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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-12 Airport Advisory Board Agenda and Notice I 1 JNS e3 NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING THE DANIA BEACH AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING ON JANUARY 12, 20059 6 P.M. DANIA BEACH CITY HALL 100 WEST DANIA BEACH BOULEVARD a AGENDA DANIA BEACH AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE JANUARY 12, 200, WEDNESDAY, 6:00 P.M. 1. ROLL CALL AND SELF INTRODUCTION 2. EXCUSED ABSENCES 3. MINUTES 3.1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING OCTOBER 21, 2004. 4. PRESENTATION OF SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS. 4.1 DISCUSSION OF RUNWAY PROJECT, MASTER PLAN UPDATE & PART 150 PROJECT, EIS UPDATE, TASK FORCE UPDATE, WEB PAGE STATUS. 4.2 NOISE ABATEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING DISCUSSION 4.3 PRESENTATION OF ANY MEMBER RUNUP LOGS 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6, NEW BUSINESS 7. ADJOURN A REMINDER FROM THE CHAIR: ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THIS MEETING SHOULD WRITE A NOTE TO DANIA CLERK STATING YOU WILL BE ABSENT OR YOU WILL BE CHARGED WITH AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE. THANK YOU. SEE YOU AT THE MEETING. { Page 1 of 11 Subj: FLL Expansion Year in Review and Action Steps Date: 12/21/04 10:38:11 Eastern Standard Time From: SaveOurShorefine BCC: JFinFLL Please feel free to pass this update along to everyone you know who is concerned about FLL Expansion. FLL EXPANSION --THE YEAR IN REVIEW AND STEPS WE CAN TAKE TODAY TO PROTECT OUR INTERESTS!!! IN ORDER TO PROTECT OUR INTERESTS OUR COLLECTIVE MANTRA TO THE BROWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MUST BE: ASSESS AND MITIGATE CURRENT IMPACTS FROM FLL AIRPORT OPERATIONS AND UPDATE OUR DECADE OLD AIRPORT MASTER PLAN BEFORE MOVING FORWARD WITH ANY PLANS THAT EXPAND OPERATIONS AT THE AIRPORT! MEMORANDUM -- FLL EXPANSION -- THE YEAR IN REVIEW TO: Those concerned with FLL Airport Expansion FROM: Brenda Lee Chalifour, Esq. DATE: December 21, 2004 (Over one year since December 9,2003 Broward County Commission public hearing asking BCAD staff to expedite the process) RE: Airport Expansion Activities Provided below: I. Current status of activities resulting from the directions given by the Board of County Commissioners on December 9, 2003; II. Update regarding Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study; III. Other expansion activities at FLL; and IV. Steps we can take to protect our interests. Please note that the current status provided below is based on the best information available from our public record reviews. We have been provided little, if any,public updates on activities related to airport expansion from either Broward County Aviation Department(BCAD) and/or our County Commissioners. The last quarterly update produced by Broward County is dated June, 2004. We certainly stand corrected if BCAD or our County Commissioners indicate that the status of these items is different from that which we have indicated below. j Friday, January 07, 2005 America Online: JFinFLL Page 2 of 11 I. Current_status of activities resulting from the directions given by the Board of County Commissioners on December 9,2003 On December 9, 2003, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) directed staff to expeditiously move forward to accomplish many objectives related to airport expansion. Below we have provided the transcript of the motions adopted by the BOCC on December 9th along with a summary of where we think the work stands today—over one year later. The current status of these items is provided in bold. Transcript of December 9th Motion SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING OF DECEMBER 9,2003 (The meeting convened at 6:10 p.m.; recessed at 9:30 p.m.; reconvened at 9:44 p.m., adjourned at 11:51 P.M.) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin CALL TO ORDER AVIATION DEPARTMENT 1. MOTION TO APPROVE runway alternative which can be developed consistent with the following guidelines: ACTION: (T-6:10 PM)Approved, as amended. The Board of County Commissioners approved a modified south runway expansion which stays within the confines of Northeast 7th Avenue using value-added engineering to arrive at the most effective runway length with use restrictions. Set of alternatives to be developed consistent with the following guidelines: #1_Current Status: In March,2004 URS Consulting completed the value-added engineering study of the approved modified south runway expansion which concluded with the following recommendations: 5.4 RECOMMENDATIONS The analysis presents possible runway lengths and grades on the basis of key assumptions and limited site data. More extensive analysis is required to address a number of issues. Our recommendations include the following:, --It is recommended that more extensive data collection efforts be undertaken to provide more comprehensive information on topography and physical features along the runway centerline and