644 P.O.BOX 1098 • TIBURO �;3 VkECFNE 'N 21993 upEsv�sOfts p (tea 1f- v CLERKGp A Rp C4`'tA CO t1S C) 7", DISTRIBUTION Boam Members ,County Administrate, - rteaith Servim -.._Community Dmlopi;, -L-PuWIc-Works .._County Counsei General Chemical Corporation General Nichols Road Pin 94Chemkdl Pittsburg, CA 565-1098 (510)458-7300 November 10, 1993 RECEi E� Mr. Tom Torlakson, Chair Ms. Sunne Wright McPeak, Vice Chair ;V 1 2 1� Contra Costa Board of Supervisors JERK eagkp 651 Pine Street, Room 106 CONTRA OF COS q CD�SORS Martinez, CA 94553 Dear Mr. Torklakson and Ms. McPeak , In response to your letter of October 29, 1993 regarding helicopter training flights, we cannot authorize using our facility for such activity. This decision is based on the unique products that we produce at this site and the potential hazard an accident would cause. We wish you the best in your search for a new location for helicopter "touch-and-goes." Yours truly, Jay . Ward Plant Manager JLW:lh OIISTRIbu I ivy, / Board Members ,2 County Administrator _ Health Services _ Community Oevelopmc Public Works L County Counsel FEC VED Brenkle Enterprises , Inc . 396 Cummings Skyway CLERK BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Martinez, CA 94553 CONTRA COSTA CO. 18 November 1993 Board of Supervisors County Administration Building 651 Pine Street , Room 106 Martinez, CA 94553 Dear Members: Yes , the Brenkle family i,s interested in exploring the possibility of locating a helicoptere training pad on the Brenkle Ranch. The 270 acre ranch has several hills or knolls which are potential helicopter pads . On 21 September 1993 Mr . Patrick Corr of Helicopter Adventures , Inc. flew me on a reconnaissance of the potential pads . Mr . Corr picked one possible site which is suitable for helicopter operations , but is close to the ranch house and very close to our nearest neighbors and to some undeveloped parcels between Hihway 4 and Franklin Canyon Road . This site probably would not a feasible helicopter pad because of the noise impact on our neighbors . There are other sites on the ranch which may still be suitable, and we would be agreeable to pursuing these alternatives . There are other considerations which would also have to be addressed , namely: 1 . The Brenkle Ranch is under the California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Williamson Act) and a county land use permit would be required with possible property tax adjustments required. 2 . A helicopter pad and road into the pad would have to be built which would require a county building and grading permit . 3. A land use lease would have to be negotiated probably between Helicopter Adventures , Inc . and Brenkle Enterprises , Inc . 4 . Liability considerations would have to be examined . Sincerely, �JoephP. Brenkle RECEIVED MARTINEZ AUTO DISMANTLERS, INC. PO BOX 751 DEC — 9 093 CONCORD, CA 94520 301 WATERFRONT RD. CLERK BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MARTINEZ, CA 94553 CONTRA COSTA CO. (510)228-7710 December 7, 1993 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS County Administration Building 651 Pine St., ROOM 106 Martinez, CA 94553 ATT: Sunne Wright McPeak Tom Torlakson RE: Construction of an off-airport helicopter landing site Ladies&Gentlemen: This letter is to inform you that we do not want our land to be considered-for the construction of the landing site. Our business has been in operation for 25 years on the site and is doing very well. We process over 300 cars a month&deal with 10 tow companies, as well as 40 local businesses. It would be nearly impossible to find a new location, let alone move our 2 businesses to it. Sincerely, MAD,INC. Donald A. Neith &rC. Neith Dan J. eith Treasurer/Owner President Vice President mad/dcn cc: Aircraft Pilots of the Bay Area, Inc.- J. Dahl //6 y 463 EAST BAY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT KIS30ARF—OF E'V November 9, 1993ED 2 !993 Supervisor Tom Torlakson, Chair CLERK 8UFE,%vis�nS Supervisor Sunne Wright McPeak, Vice-Chair OST, ' Contra CostaCounty Board of Supervisors - 651 Pine Street, Room 106 Martinez, CA 94553 Dear Supervisors: East Bay Municipal Utility District (District) is in receipt of your letter dated October 29, 1993, requesting a written response as to whether or not the District would allow a helicopter touch- and-go training site on District watershed land. I have attached a copy of the letter I sent Harold E. Wight on June 17, 1993 regarding that same subject. The letter refers to the established rules and regulations relating to public use of the District watershed and recreation areas adopted by the District Board of Directors on September 12, 1989 . Section 9 . 05 specifically prohibits iracticing the landing and take-off of an aircraft over or upon watershed land. It is for that reason that your request to conduct helicopter training sessions over and upon District watershed land must be denied. Sin ely, Stephen J. Boeri LT Manager of Properties SJB:PCH:lc:h96 Attachments CC: Harold Wight, Manager of Airports J. Michael Walford, Public Works Director D1STRieuTiON Hoard Members County Administrator _Health Services _ Community Develop, 375 ELEVENTH STREET.OAKLAND.CA 94607-4240. 