SR-121002-8AW~ DEC 1 0 2002
RMD:AIR:F:\RESOURCE\SHARE\STAFFREPORTS\12-10-02 ACP RevRpt V.doc
Council Meeting: December 10, 2002 SantaMonica,CA
To: City Council
From: City Staff
Subject: Request that City Council Approve in Concept a Proposed Aircraft
Conformance Program and Designation of Runway Safety Areas at Santa
Monica Airport and Direct Staff to Evaluate the Implications of
Implementation
Introduction
This report recommends that the City Council discuss and approve in concept a proposed
Aircraft Conformance Program (ACP) and the designation of appropriate runway safety
areas to ensure continued safe, compatible Airport operations. If approved in concept, the
City Council should direct staff to thoroughly explore the implications of proceeding to
implementation.
Background
Santa Monica Airport is designed and is currently rated to handle aircraft with approach
speeds of less than 121 knots and wingspans of less than 79 feet. However, the number
of faster turbine aircraft using the Airport has increased rapidly in recent years and now
exceeds 6,000 takeoffs or landings annually. In response to this changing reality, staff
initiated a review of the facility's operational design to determine its compatibility with the
emerging aircraft fleet mix. The Santa Monica Airport Design Standards Analysis was
conducted by Airport staff and the aviation planning firm Coffman Associates. The design
standards analysis reviewed:
DEC 1 0 ~nn7
1
• the shift in the aircraft fleet mix using the Airport toward larger and faster aircraft
• the relationship between the performance criteria of these larger, faster aircraft and
the design/operational limitations of the Airport's physical plant.
• past and current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Design Standards
• overall aircraft operations to ensure the Airport's compatibility with the emerging
mix of aircraft using the facility.
The analysis of the operational data collected confirmed that there are increasingly larger
and/or faster aircraft operating at the Airport. These aircraft are not compatible with the
Airport's designated FAA design standards airport reference code. The Airport's FAA
reference code is B-II (two) and is based upon the critical design aircraft identified in 1984.
Airport facilities were designed and constructed to accommodate B-II compatible aircraft.
That designated category of aircraft had approach speeds of less than 121 knots and
wingspans of less than 79 feet.
The analysis concluded that;
1) there has been a significant trend in recent years towards greater
numbers of faster/larger/heavier aircraft that are incompatible with the
Airport's FAA reference code of B-II, and
2) the Airport lacks sufficient runway safety areas per current FAA design
guidelines.
Runway safety areas are clear areas at runway ends which provide a
margin of safety in the event of an emergency.
2
Discussion
The Santa Monica Airport Design Standards Analysis resulted in a recommendation to
implement a specific program to accommodate only those aircraft that are compatible with
the airport reference code of B-II as identified in the 1984 Agreement and defined by the
current FAA Airport Design Standards (hereinafter referred to as the "Aircraft Conformance
Program" or "ACP"). Additionally, the analysis recommended the designation of runway
safety areas by displacing the landing thresholds 300' at either end of the runway
consistent with the Airport's reference code of B-II. This change would create runway
safety areas at both ends of the existing runway without shortening the runway itself.
Airport Commission Review and Recommendation
At its meeting on May 20, 2002 the Airport Commission considered the information and
analysis contained in the Design Standards Analysis and unanimously voted to forward a
recommendation to the City Council supporting the establishment of a program that would
preclude incompatible aircraft from using the Airport and requested that staff conduct an
engineering review and analysis leading to the designation of appropriate runway safety
areas. Additionally, the Commission recommended that staff return at a subsequent
meeting to discuss potential ACP enforcement scenarios.
During its July 22, 2002 meeting, the Airport Commission supported the implementation of
a proposed Aircraft Conformance Program and also discussed potential enforcement
procedures. The Commission requested that staff forward the recommendation to City
Council for adoption.
