HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-12 Airport MinutesLa Porte Airport Advisory Board
MINUTES
July 12, 2023
Members Present: In person: Debby Rihn-Harvey, Position 1, Janet Fitzke, Position 3,
Hector Villarreal, Position 4, Van Wigginton, Position 5, Ray Mayo, Position 6,
Members Absent: Tucker Grant, Position 2
Others Present: Tom Dodson with Civil PEs, Shonda Ingle, Public Works Department
Coordinator, Kelli Grabbe, City of La Porte resident.
The La Porte Airport Advisory Board meeting was called to order at 3:45 p.m. by Debby
Rihn-Harvey, Position 1, Chairperson,
1. A motion to approve the minutes from November 5,2020, was made by Van Wigginton
and seconded by Debby Rihn-Harvey, Chairperson. Unanimously approved.
2, Ray Mayo announced appointments for 2023. Additionally, Tucker Grant has decided to
resign from position 2, licensed pilot w/aircraft housed at the airport. Candidates who
are interested can visit the City of La Porte's website or contact the City Secretary Office.
3. Debby Rihn-Harvey was re-elected Chairperson, and Hector Villarreal was elected
Secretary. Unanimously approved.
4. Ray Mayo discussed on April 5, 2023; Randy Coller conducted an FAA inspection at the
airport. He remarked that the airport has much improved since the previous inspection.
Randy observed pavements are being well maintained and paint markings look good.
Ray Mayo went over seven maintenance issues that were identified during the
inspection and five of the seven items have already been addressed.
5. Ray Mayo spoke about the grip -flex coating condition and warranty duration. The five-
year warranty extends through May 9, 2025. Ray mentioned the possibility of testing
areas on some of the blisters to see what happens with the pavement. Tom Dodson was
the engineer on the project and will communicatewith TxDOT aviation and gather more
information from other projects before warranty repairs. All board members agreed the
pavement needs to be repaired. Unanimously approved.
6. may Mayo noted that the LED lighting project is almost completed and discussed
drainage improvements that need to be made at the airport. Debby Rihn-Harvey
mentioned the mowers are too close to the runway during take -offs and landings and
the operators need to be more aware of the surroundings.
Ray Mayo provided an exhibit map for construction of a new lift station south of the
runway protection zone of runway 12. The first phase of the project is scheduled to last
one year, with construction divided into two phases. The first phase will be construction
of a new lift station, while the second phase includes the piping. Construction is set to
begin before the end of the year, with phase two beginning in mid -year 2024. Debby
Rihn-Harvey asked if this would affect a future extension of displaced threshold for
runway 12. The beacon will be replaced after October 2023. Ray Mayo also discussed
a potential emergency helicopter landing zone within the fence near Spencer HWY on
the airporPs right side.
8. Ray Mayo noted a potential lease agreement with development of a 1.65-acre tract and
five hangers as well as renewal of sub -lease for Garden of Eden with Tri-Star Aviation.
Occupant of Garden of Eden has requested a ten-year sublease agreement. Debby-
Rihn-Harvey noted there is a safety concerns with the lack of a fence behind Garden of
Eden to keep patrons from entering onto the airport. She made note that this needs to
be addressed. Ray Mayo agreed that the temporary fencing during events has not been
adequate and will bring the matter back to City management.
9. Board Comments: Janet Fitzke stated the meeting was well executed.
10. The Board members set the next meeting for mid -January 2024.
11. The motion to
adjourn was made by
Debby Rihn-Harvey and seconded by Van
Wigginton, the
meeting was
adjourned
at
4:58 p.m.
Secretary
rman C