15101 835.3000 Public Works BOARD OF DIRECTORS KATHERINE McKENNEY.STUART FLASHMAN.ANDREW COHEN —CiOuft Counsel JOHN A.COLEMAN.JOHN M.GIOIA.NANCYJ.NADEL.KENNETH H.SIMMONS ► EAST BAY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT June 17, 1993 Mr. Harold E. Wight Manager of Airports Contra Costa County Airports 510 Sally Ride Drive Concord, CA 94520-5550 Dear Mr. Wight : East Bay Municipal Utility District has reviewed your request to perform a noise demonstration test on District watershed property near Alhambra Valley Road. On September 12, 1989, the District Board of Directors adopted a resolution establishing rules and regulations relating to public use of the District watershed and recreation-areas. Section 9.05 (attached) of the rules and regulations prohibits practicing the landing and take-off of any aircraft over or upon watershed lands. It is for this reason that your request to conduct helicopter training sessions over and upon District watershed land must be denied. Sincerely, Stephen J. Boeri LT Manager of Properties . SJB:lc:f98 Attachments 375 ELEVENTH STREET.OAKLAND.CA 94607-4140 15101 835-3000 BOARD OF DIRECTORS KATHERINE McKENNEY. STUART FLASHMAN.ANDREW COHEN JOHN A.COLEMAN.JOHN M.GIOIA. NANCY J.NADEL. KENNETH H.SIMMONS Ix- GENERAL NUISANCE It shall be unlawful for any person: SECTION 9 -01 To remove any "RESERVED" sign( s ) from any picnic area, , campsite or building which has been reserved, or to willfully occupy or hold a picnic area, campsite or building which has been reserved by another person. 9 . 02 To use or operate any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, television set, public address system, or other machine or device for producing or reproducing sound in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of any watershed users or any reasonable person of normal sensitivity residing in the area. The use of any such device or machine, such that the sound produced is audible at a distance in excess of fifty feet, shall be deemed a prima facie violation of Section 9 .02. 9 .03 No person shall use or operate any of the devices mentioned in Section 9 .02 or any generators within the designated campgrounds of the District between the hours of 10:00 p.m. of one day-, and 8:00 a.m. on the next day_ 9 .04 To land 'any aircraft on any watershed except in the case of an emergency forced -sanding_ 9 .05 To practice, or attempt to practice, the landing, take-off, or taxiing of any aircraft over or upon any watershed. 9 .06 To operate or cause to be operated, any aircraft which disturbs or causes harm to any of the flora or fauna within any watershed. 9 .07 To expose or permit to be exposed to public view, the genital or anal region of a person ' s body. A9 _ 1261A/0 31993 7e 41 -Ste,,, Rh/0 Cw Ilk, A A, J 101 ea A) rA)iFyj L,<-S-,c-- 1�144td l�.--5r,d )o7 47 XI :Q,4�-f lie ICYLo r tet � /wnuz � . Stratioral Jinancial Service�3y —9nc. 11/1/93 11, 1EED Tom Torlakson Chairman Sunne Wright McPeak Vice Chairman CLIERK OF SUPERVISORS Contra Costa Board of Supervisors 651 Pine Pine St. Room 106 Martinez, CA. 94596 Dear Mr. Torlakson and Mrs. McPeak, Thank you very much for your letter of October 29 regarding Your search for suitable sites for the day to day operation of the helicopter training school . We would very much like to have the helicopter school and or any county or medical helicopters as tenants. Of course we have no idea what terms the county/training school is looking for but we would bend over backwards to be the most desirable site. We have 22+ acres with numerous graded landing sites both paved and unpaved. For students we offer landing sites with plenty of room and several different terrains and elevations. For the school we have over 8000 square feet of hanger and classroom space. There is also a caretaker residence for onsite security. Yes, we have some neighbors too, just like every place. But we have far, far less of them. We have areas that are obscured from just about every place and we have FACILITIES READY FOR YOU TO USE TODAY. We also have paved access and parking so our facilities are suitable for use year round . We would lease to you for as little as 10 years or even up to 20 years with a mutual option to renew. In summary WE WANT YOU ! I hope to hear from you. Thank you for your time and interest Supervisors. Very truly yours. Dave Licht 1735 N Broadway Walnut Creek, CA 94596 cc : Hal Wright Tracy Williams J. Michael Walford 3569 It. Diablo Blvd., Suite 2/0 w Lafayette, California 94549 ° (510 283'6090 * Facsimile: (510) 283-6093 . Strati-ord 3inat-Lcial Seruice,4, Ac. 11/21/93 K� � �� � ���^o Tracy Williams � Assistant Manager of Airport 550 Sally Ride Dr Concord, Ca 9452e-5550 \ , REn 2012 Rancho Do! Lago KJ ` Dear Tracy, Hi , I hope you enjoyed the rest of your "vaction" and thA letter- finds etterfinds you well . I 'm writting in response to