3
FAA Notice of Investigation
On October 8, 2002 the FAA served the City a 14 page Notice of Investigation (NOI)
regarding "the legality of the Santa Monica Airport Commission's apparent decision to
recommend that the Santa Monica City Council adopt and implement the Airport
Conformance Program". The NOI further advised that the FAA may issue a determination,
among other things, that the City is:
1) not in compliance with1984 Agreement
2) not in compliance with certain FAA Grant Assurances
3) not in compliance with Federal Law
Additionally, the NOI invites the City to participate in good faith efforts to informally resolve
the matter. City staff was surprised by the notice because, prior to its issuance,
discussions with the FAA regarding the conformance program had been on-going; and the
FAA gave no indication of any plan to initiate formal proceedings. Once the proceedings
were initiated, the City Attorney and City staff prepared a written response to the NOI
rejecting the assertions made by the FAA regarding the ACP and inviting the FAA to
continue to discuss the matter. That response was filed on November 7, 2002
Budget/Financial Impact
There are no budget or financial impacts of approving in concept and directing staff to
return with evaluation of implications of implementation at this time.
4
Recommendations
Staff recommends thatthe City Council considerthe information and analysis contained in
the design standards analysis presentation, approve the Aircraft Conformance Program
and runway safety area designation in concept and instruct the City Manager and the City
Attorney to:
1) continue to meet with the FAA in an effort to resolve the matter
2) conduct an in-depth review of the legal, environmental and operational
consequences related to the implementation of the Airport Commission's
recommended Aircraft Conformance Program
3) conduct an engineering review and analysis leading to the implementation of
appropriate runway safety areas within the current Airport boundaries at an
estimated cost of $25,000.
Prepared by: Jeff Mathieu, Director of Resource Management/Airport Manager
Robert Trimborn, Airport Director
5
Dac-10-02 02:43pm Fram-
JOHN D. CAHILL
JOHN O. PETTKER
WILLIAM R. CHRISTIAN
HENRY P. PRAMOV, Jq.
ALLAN E. CERAN
C. STEPHEN DAMS
CRIS K O'NSALL
THOMAS CURTISS, JR.
ELI7~16ETH 8. ELAKELY
ROEERT C. NORTON
TIMOTHY G. CEPERLEY
ALFRED KLEIN
ROBERT q, YAHIRO
KENNETH A. FRANKLIN
WAGE B. NORWOOO
PRIV4 G. fiHATT
ANDREW W. SODEAU
JEAN M. BEA3LEY
a4a SOUTH FLOWER 9TREET
SUITE 7700
LO64NGELE6, CALIFORNIA BG071.280t
TEL (213) 689-afl00
- 81 P.02/04 F-188
KARL B. RDDI (7909-79821
DAN16L C. BONG (1842-1877)
PAVL E. SCHWAS (7896-79791
g~ OF COUN6EL
~~g` ~ @Y ~~ JAMES M. 6AL9LLFA1'(H
40 DAVID KW. CHANG
TELECOPIERS
(219) 886-482'1
(273) 686•a922
(213) 999-4]3D
OUR FILE NUM6EA
0266]-10006
December 10, 2002
BY MESSENGER TO ALL ADDRESSEES
Michael Feinstein Richazd Bloom
Mayor Council Member
City of Santa Monica Ciry of Santa Monica
City Council Office #200 City Council Office #200
P.O. Box Office 2200 P.O. Box Office 2200
Santa Monica, California 90407-2200 Santa Monica, California 90407-2200
Ken Gesner
Council Member
City of Santa Monica
City Council Office #200
P.O, Box Office 2200
Santa Monica, California 90407-2200
13erb Katz
Council Member
Ciry of Santa Monica
Ciry Council Office #200
P.O. Box Office 2200
Santa Monica, California 90407-2200
Kevin McKeown
Mayor Pro Tempore
City of Santa Monica
City Council Office #Z00
P.O. Box Office 2200
Santa Monica, California 90407-2200
Re: Gunnell Prooerries
Dear Gentlemen:
Robert Holbrook
Council Member
City of Santa Monica
City Council Office #200
P.O. Box Office 220D
Santa Monica, California 90407-2200
Pamela O'Connor
Council Member
City of Santa Monica
Ciry Council Office #200
P.O. Box Office 2200
Santa Monica, California 90407-2200
Otu office represents Gunnell Properties, a California limited partnership ("Gututell").
