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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem No. 39CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: TERE CHERVENY, COUNCILWOMAN FOR: CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 23, 1993 SUBJECT: LANDING STRIPS FOR SKYLARK AIRPORT At the March 9, 1993, City Council Meeting, discussion was held and a motion made and approved concerning a new runway at the Skylark Airport. Approval was contingent upon receiving approval from Cal Trans and the Lake Elsinore Unified School District. Upon their approval this item would return to Council for concurrence. Discuss and take action to halt the takeoff's and landings going over the Serenity Home Tract immediately. PREPARED BY: Adria L. REVIEWED AND APPROVED B b3i17i93 11:19 V1 714 662 3582 HARDING LAWSON 10001 Post -it' brand iax transmittal memo 7671 al pages s L Tong l ca, ow, phone If . Pox it lCl� -235 .exx City of Lake Elsinore. - Council Member e er" nation ut ont-v Lake Elsinore School Board State of California Ladies and Gentlemen: Charles and Pamela Reeter 32465 Racquet Club Way Lake Elsinore, CA. 92530 arch 16, 1993 It was brought to our attention last week that the City of Lake Elsinore council members voted to alicrxv the Skylark Airport to build and use an East -West runway, parallel to Corydon Road. This would result in a flight path allcrwing take -offs and landings directly over the Serenity Subdivision, a densely populated area (with approximately 316 homes planned). Apparently, this is a situation brought about by the rising waters of Lake Elsinore, as the present North -South runways are under water. Recently, in order to evacuate the planes on the ground from the rising water, several of the planes at the airport took -off over the Serenity Subdivision from an existing East -West taxiway. Everyone in the neighborhood experienced a scare that will never be forgotten. Apparently, a DC -3 just barely made it up over the trees and rooftops of the houses In the neighborhood. For those who are not aware, the Serenity Subdivision is elevated well above the floodplain and the airport location. Was this elevation difference considered or overlooked in the approval of the new runway? Is there a minimum distance between a rooftop and an airplane's flight path? We who live in the Serenity subdivision are very concerned over the action to approve a new East - West runway. Has an environmental impact report been flied with the appropriate agencies? Certainly, the potential for grave danger and noise pollution will impact at least the Serenity Subdivision in the flight path. Any sort of an airplane accident from the last -West direction will likeiv result in several casualties. The Nonh -South runways are more appropriately located for take- offs and landings over vacant land and the Lake. We ask for your help in preventing this new East -West runway from being built at S}yIark Airport. We will monitor the progress at our next neighborhood watch program and block captain meeting. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, 03/17/93 11:20 Dal 71.1 662 3582 HARDING LAWSON ®002 ,-a Chuck Reeter 32465 Racquet Club Way Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 March 17, 1993 Serenity Residents: As a follow -up to our letter sent last week to the Serenity residents, I have some new information regarding the Fast -West runway at the Skylark Airport. i spoke today with representatives of the Federal Aviation Authority and State of California- Department of Airports. According to Mr. Fergusson of the State of California, the Skylark Airport has already received a temporary permit to utilize an East -West runway for only 2 airplanes (twin engine Otter and single engine Cessna), which will he used for skydiving purposes . The permit indicates that the airplanes are to take off towards and land from a westerly direction (Serenity Subdivision). The Lake Elsinore School District would not allow take off; and landings to or from the East because of the Hayman Elementary- School location. I was also told by Mr. Fergusson that, as it is indicted from the conditions of the permit, under no circumstances are the planes to fly over the Serenity Subdivision. The planes are supposed to make a sharp angle turn at a specified landmark before reaching our neighborhood. I was told by Mr. Fergusson that what everyone experienced about 2 1t2 weeks ago with the evacuation of low flying planes from the Skylark Airport over our neighborhood was acoumplished without proper permission and prior to issuance of the permit I was also told by Mr. Fergusson that if the current permit is violated, that I am to call him and he would take appropriate action. He also reassured me that this was a temporary permit and when the Lake waters receded and the North - South runways were uncovered, the East -West runway permit would be no longer valid. Although this does not condone the action of our City Council for making a decision without contacting or notifying its local residents of the potential impact, I hope that this information provides some relief. It appears that if the Skylark Airport adheres to the conditions of the temporary permit, there should nit be a significant problem for Serenity. fr i� :iii.._ �/ March 15, 1993 Armando and Laura Diaz 32505 Sommerset Dr. Lake Elsinore, Ca 92530 Dear Mayor and City Council of Lake Elsinore, I have recently found out that the Aiport