your analysis that the biggest problem in using our property for your Helicopter training facility is the road that bisects the property. This road, Rancho Del Lago Rd is closed 4-5 months a year during the rain at the top of the S. western neighbors section ofthe road. Also the road is an irrevoccable dedicated county easement that has never been picked up. My point is that thy county, throygh its good offices could if it chose, close the road at the S' west end of the property and restrict access onto the property' At that ooint the road would ser'e to facilitate your operations alone and there would be no through traffic for your users to be concerned with. The road to the Top of and through the property is a year round road ' Ne have everything eIEP you want and in particular we have facilities that would enhance your uss potential . WE HAVE LESS NIEGHBORS THAA ANYWHERE ELSE yhich should translate into less complaints and we have valley 's and secluded areas that would be out of view of any neighbors' nil that aside, WE WANT YOU, WE WOULD 00 MIATEYER WE ROULD TO GET vOj HERE. I hopr this letter *i ! j provide grist for further consid- eration. ' Thank you Tracy Lichi ccn Hal Wighl. Tom Tor1akson (�/hf,mi�/ V4j40 ° (510) 263-0090 Helicopter Adventures Inc. DRAFT Dear Fellow Helicopter Pilot, I'm pleased to tell you that in recent months significant progress has been made on the helicopter noise issue at Buchanan Field. With the assistance of the Concord Chamber of Commerce a forum has been created in which all parties have had the opportunity to present their views. Over the course of several meetings compromise has replaced confrontation and there has been a marked reduction in the temperature surrounding the whole issue. Improved communication has led to a better understanding of each others positions and a greater willingness to work together. Those of you who have followed this matter in the local newspapers will be aware that these developments represent a dramatic reversal of the trend of recent years. This is good, not just for users of Buchanan Field but for all helicopter pilots since it proves that flying neighborly really can produce positive results. I know that many of you who are based at other Bay Area airports have helped us greatly with this program and for that we are very appreciative. We have recently produced a new poster which shows the suggested routes to fly in and out of Concord by helicopter without provoking a noise complaint. I enclose a copy with this letter; additional copies are available if you would like some. It was prepared by helicopter pilots and all of the recommendations are quite practical. You and your aircraft are always welcome at Buchanan Field. Feel free to park in our parking area and to visit us for a cup of coffee or to get a weather briefing. Thanks again for your help. Sincerely, Patrick Corr President ® Exhibit "B" 81 John Glenn Drive ❑ Concord, CA 94520 ❑ 510/686-2917 ❑ Fax 510/686-2986 M M M M cd rte+ mO M � M M N U o � Cl) N N N � N d w CO) PAQ U � M C-4 C4 M ° ` M o y 1 Q (a� M N M .a M � H M U d U n 4 .48 �U' January 3,1994 To: Board of Supervisors - Internal Operations Committee From: Helicopter Training Site Work Group, Harry York and Virginia Schaefer Co-Chairs At our previous meeting with the I. 0. Committee in September we reported the work that had been done on carefully examining over 15 off-airport sites for helicopter training. With input from many citizens' groups and communities, the list was narrowed to 6 possibilities. We asked assistance from the board in making written requests to the owners of these 6 sites for their permission to explore helicopter training on their land. The board agreed and the letters were sent along with 3 additional ones. Publicity from site search meetings brought out possible new locations. The summary of replies to the requests is included in the Manager of Airport's report. Essentially the only landowner (Leicht), who really wanted to accommodate an off airport site, had an unsuitable one from the standpoint of safety and compatible neighboring dwellings. Two others (Brinkle and Jones) who indicated some interest, were owners of marginally safe and compatible sites for helicopter training. Another land owner who previously was interested and whose site (Praxis) was recommended by the AAC, is now in negotiations with the City of Martinez and is reluctant to even consider a site possibility until next year. Also state Fish and Game said that they would strongly oppose the use of this site for helicopters. Unfortunately the best possibilities from the standpoint of safety and minimal environmental impact were quite definitely not interested. The owners of the Acme site did not reply, but attended each meeting and stated that they were definitely against a training site on the old Acme fill location. Therefore, we do not have an encouraging report on this portion of our task. There does not appear to be any available site that is completely acceptable to all parties. However, we