09/12/2017 - Airport Relations CommissionMINUTES OF THE EAGAN
AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING
SEPTEMBER 12, 2017
A meeting of the Eagan Airport Relations Commission was held on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 7:00
p.m. Those present were Charles Thorkildson, Carol Whisnant, Joseph Axmacher, Debra Dulligner,
Michael Johnson and Assistant City Administrator Miller. Dan Johnson, Philippe Girard, and Jeff Spartz
were absent.
The meeting was called to order by Chair Thorkildson.
AGENDA
Commissioner Johnson moved, Commissioner Whisnant seconded a motion to approve the agenda as
presented. All members voted in favor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Johnson moved, Commissioner Whisnant seconded a motion to approve the minutes of
May 9, 2017. All members voted in favor.
Commissioner Whisnant moved, Commissioner Axmacher seconded a motion to approve the minutes of
July 11, 2017. All members voted in favor.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
John Childers, 1237 Morning Dove Court, noted his concern regarding airplane noise from early morning
departures.
Steve Yokanovich, 1474 Rocky Lane, noted his concern regarding airplane noise, and stated he has
noticed an increased in early morning flight departures and evening departures. Yokanovich asked the
Commission if there was any movement to increase the number of noise monitoring stations in Eagan.
Chair Thorkildson noted the topic of noise monitors is being discussed later tonight at their goals
workshop.
OLD BUSINESS
MAC Monthly Reports
It was noted the new consolidated reports are harder to read and it would be easier to have all the
reports in one pdf rather than having to click onto each individual report. Feedback was also provided
that the new reports make it difficult to see year to year comparisons.
Assistant City Administrator Miller noted she will share their feedback with the MAC. Miller noted the
MAC has combined several of their reports into one document, intended to be more user friendly to
those less familiar with aircraft operations, and provided a demonstration of the new website
functionality.
Airport Relations Commission Minutes
September 12, 2017
Page 2
Year To Date Operations and Converging Runway Operations (CRO) Update
Assistant City Administrator Miller noted approximately ten complaints from residents have been
received by the City over the past several weeks regarding aircraft noise. Most of the complaints pertain
to departures from Runway 17. A few of the complaints speak to increased arrival operations on
Runway 35. Miller reviewed data prepared by the MAC, at Eagan’s request, to highlight year-to-date
operations, comparing 2016 to 2017. Over the last year the FAA has recognized the issue and has been
trying to get operations back to the levels that they were in 2015 (prior to CRO). It was noted that
operations have increased at the airport since 2015, so even if the percentages of runway use get back
to 2015 levels, the numbers of operation will likely continue to increase.
NEW BUSINESS
Next Generation and Stage V Reports
Assistant City Administrator Miller noted as part of the Commission’s current work plan, the Commission
created two committees to focus on Next Generation and Stage V Aircraft. The Commission agreed to
have the committee reports as a standing agenda item in the event either or both committees have any
updates or information to be shared. Miller noted the Commission is invited to discuss the merits of
keeping the committee structure. As an alternative, the Commission could continue including a standing
item on Next Generation and Stage V initiatives on the meeting agenda. If any member has updates or
research to be shared, such materials could be shared under the standing item; however, there would
no longer be an expectation for commissioners to meet as committees.
Commissioner Whisnant shared feedback received from Commissioner Girard regarding Stage V and
certain Delta aircrafts.
STAFF / COMMISSIONER REPORT
US Court of Appeals Ruling at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport/RNAV
Assistant City Administrator Miller highlighted a US Court of Appeals Ruling at the Phoenix Sky Harbor
International Airport on area navigation. In summary, the Court found the FAA’s implementation of
Performance Based Navigation (PBN) was arbitrary and violated the National Historic Preservation Act,
National Environmental Policy Act, and DOT Order 1050.1E because it didn’t give the public proper
notice. Thus, the new PBN (previously referred to as RNAV) procedures were required to be vacated by
the FAA.
The Commission discussed the ruling.
Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) Co-Chair Appointment
Assistant City Administrator Miller noted on July 19 she was appointed to a 2-7year term as Co-Chair of
the Noise Oversight Committee, representing the communities on the Noise Oversight Committee.
Airport Relations Commission Minutes
September 12, 2017
Page 3
ROUNDTABLE
There were no roundtable items.
ADJOURNMENT
Assistant City Administrator Miller noted following adjournment, the Airport Commission will be
meeting to discuss the 2017-2018 Goals Workshop in the first floor conference room. The public is
welcome to attend.
Upon motion by Whisnant, seconded by Johnson, the meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m. All members
voted in favor.
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Date Secretary