Okaloosa County BOCC — August 5, 2014 — Minutes — reading text

Committee member Link noted that previous proposals were to provide insulation and sound absorbing materials to residents near the airport, and offering a price to acquire the property. Mr. Hannan stated they are among a range of options that could be implemented; however, funding would not be available to do those things until they begin to clearly quantify and define the problem. Committee member Barr moved to allow the Airports Director to prepare a proposal to the Board of County Commissiouers to implement the PlaneNoise Complaint Box software as presented to this committee today and bring back that proposal to this committee for their recommendation; seconded by Committee member Stapleton. Committee member Diez asked who determines the cost for the system. Mr. Hannan replied the airport authority will determine the cost with the existing funds, federal funds, or state funds. He also stated that it is hard to obtain federal or state funds when they are beginning at a stage of quantifying the problem; and that the funding usually comes in as part of the solution. He added that they need to demonstrate to these agencies that legitimate problems exist. The Chairman called for a vote on tbe motion, which passes 5-0. Committee member Ban would like for this committee to revIew the interlocal agreements and the responsibilities defined therein at their next meeting. She also recommends they schedule a follow-up meeting next month. Committee member Barr moved to schedule a committee meeting duriug the month of July; seconded by Committee member Stapleton. Motion passed 5-0. At this time, the Chairman opened the floor for public comments. Mr. Mark Nacol, a Destin resident, asked that they move the helicopter training from the airport and outside of this community because they do not have a buffer and the helicopters rattle the neighborhood and the people. He added this is the main complaint from a lot of people. The next speaker was Ms. Carolyn Gagnon who informed the committee she lives directly behind the Destin Jet Hanger. She stated that they were promised buffers for sound, but they got trees instead; and that trees do not buffer the noise. She also stated they could hear all the noise from the airport and have bright lights shining in their bedroom windows at night. She added that the property values in their neighborhood are down about $100,000. She also added she is totally against construction of the air traffic control tower on Destin AirpOli. Committee member Diez noted that the wall was part of the capital improvement program and inquired as to its status. Page 9 oflO  Mr. Hannan stated that the noise mitigation barrier was proposed as one of the mitigation measures in the Part 150 Noise Study; however, it was never funded in the capital improvement program for the airport. He further stated that a Part 150 provides a document that they submit to the FAA and compete for noise mitigation funds; but, there were no noise mitigation funds offered. He added that noise mitigation funds from federal funds are directed to airpOlis that are heavily urbanized metropolitan areas. Ms. Kitty Spicer spoke next and informed the committee her family has lived in Destin since the 1970s. She stated that she had lived on both the east side and west side of the airport; adding they have had to contend with the odor on the east side and the airport noise on the west side. She also stated that the noise had not been as bad until they brought in the helicopters. She further stated that these helicopters should be located at Eglin Air Force Base, which is the largest military base in the United States and not a small airport in Destin. She added she is totally against constructing an air traffic control tower on the Destin AirpOli because it is just one more step in putting in bigger, better, and louder aircraft. Committee member Link asked whether the helicopter school have a lease with the FBO or the County. Mr. Hannan replied the helicopter school does not have an agreement with the County to operate on the airport; and that he put them on notice that by County ordinance they have to have an agreement with the County. He also stated it is not a use the County could deny. The County receives federal money to maintain and operate the airports, and that they are federally obligated to allow all legitimate aeronautical activity and camlot discriminate. However, the County can require an operator to comply with certain local requirements. He added that the County is in the midst of a conversation with the helicopter school from an operational standpoint to get them away from their current location; which is a part of a broader negotiation. He also added it is not something that can occur overnight as there are legal positions on both sides. 6. Adjournment: Having no further business at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 AM. ADOPTED THIS 22ND DAY OF JULY 2014 By: £)~~~ David Prichard, Chairman ATTEST: T.!o..,-'lfl"·ailey, Destin City Clerk Page 100fl0