Minutes - Council - 06/26/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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operations at the Anoka County facility; no where near that level of activity is projected for Gateway North Industrial Airport. Councilmember Pearson inquired what the funding source would be if the City made a decision to upgrade Gateway North Industrial Airport. Mr. Otto replied that the project would be a federal/ local project and every action taken up to this point has been to position the City to be eligible for AIP Funds. Those funds are administered by FAA and are generated from aviation user taxes. Mr. Otto stated that 90% of the Gateway North Industrial Airport Project would be funded through AIP Funds. Mr. Otto stated that there are also revenue producing items that can be developed at the airport such as hangars and hangar rentals. Those types of programs are developed on 2/3 state/-1/3 local basis and those funds are generated from aviation taxes on a state level. Mr. Otto noted that FAA has indicated that no funds would be expended at Gateway North Industrial Airport as long as the landfill continues to operate. The City has an agreement with Waste Management that landfill operations will cease in 1993 and the City is trying to position itself to be eligible for FAA funding within that time frame. In order to facilitate that time frame, the City should be initiating a land acquisition program in 1992 as a state/local project. Councilmember Pearson inquired as to the effect of the airport on the possible selection of Site Mr. Otto stated that there is a distinct land-use compatibility issue relating to the airport and the landfill. FAA has come down with a strong statement on landfills, particularly in the Flying Cloud case. If the State did enter into a cost-sharing program with the City, the State would closely protect their investment in Gateway North Industrial Airport. Both FAA and MnDOT would support the airport over a land use issue with respect to the landfill. Councilmember Peterson inquired about the airport zoning issue. Mr. Otto replied that if the City were to proceed with the airport improvements, the City will be faced with how to zone for the airport. If the City establishes control of the airport, it then by statute could set up a joint airport zoning board which would be represented by all cities in the County affected by the airport zoning. The refe rendum that was held in the past regarding airport zoning indicates that an airport zoning ordinance would have to be substantially different from that proposed last time. Mr. Otto stated that the key issue on zoning is that the City work to protect the public investment and keep approach zones clear of obstructions and that can be done with other than an airport zoning ordinance. Mr. Otto noted that most airports don't have airport zoning in place but are working towards that end. Mr. Otto stated that he is recommending that City Council retain the Airport Commission and reinstate the support services required of a City Commission. Motion by Councilmember DeLuca and seconded by Councilmember Pearson to not adopt an ordinance abolishing the Airport Commission. Further Discussion: Mr. Hartley stated that the City Council is not directing the Airport Commission to make a decision to have or to not have an airport; the Council is directing the Airport Commission to study the issue. Mr. Hartley stated that the only purpose the Airport Commission is serving in the City of Ramsey is as another body to do the study and research and ultimately make a recommendation to City Council. Mr. Hartley stated that the Airport Commission is an advisory board to the City Council and their job is to study about airports or if the Council chooses, it can abolish the Commission and take on the job of research themselves. City Council / June 26, 1990 Page 13 of 21