approaches. --Airspace obstructions such as antennae towers, stacks, cranes, tall buildings and power lines could affect the location of the runway thresholds,thereby changing runway lengths. Consequently, it is recommended that a comprehensive airspace analysis be conducted. --The runway lengths and grades determined in this analysis have implications for the efficient use of this runway. It is recommended that additional coordination be conducted with the flight operations departments of the tenant airlines at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Air Traffic Control personnel after an airspace analysis is completed. --The proposed runway threshold elevations and runway profile will have a severe impact on airfield facilities including adjoining taxiways,Runway 13/31 and Terminal 4. The feasibility of redesigning these taxiways to meet grade requirements should be studied. Friday, January 07, 2005 America Online: JFinFLL Page 3of11 Basically, URS concluded that more work had to be conducted to define the physical limits of the preferred south runway expansion and to evaluate alternatives to shortening Runway 13/31 (crosswind). To the best of our knowledge, BCAD has not released any additional information regarding this task. It is unclear whether an airspace study has been conducted. IA. Continue with the Environmental Impact Statement process. ACTION: (T-6:10 PM)Approved, as amended, to include flight tracking alonz1 595 and other restrictions including other curfews. #_1A__Current Status: The Environmental Impact Statement(EIS) is a federally mandated study detailing the impacts of the proposed project and alternatives. The contract was awarded to Landrum & Brown, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport issued the "Notice to Proceed" on July 29,2004 (over 7 months after Dec. 9,2003). A Draft EIS (DEIS) is expected to be released within 18 months of the "Notice of Intent" publication in the Federal Register. This "Notice of Intent" is expected to appear in the Federal Register in January, 2005, thereby causing the DEIS to be released in late June,2006. BCAD staff indicate that the first public hearing ("scoping meeting") regarding the EIS is tentatively scheduled for March 17, 2005. BCAD staff also indicate that focus groups involving community stakeholders will be established to gather information and input from the community; however,we have not received any notification of this activity from BCAD. Regarding flight tracking along I-595 to reduce the noise impacts to communities to the west C.i.e,Town of Davie): In December,2003 flight tracking along I-595 was to be included in the Environmental Impact Statement. In March,2004 then County Commissioner Lori Parrish directed BCAD staff to expedite a study of flight tracking along I-595. BCAD asked the Manager of FLL Air Traffic Control to look into this matter. In March,2004 the Manager of FLL Air Traffic Control (FAA) provided BCAD with an analysis of operations, safety, equipment requirements and environmental issues related to changing flight tracks to along the I-595 corridor. In April,2004 BCAD asked Manager of FLL Air Traffic Control(FAA) to conduct an airspace study to change the flight tracks to along the I-595 corridor. In September,2004 Acting Area Director, Eastern En Route and Oceanic Operations (FAA) indicated flight tracking along I- 595 was not feasible at this time. In October, 2004 BCAD asked Regional Director of FAA in Atlanta to reconsider the decision made by the Acting Area Director and FLL Air Traffic Control. BCAD has not released the airspace study. It is unclear whether one was actually conducted. At this time it seems like the expedited process to implement new flight tracking initiatives to reduce noise levels from airport operations has stalled. 1 B. Commence a process to engage a qualified firm to complete preliminary engineering,_ including evaluation of alternatives, designed to maximize the utility and acceptability of the runway alternative selected. ACTION (T-6:10 PM) Approved. NB-Current Status: See#1 Current Status above. URS Consulting presented the completed value-added engineering study of the approved modified south runway expansion to the tenant airlines. It is unclear whether preliminary engineering studies to evaluate alternatives have been completed. Friday, January 07, 2005 America Online: JFinFLL Page 4 of 11 1 C. Work with the Federal Aviation Administration through the EIS process to provide a detailed enforceable program that ensures the runway will be operated in a fashion that improves u on the noise miti ation benefits already incorporated in the County's various Interlocal Agreements and Development Orders. ACTION: (T-6:10 PM)Approved. #1C Current Status: See NA Current Status above 1 D. Amend the Airport Layout Plan to reflect the runway alternative selected. ACTION (T-6:10 PM)Approved, as amended. Add "no runway alternatives should expand east beyond NE 7th Avenue." #11) Current Status: As you may recall, in June,2004 BCAD presented the amended Airport Layout Plan