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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-15-24 - Airport Commission MinutesPage 1 of 12 AIRPORT COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMISSION OF THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – 5:30 P.M. _____________________________________________________________________ 1.CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairman Corcoran called the Airport Commission Meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. The meeting was held in-person and via videoconference. Vice Chairman Corcoran asked Commissioner Fong to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. 2.POSTING OF THE AGENDA: Posted on May 9, 2024. 3.ROLL CALL: Commissioners Present: Robert Berriman (Indian Wells) Tracy Martin (Palm Springs) * Todd Burke (Palm Springs) Tony Michaelis (Cathedral City) Daniel Caldwell (Palm Springs) Margaret Park (Riverside County) Kevin Corcoran (Palm Springs) - Vice Chair Rick Wise (Indio) Denise Delgado (Coachella) Kevin Wiseman (Palm Desert) ** J Craig Fong (Palm Springs) Tracy Martin (Palm Springs) Kathleen Hughes (La Quinta) Commissioners Absent: Chairman Aftab Dada (Palm Springs), and Commissioners Dave Banks (Palm Springs), David Feltman (Palm Springs), M. Guillermo Suero (Palm Springs), and Keith Young (Rancho Mirage) * Due to technical difficulties Commissioner Tracy Martin was not able to participate in the voting of the Agenda Items 4 and 6. ** Commissioner Kevin Wiseman joined the meeting at 5:35 p.m. Staff Present: Harry Barrett, Jr., Airport Executive Director Jeremy Keating, Assistant Airport Director Daniel Meier, Deputy Director of Aviation, Marketing and Air Service Victoria Carpenter, Airport Administration Manager Geremy Holm, City Attorney Tanya Perez, Administrative Specialist Airport Commission Minutes May 15, 2024 ______________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 12 Others Present: Andy Huang, M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates Inc. Oliver Lamb – Ailevon Pacific Aviation Consulting 4. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: ACTION: Accept the Agenda as presented. Moved by Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Park, and unanimously approved noting the absence of Chairman Dada, and Commissioners Banks, Feltman, Pye, Suero, Wiseman, and Young. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None 6. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: ACTION: Approve the minutes of the Airport Commission Meeting of December 20, 2023. Moved by Commissioner Wise, seconded by Commissioner Park and unanimously approved noting the absence of Chairman Dada, and Commissioners Banks, Feltman, Pye, Suero, Wiseman, and Young. 7. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS: 7.A Baggage Claim Expansion Andy Huang, M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates Inc. representative, presented a comparison of Baggage Claim Expansion Alternatives A and B which included the Pros and Cons for each of the alternatives. Assistant Airport Director Keating reported that a couple weeks ago, staff had presented two baggage claim concepts to the Operations, Properties and Facilities Committee. Alternative A which was a smaller design concept which staff had used to apply for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant, and after further review of the design, staff determined that there was a need for a larger concept which led to the development of design concept Alternative B. Mr. Keating said that the Operations, Properties and Facilities Committee voted to recommend to the Commission the approval of Alterative B, which was the larger design concept, and he said that Alternative B provided more flexibility for additional space and future flexibility options for the rental car companies. Mr. Keating explained that the negative side to Alternative B was that staff would have to submit revised environmental documents to the FAA which could delay the project for another nine to twelve months. Airport Executive Director Barrett elaborated that staff were not only concerned about the environmental process, staff was also concerned about not being eligible for FAA gran funding. Mr. Barrett emphasized that there are two issues involved with the larger footprint and that despite these challenges, Mr. Barrett believes that the larger Airport Commission Minutes May 15, 2024 ______________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 12 footprint is the best course of action, considering the Airport’s future growth and development. Commissioner Park voiced her support for Alternative B because it was the best long- term option for the Airport. ACTION: Motion to recommend to City Council the approval of Alternative B. Moved by Commissioner Caldwell, seconded by Commissioner Park, and unanimously approved noting the absence of noting the absence of Chairman Dada, and Commissioners Banks, Feltman, Pye, Suero, and Young. 