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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 04231996 - C24 i e TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS r FROM: J. MICHAEL WALFORD, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DATE: April 23, 1996 SUBJECT: ANNUAL REPORT FROM CONTRA COSTA AVIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATIONS)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION I. Recommended Action: ACCEPT the attached Contra Costa Aviation Advisory Committee's (AAC) 1995 Annual Report. II. Financial Impact: None. III. Reasons for Recommendations and Background: In accordance with the*AAC Bylaws, the AAC is required to provide the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors with an annual report. This complies with that requirement. IV. Consequences of Negative Action: None. l ' Continued on Attachment: SIGNATURE: _RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR URECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER VOTE OF SUPERVISORS XUNANIMOUS(ABSENT ) AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: HEW:kd c-.B023.t4 1 hereby certify that this is a true and correct copyol an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Orig Div: Airports(Contact-H. Wight 646-5722) Board of Supervisors on the datefh p. ATTESTED: April -3 l�9 bb cc: County Administrator PHIL BATCHELOR,Clerk of the Board Public Works Director of Supervisors and County Administrator Public Works Accounting Auditor/Controller By Aviation Advisory Committee Federal Aviation Administration March 15, 1996 i To: Jeff Smith, Chairman of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors From: Virginia Schaefer, Chairman of the Contra Costa Aviation Advisory Committee Subject: Annual Report from AAC The prime focuses of the AAC for 1995 included the compatibility program, development at both Buchanan and Byron Airports, response to disclosure issues, and support of airport promotional programs. Following the October 1994 dedication of Byron Airport, the AAC monitored the completion phase of construction projects and the development of several new projects to enhance airport safety and operational efficiency. One project was the construction of a 28 bay T-hangar complex which brought 28 more based aircraft to the airport. Another project, still to be realized, was a Global Positioning System (GPS) approach for the airport. The AAC helped in solicitation of this navigational aide which will pinpoint the airport's exact location to equipped aircraft, ensuring safer and more accurate landings. An increasing number of aircraft are using this equipment, and the AAC assisted airport management in its continuing efforts to secure GPS capability for Byron Airport. The AAC chair, plus one to two members from the east county area attended the monthly Byron User Group meetings. The group has participated in forming policy, guidelines for operations, and plans for Byron as well as keeping local users informed of current changes during planning and construction. With completion of the primary airport complex, the user group meetings will be probably held quarterly during 1996. The AAC also oversaw the process of assigning names to the new roads on the Airport. The entire committee holds two of its monthly meetings, May and September, at the Byron site to see the progress in construction. It has been an exciting and gratifying experience watching an operating airport emerge from idea to plan to complex. At Buchanan Field, the AAC participated in reviews of proposed revenue producing development projects. These included an auto auction, and a corporate hangar area. Both projects will have a considerable positive impact on the Airport Enterprise Fund. Input from the committee assists in development of these projects especially in working with the public and local interest groups. The AAC. is regularly represented at the Pacheco Municipal Advisory Committee, The Concord Chamber of Commerce Aviation Committee, as well as the previously mentioned Byron User Group. In addition our liaison member, plus the two more members who also sit on the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC), ensure good communication and exchange of information. 4 At every meeting the AAC reviews and discusses the monthly noise reports. Community compatibility is a high priority for the committee and we never fail to listen , comment, and make suggestions on the program. Several meetings of the AAC dealt with the issue of whether or not to disclose the names and addresses of noise complainants under the Public Records Act. We reviewed the opinion of the California State Attorney General on this matter and heard public comments concerning many aspects of the issue. Airport staff reported on practices at other California airports and the chair discussed the problems and procedures with the noise control officer at Oakland Airport. The AAC was advised that the position of County Counsel is that full disclosure of all information collected is required under both the Good Government Law and the Public Records Act. The AAC thus advised the public members that we endorsed the continued full compliance by Airport Management with complete disclosure. We also told the members of the public who brought up their concerns that we would try to be as supportive as possible under the law should problems arise in the future. In the area of airport promotion, the AAC encouraged the development of several airport events. We supported and assisted in the planning and promotion of Buchanan Field Aviation Career Day, the Buchanan Field Father's Day Open House, the Byron Open House, and the Santa Claus Skydives at both airports. All of the events were well attended and had a positive impact on community relations and goodwill. Another significant topic that the AAC was involved in during 1995 was the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding changes. Recent policy changes and proposals made on a national level could cause airports like Buchanan Field and Byron to lose any opportunity for future federal grants. This potential loss could severely cripple the ongoing improvement projects necessary for safe and efficient operation at Buchanan Field, as well as curtail any possibility of future expansion of the Byron Airport. The AAC took a proactive role in this matter by supporting and participating in letter writing campaigns to elected and appointed federal officials apprising them of the potential disastrous consequences of some of the proposed policies. During 1996, the AAC expects to oversee the completion of the long-awaited Automatic Weather Observation System at Buchanan Field. Byron Projects in 1996 include the installation of a 24 hour self serve fuel system, the construction of an administration building on the airport grounds, and the installation of security fencing around the airport perimeter. In 1996, the AAC will be extensively involved in the celebration of Buchanan Field Airport's 50th Anniversary. As a committee and as individuals, several AAC members have pledged their support and efforts in committee work, planning, and promotion. Specific events commemorating the anniversary that we will be involved in, will be the Father's Day Open House on June 16, a 50 year commemorative dinner on August 17, and Santa Claus Skydive on December 7. The AAC is dedicated to helping make our 50th anniversary year a memorable one. Again this year, the AAC is committed to being available to inform and advise the Board on matters concerning aviation in Contra Costa County.