to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)for approval. The Airport Layout Plan included the "County's Airfield Development Program Objective Statement." This "Objective Statement" is used by the FAA and its consultant in developing the purpose and need for the EIS. The "Objective Statement" in the draft presented to the BOCC in June,2004 was inconsistent with the directions provided by the BOCC on December 9,2003. Many members of the public and the municipalities of Davie,Dania, and Hollywood went to the County Commission meeting on June 22,2004 to voice their concerns about the "Objective Statement." As a result, the BOCC deferred the passage of the amended Airport Layout Plan with direction to staff to redraft the "objective statement" consistent with the directions previously provided. The amended Airport Layout Plan finally submitted to the BOCC on October 26,2004 (over 10 months after December 9th) included a corrected "objective statement": The purpose of the proposed airfield improvements is to simultaneously achieve the following to the maximum extent practical: --enhance FLL's capacity to accommodate forecast traffic through the year 2020 in a manner that will maintain average annual aircraft delay at or below the 6 to 10 minute average annual delay range; --avoid reliance on the use of Runway 13/31 to address forecast increases in aircraft delays given Runway 13/31's operational inefficiencies and the higher levels of residential noise exposure associated with its use; --mitigate noise exposure attributable to proposed improvements by implementing a runway use plan and residential noise mitigation processes contained in approved interlocal agreements and development orders with and from nearby cities in an environmentally sensitive manner while preserving the airport's vital economic role; and --implement residential noise mitigation initiatives in areas not currently eligible under the Airport Improvement Program to deal with the overall forecast growth in aircraft operations, including implementing mitigation in advance of the onset of noise exposure in residential areas forecast to be newly exposed to the highest levels of cumulative aircraft noise resulting from changes in the configuration of the airport,while preserving neighborhoods and providing affordable housing. The above "objective statement"was approved by the BOCC on October 26,2004: ACTION. (T-I1:11 AM)Approved with the following amendment. Decommission Runway 13131 (crosswind); and, in the meantime, avoid using Runway 13131 to address forecast increases in aircraft delays given Runway 13/31's operational inefficiencies and the higher levels of residential noise Friday, January 07, 2005 America Online: JFinFLL Page 5 of 11 exposure associated with its use. 1 E. Provide for noise mitigation in excess of minimum requirements. ACTION: (T-6:10 PM) Approved #1E Current Status: In June 2004 several preliminary reports were produced regarding noise --------- ---- mitigation. These reports can be found at http:llwww.broward.orgl irport/avi(*1440O.htnt and include: (1) Summary of Residential Noise Mitigation Conceptual Cost Estimates; (2) Noise Mitigation Bank Financial Plan; and (3) Supplemental Noise Assessments. We have submitted a public records request to BCAD to try to determine what has transpired since the production of these reports, and hope to learn more in the very near future. See#1F Current Status immediately below as well as Part II. Update regarding Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study below. IF. Utilize-airport funds and PFC's for advanced noise mitigation. ACTION: (T 6:10 PM) Approved #1F Current Status: As indicated in#1E Current Status above,in June 2004 a preliminary report entitled Noise Mitigation Bank Financial Plan was produced. Additionally,the BOCC told us on December 9,2003 that if the airlines weren't willing to pay for expansion and mitigation,then they would limit the expansion of the airport by limiting the number of gates. On June 15,2004 after it was made clear on June 4,2004 that the airlines were not ready to finance noise mitigation, Commissioner Rodstrom made a motion to limit the number of gates. However,the motion failed because no other County Commissioner seconded the motion. To the best of our knowledge,the airlines are still not interested in using airport funds and PFCs for noise mitigation. In June,2004 the airlines, instead of agreeing to pay for noise mitigation,indicated that they needed more information. The County Administrator reported that the additional information requested by the airlines would be available in 18 months (December,2005). While the airlines have refused to pay for noise mitigation,they have approved several piecemeal projects designed to facilitate expansion and additional gates. These projects are moving forward expeditiously (see Part III. Other expansion activities at FLL below). 2. MOTION TO DIRECT Aviation Department to implement the following policy directiv_es_in_a timely mannerwhich is consistent with the BOCC's decision on a Runway Alternative: ACTION: (T-6:10 PM) Approved. 2A. Evaluate options for shortening Runway 13-31, such that the results of this work can-be_inc_l_uded.-in the Environmental Impact Statement if appropriate. ACTION. (T-6:10 PM)Approved. #2A_Current Status: See#1,#lA and#1D Current Status 213.-_Develop new options for review by the Board of County Commissioners that would foster land use compatibility between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and surrounding_communities so that the Countn y's policies will be included in mitigation proposals in the Environmental Impact Statement. ACTION.• (T-6:10 PM)Approved, as amended. The Board directed staff to work with the cities to ensure land use compatibility for residential development. #2.B_Current Status: We have not received or come across any information suggesting that the Friday, January 07, 2005 America Online: JFinFLL Page b of 11 County has been working directly with the cities to ensure land use compatibility for residential development. It is unclear whether anything has been done to accomplish this. See also Part II. Update regarding Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study below. 2C._Prepare a financial plan for review by the Board of County Commissioners that would expeditiously establish a Noise Mitigation Bank. ACTION: (T-6:10 PM) Approved, as amended. The Board directed staff to contact the airlines with respect to the per passenger charges and gate fees to fund noise mitigation in the 60 to 65 DNL. Research the feasibility of the County building affordable replacement housing and funding same. #2C Current_Status: See#1E and#1F Current Status above, as well as Part II. Update regarding Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study below. It is unclear what, if anything, has been accomplished to provide affordable replacement housing and funding the same. 21). Develop conceptual plans for noise abatement flight tracks for arriving and departing-aircraft-to_be reviewedbv the Board of County Commissioners and discussed with the Federal Aviation Administration. ACTION. (T-6:10 PM) Approved. #2D_Current_Status: See paragraphs 2 and 3 of#1A Current Status above Regarding flight tracking along I-595 to reduce the noise impacts to communities to the west (i.e., Town of Davie) 2E. Commence a process to engage a qualified appraisal firm to evaluate acquisition of properties in the runwy_Drotection zone. ACTION: (T-6:10 PM)Approved. #2E Current Status: See#1E Current Status above as well as Part II. Update regarding Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study below 2F. Commence the process of updating the Airport Master Plan to include concepts that decommission the crosswind runway, and define a framework for managing aircraft operational demand and growth through planned facility development. ACTION: (T-6:10 PM) Approved, as amended. Staff shall examine mechanisms for limiting future arrival through infrastructure development, the number and location of gates and other means, including the review of the westside land use Master Plan. Further, the Board directed staff to evaluate a North Parallel runway, while preferring the South runway. #2F Current Status: We have been told since December 9,2003 that the process of updating our decade old airport master plan would be expedited. The contract for this work was to be negotiated with Leigh Fisher and then adopted by the BOCC. In August(8 months since December 9,2003),BCAD finally brought the Leigh Fisher contract to the Selection and Negotiation Committee for approval. Surprisingly the contract did not include an update of the airport master plan. Then Commissioner Lori Parrish realized this and directed BCAD to add the update of the airport master plan to the contract and get it underway immediately. Finally, on September 14,2004 (9 months since December 9th),the BOCC adopted a contract for Leigh Fisher to update the airport master plan. Unfortunately, it took BCAD until October 25,2004 (over 10 months since December 9th)to issue a PARTIAL notice to proceed to accomplish the work in their contract. It is unclear why a PARTIAL notice to proceed was issued. We hope to see some activity on the update of our decade old master plan in the very near future. BCAD staff has indicated that the first public meeting regarding the update of the Airport Friday, January 07, 2005 America Online: JFinFLL Page 7 of 11 Master Plan is tentatively scheduled for March,2005 (15 months from December 9th when the Commission asked BCAD to expedite the process). For years we have been accused of delaying the process --which, of course, is not true. Now, it seems like BCAD is dragging its feet on this first(planning 101) step of updating the Airport Master Plan which we all agree must be done before BCAD moves forward with expansion plans. It is disturbing that it has taken BCAD so long to move the update of the airport master plan forward -- especially since they have managed to expedite other piecemeal projects to expand other facilities at the airport(see Part III. Other expansion activities at FLL below). 2_G._Foll_ow a_comr)etitive bid Drocess for the implementation of a Green Airport_Initiative. A CTION: (T 6:10 PM)Approved. Current Status#2G: This process was just recently completed with the Clean Airport Partnership being awarded the contract to implement the Green Airport Initiative designed to make the airport more environmentally-friendly. II. Update regarding Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study The Part 150 Study (to assess current impacts of FLL and to project future impacts based on possible expansion)has been stalled for many years. In 1997, HMMH was awarded a contract to complete a Part 150 Update. Since then they have spent over$420,000 but have not completed the study. HMMH is the same contractor which worked on the noise issues in the now failed EIS. In June, 2004 the BOCC attempted to make a sole source award (without competitive bidding)to HMMH. Luckily in response to the concerns you raised about this issue, on June 29, 2004 the BOCC decided not to award this contract to HMMH, and instead put the work out for a competitive bid. A request for Letters of Interest (RLI) from consultants interested in doing the work was issued. Four(4) consulting firms responded: 1. Leigh Fisher Associates 2. Landrum& Brown 3. Harris Miller Miller& Hanson(HMMH) 4. Environmental Science Associates All four(4) firms have been asked to make presentations to the Selection and Negotiation Committee on January 6th(currently scheduled at 2:00 pm at the Broward County Government Building, 115 S. Andrews Ave, Room 430); however, we suggest you ask the County Commission to schedule these presentations at a time and location that will allow you to witness these very important proceedings. It is imperative that this Study be conducted by the best and the brightest. The results of this Study have far reaching consequences/effects/impacts on how the airport will operate and the extent to which airport noise will be avoided,minimized and/or mitigated. This study is an integral part of the Environmental Impact Statement(EIS)process as well. The conduct of this Study in Broward County requires efforts beyond the conventional Part 150 Study process. For example,the outcomes of the Study must adhere to the pre-existing overriding contractual commitments contained in the Interlocal Agreements and Development Orders, and must include strategies that provide mitigation in excess of that which is eligible for federal mitigation grant funding (i.e., mitigation for those within 60+ (not 65+) noise contours and funding mechanisms for the same). This Study will assess not only the current impacts of noise on the areas surrounding the airport but also the future impacts expected from expansion. The Study will produce noise contours from which consultants will then make recommendations for mitigation which will include strategies such as Friday,January 07, 2005 America Online: JFinFLL Page 8 of 11 purchasing non-compatible land uses (e.g., areas south and west of the airport), sound insulation, changes in existing land uses and zoning districts, operational noise abatement alternatives such as night time restrictions and adjusting flight tracking to name a few. The importance of this Study,the manner in which it is conducted, and the selection of the best consultants to do the work cannot be overstated. The results of this work will have substantial and irreparable impacts on our future. It is critical that everyone be actively involved in the process of selecting the right contractor to do this work. If you would like to review the responses submitted by the four(4) consulting firms, one copy of this material will be available at the following locations with the contact person listed. You will need to contact these individuals directly to arrange a mutually convenient time to look at these documents. Please be aware that during the holiday season these public offices will be closed on certain days. Be sure to contact the appropriate individual below to arrange a mutually convenient date/time/place for your review. In Hollywood at City Clerk's Office: Contact Lorie Mertens at 954-921-3599 or Irfiertens holly- Nio }d l oq-, In Davie -- Angela Salinas at atigela......sa.I nas(r%Davie--11.(J'ov In Dania Beach -- Merle Patron at mpatroM ci.dania-betich.fl.us You may also be able to review these documents(possibly even get a copy of them) by contacting the Broward County Aviation Community Outreach Office --the Trailer at 550 N.W. IOth Street, Dania Beach,just south of the airport off Griffin Road. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, call (954) 926-5151 or contact sbisliop ri�.broward.org. III. Other expansion activities at FLL While BCAD has been slow to move on the projects the County Commission asked them to expedite (in particular the conduct of the Part 150 Study and the update of our decade old Airport Master Plan— the first steps that should be completed before doing anything else),they have been very successful at forging ahead expeditiously with several other projects that we believe are designed to accomplish the self-fulfilling prophecy to pack as much as they can into FLL (and facilitate a land grab in Dania Beach and Davie). The projects they are quickly moving forward which will only lead to more traffic, more gates, more noise, more pollution, more delay, more bad! 1.__Categorical Exclusions to Avoid Environmental Cumulative Impact Assessment January 14, 2004: BCAD submitted"categorical exclusion"requests to the FAA for three projects that were previously included in the Environmental Impact Statement. "Categorical exclusion"basically means that BCAD can move forward with these projects because the FAA determines that they have no significant environmental impacts. The three projects include (1)the exit roadway system that includes improvements for exiting from the consolidated rental car facility; (2) Terminal 4 modifications, including expansion of the federal inspection service area("FIS") for international passenger processing, expansion of the ticket counters/office space for Terminal 4 airlines, and the relocation of the explosive detection equipment from the ticket lobby to the bag make-up area; and(3) construction of Concourse A, including 5 new gates, and a bag-sort facility to accommodate cruise passengers/baggage. J_u_ne,__2004: We learned from our public records review that BCAD had tried to move these three "categorical exclusions" from the environmental review process. It is our r 'ects forw ard b receiving 0 p J y g g Friday, January 07, 2005 America Online: JFinFLL Page 9 of 11 understanding that for projects (1) and(2) above the FAA granted the requested"categorical exclusion" determination that these two project have no significant environmental impact. For project(3) construction of Concourse A, the FAA (in response to concerns raised by the Environmental Protection Agency) asked BCAD to prepare an Environmental Assessment(EA)to substantiate the finding that construction of Concourse A and adding 5 new gates has no significant environmental impact. BCAD prepared the EA and submitted it to the FAA. August2004: On behalf of Davie, Dania and Hollywood, Attorney Neal McAliley of White & Case submitted correspondence to the FAA indicating opposition to the piece-meal approach to expansion advising that these three projects, particularly the construction of Concourse A with 5 additional gates, certainly have environmental impacts that must be evaluated in the EIS. Additionally, since the additional 5 gates will cause additional impacts, the public must have an opportunity to provide comment on this project. The status of the construction of Concourse A adding 5 new gates is unclear. We do not know if the FAA has "categorically excluded" this project from the EIS process. We will continue to pursue this issue with BCAD and the FAA. 2. "Interim Modifications" to Terminal 4 October 26._2004: BOCC approved"interim modifications"of the Federal Inspection Services (FIS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) facilities within Terminal 4 (FIS Project) and authorized using an expedited competitive award process. As we have been reporting, this is only the first phase of activities to expand Terminal 4 to include eventually adding 9 gates in the fourth and final phase. This is the same project the FAA categorically excluded from the EIS process determining that it too has no significant environmental impact. 3. Expandi_ng General Aviation Fixed Based Operations at FLL October 26, 2004: The BOCC approved an agreement with Sheltair Aviation Center, LLC to lease (1) approximately 36 acres of airport property for the operation of a fixed base operation on the west side of FLL for a period of 30 years with a Board option for an additional 10 years; (approximately one acre for the operation of an aircraft fuel farm at FLL for a period of 30 years with a Board option for an additional 10 years; and(3) approximately 13 acres for the operation of a fixed based operation on the north side of FLL for a period of 30 years with a Board option for an additional 10 years. This project slithered right through the BOCC approval process without any environmental review. This project will dramatically increase the General Aviation activity at the airport which of course has significant environmental impacts. 4._ Hiring_Counsel to represent Broward County's interests in expansion October 26, 2004: BOCC retained Michael Schneiderman Law Firm to represent Broward County's (not our) interests regarding the EIS and other development projects relating to expansion of FLL. IV. Steps we can take to protect our interests It is imperative that we remind the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) what they told us on December 9, 2003. For example, we were told we would get open, full disclosure of BCAD activities; the process of conducting the EIS and the update of the airport master plan would be Friday, January 07, 2005 America Online: JFinFLL Page 10 of 11 expedited; if the airlines did not agree to pay for noise mitigation,the Commission would limit the number of gates; flight tracking along I-595 to reduce current impacts would be expedited; BCAD would work directly with the cities to ensure land use compatibility; BCAD would expeditiously establish a Noise Mitigation Bank. To the best of our knowledge none of these things have been accomplished. Instead we learn on our own through public record reviews that some of what BCAD did was, at a minimum, inconsistent with the direction they were given on December 9th. For example, BCAD did everything but expedite the update of the airport master plan. This task wasn't even included in BCAD plans until Commissioner Parrish asked about it. BCAD submitted an inconsistent Objective Statement for inclusion in the Airport Layout Plan. BCAD tried to give a sole source contract to HMMH to conduct the Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study. At the same time, BCAD pursued "categorical exclusion" determinations on projects that will have substantial environmental impacts but are not being addressed in the EIS such as the four phase project to expand Terminal 4 and eventually construct 9 additional gates and construction of Concourse A which adds another 5 gates. BCAD also moved forward to expand general aviation fixed based operations that will clearly increase general aviation activity which is what we have been told is causing most of the delays at FLL. BCAD hired special counsel to push all this through. Commissioners know two things: the Broward County Board of Count Co g We need to let ty Y 1. THEY MUST ASSESS AND MITIGATE CURRENT IMPACTS FROM FLL AIRPORT OPERATIONS AND UPDATE OUR DECADE OLD AIRPORT MASTER PLAN BEFORE MOVING FORWARD WITH ANY PLANS THAT EXPAND OPERATIONS AT THE AIRPORT! 2. Please reschedule the Selection and Negotiation Committee Meeting at which the four (4) consulting firms bidding to do the Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study will make presentations to a time when the general public can witness the proceedings and at a location so that it can also be televised for those who can't physically be there. (January 6 at 2:00 pm in Room 430 is not appropriate. At or after 6:00 pm in Commission Chambers is appropriate.) The results of this Part 15 Study have substantial, far-reaching and irreparable impacts on us. We must be actively involved in this process. Important Note: Commissioner Lori Parrish has been replaced by newly elected Commissioner Lois Wexler. It is extremely important that you take the time to contact her directly regarding your concerns about airport expansion. It is critical that she become OUR ADVOCATE. Take the time to invite her to your home to feel first-hand the impacts that you are already dealing with -- never mind when they try to expand FLL. Show her your property that is red-lined for condemnation. Make her see first-hand how very important it is for her to represent your interests. Contact information for the Broward County Board of County Commissioners: Mail: 115 S. Andrews Avenue,Room 421, Ft. Lauderdale,FL 33301 All telephone area codes =954 Mayor Kristin Jacobs, kiacobs rr bro ard.org; 357-7002, ilax 357-7295 Friday, January 07, 2005 America Online: JFinFLL Page 11 of 11 Vice Mayor Ben Graber, bo rabenix�hroward orgy; 357-7003; fax 357-7319 Commissioner Eggelletion, cyniartity, brow rd.org; 357-7009, fax 327-3879 Commissioner Gunzburger, sgrriizburger!c.%bro%,,arci.org, 357-7006, fax 357-7295 Commissioner Lieberman, iliebeririati�'c blloward.org, 357-7001, fax 357-7295 Commissioner Rodstrom,,jz-odsti•oii .Ei,.,bro«*ai-d.org, 357-7007, fax 357-8088 Commissioner Scott, �:c{tit ill lo6c'hrc}warcl.org, 357-7004, fax 537-2892 Commissioner Wasserman-Rubin, clwasserriiaiirubin, 'broward.org; 357-7008; fax 357-5704 Commissioner Lois Wexler, 1wexlerw"broward.org; 357-7005,357-7295 REMEMBER: TOGETHER WE HAVE AND CAN CONTINUE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Friday, January 07, 2005 America Online: JFinFLL Their source report lists FLL fastest-growing in available seats,so the sun-sentinel translates that to fastest growing airport.period. the report(conveniently)omits Midway,so they cannot state whether it had more growth in available seats. Midway's operations and passenger numbers are available on their website,by year and month. FLL's numbers are not delineated by month,so i had winston provide 5/00&5/04 statistics. no kidding.midway went from 10,964 passengers 5/00 to 1,715,642 in 5/04.definitely fastest-growing. ops went from 3,301 in'00 to 29,006 in'04.778%vs our 3.5%growth,which is even ridiculous to campare. presumably the#of available seats must've increased proportionally,but were not included in the source report... but who-in-the-hell counts available seats,except jargiullo to defend their indefensible arrogance. yes,the sun-sentinel has always HEADLINED this airport to be fastest-growing.that leads the public to believe our airport needs expanded runway. we know the only statistic relevant to runway expansion is operations.3.5%from 2000 to 2004. I'm sure trying to get the s-s to either admit they've misled the public,or change their stance about the need for any expanded runway.