DEPARTMENT: Aviation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Russell J. Handy
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Aviation Administration for the Operation of the Air Traffic Control Tower at Stinson Municipal Airport
SUMMARY:
City Council consideration of an ordinance authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Aviation Administration outlining the roles and responsibilities of the operation of the new air traffic control tower at Stinson Municipal Airport. The FAA provides air traffic control tower services for Stinson through an air traffic control tower services provider.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The FAA has operated the air traffic control tower at Stinson since 1953 through a series of lease agreements as the tower was part of the terminal building. With the construction and operation of a separate tower, that became operational in December 2018, the FAA sent the City in August 2019 the proposed MOU to supersede the lease agreement the FAA approved by City Council in September 2008 through Ordinance No. 2008-09-18-0815. While the FAA contributed more than $2 million to the project, the facility is owned and maintained by the Aviation Department.
In the past, the FAA and City utilized a lease agreement as the air traffic control tower was part of the terminal building at Stinson. The new air traffic control tower is in operation across the airfield from the terminal building, therefore, a lease agreement is no longer the appropriate mechanism and the proposed MOU will supersede the 2008 lease agreement approved by City Council. The proposed MOU will be automatically renewed annually and will not obligate funds by either party.
ISSUE:
The proposed MOU outlines the following responsibilities for the FAA and the City regarding the operation of the air traffic control tower at Stinson. As in the past, the FAA will continue to operate the air traffic control tower through a contractual agreement ...
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