can still be open to any future ones that may surface and we now have a process and a set of criteria in place with which to evaluate any that may arise. increased communication,of parties with a diversity of viewpoints. Most of all, the process has brought together a concerned group who are willing to persist in working together in good faith. We strongly suggest taking advantage of the goodwill and increased knowledge that has been generated in the working group. They want to continue to work together on the issues in developing and refining the noise management programs. Memorandum DATE: November 29, 1993 TO: Off-Airport Helicopter Training Site Working Group FROM: Complaint Handling Procedures Subcommittee SUBJECT: Complaint Handling Procedures The subcommittee met October 20, 1993, at 2:00 p.m. in the Manager of Airports' conference room. In attendance were Will Price, Don Mount, Wally Wiggs, Harold Wight, and Tracy Williams. The subcommittee reviewed all items that were brought before the full helicopter committee on October 12, 1993 (Subcommittee agenda attached). The subcommittee agreed unanimously on each of the following recommendations. Wherever possible the recommendations are being implemented immediately. The following specific items are a compilation'of recommendations: Overview Objectives of a Noise Complaint Handling Procedure The Buchanan Field Noise Complaint Handling System is set up to handle individual complaints from local residents and others about noise generated from aircraft in the Buchanan Field vicinity. Specifically, the Airport Office shall: 1. Maintain an accurate log of complaints received from local residents. 2. Prepare summary reports regarding noise complaints and publish them periodically as public information. 3. Attempt to identify each individual aircraft involved in a complaint. To this end,both airport officials and complainants have certain obligations and responsibili- ties for telephone complaints. Airport Officials 1. Treat each complainant with courtesy. 2. Accurately log all information available from the complainant. 3. Attempt to identify the aircraft responsible for the complaint. 1 :. . recorded. This article will be published in the airport newsletter and each of the other representative newsletters. 4. The subcommittee discussed the methods of taking complaints used by the airport. In particular, the issue of the recorders was examined. There have been occasions in the past when recorders were not picking up on calls to the noise hot line, during off hours. This, according to airport staff, has been partially remedied because of a new procedure in leaving the noise hot line recorder on all of the time. The number of rings before it picks up will be examined. In addition, a phrase will be added in the opening statement to the hot line to the effect that, "The more information we receive, the better we will be able to service your concerns. Providing you leave your name, address and telephone number, the complaint will be logged and recorded as a complaint, even if the other information is not given." In addition, the airport will look at a second answering machine on 646-5727. A message can be put on that machine to the effect that 'bur noise complaint line is busy. Please call back in five minutes." This will take care of the problem of multiple calls coming into the noise hot line at the same time. Even though this does not happen very frequently, if it does happen, a caller may get discouraged by not getting a person or a recorder when they call. People Over Planes suggested that complaints would be better covered on weekends if they were answered by someone in the office. The airport staff will review this as it relates to current staffing on weekends. (See attachment) 5. The noise hot line needs to be published in the next issue of the telephone directory. Airport staff believes that the hot line was published in an earlier directory and somehow got removed in the process of changing the telephone books. Staff will attempt to have this telephone number put back in both the white pages and the yellow pages in the next issue of the telephone directory. 6. Occasionally the airport has activities of an 'open house" nature. The airport will consider involving People Over Planes in some of the planning activities for the open house in order to examine possible ways of minimizing the impact of the open house on surrounding neighborhoods. HEW:rs c:ch.tio Attachment 3 Memorandum DATE: November 29, 1993 TO: Off-Airport Helicopter Training Site Working Group FROM: Noise Mitigating Subcommittee SUBJECT: Mitigating Noise The Subcommittee for Mitigating Noise met October 27, 1993, at 2:00 p.m. in the Manager of Airports' conference room. In attendance were Fred Davis, Wally Wiggs, Tracy Williams, Gerry Greth, Harry York, Doug Lyon, Dorothy Sakazaki,Don Mount, Patrick Corr and Hal Wight. The subcommittee reviewed all items on the agenda (copy attached). The agenda was developed from the meeting of October 12, 1993. It was the subcommittee's goal to begin developing some programs for further noise mitigation and more particularly for mitigation of helicopter issues. 