As you are aware, Gunnell was enticed by the City to enter into a Master Lease and to invest a
ROOI, POLLOCK, PETTKER, GALBRAITH & CAHILL
252784_t.doc
Dec-10-02 02:44pm From- T-591 P.03/04 F-189
Santa Monica City Council
December 10, 2002
Page 2
tremendous amount into capital improvements under the structure of documents which were
designed to assure that an appropriate profit return would be available to them. See generally
the terms of the Master Lease and the 1984 Settlement Agreement which obligates the City to
take reasonable actions to allow my client to "amortize...costs and have the opportunity to
make a profit". Section 14 of the 1984 Agreement.
We have now been advised of a proposal by the Ciry of Santa Monica which would
result in restricting access to the airport prohibiting precisely the type of aircraft that my
clients joint efforts with the Ciry were designed to attract and accommodate. Proceeding on
this basis would be a direct violation of the obligations of the City of Santa Monica under the
terms of the 1984 Agreement and the Master Lease with Grinnell. We are also advised that the
FAA has indicated these actions are inappropriate, and has issued a Notice of Investigation
with respect to the proposed actions.
The proposed actions will have tremendous negative impact. While not an exhaustive
list, the following aze anticipated results:
1. Elimination of the ability to accommodate and serve aircraft of the type for
which the Grinnell facility was specifically designed, which design was approved by the City.
This will drastically reduce or eliminate the ability to conduct profitable operations in violation
of the Master Lease and the 1984 Agreement.
2. Many other service enrities and facilities established to accommodate such
aircraft with the knowledge and support of the City would be placed in tremendous financial
difficulty.
3. The City would be violating its obligations to the FAA and the public as set
forth under the 1984 Agreement which require continued effective operation of the airport.
4. Certain of the individual guarantors of The loan on the improvements made
pursuant to the Gunnell Master Lease (which loan matures in the next 18 months) aze presently
involved in the development of another major airport. The negative impacts of the City's
present course of action would affect not only Gunnell and said individual guarantors, but their
ability to proceed with a development contemplated to involve in excess of $150,000,000,
resulting in damage and potential loss in excess of $50,000,000. This letter is formal notice of
this potential loss.
5. Shortening runways is likely to result in as increase of risk rather than a
reduction of risk.
It is difficult for me to understand why, in view of these and other circumstances, and
the FAA's specific indication to the Ciry that the proposal is unacceptable, the City desires to
continue to try to limit use of the airport. There is a significant history of attempts by the City
to shorten the runway for noise and other purposes, which date back years before the 1984
zsnsa r.ao~
Dac-10-02 D2:44pm From- T-591 P.04/04 F-189
Santa Monica City Council
becember 10, 2002
Page 3
Agreement. In each instance the City has been advised that these actions are not appropriate.
This is a further attempt, by attempting to seize upon rather obscure guidelines {that the FAA
has indicated are not being properly applied) to attempt to limit use of the airport in au
unreasonable manner in violation of the 1984 Agreement. As noted, these also constitute
direct contractual violations of the City's obligations under the Master Lease with Gutmell,
Before the City Council proceeds on this basis, I believe it imperative that they
understand the significant risks that are created by the proposed action. Proceeding at this time
is not only in violation of the contractual obligations of the City, but is a needless and
inappropriate expenditure of taxpayers money to pursue a course of action that has already
been indicated by the relevant parties to be unacceptable.
It is our strongest desire to continue a positive relationship with the City of Santa
Monica and not to be forced to have these matters addressed through legal recourse. We
believe that aA of these factors should be carefully considered by the Council members before
making a decision to authorize the requested course of action.
