05/08/1984 - Airport Relations Commission CITY OF EAGAN
MINUTES OF AIRPORT NOISE COMMITTEE
MAY 8, 1984
The first meeting of the City of Eagan Airport Noise Committee was held
Tuesday, May 8, 1984, at 4:15 p.m. in the Eagan Municipal Center building.
Present were Committee members Tom Baker, Joe Harrison, Roger Sperling, Carol
Dezois, Bob Swenson and Don Giblen. Newly appointed Committee members Dick
Victor, John Gustin and Bart Schmidt were absent. Also present were Paul
Hauge, City Attorney, Dale Runkle, City Planner, and Tom Hedges, City
Administrator.
INTRODUCTION OF MEMBERS
City Administrator Hedges stated that the Airport Noise Committee was created
by the City Council to examine increased airplane noise over the City of
Eagan. Members of the newly appointed Committee introduced themselves
identifying their residency and interest in serving on the Airport Noise
Committee.
GENERAL COMMENTS REGARDING AIRPLANE NOISE & NOISE FOOTPRINT
City Administrator Hedges reviewed the airplane noise issue stating that a
committee was formed in the early 1970's by the City of Eagan that was
successful in adopting the Runway Use /Noise Abatement program that clearly
defined air traffic corridors around the airport for takeoffs and landings.
He further reviewed the City Council involvement during 1983 when aircraft
noise was severely increased due to deviation of air traffic from the defined
runways. The City Administrator reported that representatatives of the
Metropolitan Airports Commission were invited to attend City Council meetings
to discuss the experiment that was implemented by MAC causing the deviation of
air traffic from defined corridors and also to inform MAC that the noise was
intolerable and not in compliance with the adopted regulations. City Planner
Runkle reviewed aircraft noise zones explaining how the zones relate to the
land use compatabilities that were determined by land use criteria. He
further stated that grant monies are available to study the air traffic
impacts through a detailed noise analysis. A question was raised by Committee
members as to whether the City of Eagan should apply for grant monies or fund
their own noise analysis stating that total objectivity is maintained if the
study is funded by the municipality.
DISCUSSION OF COMMITTEE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Committee member Sperling stated that the City should implement independent
testings and noise monitoring of air traffic noise throughout the community.
He further indicated that air traffic noise data could then be submitted to
the City Council for legal action if air traffic is found to be in
noncompliance with the approved departure and arrival corridors. Committee
member Sperling also suggested that the City resign from the Metropolitan
Aircraft Sound Abatement Council (MASAC), realizing that Eagan does not
receive fair representation on that Council. He further suggested that
letters be sent to the major airlines expressing the City of Eagan's concern
about airplane noise over the community. Committee member Giblin stated that
Airport Noise Committee Minutes
May 8, 1984
he is objecting to the Metropolitan Airport Commission's deviation from the
aircraft engine run —up procedures. He stated that airlines are constantly
violating procedures by exceeding the 7 :00 a.m. to 10 :00 p.m time in which
aircraft engine run up is authorized. Committee member Giblin also expressed
objection to the airlines casual attitude toward aircraft that is landing
before or after time guidelines designated for departures and arrivals over
the City of Eagan at Minneapolis International Airport. He stated that when
MAC is made aware of these flights, residents are informed that the flight
was classified emergency and therefore acceptable as a deviation from the
guidelines. Committee member Giblin further recommended that additional study
be made to require the airlines to use suppressors to comply with airlines
throughout the world, control the altitude in which commuter planes are
departing over the City and monitor departures on 11R and 11L that are
violating the 105 heading.
Dave Rolland, a resident of Hilltop Estates, appeared and expressed concern
about the noise impact residents are experiencing in his subdivision due to
both takeoffs and landings over the center of Eagan. Committee members stated
that they have received complaints and are aware of takeoffs and landings that
affect approximately 70 -80% of Eagan which magnifiesthe noise abatement
problem. Committee member Giblin discussed a need to approach the leaders at
the Metropolitan Airports Commission and review the problems Eagan residents
are confronting with the increased aircraft noise. Committee member Sperling
discussed the possibility of establishing an independent footprint to
determine if airlines are violating the approved regulations. Committee
member Giblin expressed an interest to invite the City's representative and
senator to a future Committee meeting and ask whether legislative assistance
could help the Committee find solutions to the aircraft noise problems.
Committee members summarized Committee goals by defining the following
objectives:
1) Provide private aircraft noise monitoring by utilizing staff and
equipment from the University of Minnesota.
2) Consider withdrawing from the Metropolitan Airport Sound Abatement
Council (MASAC).
3) Review legislative options with State Senator Howard Knutson and
State Representative Art Seaberg.
4) Identify noise violations created by the airlines and serve notice
on the Metropolitan Airport Commission of these violations.
5) Request the Metropolitan Airports Commission to require noise
suppressors on all aircraft.
6) Arrange for a future meeting with airport leaders to discuss the air
noise issue.
Airport Noise Committee Minutes
May 8, 1984
7) Gain statistical information about noise levels throughout the
country that will help better define acceptable noise standards for
air traffic over the City of Eagan.
8) Define an acceptable level of airplane noise for the City of Eagan.
MASAC
Committee member Baker stated that he is the City of Eagan's representative on
the Metropolitan Aircraft Sound Abatement Council (MASAC). He explained the
objectives and the types of issues that MASAC is reviewing as a part of their
monthly meetings. Committee member Baker also provided a history of how MASAC
was formed and related the frustation that the City of Eagan has such a
minority vote on that Council.
There being no further action, the City Administrator was directed to contact
Senator Knutson and Representative Seaberg and ask that both appear at the
next Airport Noise Committee meeting to be scheduled for Tuesday, May 29,
1984.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Dated: TLH
City Administrator