Lakeville City Council — Transcript
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Story
Air Lake Airport eyes growth as infrastructure projects face delays
FAA's Mosaic Rule (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification)
Non-Local Training Flights
Airport Infrastructure Projects (Roadway and Runway Extension)
Hangar Franchise Fees
Airport Growth and Future Developments
Votes (6)
Aircraft Operations and Noise Complaints Q2 2025 Update
Justin Miller provided an update on Air Lake Airport operations for the second quarter of 2025 (April, May, June), noting 11,831 total operations. May saw strong numbers, while June was slightly below previous years. Only one noise complaint was received, related to a helicopter operation far west of I35. Pat Moyahan clarified that this could be due to power line construction, which often involves low-flying helicopters housed at Air Lake. The board had no further questions.
FAA's Mosaic Rule Update
Justin Miller presented information on the FAA's final ruling on 'Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification' (Mosaic), announced at AirVenture. This rule expands the light sport aircraft category to allow more participation in general aviation by increasing performance limits (speed, weight, up to four seats, turbines, retractable landing gear). The co-chair noted it particularly benefits senior pilots who may have lost their medical certification. The potential for increased general aviation activity at Air Lake was discussed, though specific impacts are unknown given the recency of the rule.
Non-Local Training Flights from Minnesota State University Aviation Program
The committee requested data on non-local training flights, specifically from Minnesota State University's aviation program in Mankato. Using N numbers from their fleet of 50 aircraft, it was found that there were 17 operations in July and 38 in August at Air Lake, including arrivals, departures, or touch-and-goes. It was noted that current data does not allow for specific discernment of instrument approaches, only general flight activity.
Roadway and Runway Extension Project Updates
Steve Gddter and Pat Moyahan requested updates on the roadway from Cedar to Maynard Lane and the runway extension. Michelle Ross, Director of Stakeholder Engagement for the MAC, affirmed alignment between MAC, tenants, and the community on these developments. For the road, options are being explored to complete new alignment and repaving, with a definitive schedule expected within weeks. For the runway, coordination with pipeline companies continues to meet FAA encumbrance requirements for the EA process. Frustration was expressed over the prolonged negotiation with pipeline companies, which has delayed the runway project for years. Adam highlighted the economic benefits of the road for the restaurant and the need for improved access, criticizing the current muddy state.
Hangar Franchise Fee Inconsistency Discussion
Dissent: Strong opposition to current classification and billing voiced by Pat Moyahan and Dan Walbert on behalf of hangar owners.
Pat Moyahan raised an issue regarding inconsistent franchise fees for his hangar, noting his gas bill categorized the hangar as 'residential' ($6 fee) while his electricity bill classified it as 'commercial/industrial' ($16 fee), despite MAC rules prohibiting commercial business. Justin Miller explained the city sets rates but utility companies determine property classification based on meter type. Hangar owners expressed frustration, feeling the city was 'passing the buck' and that hangars should not be classified as commercial. There was a consensus that most hangar owners would not agree with commercial classification, leading to a discussion about forming a group to approach the utility company or engaging the city for a review.
Member Announcements and Airport Operator Updates
Chris Jack announced Visit Lakeville's plans for a welcome center with signage, charging stations, and artwork at the new hangar, and the upcoming 'Stepping into the Future' career exploration event for 8th graders in January. Adam, the airport operator, announced positive developments: becoming a limited Cirrus service and training center, acquiring a Noble Flight simulator, and significant growth in airport operations, now challenging for the third busiest airport among the cities. He reiterated appreciation for the road project progress but expressed frustration with the current gravel road conditions. Adam also recommended that city and airport representatives attend MAC board meetings for greater transparency on decisions affecting Air Lake Airport.
Notable Quotes (16)
Um, as far as operations go, for the second quarter, which includes the months of April, May, and June, the airport saw a total of 11,831 operations.
Well, are you aware there's power line construction and they're using a helicopter to string the lines?
Um and what this means basically is it expands that light sport aircraft category to allow um more participation um from the uh those interested in getting into general aviation and recreational flying. So it's increased the uh performance limits like speed and weight.
Uh this also allows the senior pilots that are getting older to probably still fly their aircraft. Because of the new medical type things that are going on. So it will continue to have older people fly.
So we looked at the months of July and August and you can see there there were about 17 operations in July, 38 operations in August that um those aircraft did come to Air Lake and and perform either an arrival or departure or a touchandgo.
I mean, we could make a kind of a guess based on the flight track and and you know, what it's doing, but um it's really just a guess.
Um and so in terms of the road, we are exploring options to be able to um complete the new alignment and repaving of that road as soon as possible. There are several uh steps that are are necessary in order to make that happen. And so we are working through all of those steps.
Absolutely. I completely understand. I know it's it is frustrating that it is taking as long as it has.
The benefit of the road coming in, it will benefit the restaurant and Jason back there. All right. It would allow us to have a very nice arrival departure area for people coming into Lakeville and they're not going to be getting on a a muddy road.
But um what I'm trying to understand is it seems to be inconsistently applied and I when I try to investigate as to why I don't understand the process...
The city does not make that determination whether your property is residential, commercial, or industrial in the eyes of the utility. It's all up to them. The city sets the rate based on if it's a residential and then commercial industrial...
I think our issue is with the city. Uh it it really sounds to me like the city is passing the buck to the power company because of how they run their business.
visit our visit Lakeville Convention Visitor Bureau is working with Adam. We're going to we're working on some um welcome center signage out at um the new hanger. Still calling it the new hanger. Uh, and so we will have some welcome center with some a charging station and some brochure racks and then a beautiful um some beautiful artwork I guess we should call it right up on there.
So, we do really gratefully appreciate when the ball is actually moving. Okay. And we feel that there's some genuine progress.
You know, and five years ago, Lakeville was dead last, okay? And you we're knocking on the door of number three. Okay? We're more than St. Paul. You know, we're right behind Crystal and realistically, we're talking three to five operations a day passing them.
I think I would like to potentially recommend that maybe a representative from the city and a representative from the airport be able to attend the board meetings up at the MAC regarding the operations at the Air Lake Airport.
Ordinances & Resolutions (3)
FAA final ruling expanding the light sport aircraft category.
City ordinance governing franchise fees, mentioned in discussion about hangar classifications.
Environmental Assessment process required by the FAA for the runway extension project.