Airport Highlights 2011 0909 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Kathy Ornelas reported that, in an effort to be more efficient with time for staff from the Port, its consultants, and participating City offices, the North Field and South Field groups have merged for combined quarterly meetings. The first of these joint meetings occurred in June and proved to be successful. Reports that had commonly been given to both groups can now be given once to both audiences. Both groups continue to study flight operations and airport projects. The most recent items of note have been the upgrades to their monitoring systems, as well as the dialogue with the Coast Guard as described above. The Committee agreed that it is important to have a second Community Representative in the group that would represent the interests of the community related to the North Field. The Committee and staff will continue to look for possible representation from the community for this appointment. 4. Discussion Regarding Agenda Items for the Joint Meeting with the Port of Oakland Board of Commissioners on Thursday, October 20, at 1:00 p.m. The Port is placing an item on the meeting agenda to discuss the Airport Noise Insulation Program. Committee members asked that staff ask John Manuel if his message can be shared with the Port at the meeting. They also suggested that a statement be prepared to come from the Committee, indicating that the City desires to see Phase III of the Insulation Program proceed as was promised to the community, and that the City will continue to focus on this goal. The statement should also include appreciation for Larry Galindo and the Noise Management staff for all of the work they do to improve conditions for the community and to help the City resolve problems resulting from Airport operations. The Committee would also like to receive an update on construction projects at the Airport, including the new Air Traffic Control tower and the Runway Safety Area improvement project. Also, they asked staff to prepare a report from them to the Port on the status of the Eden Road project. 5. Public Comments Gerd Marggraff stated he has always had mixed feelings regarding the Settlement Agreement. Separately, he has noticed a slight reduction in nighttime noise from the Airport, and he credits that to the change in the FedEx fleet to quieter aircraft. He also commented that he has seen water spouts coming off the Bay from the wake turbulence of larger aircraft, so he understands the Coast Guard's concerns about mixing their helicopter operations with larger aircraft. 6. Committee Member Comments The Committee expressed thanks to Mr. Marggraff for his participation in the South Field Group as he is an important asset to the efforts to improve conditions in the community. They agreed that community focus helps the City make progress with the Airport on matters of concern. 7. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 10:13 a.m.