Thank you for your considerarion of these issues,
'Very truly yours,
w~
Wil ' hristian `
W12C:pma
cc: Mr. Jeffrey P. Mathieu
Mr. Robert Trimbom
Mr. Terence E. Wallas
Mr. C. Ray Johnson
Mr. Jay R. Becker
zsa~sa_i.a«
Page 1 of 1
Sandra Garcia -Santa Monica Council Meeting on 12-10-02: Agenda Item 8-A
Prom: "Alex Utas" <AlexUtas@attbi.com>
To: <susan~mccarthy@santa-monica.org>
Date: 12/10/2002 1:39 PM
Subject: Santa Monica Council Meeting on 1210-02: Agenda Item 8 A
To the Honorable Susan McCarthy, City Councilor, City of Santa Monica
The Airport Committee of the Ven-Mar Neighborhood Association (which serves
Los Angeles residents to the south and west of the SM Airport) unreservedly
supports the recommendations of Airport Staff for establishing Safety Areas
at runway ends and implementing the BII Aircraft Conformance Standard.
Signed on 12/09/2002 by the members of the Airport Committee of the Ven-Mar
Neighborhood Association on behalf of the Association,
SEC Y 0 2002
(signed) Alex Utas, 310-401-1101, alexutas@attbi.com
David Fogg, ca ndygramformongo@attbi.com
Dean Pace, 310-399-6613
From: Bridget Stermer ~•~
To: City Council 2001
Date: 12/9/02 3:20PM
Subject: Airport Conformance Standard
Lewin Wertheimer
310-392-4252
Councilmembers,
Mr. Werthheimer asks you please support the proposed Airport Conformance Standard and Runway
Safety Area.
From: Bridget Stermer
To: counci12003
Date: 12/10/02 1:55PM
Subject: 12/10/02 Council Meeting
Lisa Leeman
119 W avecrest Avenue
Venice, CA 90291
310-399-2505
SEC ~ a X002
Please support the proposed limits on the Airport Operation.
From: <PRaid@aol.com>
To: <council@santa-monica.org>
Date: Tue, Dec 10, 2002 7:14 AM
Subject: Airport Safety
Dear Council Members..
I urge you to support staffs' recommendations concerning airport safety. It
is just as much your responsibility to ensure air traffic safety as it is
automobile traffic safety. How about a little air traffic calming at the
airport...
Thnak you,
Phil Raider
praid@aol.com
From: "Jeffrey Markman" <cnjmarkman@earthlink.net>
To: <council@santa-monica.org>
Date: Tue, Dec 10, 2002 8:41 AM
Subject: Proposed Amendment for the Airport
Dear Council Members
I'm writing to urge you to vote yes on the proposed
Airport Amendment.
As a resident of North Venice I have numerous
concerns about jet
traffic in and out of the Airport, it's just a
matter of time before there is
a major jet disaster. If this proposal reduces
these chances by fifty
percent it is worth a yes vote. Please consider the
safety and quality
of life of the residents whose Jive's are impacted
by the Airport.
Sincerely,
Clea Markman
125 Breeze Ave
Venice, CA 90291
---Jeffrey Markman
--- cnjmarkman@earthlink.net
--- EarthLink: It's your Internet.
From: Susan Rees-Puett <srees@nomadedit.com>
To: <council@santa-monica.org>
Date: Tue, Dec 10, 2002 11:14 AM
Subject: Santa Monica Airport
This e-mail is to let you know that we are strongly in favor of the safety
enhancements currently being proposed to the city council. My husband and I
live right under the flight path, and our quality of life is greatly
affected by the noise and pollution caused by the increasing jet traffic.
Many times we have literally cowered in our homes because of the low flight
and huge noise generated by these planes. At times it is impossible to have
a telephone conversation, or even sleep in on a Saturday morning. Please
help us<We feel that the desires of a few very wealthy people are ruining
our right to the peaceful enjoyment of our home. The current proposal goes
a long way to helping us right the current wrongs of our situation.
Thank you,
Susan Rees-Puett and Nicolas Philippon
From: dw <soundfurnace@earthlink.net>
To: <council@santa-monica.org>
Date: Tue, Dec 10, 2002 11:56 AM
Subject: Please stop the noise over our beautiful community.
Council,
I am a live /work person in Santa MonicaNenice & because of the noise
generated by the jets from SMA
my wife & I are discussing ways to move.