7.B Landside Relocation Phasing Andy Huang, M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates Inc. representative, explained that in order to accommodate the baggage claim expansion there would need to be two phasing approaches for landside relocation, a baseline phasing approach and a streamlined phasing approach. He said that he would also be comparing the impacts between the two approaches with regard to passenger experience, operations, revenue, cost, planning flexibility, and scheduling. Mr. Huang presented Phasing Approach 1 which is the baseline phasing approach that places the temporary rental car facilities (RAC) into the ready return lot which is north of the baggage claim area and the temporary Federal Inspection Station (FIS) into Hangar 1. The main attributes of Phasing Approach 1 are that it minimizes the RAC shuttle operations because the RAC will remain near the baggage claim area. However, it also has the most relocations for the RAC and FIS which would be four relocations for the RAC and two relocations for the FIS. Mr. Huang presented the four stages of Phasing Approach 1: Stage 1: Baggage Claim, FIS and Transportation Network Company (TNC) Construction - 1. Relocate RAC counters and temporary baggage claim to the Ready Return Lot. 2. The RAC parking is expanded to Parking Lots A and B. 3. Construct baggage claim expansion. 4. Construct TNC lot in Parking Lot D. 5. Construct temporary FIS in Hangar 1. Stage 2: Baggage Claim Expansion Completed - 1. Relocate RAC counters to Baggage Claim area. 2. Parking Lot B is returned to a paid public parking. Stage 3: Consolidate Rental Car Facility (CONRAC) Enabling / Construction – Airport Commission Minutes May 15, 2024 ______________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 12 1. Relocate RAC and Ready Return Lot to the Overflow Parking Lot and begin shuttle operations. 2. Relocate TNC operations to Parking Lot A. 3. Relocate FIS from Hangar 1 to a temporary FIS facility. 4. Relocate Signature Flight Support, Customs and Border Patrol, and the USO to a location to be determined. 5. Construct CONRAC. Stage 4: CONRAC Complete - 1. Relocate all RAC operations to the new CONRAC. Mr. Huang presented RAC Phasing Approach 3 which is the streamlined phasing approach. The main attributes of RAC Phasing Approach 3 is that there is a single temporary facility for the RAC that will require two relocations and one relocation for the FIS. It would require the longest RAC shuttle operation, and it would maximize the flexibility for the Airport’s Master Plan. Mr. Huang presented the four stages of RAC Phasing Approach 3: Stage 1: Baggage Claim, FIS and Transportation Network Company (TNC) Construction - 1. Relocate RAC and Ready Return Lot to Overflow Parking Lot and begin shuttle operations. 2. Relocate temporary baggage claim in existing Ready Return Lot. 3. Construct TNC lot in existing Ready Return Lot. 4. Construct temporary FIS in existing Ready Return Lot. Stage 2: Baggage Claim Expansion Completed Stage 3: CONRAC Enabling / Construction – 1. Relocate TNC operations to Parking Lot A. 2. Relocate Signature Flight Support, Customs and Border Patrol, and the USO to a location to be determined. 3. Construct CONRAC. Stage 4: CONRAC Complete - 1, Relocate all RAC operations to the new CONRAC. Commissioner Wiseman asked why we would be moving TNC operations twice instead of putting TNC operations in the final location. Mr. Huang replied that moving the TNC operations to the Ready Return Lot would maximize the amount of short- term parking for a longer duration, enhancing passenger experience and increasing Airport Commission Minutes May 15, 2024 ______________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 12 revenue for the Airport. Mr. Keating stated that proceeding in this manner would also provide flexibility. Commissioner Burke asked about the timing difference between the various approaches. Mr. Huang stated that the current estimate to finish the CONRAC would be approximately six to seven years out, providing a 3-year difference. He further explained that each time the RAC is relocated, there is a certain amount of planning that needs to be done. Commissioner Burke referred to RAC Phasing Approach 3, and he asked if passengers would have to be shuttled for the entire time. Mr. Keating confirmed that in RAC Phasing Approach 3, the passengers would be shuttled for the entire time. Commissioner Wiseman suggested moving the TNC location only once and to the final location and implementing shuttle services as soon as possible to get the passengers