1. With Air Traffic Control Tower's assistance provide better information to transient/military helicopters regarding routes and noise problems. The subcommittee determined that this is an educational process. There is a need to inform all helicopter operators in the greater Bay Area including the military. It was suggested that there are available mailing lists that can be developed on a specific basis. These mailing lists could be for current helicopter pilots only, for example. Also, mail out should be done to other schools and any company or business that operates helicopters within our area. It was felt that the letter should be sent out periodically to refresh peoples memory regarding our concerns over helicopter noise in our area. There was some discussion regarding the cost of mailing and it was agreed that costs should be kept to a minimum. People Over Planes believes that the FAA should be utilized to not only defray costs but to add weight to the effort. It was felt that a letter developed by the subcommittee and by the based helicopter operators would be the most effective. Patrick Corr of HAI advised that he will draft a letter for the subcommittee's review. 2. Establish flight corridors for helicopters. Flight corridors for helicopters have been previously established and found to be relatively effective. For the most part these flight corridors follow freeway routes. These route maps will be included with the mail outs in #1. 8. Consider liaison committee to the Board of Realtors. The subcommittee agreed that realtors should disclose information to potential buyers based on State statutory requirements. 9. Consider sound proofing utilizing FAA funding. The Manager of Airports explained that no funding was available for any structures that were not in at least the 65 CNEL contours. Our contours show eight units in the 60 CNEL contour and of those eight sites three of them are owned by the airport. The committee agreed that this should not be considered any further. 10. Keep noise on the airport. People Over Planes believes this appears in conflict with the off-site search and should of explained or exempted (the site search) from this concept. This will be considered in conjunction with the Fly Neighborly program in #6 above. 11. Consideration of environmental conditions (wind and flight patterns). This will be considered in conjunction with the Fly Neighborly program in #6 above. 12. Inform, sensitize, and educate. The subcommittee felt that it was important to educate the public, as well as the pilots on the issues of flight. This will be included as part of the task included in #5 above. It will include issues such as characteristics of flight and wind. There was also some suggestion of developing a video tape that explains these issues. People Over Planes perceives a growing problem in the Virginia Hills area (fixed wing)) that will need to be dealt with sooner or later. The subcommittee agreed that as some of the issues are developed that the subcommittee would hold future meetings to refine these programs. HEW:m c:mn.tl l 1 ------------- AVF PEOPLE OVER PLANES,INC. December 30, 1993 TO SUPERVISORS JEFF SMITH AND SUNNE McPEAR FROM: DON MOUNT, P.O.P. RE HELICOPTERS--IOC MEETING At the May 10, 1993 Internal Operations Committee (IOC) meeting, Supervisor McPeak suggested that all parties agree to meet and work together on the helicopter training problem, which we did. On August 4, nearly three months later, the first meet- ing took place and was facilitated by Lee Shuff. The working committee met two more times, and there were two subcommittee meetings as well, all of which is recounted in Public Works Director Michael Walford's report to the IOC, dated December 27, 1993 . What is inaccurate in Mr. Walford's report is the character- ization of the role of the Aviation Advisory Committee (AAC) and of Virginia Schaefer in her capacity as Chair of the AAC. My comments are not intended to be unnecessarily critical of the AAC or Virginia, but rather to point out the historical ineffective- ness of this body as it pertains to noise mitigation and the periodic, derisive treatment of people who have appeared before , this body seeking relief from airport noise. It could easily be argued that we have come as far as we have in spite of the AAC. The three-month lag between the May 10 IOC "Agreement to work together" and the first meeting on August 4, illustrates a lack of comprehension by the AAC as to the imperative need to solve this problem. On page 3 of Mr. Walford's report he states, "The AAC will create a subcommittee to work on the 'Fly Neighborly Program [FNP] ' and will be assisted by Don Mount and other selected indi- viduals as the program is being developed. " This is news to me. When the Noise Mitigating Subcommittee met on October 27, 1993 , and as explained in Item 6 of the Memorandum dated November 29, 1993 , Gerry Greth, Patrick Corr and myself agreed to work on the FNP. P.O. Box 2336 • Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 • (415) 689-5652 Supervisors Jeff Smith and Sunne McPeak -2- December 30, 1993 I am confused as to whether this means there will be two subcommittees or if the AAC will take charge of the one agreed upon at the subcommittee meeting. I would be opposed in either case. As explained earlier, the AAC has not demonstrated the skill or commitment necessary to develop an effective noise pro- gram. This item needs to be clarified at the January 3, 1994 IOC meeting. The AAC has representation (Gerry Greth) , as indicated in Item 6. At this point, the FNP committee is flexible and will require periodic review and input from the FAA and maybe others-.- It thers.It is conceivable that an "equal representation" formula may become necessary if intransigence occurs. It is important that these committees operate independently of any existing body. Item 6 from the Complaint Handling Subcommittee Memorandum, dated November 29, 1993 , deals with "open house" activities at the Airport. The last one was held on Father's Day 1993 . It is our position that these activities should not be scheduled on holiday weekends, when people entertain family and friends with barbecues, swimming and other outdoor activities. The neighbor- hoods should not be subjected to increased pounding on holidays that could easily be avoided. Item 12 from the Noise Mitigating Subcommittee Memorandum, dated November 29, 1993, states an ongoing problem in the Virginia Hills area from fixed-wing traffic which accurately reflects my comment that problems in this area will need to be dealt with sooner or later. However, the area I want to empha- size at this point is the Chilpancingo corridor, which receives a significant drubbing from fixed-wing touch-and-goes. Two standout individuals in this process are Harry York and Claude Van Marter. Harry has demonstrated significant skill in facilitation as well as a knack for identifying salient points. I have found Mr. Van Marter's IOC reports to be both thorough and without bias. This is unusual and refreshing. There has been a definite calming of the waters, and no one wants a return to the cold war--with the exception of Jack Dahl, a pilot at the field and President of the Aircraft Pilots of the Bay Area. I have enclosed for your review a copy of his letter to the property owners of the sites. It is unclear what ,effect, if any, this letter had, but it is clear that the water is poisoned. If it is determined that none of the sites will work out, we will be back to square one. I have also enclosed a cur- rent assessment of helicopter noise generated by the University of Hawaii and the preliminary accident report from the Hidden Lakes R22 crash. y Y Supervisors Jeff Smith and Sunne McPeak -3- December 30, 1993 Our actions in the future will be determined by the wishes of the good people of Pacheco. It is important to note that in Hawaii and Los Angeles, significant mitigation by helicopter operators did not occur until the people petitioned Congress and bills were drafted. At the January 3, 1994 IOC meeting we would like to hear discussion as to the timetable of development at Byron Airport and at what point facilities will be able to handle training operations of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. This issue has a strong undercurrent that I believe has many fixed base operators (FBOs) on edge. They have the right to know the status of their future, as do the neighborhoods need to know at what point in time they can expect relief. Don Mount, Pr sident PEOPLE OVER LANES DATE: I/ rt �`?� REgUEST To SPEAK FoRM THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the Board. NAME: J©T/^t- t J4 N eS PHONE: 3 70 - ? 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Z(q Lq Es IeAc- I am speaking formyself OR organization: (NAME OF ORGANILVION) Check one: V/ I 'wish to speak on Agenda Item # . i- > . My comments will be: general v/ for against I wish to speak on the subject of I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. DATE: REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM (THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the Board. NAME: � PHONE: ADDRESS: �--s�� C7''° `` '�'•� CITY: I am speaking formyself OR organization: Check one: (N"E OF ORGANIZATION) I wish to speak on Agenda Item # y My comments will be: general for �L against I wish to speak on the subject of 141elea-0 < I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. DATE: ' REguEST TO SPEAK FORM J THREE (3) MINUTE LIMIT) n '�,� ( Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the Board. NAME: 7)i) " _ A J I Z aZ t) PHONE: - ,A6 ADDRESS: ii b O AnJ L 4!�- CnY: PA-CW I am speaking formyself OR organization: Check one: NAME OF ORGANIZATION) I wish to speak on Agenda Item # My comments will be: general for against I wish to speak on the subject of I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to consider. err" yrPJ-1Js4,J P � /