Agenda - Council - 06/06/1990 - Special Joint with Airport Commission

Home

"If we were to leave the airport status as it is, where does this leave us?" Currently, the City has received all necessary approvals on the Airport Master Plan, Airport Layout Plan, entry into the National Plan of Integrated Airports System, and the Environmental Assessment Document. The next step is clearly in the City's hands. A "do nothing" option at-this stage would not preclude the City from initiating action at any point within a five year period from when the Environmental Document was approved (Sept. 14, 1989). The "shelf life" of an environmental document is five years so any action after September 14, 1994 would necessitate a new environmental assessment. Several points may be worth considering relating to this question. First, how long will the land be available or will development eliminate the site? Secondly, will peripheral development drive up the cost to the extent that it is not cost effective to develop? Thirdly, how will the City's apparent lack of interest in the project be interpreted by landfill siting authorities? "Can we retain the airport commission without having them take further action now and use them at a later date?" The Airport Commission can remain as a City commission indefinitely. The concern would be whether the City could retain Commission members or attract members in the future. The Commission, however, could take on additional or different charges as directed by the Council. "If we terminate the airport commission does this indicate no City interest?" I would say that it sends a pretty strong indication to Mn/DOT, FAA and others that there is little intent on the part of the City to follow through with the project. "If we indicate no further study or expense, does this indicate no further interest?" In my opinion, it would indicate that there is little intent to proceed or interest in the project. In April, Mn/DOT requested the annual five year CIP's from communities so that they could formulate their program. We have done nothing with the city's update this year, thus it could be dropped from the State program or dropped to a lower priority.