accustomed to using shuttle services as soon as possible. Commissioner Martin asked if staff had assessed the implications to parking revenue between Approach 1 and Approach 3. Mr. Barrett stated that staff had not assessed parking revenue, as staff were trying to work on the big picture phasing before starting the analysis. Commissioner Martin stated that it is important to ensure the selected approach doesn’t have a detrimental effect on parking since parking is a significant revenue stream. Commissioner Martin asked why the temporary RAC seemed to be in the western part of the long-term lot, potentially requiring overflow parking to be east of the RAC. Mr. Barrett explained that this placement was more for demonstrating the intent. Commissioner Martin stated that it could be possible to move the RAC further east so that long-term passengers wouldn't have to travel so far. Mr. Barrett stated that Commissioner Martin’s observation was correct. On behalf of Commissioner Feltman, who was not present at the meeting, Mr. Barrett addressed Commissioner Feltman’s concerns regarding the loss of parking spaces and the analysis related to that. Mr. Barrett said that Airport staff had tasked the Airport’s consultants with looking into this issue and that ultimately and regardless of the parking space loss, Airport staff would still need to proceed with the project. Mr. Barrett also noted that Airport staff was focused on identifying additional parking, both for the public and employees and that the loss of parking spaces, particularly in regard to RAC Phasing Approach 3 which was being carefully considered, and Airport staff would provide updates as these things progress. Vice Chairman Corcoran asked if everything were to relocate, would it accelerate the construction process and with all the facilities in one location, could the Airport potentially repurpose some of the existing space and expedite the process. Mr. Barrett said that in theory, accelerating the construction of both facilities at once is possible, and that there are several caveats to consider. The environmental process is a significant factor, requiring substantial cash flow for funding, and the impacts on the Airport Commission Minutes May 15, 2024 ______________________________________________________________________ Page 6 of 12 operation of the airport as a system would be challenging. While it can be done, it would be very challenging to expedite construction simultaneously. Vice Chairman Corcoran noted that opting for RAC Phasing Approach 3 would result in a 9-month delay for environmental studies, and he suggested starting the environmental studies in parallel with the baggage claim expansion. Commissioner Park said that it was her understanding that the Master Plan would be analyzed under CEQA and NEPA environmental studies which includes the CONRAC and that she could not see a way that the CONRAC environmental studies could began prior to the Master Plan environmental studies. Mr. Barrett confirmed that the NEPA and CEQA environmental studies would be completed when Mead & Hunt presents the Master Plan and CONRAC to the FAA. Vice Chairman Corcoran asked for further clarification on why the CONRAC environmental studies couldn’t be expedited when staff has the information needed to move forward with the CONRAC. Mr. Barrett said that he couldn’t say that staff have the information that is needed for the CONRAC, and he noted that after the discussion that took place at the City Council meeting, the CONRAC location was uncertain. Commissioner Delgado inquired about the funding for the baggage claim expansion project. Mr. Barrett said that Mead & Hunt and the Airport’s financial consultant were working on coming up with a plan for funding options, and he said that staff were also aware of multiple funding options that could be explored. Commissioner Delgado noted that funding can be a challenge and that she doubted that the funding could be secured in time if the project was expedited. Vice Chairman Corcoran inquired funding options. Mr. Barrett said that staff were looking into the possibility of receiving $25 million in Legislative Bill funds which could fund the majority of the project, utilize AIP entitlement funds, and possibly issue a PFC back bond to cover any remaining costs. Vice Chairman Corcoran asked for further clarification from City Attorney Holm. Mr. Holm said that the main issue is to avoid piecemealing and that when there is a CEQA action within a single area, you want to analyze the cumulative impact of all the projects in the area. Vice Chairman Corcoran said that he was proposing avoiding the piecemealing since the land is available for the project. Mr. Holm noted that Vice Chairman Corcoran’s suggestion would cost more money. ACTION: Motion to recommend to City Council the approval of RAC Phasing Approach 3. Moved by Commissioner Fong, seconded by Commissioner Wiseman, and unanimously approved noting the absence of Chairman Dada, and Commissioners Banks, Feltman, Pye, Suero, and Young. 