HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-23 Airport Minutes
La Porte Airport AdvisoryBoard
MINUTES
November 23, 2020
The La Porte Airport Advisory Board meeting was called to order at 11:05 AM by Ray Mayo,
Director of Public Works and Municipal Airport Manager.
Members Present: In person: Debby Rihn-Harvey, Position 1, Tucker Grant, Position 2
Attending via ZOOM: Janet Fitzke Position 3; Van Wiggington, Position 5, Ray Mayo,
Position 6
Members Absent: Hector Villareal, Positon 4
Others Present: James Flynn, Jackie Robinson, ZOOM : Heath Powers, Lorenzo Wingate
1. Ray Mayo welcomed Janet Fitzke Position 3 to the Airport Board
2. A motion to approve the minutes from February 5, 2020 was made by Debby Rihn-
Harvey and seconded by Van Wiggington. Unanimously approved.
3. James Flynn with University of Houston presented and discussed the Department of
Energy Weather Research Project to the Board. Tracer: Tracking Aerosol Convection
Interactions Experiment that will start April 2021 through April 2022, if approved by City
Council. Questions and answers followed. It was noted that no City funds will be used.
4. The Board was asked to review the draft Use Agreement for the weather research
project and return comments to Ray Mayo by December 4, 2020. Janet Fitske asked
that a statement be added to the agreement requiring a written procedure for weather
balloon launches. Tucker Grant asked that an additional comment be included requiring
no disturbance to radio communications.
5. Ray Mayo noted that the pavement rehabilitation / drainage improvements was
completed. The pavement surfacing contractor has provided a 5-year warranty. Debby
Rihn-Harvey noted that the pappi, reil and strobe lights are not working along the
runway. Debby also noted that the runway surfacing is starting to delaminate and is too
rough. Ray asked that she take photos and notify Public Works so that maintenance
can be performed. The location of the proposed lift station will be near the dead end of
N. Farrington Dr.
6. Ray Mayo noted that there is Cares Act grant money available for the airport and was
not certain if a future master plan would qualify. Funding options for an updated master
plan must be studied prior to next budget planning session (April 2021).
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7. Debby Rihn-Harvey brought up the 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 item be brought up to the owner for a
possible inclusion in an airport master plan. Adding length to the runway will also be a
consideration in the next master plan.
8. Debby Rihn-Harvey had pictures from Saturday, November 21 of the Garden of Eden
Florist and Tea Room. Customers were parking inside the fence on airport property and
recommends they build a fence to prevent further access on the airport property. Ray
Mayo noted that the City Manager would be notifying the business. Security of the airport
and safety of the business patrons have to both be achieved and is a requirement of the
lease.
9. Board Comments: None
10. The Board members set the next meeting for Wednesday, January 27, 2021.
11. The motion to adjourn was made by Tucker Grant and seconded by Janet Fitske. The
meeting was adjourned at 12:36 PM.
____________________________
Secretary
PASSED AND APPROVED
ON THIS DAY__________________________________
______________________________________________
Chairman
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