HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS1 - Report on the Goals and Objectives of Aviation CommitteeJanuary.11, 1999
Study Session Agenda Item 1
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: January 5, 1999
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Councilmember Norma Glover
Chairperson, Aviation Committee
SUBJECT: Report on the Goals and Objectives of Aviation Committee
1. 1998 Goals and Objectives - Status Report:
The Aviation Committee was redesigned in March of 1998. The
Committee approved goals and objectives for 1998 and the primary goal was to
provide Newport Beach residents with information related to the proposed
commercial aviation reuse of El Toro MCAS and operations at JWA. The
Committee also provided staff and consultants with direction and advice on key
issues related to the reuse planning process.
Dissemination of information:
The Committee scheduled, and served as forum for, presentations
by most of the key players in the El Toro planing process. Supervisor Jim Silva
explained the reasons for his pro- El Toro airport position and the Committee
sponsored debates between Tom Wilson and John Hedges as well as Lou
Lopez and Cynthia Coad. Vince Mestre, world renowned airport noise expert,
Spoke about the noise impacts (or lack of impacts) of a commercial airport at El
Toro and Dr. Steven Erie, explained why an airport at El Toro is critical to the
economic future of Orange County. Pike Oliver and Pam Engebretsen of Interra
exposed the flaws in the non - aviation plan prepared by ETRPA. The Committee
notified our residents and the public of these presentations and debates through
ads in the local media and through direct mailings.
The Committee sent letters directly to the Newport Beach
community associations regarding the El Toro reuse process. An informational
letter to Newport Beach residents regarding Alternatives F & G (JWA expansion
scenarios) and the Aviation Committee Newsletter was distributed through the
water bills.
Mayor and Members of the City Council
Subject: Report on the Goals and Objectives of Aviation Committee
January 5, 1999
page 2
Participation in the reuse olannino process:
The Committee played an active role in the analysis of the Notice
of Preparation for the El Toro A Master Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
and the preparation of the comments approved by the City Council.
Dan Gilliland, a member of the committee, testified before the Board of
Supervisors (LRA) and convinced them not to delete Alternatives F & G from the
EIR. The Committee also presented testimony to the LRA regarding other
critical reuse issues, including the selection of preferred alternatives.
Development of other electronic media
We have participated with other pro- airport groups in the
development of a site and we expect to be "on -line" in the next thirty (30) days.
The City is also working with other groups to prepare a powerful pro- airport video
and we expect one to be completed and on -air in early February.
2. PROPOSED GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR 1999:
The Committee has discussed tentative goals and objectives for
1999 and would appreciate input from the City Council. The Committee
proposes to continue with the bi- monthly newsletter to Newport Beach residents
that will focus on important developments in the planning process. The website
will require constant updating and the Committee will promote the pro- airport
video. I believe the Committee can be a catalyst to a pro-El Toro airport
consensus among communities that are adversely impacted by John Wayne
Airport operations. The Committee also anticipates making recommendations to
the City Council on issues related to the City's role in the El Toro reuse planning
process and upcoming issues affecting operations at JWA such as the request to
extend limited air cargo operations. Finally the Committee expects to continue to
monitor the reuse planning process for El Toro and air carrier operations at JWA.
Respectfully Submitted,
Norma Glover
Chair of the Aviation Committee
NG:krs