7.C Marketing and Air Service Update Deputy Director of Aviation, Marketing, and Air Service Meier presented the May 2024 Marketing and Air Service Update. Vice Chairman Corcoran noted that some of the advertisement displays in the main terminal looked out of date and asked if there was Airport Commission Minutes May 15, 2024 ______________________________________________________________________ Page 7 of 12 a process to check them. Mr. Meier confirmed that Fuse Connect would be updating the advertising displays. 7.D 2024 Airline Incentive Program Deputy Director of Aviation, Marketing and Air Service Meier introduced Oliver Lamb with Ailevon Pacific Aviation Consulting, and he said that Mr. Lamb and his team had assisted Mr. Meier with the research and comparisons that were needed to develop the proposed 2024 Airline Incentive Program to ensure that the Airport was being competitive with other airports and that the program was adhering to industry and FAA standards. Mr. Meier provided a summary of the 2024 Airline Incentive Program. Vice Chairman Corcoran asked Mr. Meier what the top three air services that he would like to have at the Airport. Mr. Meier said his top three air services were Atlanta, Chicago and New York. Mr. Lamb said that Washington D.C. would also be a top air service to have at the Airport. Commissioner Burke said that he would like to see more year-round air service. Vice Chairman Corcoran inquired about the status of the Federal Inspection Station (FIS) for international flights. Airport Executive Director Barrett said that while it would be possible to build the FIS, the challenge is convincing Customs and Border Protection to post more officers at the Airport and that it will probably be a two to three year process. ACTION: Motion to recommend to City Council the approval of the 2024 Airline Incentive Program. Moved by Commissioner Wise, seconded by Commissioner Caldwell, and unanimously approved noting the absence of Chairman Dada, and Commissioners Banks, Feltman, Pye, Suero, and Young. 7.E Operations, Properties, Facilities Committee Update Executive Program Administrator Brown said that Committee Chairman Feltman would be providing an update in the June Airport Commission meeting. 7.F Concessions Projected Opening Dates Update Assistant Airport Director Keating provided the concessions projected opening dates update. Vice Chairman Corcoran noted that Commissioner Felman had suggested that Nine Cities should have a digital menu sign. Airport Administration Manager Carpenter confirmed that the information had been discussed with Paradies, and Paradies was looking into providing the digital sign. Commissioner Corcoran asked if there were any updates on opening times. Ms. Carpenter provided an update with the new opening hours for the various concessions. Commissioner Delgado inquired if sales are tracked to show how much Airport Commission Minutes May 15, 2024 ______________________________________________________________________ Page 8 of 12 revenue the Airport is capturing. Ms. Carpenter explained that staff would be monitoring the new hours to see how many passengers are utilizing the services between 4:00 and 6:00 a.m. 7.G Measure J Update Assistant Airport Director Keating advised that the water bottle filling station project was underway. He said that staff for the flooring replacement project, staff had determined that it would be better to install terrazzo flooring instead of carpet and that staff needed additional time to complete the project. Mr. Keating noted that the shade structure project and the outdoor benches and planters project were on hold. Vice Chairman Corcoran noted that former Commissioner Gerald Adams had provided information on the outdoor benches and planters to staff. Mr. Keating said that staff would need to work with the Procurement Department to determine the best path for procuring the benches and planters. Vice Chairman Corcoran reminded staff that it was important to the Commission that the Measure J Funds were used on projects that enhance the customer experience, and he inquired about the available amount of Measure J Funds. Airport Administration Manager Carpenter said that she would need to confirm the amount and report back to the Commission. Vice Chairman Corcoran opened public comments. A member of the public asked if staff had considered the sound issues that could occur with installing terrazzo flooring at the Airport. Airport Executive Director Barrett said that staff had considered the sound impacts of the terrazzo flooring and that the sound impacts would mostly affect the staff in the Airport administration office. 