Official Minutes for CAC Meeting on June 24, 2022
Minutes were approved by the CAC on October 27, 2022
DATE: October 27, 2022
TO: Council Airport Committee
FROM: Director of Public Works
SUBJECT Approval of Minutes of the Council Airport Committee Meeting Held on June 24, 2022
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Council Member (CM) Salinas called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m. with Mayor Halliday present. CM Zermeño was absent.
City staff: Alex Ameri, Director of Public Works
Doug McNeeley, Airport Manager
Pamela Svrdlin, Airport Operations Supervisor
Todd Strojny, Airport Business Supervisor
Arturo Hurtado, Airport Operations Specialist
Amy Toste, Senior Secretary
Jenny Feliciano, Secretary
Members of the public present:
Eleven members of the public were present on the Zoom presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS
1. Approval of Minutes for April 28, 2022
A motion was made by Mayor Halliday and seconded by Council Member Salinas. The motion passed unanimously; minutes approved as submitted.
2. Raja Indian Cuisine – New Ground Lease
Airport Manager McNeeley presented the report. The current lease expires in January 2023.
The new lease will be 35 years, increase rent to $5,540.06 per month, and include many interior and exterior improvements to existing buildings and landscaping.
Public Comments
Makan Bains, owner of Raja Indian Cuisine, requested a 50-year lease in lieu of the proposed 35-year lease. He also requested a start date for the new lease after completion of construction and improvements.
Committee Comments
Mayor Halliday asked if restaurant operations will change after the improvements. Mr.
McNeeley responded that the business is currently devoted to primarily catering and the owner wants to increase walk-in traffic.
Mr. McNeeley explained the relationship between improvements and length of lease. In general, the more substantial the improvements, the longer the lease term.
Mayor Halliday inquired about planned renovations to Raja Indian Cuisine. Airport Manager McNeeley stated that the facilities will meet current code requirements, in addition to cosmetic improvements.
Director Ameri commented that 35 years is a fair term for a leasehold that has an existing restaurant. Mayor Halliday added that there may be reasons in the future to develop the site for aeronautical purposes. Director Ameri agreed.
Council Member Salinas stated the new design should be modern and clean. He asked about the requirements of a 50-year lease. Airport Manager McNeeley said that 50-year leases generally require the construction of a new facility at substantial cost and provide significant employment opportunities.
CM Salinas asked if there are plans for a meeting space. Mr. McNeeley answered that function has not been discussed, but the tenant is open to the idea.
CM Salinas requested that the tenant prepare a more defined, clear plan with specific improvements.
CM Salinas noted the shopping center across the street will be redeveloped. This section of West Winton Avenue will be an important corridor for the community. Mayor Halliday agreed and thinks a viewing area would be an upgrade to the leasehold.
A motion was made by Mayor Halliday and seconded by CM Salinas for the item to be brought back for further discussion at the next CAC meeting. The motion passed.
3. Update on Reuse of Skywest Property (oral report)
Mr. McNeeley presented the informational report.
Public Comments
Mimi Dean stated that the Eden MAC wants staff to return to discuss updates to plans regarding the reuse of Skywest Property. Ms. Dean stated that neighbors surrounding the former golf course are concerned by the proposed business park. She would like more open space.
Randy Waage spoke of a need for more recreational space in the reuse plans.
Committee Comments
Mayor Halliday asked who will maintain the former golf course property if it remains as open space. Airport Manager McNeeley stated that it depends on the nature of the improvements and whether the space is subleased to a commercial tenant. It is up to City Council to determine the final mix of uses for the property.
Director Ameri added that it would cost about $6 million to lease the entire 126-acre site. It is unlikely one entity would wish to incur such a cost for open space. Therefore, Staff has dedicated a portion of the property for an office park.
4. Aircraft Noise in Community & Annual Noise Report for 2021
Airport Operations Specialist Arturo Hurtado presented the report.
Public Comments
Mimi Dean stated that she stopped calling about aircraft noise. Ms. Dean also had comments regarding flight paths and noise levels for jet and single-engine aircraft. Mr. McNeeley noted that Hayward is the only general aviation airport in the San Francisco Bay Area with a noise ordinance approved by City Council. This ordinance allows staff to levy administrative and monetary penalties for non-compliance.
Committee Comments
Mayor Halliday asked staff to define the term “unique noise signature” for aircraft. Mr.
McNeeley said that some aircraft produce a unique sound that, while noticeable, does not exceed the decibel limits set by the noise ordinance.
Mayor Halliday asked if Reno Air Race aircraft could conduct maintenance flights at other airports. Mr. McNeeley said that the fuel capacity of these aircraft often does not provide sufficient range to permit flights to other airports.
Mayor Halliday asked why there were so many complaints from Los Gatos. Airport Manager McNeeley answered that flight tracking websites allow the public to determine where each flight originated.
Mayor Halliday reminded staff that aircraft noise can be intrusive. Mr. McNeeley agreed. He said that as aircraft technology advances, noise will be reduced. Electric aircraft are generating interest and they will be quieter than today’s piston-powered aircraft, with a lower carbon footprint.
5. Updated 2022/2023 Agenda Planning Calendar
Airport Manager McNeeley presented the informational report of the upcoming items.
Public Comments
None.
Committee Comments
No comments or requests for additional agenda items by the Committee.
Committee Member/Staff Announcements and Referrals
Mr. McNeeley announced that the Airport Open House is scheduled for Sunday, September 11, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This year’s event will recognize members of the US Armed Forces and local first responders.
Director Ameri announced the beginning of a paving project along West Winton Avenue. The area to be paved is between the cross street of Santa Clara to the shoreline center at the end of West Winton Avenue.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:44 a.m.
Meeting Attendance
Present Present Excused Absent
06/24/22 to Date This to Date This to Date This
Meeting Calendar Year Calendar Year Calendar Year
Mark Salinas 2 0 0
Barbara Halliday 2 0 0
Francisco Zermeño x 1 0 1