TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file the attached Airport activities report.
DISCUSSION
Included is the Monthly Airport Activity Report for January 2007.
Airport Passenger, General Aviation (GA) and Cargo Activity - The Monthly Airport Activity Report provides monthly and year-to-date statistics for airline passengers (total and enplaned), aircraft operations by user category, and cargo carrier tonnage. Total passenger counts through January were 211,033 compared to last year's 230,843 a decrease of 8.6. The decrease in total passengers is attributed primarily to the discontinuance of service by American Airlines. GA operations, year-to-date, compared to last year are up 12.7%, (29,838 operations vs. 26,483). Cargo volumes, year-to-date, are down 8.0% (4,044 tons vs. 4,162).
Noise Activity - The Monthly Airport Noise Statistics Report includes four separate reports with current month and year-to-date totals. The four reports are as follows:
· Noise Complaints - Summarizes noise complaint information for commercial (which includes cargo carriers), GA, and other operations.
· Noise Complaint Plot Map - Identifies the origin of the complaint.
· Commercial Late Night Activity - Summarizes activity between 10:00 p.m. to 11 :00 p.m. and 11 :00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. by airline.
· Noise Violations - Summarizes violations for airline and GA operations. Provides a complete listing of each violation, includes violator's name, date and time of violation, aircraft type, aircraft noise level, and the time specific allowable noise level.
The Airport's Noise Office receives and investigates noise inquiries and complaints from local residents and residents who live outside of Long Beach. For the month of January, the Noise Office received 116 complaints compared to 228 complaints received during the same period in 2006.
Further analysis of the January noise complaints revealed the following:
· Total number of complainants: 30
· 70% (81 of 116) of the complaints were related to operations between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
· 13% (15 of 116) of the complainants reside in Seal Beach or Huntington Beach.
The above referenced information is displayed on the Airport's website (www.lqb.orq).
Other Airport Activity
§ CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
Taxiway Rehabilitation Projects - Over the next three years, Taxiway L and Taxiway C will undergo a complete rehabilitation. Construction work on Taxiway Lima began in Februrary 2007 with the complete removal of the asphalt surface. The removed asphalt is being stockpiled on the airfield and will be recycled and processed for reuse on Taxiway Lima. The total project cost, $24 million dollars, is being funded through FAA Airport Improvement Program (AlP) grants and Passenger Facility Charges (PFC).
Concession Upgrades - Creative Host Services (CHS) is expected to begin the remodel of the Airport's first floor snack bar. Once completed, the snack bar will provide greater food selections and new furnishings. During the remodeling, an interim food kiosk will be operational in the Terminal ticketing area. Additionally, a new outdoor food kiosk is scheduled to open at the south end of the Terminal. Products from local vendors Polly's and Sweet Jill's will be featured in both venues.
Once the work is completed on the snack bar, CHS will begin the complete remodeling of the restaurant located on the second floor of the terminal building. The new Legends of Aviation restaurant is expected to open in summer 2007.
CHS was awarded the concession contract for the concessions in the terminal in 2005.
The above-mentioned remodeling project is a part of the existing contract and is separate from the proposed terminal improvement project.
§ REGIONAL ISSUES
The City of Long Beach has been actively monitoring and participating in the efforts of the Southern California Regional Airport Authority (SCRM) to "reconstitute" its structure, to make it more effective in encouraging airport capacity and airline service at outlying airports, where the activity is desired. Mayor Foster sent a letter dated January 2, 2007, suggesting that certain of the organization's powers under its Joint Powers Authority governance be deleted, such as eminent domain and the ability to operate airports. Based on solicitation from SCRAA for further input, the Mayor sent another letter with more detailed suggestions for appropriate governance protocols, in order to maximize the organization's effectiveness, clearly identify its role and mission, and optimize participation by public entities within the region, including the City of Long Beach as a voting member. Members of the City Council have been provided a copy of both letters from the Mayor to SCRAA. The City's and other input will be considered at SCRAA's next meeting, scheduled for March 8, 2007.
§ COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Five groups, for a total of 214 visitors participated in Airport tours during the month of February. The tour groups included Roosevelt Elementary School, the Tiger and Cub Scout troops and Veritas Christian School. Additionally, staff provided an airport tour for Matt Chiller, the new Legislative Director for Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald. Airport staff participated in the Young Eagles Day of Flight, and made a presentation to the Military Officers of America.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is not time critical.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CHRISTINE F. ANDERSEN
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
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APPROVED: |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANAGER |