Name: Petaluma Airport Commission meeting, Jun 6, 2024
Start: 2024-06-06
Location: City of Petaluma

Airport Commission

Thu, June 6, 2024

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Meeting summaryAI-generated

Airport Commission — June 6, 2024

*Note: The agenda listed for June 6, 2024 references approval of the May 2, 2024 minutes. The source document provided is the official minutes from the May 2, 2024 meeting. This summary reflects the substance of those minutes as the basis for the June 6 agenda.*

Approval of Minutes (April 4, 2024)

The Commission approved the minutes of its April 4, 2024 regular meeting without changes or discussion.

Presentation: Draft Transportation Policy Framework

The main business of the May 2 meeting was a presentation by Heather Hines, Special Projects Manager, and the M-Group Consulting team on Petaluma's draft Transportation Policy Framework — a planning document intended to guide the city's long-range transportation priorities.

Commissioners engaged substantively with how the Airport fits into this framework. Several recurring themes emerged:

Aviation safety and fuel transition. Vice Chair Dietrich and Chair Margand raised pointed concerns about language in the draft that could be interpreted to push the Airport toward unleaded aviation fuel prematurely. Dietrich warned that forcing conventional aircraft to use unleaded fuel before it is proven safe "could lead to death," and that any environmental initiative must be additive to — not in conflict with — aviation safety. Margand echoed this, cautioning against broad sustainability language being applied by people unfamiliar with aviation. Commissioner McGaw added context: the FAA has approved a new high-octane unleaded aviation fuel, but nationwide infrastructure is not expected to be ready until 2030, with California as an early focus. Commissioner Sasser noted a practical revenue concern — if the Airport stops carrying conventional fuel, pilots will fly elsewhere to get it, directly cutting into Airport revenues. Hines agreed to add explicit language to the draft clarifying that Airport fuel decisions are governed first by safety considerations.

Advanced air mobility and infrastructure. Vice Chair Dietrich highlighted that electric and autonomous aircraft ("advanced air mobility") are an emerging technology within the realistic time horizon of the Transportation Policy, and that Petaluma Airport is well-positioned to become a regional hub. She noted that upgrading the Airport's electrical grid for this purpose would also benefit ground vehicles and the surrounding community, and aligns with the city's carbon neutrality goals — provided safety remains the priority.

Airport Terminal condition. Commissioner Sasser raised concern that the existing terminal building is aging, repurposed, and structurally substandard, and asked that the General Plan reflect the need for a new, sound terminal structure. Chair Margand agreed, noting that the terminal is the first impression pilots have of Petaluma.

Connectivity and access. Commissioner Perry advocated for revisiting the Rainier crosstown connector, which he described as stalled, citing its value for pedestrians and cyclists. Councilmember Nau stressed the Airport's role in emergency response — disaster relief aircraft regularly refuel there — and called for a bus route connecting the Airport to both sides of Petaluma, as well as basic amenities like bike racks and drinking fountains at the Airport and Fairgrounds. Vice Chair Dietrich also discussed a potential walkable/bikeable path connecting the Cross Creek development to Old Adobe Elementary School.

Council Update

Councilmember Nau reported that the City Council is focused on future land use planning. The urban growth boundary will appear on the November ballot. A "Plan Fest" public engagement event was scheduled for May 11 at the Fairgrounds, featuring 14 interactive stations with councilmembers. The Council's next focus will be the city budget. Nau also noted ongoing work on D Street traffic.

Ad Hoc Subcommittee Reports

The Hangar Rate Policy subcommittee (Commissioners McGaw and Sasser) reported that they have drafted a tenant survey to gather information on how long tenants have been at the Airport and their future plans. They will review results with Airport Manager Cohen. Councilmember Nau asked about the April Display Day event; Commissioner Perry reported it drew over 150 attendees despite coinciding with the Butter and Eggs Festival.

Airport Manager Report

Manager Cohen reported that the Airport budget stands at $1.6 million in both revenues and expenditures. He also noted that a power backup proposal has been posted for bid — the bid closed April 30 — and the city may have already identified a solution that includes cost savings. Commissioner McGaw asked whether the FAA had responded to the Airport's request to update its Minimum Standards; Cohen confirmed no response had been received yet.

Key Takeaways

Fuel safety is a priority concern: Commissioners pushed back on draft Transportation Policy language that could be read to accelerate a move away from conventional aviation fuel, and won a commitment from the Planning Department to add explicit safety-first language around Airport fuel.

Advanced air mobility is on the horizon: The Commission wants Petaluma's long-range transportation planning to account for electric and autonomous aircraft, with the Airport potentially serving as a regional hub.

Terminal replacement needed: Commissioners formally flagged that the aging Airport terminal should be included in General Plan policy as a future infrastructure need.

Power backup project advancing: The Airport is close to selecting a vendor for a power backup system, with potential cost savings identified.