7.H Financial Summary Update Airport Administration Manager Carpenter provided an overview of the financial summary ending April 30, 2024 which was provided in the agenda packet. Vice Chairman Corcoran inquired about the status of touchless payment terminals being implemented for parking fee payments. Ms. Carpenter explained that ABM Aviation Inc. (ABM) is the Airport’s contracted parking management company, and that ABM was actively working on implementing several touchless payment options for parking fee payment processing. Airport Executive Director Barrett noted that for the long-term solution, staff had posted a Request for Proposals (RFP) to replace the parking revenue system because it is outdated. Ms. Carpenter noted that the RFP has it listed that the system needs to accommodate parking reservations. 7.I Airport Mural Update Airport Commission Minutes May 15, 2024 ______________________________________________________________________ Page 9 of 12 Airport Administration Manager Carpenter provided an update on the Airport’s Welcome to PSP Mural Project. She said that the Public Arts Commission had approved the project, and the Planning Department had held a public hearing. She said that the next step was for the City Council to approve the project at the May 23rd City Council Meeting. Once approved by the City Council, Airport staff would work with the artist to facilitate their access to the Airport, and the artist would commence the mural installation. Vice Chairman Corcoran asked if there were any updates on the relocation of the Airport’s existing art installations to a centralized location within the courtyard. Ms. Carpenter said staff were working on it and that staff were working on developing an art policy which once established, this policy would help determine the type and frequency of art installations, as well as provide guidelines for maintenance and other related matters. Vice Chairman Corcoran stated they would like an update on when this will be completed at the next Commission meeting. Vice Chairman Corcoran opened public comments. Fred Bell, Vice Chairman of Palm Springs Air Museum, suggested that when developing the arts policy, the Airport should consider incorporating elements that reflect the diverse heritage of the region. This includes honoring the history of indigenous peoples and significant milestones such as the signing of the bond issue for the Airport in 1965. He said that integrating these historical and cultural aspects into the policy could enhance the facility's connection to its heritage and provide an enriching experience for visitors. Mr. Bell said that it would be worthwhile to include provisions for showcasing such important historical elements, possibly through rotating exhibits or permanent installations. Vice Chairman Corcoran asked if staff was working with the Operations, Properties and Facilities Committee to develop the art policy. Mr. Barrett said that the intent is to draft the initial version of the arts policy and then present it to the Operations, Properties and Facilities Committee, and the Committee would assist staff with refining and finalizing the policy, ensuring it is comprehensive and aligns with the Airport’s goals and values. Vice Chairman Corcoran said that there needed to more art at the white space across from CLEAR because it represents a significant opportunity for art installations and that if staff can't move forward with all of the Commission’s recommendations, staff needs to at least ensure progress on the art projects that were previously approved. This will help bring more vibrancy and life to the Airport, enhancing the passenger experience and reflecting the Commission’s commitment to incorporating art into the Airport facilities. Commissioner Delgado recommended a collaboration and partnership between the Airport Commission and the Public Arts Commission. Airport Commission Minutes May 15, 2024 ______________________________________________________________________ Page 10 of 12 7.J AirportNEXT Survey Airport Executive Director Barrett reported that the Airport was one of 16 airports that were involved in a pilot program to understand stakeholder engagement and the Airport’s alignment with stakeholder engagement. Mr. Barrett said that the program, run by Airports Council International, involves airports from the US and Canada. It aims to comprehensively review the airport's relationship with the community and stakeholders. This involves assessing alignment, misalignments, and finding ways to improve our effectiveness for the entire community. The Commission, along with the City Council, City Manager, airlines, tenants, and