off of Corydon Road is going to be changing their flight pattern over the Serenity homes. I am a Resident of this track and do not want the airplanes flying over it. There is so much space in Lake Elsinore that I'm sure they could relocate to a safe area until the lake subsides to its normal level. From my understanding most accidents are from take off and landings. I don't wish to be in that danger. Please, for the safety of this area and the children in the neighborhood do not let the airport change their flight pattern. Thank you, ztc- 7 Laura and Armando Diaz 74 ern STATE OF CALIFORNIA • BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY PETE WILSON, Gowm DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF AERONAUTICS 1130 K STREET -4th FLOOR MAIL: P. O. BOX 942873 SACRAMENTO, CA 94273-0001 (916) 322 -3090 TOD (916) 654 -4014 March 5, 1993 Mr. Tony Brogdon President Skydive California, Inc. P. O. Box 977 Lake Elsinore, CA 92531 Dear Mr. Brogdon: .. This letter is your authorization from the California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics, to operate temporary Runway 3/21 at Skylark Airport. The following conditions must be met or this authorization is cancelled immediately. o Operation of this temporary runway cannot be in violation of any FAA Federal Air Regulation or local rules and regulations. • Approval to establish and operate a temporary runway must be obtained from the City of Lake Elsinore, the Riverside Sheriffs Department and the land owner. • Runway use restricted to day VFR only. • Runway use limited to Cessna -182 and Twin Otter aircraft operated by Skydive California. No other aircraft authorized to use the runway. • Runway centerline to be no closer than 125 feet from southerly property line, • Southwest end of runway to be no closer than 200 feet from property line. • Northeast end of runway to be no closer than 100 feet from fence line on southwest side of parking lot. • The drainage ditch must be covered at least 60 feet from runway centerline. o Runway usage limited to takeoffs only on Runway 21 and landings only on Runway 3. No overflights of Jean Hayman School east of the airport. Runway 3 will be marked with an "R" and Runway 21 with an "X ". AC- � - F.! c Mr. Tony Brogdon March 5, 1993 Page 2 o After takeoff, a right turn should be started as soon as safety permits. o No other runway, existing or proposed, can be used prior to an inspection by the Division of Aeronautics. If you have any questions or if we can provide additional information, please let us know. Sincerely, W. R. RIESEN, Chief Office of Airports PAGE FOUR.- REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES - FEBRUARY,23, 1993 Boardmember Alongi advised that $20,000 has already been spent for a study for Amber Ridge and he would question the need for an additional study. He addressed a letter from Bein /Frost and indicated that the survey and study are already done. Chairman Winkler suggested that this item be considered during the budget process, noting the need to_ review priorities. Boardmember Alongi stressed the expense these residents are incurring by pumping every week. He further stressed that this problem should have been addressed back in 1980. He commented that this area is suffering as much hardship as Amber Ridge and the residents in this area are in an even lower income bracket. THE FOREGOING MOTION CARRIED BY A VOTE OF 4 TO 1 WITH CHERVENY CASTING THE DISSENTING VOTE. PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON - AGENDIZED ITEMS Leon Strigotte, 216 Chaney Street, commented on the issue of Walmart. He further commented on his frustration since he was on the Council with trying to draw large industry and jobs to the community. He noted the Air Quality Standards for which the Supreme Court has upheld the State requirements. He suggested that the Board take steps to require that Walmart attempt to hire local residents, noting that keeping jobs in the community would help meet the Air Quality standards for the area. Mr. Strigotte also commented on Amber Ridge and the septic problems which have taken a number of years to address. He questioned the amount of property owned by Mr. Alongi in the areas addressed for sewering earlier in this meeting. Milt Freeman, Oak Grove Equities, thanked the Board for its consideration in continuing the public hearing,on his project. He expressed concern that the Board does not have a complete understanding of his project. He noted that he would accept the Board's goal and indicated that Walmart also would have the intent . to hire local people. He further noted that this project would create 400 new jobs. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT Executive Director Molendyk explained that there was a letter submitted and presented the background regarding Skylark Airport and the runway flooding problems. Legal Counsel Harper advised that if the Board.wished to consider this item it must be added to the agenda with a four - fifths vote. He then read the letter with proposed changes included as follows: Dear Sir, The City of Lake Elsinore has no objection to Skydive. California and the California Department of Aeronautics determining an appropriate temporary runway at the Skylark field. This would be used during the period of flooding which prevents the use of existing runways. The proposed operations for the runway, would be for skydiving only. Subject to School District concurrence, to forestall any problems with the school east of the field, you must conditions allowing use PkCN OF PAGE FIVE - REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES - FEBRUARY 23v 1993 the westerly runway for take -offs and the easterly runway for landings. These would not be open for use by the public. You must assure that your aircraft, as much as possible, make turn -outs to avoid over flying the housing southwest of the field. In the event that conditions call for a departure to the east, all aircraft must be able to turn prior to reaching Mission Trail and departing over the lake bed. Although we do not anticipate any additional liability, the City would require that you enter into a hold harmless Agreement with the City. You may not use the D.C. 3, aircraft on this runway. The two twin Otters and one twin Cesnia may be used. All consideration for reduced noise levels must be taken as long as no reduction in safety is caused. Executive Director Molendyk explained that Phase II of Jean Hayman Elementary School is under construction and they must be sure that this does not impact their site. MOVED BY WINKLER, SECONDED BY CHERVENY AND CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOTE TO CONSIDER THE CHANGE OF RUN WAYS AT SKYLARK FIELD MADE BY SKYDIVE CALIFORNIA, INC. Boardmember Alongi asked if Cal Trans had to approve this. Executive Director Molendyk.explained that before Cal Trans would consider this issue there would have to be letters of local support. He further explained that Skydive California is trying to get letters of support from the School District and the City to allow a temporary alignment, to present to Cal Trans. Boardmember Cherveny inquired whether this request was for a specific period of time or just for as long as the flooding lasts. Legal Counsel Harper advised that his understanding is that the request would be for as long as there is flooding. Boardmember Cherveny expressed concern with the Serenity housing tract and the concerns of those residents with the airport, while acknowleging the difficulty of the current situation at the airport. There was general discussion in regard to take -off and where it would occur and its impact on the Serenity homes and the school. Boardmember Alongi explained that he would like to see other letters of support before the City takes action. Legal Counsel Harper explained that Cal Trans would not have had any problem with the runways in 1980 except for their being used by the D.C. 31s. and it was the problem then and still is because of their turning radius. Boardmember Washburn explained that in order to stay in operation they have to temporarily use alternate runways to remain open. Executive Director Molendyk explained that these letters would not create the decision, as Cal Trans would then have to come and inspect and evaluate the situation before any decision could be made. Legal Counsel Harper stated that he had added language in the letter which reads: PAGE SIB - REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES - PEBRUARY 23, 1993 Subject to approval by Cal Trans, Elsinore Unified School District and other affected regulatory agencies. MOVED BY WINKLER, SECONDED BY ALONGI AND CARRIED BY 4 -1 VOTE WITH CHERVENY CASTING THE DISSENTING VOTE TO APPROVE THE LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR A TEMPORARY CHANGE IN RUNWAYS SUBJECT TO THE CHANGES MADE BY LEGAL COUNSEL HARPER. Executive Director Molendyk then gave an update on the Stadium - Amphitheater project and explained that at this time consideration is being given to designing the stadium for flexibility in the community as well as operation costs and financing and then it will be brought back to the Redevelopment Agency for review. Legal Counsel Harper advised that there is a need for Closed Session to discuss Adams vs. City of Lake Elsinore, OMG vs. City of Lake Elsinore and potential litigation. Boardmember Washburn commented on the following: 1. Encouraged the public to acquire flood insurance if their homes are in the 1260 to 1265 elevation range. Boardmember Cherveny concurred and reminded the public that there is a five day waiting period, as well as a possible five day processing time which needs to be considered and must be addressed immediately. Boardmember Alongi commented on the following: 1. Concurred with Mr. Strigotte that when large businesses develop in the City local people should be hired first. 2. Clarified that he did not own property on McBride, Shrier, DeBrask, Bromley, Gunnerson, Baker and the rest of that area.which is in desperate need of sewers. He further stated that due to the fact that the Mayor and he do make their living in the community it is easy to elude to a conflict, but he is on Council due to his dedication and interest in the community. 3. Questioned the need for small change orders to be brought before Council. He explained that when he sees a change order he will question it and this should be taken into consideration. 4. Thanked Cable Channel 3, for their community service during the floods. Chairman Winkler commented on the following: 1. Asked that the Board adjourn to March 2, 1993, at 5:00 p.m. to reconsider the theater at the O'Byrne site due to the fact that Rancon is experiencing problems and may not be able to acquire a theater for some time. He further stated that Mr. O'Byrne has everything in place and he would like to have the Board take another look at it. CLOSED SESSION I