Urban growth boundary on November ballot: Residents should expect this significant land-use question to appear as a ballot measure.

AI-generated summary from voice-to-text transcript. Not the official record. Verify important details with the source documents linked above.

Agenda items (5)

Procedural (1)

1ProceduralApproval of Minutes for the meeting of May 2, 2024

Public Hearing

2Public HearingCouncil Update

3Public HearingAd Hoc Subcommittee Updates

4Public HearingCommissioner Comment

5Public HearingAirport Manager Report

Verbatim transcript available

4 transcript segments indexed

CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA REGULAR MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMISSION APPOINTED MEMBERS COMMISSION MEETINGS Anna Dietrich, Vice Chair 1st Thursday of each month Jeff Domich Colin Perry, PAPA Rep City Hall Council Chambers Marcus Margand, Chair Thomas McGaw 11 English Street Nancy Sasser Petaluma, CA 94952 COUNCIL LIAISON CONTACT INFORMATION Karen Nau Phone (707) 778-4404 Fax (707) 703-5750 STAFF LIAISON airport@cityofpetaluma.org Dan Cohen, Airport Manager cityofpetaluma.org MINUTES Thursday, May 2, 2024 6:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER 6:02 PM ROLL CALL PRESENT: Vice Chair Dietrich, Committee Chair Margand, Commissioner McGaw, Commissioner Perry, Commissioner Sasser, Councilmember Nau ABSENT: Commissioner Domich PUBLIC COMMENT During General Public Comment, the public is invited to make comments on items of public interest that are within the Committee/Commission’s subject matter jurisdiction and that are not listed on the current agenda. Public comments are limited to three minutes per person. Depending on the number of persons wishing to address the Committee/Commission, time will be allocated in equal shares totaling no more than twenty minutes. PRESENTATIONS The Petaluma Planning Department, Heather Hines, Special Projects Manager for Petaluma and M-Group Consulting Planner with other Planning team members presented the draft Transportation Policy Framework. Commissioner McGaw commented that the FAA owns the Petaluma Airport and has many constraints and requirements to which the City must adhere. He then spoke about the history of the Airport and its significance to the community. Commissioner Sasser added that zoning information is available online. Vice Chair Dietrich spoke about medical first responder helicopters that routinely use the Petaluma Airport, and that there is technology being developed that will expand that effort. She added that “advanced air mobility” technology is emergent and refers to electric and Page 1

autonomous aircraft that will include significant safety, environmental, and economic benefits. Petaluma is well-positioned to be a key hub for these innovations, and it is important to add these upcoming aviation changes to the Transportation Policy. There will also be a need for upgrading Petaluma Airport’s energy grid to electric, which will benefit ground vehicles, airplanes and the surrounding community. These things are well within the time horizon of the Transportation Policy report. The Planning Department’s goal of carbon neutrality is supported by these efforts, but aircraft safety must be a priority. Trying to force old, conventional aircraft to use lead-free fuel prematurely could lead to death, so any environmental initiative should be additive to aviation safety. Vice Chair Dietrich talked about connecting the Cross Creek development to Old Adobe Elementary School, which would create a walkable and bikeable pathway. Commissioner McGaw commented that on one of the slides the Airport Master Plan was mentioned, and it has been updated several times. Any future updates would have to be reviewed by the Airport Commission, Manager Cohen, and tenants. Commissioner Perry spoke about the crosstown Rainier connector, which could be a great connection for pedestrians, bike riders, etc. He has heard that the initiative is not moving forward, and he’d like it to be revisited. He then spoke about traffic circles and transportation to the Airport. Councilmember Nau added that during natural disasters, emergency rescue planes come to refuel at the Airport, and it is important that we keep the Airport operational for this purpose. She then spoke about the need for a bus route connecting the west and east sides of Petaluma, and she would especially like a route that goes to the Airport. Additionally, Councilmember Nau spoke about the need for bike racks and drinking fountains at the Airport and the Fair Grounds. Commissioner Sasser commented that the Airport Terminal building is aging, repurposed, and structurally substandard. She would like the General Plan to reflect a new Airport Terminal building that is structurally sound. Commissioner Margand agreed with this and pointed out that the terminal and surrounding area is the first impression pilots have of Petaluma, so we must improve the structure. He further spoke about the presentation slide that referred to sustainability policies and he would like to hear more specifics about that, and whether the Planning Commission is prepared to speak to the Airport Commissioners about defining those policies. Commissioner Margand emphasized the importance of safety when it comes to changing fuel. Heather Hines responded that the General Plan might have a policy that states: Continue to explore innovations in aircraft technology. When thinking about upgrading the Airport Terminal we should also consider energy needs to allow the Airport to stay competitive. Vice Chair Dietrich responded that her concern is about unintended consequences. There have been conversations about moving away from the safe aviation fuel that is available at the Airport In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you require special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (707) 778-4360 (voice) or (707) 778-4480 (TDD). Translators, American Sign Language interpreters, and/or assistive listening devices for individuals with hearing disabilities will be available upon request. A minimum of 48 hours is needed to ensure the availability of translation services. In consideration of those with multiple chemical sensitivities or other environmental illness, it is requested that you refrain from wearing scented products. The City Clerk hereby certifies that this agenda has been posted in accordance with the requirements of the Government Code. In accordance with Government Code §54957.5, any materials of public record relating to an agenda item for a regular meeting of the Airport Commission that are provided to a majority of the members less than 72 hours before the meeting will be made available at the City Clerk’s Office, 11 English Street, during normal business hours. Materials of public record that are distributed during the meeting shall be made available for public inspection at the meeting if prepared by the City or a member of its legislative/advisory body, or the next business day after the meeting if prepared by some other person. For accessible meeting information, please call (707) 778-4360 or TDD (707) 778-4480. Agendas and supporting documentation can be found at: http://cityofpetaluma.net/cclerk/archives.html. Page 4

CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA REGULAR MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMISSION now to the new unleaded option, without retaining the ability for an aircraft to use conventional fuel. That is very risky from a safety perspective. The kind of broad brush statements like Ms. Hines suggested can sometimes be applied in unintended ways by people who are not versed in aviation safety. Chair Margand spoke about a presentation slide referring to “low carbon travel” and wants to temper expectations about what the Airport must accomplish for safety. A Special Projects team member clarified that the intent of that phrase was about freight vehicle fuel, not Airport fuel. Ms. Hines agreed and stated that she will add verbiage addressing Airport fuel and the primary importance of safety. Commissioner Sasser commented that Avgas sales are a significant part of Airport revenue, so if the Airport starts carrying new fuel, patrons who want the old fuel will fly elsewhere to get it and this deprives the Airport of that revenue. Then Commissioner McGaw spoke about the FAA’s approval for an unleaded high-octane aviation fuel, but the infrastructure required to produce and distribute it is taking quite a bit of time to implement. Their goal is to have it available nationwide by 2030, with locations in California as their first focus. Pilots who want to use it need a safety certificate from the FAA. Chair Margand said that the aviation community would very much like to be a part of the conversation and to give the Planning Department input in getting our shared goals implemented. He then asked questions about statistics and housing in Petaluma. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Approval of Minutes of Regular Airport Commission Meeting of Thursday, April 4, 2024. No changes were noted. 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION None. PUBLIC COMMENT None. 3. COMMITTEE COMMENT Council Update – Councilmember Nau spoke about the Council’s future land use focus. The urban growth boundary will be on the ballot in November, and the City Council also worked on goals and priorities, and the traffic on D Street. There will be a Plan Fest at the fairgrounds on May 11, where the public will be able to go to each of the 14 stations and interact with councilmembers. Next they will work on the budget. AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Hangar Rate Policy – Commissioner McGaw and Commissioner Sasser have drafted a tenant survey to find out how long the tenants have been at the Airport and how long they intend to stay, along with other topics. They will meet with Manager Cohen to discuss the results. Councilmember Nau asked about the April Display Day, which took place on the same day as the Butter and Eggs Festival, and Commissioner Perry responded that they had over 150 people attending. Page 3

COMMISSIONER COMMENT No comments. STAFF COMMENT – Airport Manager Report Manager Cohen discussed the Airport budget, which is at $1.6MM revenues and expenditures. He then reported that the Airport is progressing on a power backup proposal, which is on the City Bid website. The bid closed on April 30, 2024 and the City may have already selected a solution that includes cost reduction. Commissioner McGaw asked if the FAA has responded to the Airport’s request for an update to Minimum Standards, and Manager Cohen replied that we have not heard yet. 4. COMMUNICATIONS A. None 5. ADJOURN Meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m. The next Meeting of the Airport Commission is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, 2024. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you require special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (707) 778-4360 (voice) or (707) 778-4480 (TDD). Translators, American Sign Language interpreters, and/or assistive listening devices for individuals with hearing disabilities will be available upon request. A minimum of 48 hours is needed to ensure the availability of translation services. In consideration of those with multiple chemical sensitivities or other environmental illness, it is requested that you refrain from wearing scented products. The City Clerk hereby certifies that this agenda has been posted in accordance with the requirements of the Government Code. In accordance with Government Code §54957.5, any materials of public record relating to an agenda item for a regular meeting of the Airport Commission that are provided to a majority of the members less than 72 hours before the meeting will be made available at the City Clerk’s Office, 11 English Street, during normal business hours. Materials of public record that are distributed during the meeting shall be made available for public inspection at the meeting if prepared by the City or a member of its legislative/advisory body, or the next business day after the meeting if prepared by some other person. For accessible meeting information, please call (707) 778-4360 or TDD (707) 778-4480. Agendas and supporting documentation can be found at: http://cityofpetaluma.net/cclerk/archives.html. Page 4