In this uncertain economic time the thought of moving is just to
overwhelming besides the fact that I
love living here.
So please help increase the quality of your lives & my family and vote
to STOP the
JETS from flying from SMA.
Thank you so much
Damian Greene
12/10/02 13:15 FA% 3103961599 LAI2SOh w* ALLEiV ~lui
•
FRIENDS
OF SUNSET PARS ~ ®2002
ro
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A California non profit rnrporation of Sunset Park residents
1122 Oak Street, Santa Monica, California 90405 • (310) 358-7117
Dec. 9, 2002
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Honorable City Councilmembers,
Friends of Sunset Park supports Airport Staffs recommended Airport Safety
Enhancements of Runway Safety Areas and Aircraft Conformance to B-II
Standard.
The Safety of the Communfies surrounding the Santa Monica Airport has been
threatened by the drastic increase of Aircraft not compatible with the Airport
design and operational limitations.
We urge the Council to direct City Attorney and Staff to create a City Ordinance
to implement these proposals.
Sincerely,
Y/~ line Den er
Kathy Knight Cathy Larson Caro y
President Co-Chair Co-Chair
Friends of Sunset Park Friends of Sunset Park Airport Committee
12/10/02 13:15 FAX 3103961599
FRIENDS
CARSON ~s ALLEN
/~k~9G
OEC ~ ii 2002
OF SUNSET PARK
:''~s^ ~i5 p~~`.^°.'n`O~""~"".-.»:~.: aY:i'ee:e:ak'a"W'„ e »z __-~ a,~n.:: '~' __ a:,...~ ~.. p. ..?_,..-.:a5.. :...
.:;..F,....-'~kststl:.9iw'.N~" ~ ...:. , v':~H'..s1c}oie ~^..~.___ .. ..~uF3 e:.zasce rA ,.. .:.`.:
Dec. 9, 2002
Santa Monica Ciiy Council
1685 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Honorable City Councilmembers,
A California non profit corporation of Sunset Park residents
II22 Oak Street, Santa Monica, California 90405 ®(310) 358-7117
Friends of Sunset Park supports Airport Staffs recommended Airport Safety
Enhancements of Runway Safety Areas and Aircraft Conformance to 8-11
Standard.
The Safety of the Communfies surrounding the Santa Monica Airport has been
threatened by the drastic increase of Aircraft not compatible with the Airport
design and operational limitations.
We urge the Council to direct City Attorney and Staff to create a City Ordinance
to implement these proposals.
Sincerely, ~~
r~~~ r
Kathy Knight Cathy Larson CaroUne Denye
President Co-Chair Co-Chair
Friends of Sunset Park Friends of Sunset Park Airport Committee
12i09i2002 22:17 RRND ~ 3104581621 N0. 170 D01
To:
1~rom:
Re:
City Council Members
Eileen Miech
December 10 Meeting
Please support the Aircraft Conformance Standard (Class B-II) and Runway Safety
Areas when this proposal comes before the Council at the meeting tonight.
This is a matter both of health and safety, as the munber of jets using Santa Monica
Airport is ever inereasin.g.
"Thank you.
From: "Alex Utas" <AlexUtas@attbi.com>
To: <Susan-mccarthy@santa-monica.org>
Date: 12/10/02 1:39PM
Subject: Santa Monica Council Meeting on 12-10-02: Agenda Item 8-A
To the Honorable Susan McCarthy, City Councilor, City of Santa Monica
The Airport Committee of the Ven-Mar Neighborhood Association (which serves
Los Angeles residents to the south and west of the SM Airport) unreservedly
supports the recommendations of Airport Staff for establishing Safety Areas
at runway ends and implementing the BII Aircraft Conformance Standard.
Signed on 12/09/2002 by the members of the Airport Committee of the Ven-Mar
Neighborhood Association on behalf of the Association,
(signed) Alex Utas, 310-401-1101, alexutas@attbi.com
David Fogg, candygramformongo@attbi.com
Dean Pace, 310-399-6613
'~ j ~~