HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-05 Airport Minutes
La Porte Airport AdvisoryBoard
MINUTES
February 5, 2020
The La Porte Airport Advisory Board meeting was called to order at 3:04 PM by Ray Mayo,
Director of Public Works and Municipal Airport Manager.
Members Present: Debby Rihn-Harvey, Position 1, Tucker Grant, Position 2, Hector
Villareal, Position 3, Van Wiggington, Position 5, Ray Mayo, Position 6
Members Absent: Position 3 (vacant) formerly held by Gideon Jones (deceased)
Others Present: Tom Dodson, P.E. with Civil PE’s
1. Ray Mayo notified the Board that there was an applicant for Board Position 3, Ms. Janet
Fitske. The application is scheduled to go before City Council on February 24, 2020.
2. Ray Mayo informed the Board of the requirement to elect a Chairman and Secretary
once per year. Debby Rihn-Harvey accepted the role of Chairman and Tucker Grant
accepted the role of Secretary. Unanimously Approved.
3. Tom Dodson, P.E. made a brief presentation regarding the Pavement and Drainage
Improvements Project. The construction schedule was a major subject of discussion.
Debby Rihn-Harvey expressed concerns over the elements of the project that would
force a complete closure of the airport. Mr. Dodson confirmed that the contractor will
make every attempt to keep any closure limited in time, especially the full closure events.
The proposed detention pond was also discussed.
4. Ray Mayo presented a summary of recently completed City projects using City Budgeted
funds and Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) grant funds. Discussed were
the AWOS, LED lighting upgrades, drainage study, drainage improvements, airport gate
access codes and the recent clean-up of the vacant Air National Guard facility. Debby
Rihn-Harvey made note that the runway lighting color scheme needs to be addressed.
It appears some of the lights are turned incorrectly or are not compliant with runway
color/placement distances. Ray Mayo stated that the lighting situation would be
investigated. It was also asked if Public Works could remove the trees at NW Runway12.
5. There were no formal recommendations or updates to the Airport Master Plan or The
Airport Business Plan. It was asked by Board members if they could get a scanned copy
of each. Ray Mayo indicated that could be accomplished.
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It was discussed about increasing the length of displaced threshold thereby extending
the runway 12/30 to 5000 feet. It was stated that many corporate aircraft have a limitation
in their insurance policy that does not allow landings on airports with less than a 5000
foot runway. It was suggested that this discussion be postponed to a later date, or be
made an agenda item at a later date. Mr. Dodson indicated that he would be available
to help if needed.
6. There were no formal recommendations to City Council regarding Airport or Board
matters. Mr. Wiggington posed a question to the Board regarding the characteristics of
Position 5 and if they were in agreement, it could remain as stated, even though San
Jacinto College has dis-banded the pilot training program, since the 2016 change to the
ordinance establishing the Airport Advisory Board. There were no objections from the
Board to leave the characteristic description for Position 5 unchanged.
Debby Rihn-Harvey asked if the City knew anything about the status of the deserted Air
National Guard building or status of the lease. It was also stated that the building or the
building site would make a perfect spot for a future terminal building. It was suggested
that this discussion be postponed to a later date, or be made an agenda item at a later
date.
7. Board Comments: Debby Rihn-Harvey stated that there were some access roads that
could use some work. She also stated that “small airport” security was being transferred
to FBI instead of TSA. The security of the gates was mentioned again and it was noted
that future improvements should include a pass-card type system that will record who
passes through and what time. Ray Mayo gave a brief description of the sanitary sewer
project in the Lomax area and the rationale for placement of the lift station outside of the
Runway Protection Zone in the Farrington Drive right-of way. Ray Mayo thanked Mr.
Dodson and the Board members for attending the meeting.
8. The Board members set the next meeting for Wednesday, April 1 at 3 PM.
9. The meeting was adjourned at 5:28 PM.
____________________________
Secretary
PASSED AND APPROVED
ON THIS DAY__________________________________
______________________________________________
Chairman
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