other stakeholders, received a survey that contained specific questions about the Airport’s engagement efforts and whether the Airport is meeting expectations and delivering successes. The survey also provided an opportunity to provide feedback. The purpose of the survey is not to benchmark against other airports but to gain a comprehensive understanding of how we're performing as an organization. Furthermore, Mr. Barrett asked that each Commissioner fill out the survey as it will be helpful, and he said that the deadline to complete the survey is June 26, 2024. Vice Chairman Corcoran opened public comments. Don Walker asked how the community would be able to provide insight on how its experiences with the Airport. Mr. Barrett said that the Airport’s Marketing Department was working on a survey. 7.K Projects and Airport Capital Improvement Program Update Airport Executive Director Barrett reported that the conceptual development plan was presented to City Council last week, and the City Council requested additional work be done, which included more stakeholder outreach on the development plan. Specifically, the City Council asked Airport staff to focus on the USO and the Palm Springs Air Museum layout plan as part of the central development plan. Additionally, staff were asked to reevaluate the consolidated rental car facility due to concerns from some of the Councilmembers about its location. Mr. Barrett said that he was aiming to bring the requested information to the City Council in October or November, considering the number of issues to address. Mr. Barrett reported that staff had received a briefing on the FIS feasibility study and staff would be presenting the information to the Commission at the next meeting. 8. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT: Airport Executive Director Barrett reported that a few weeks ago, he was contacted by M Vets Post 66 regarding the installation of a peace pole memorial at the Airport. This initiative, implemented in various locations worldwide, aims to promote global peace. The memorial would honor two veterans. Mr. Barrett informed the representatives that Airport Commission Minutes May 15, 2024 ______________________________________________________________________ Page 11 of 12 the Airport would consider the proposal and identify potential locations. This matter would be reviewed by the Operations, Properties and Facilities Committee, and the Airport Commission would be informed prior to any decisions. Vice Chairman Corcoran voiced his concerns about setting a precedent on what projects can be fast tracked and what projects cannot be fast tracked such as the art installations. Mr. Barrett also highlighted that the Airport staff had a kickoff meeting today regarding the strategic business plan. He said that the meeting was productive and that the team was on track to meet the December deadline for the plan's full development, which would be presented to the Commission and the City Council. Information on Desert X was provided by Mr. Barrett into future facility designs, bringing in artists who understand modernism and central modernism. Further discussions are scheduled in a few weeks on this topic. Commissioner Caldwell asked if the veterans being named in the peace pole memorial were local veterans. Mr. Barrett said that the veterans were not local veterans. Commissioner Caldwell said that he felt that it was a big honor to be given to someone that is not a local veteran. Mr. Barrett said that he would get more information on the veterans being honored in the memorial. Commissioner Corcoran stated that some organizational issues need to be addressed, including job structures and salaries, to ensure the Airport attracts and retains the necessary talent in the future. 9. COMMISSIONERS REQUESTS AND REPORTS: Vice Chairman Corcoran asked staff to email all Commissioners before the agenda is posted, giving them more time to provide their addresses so they can join via Zoom. Commission Corcoran requested the Commissioners receive an update on when the Art will be completed for the next commission meeting. 10. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: 11.A. Past City Council Actions 11.B. Future City Council Actions 11. RECEIVE AND FILE: 12.A Airlines Activity Report April 2024 12.B Airline Activity Report Fiscal Year Comparison 12. COMMITTEES: 13.A Future Committee Meetings Airport Commission Minutes May 15, 2024 ______________________________________________________________________ Page 12 of 12 ADJOURNMENT: The Airport Commission adjourned at 7:27 P.M. to a Regular Meeting on June 18, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. ____________________________ Christina Brown Executive Administrative Assistant Approved by Airport Commission 10/16/24