Consent Agenda: Approval of March 13, 2025 Meeting Minutes and Aircraft Noise Complaints/Operations Report
Approved unanimously (all in favor)
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [0:40] · Seconded by Unknown [0:40]
Two routine items presented as consent agenda: approval of previous meeting minutes and notation of aircraft noise complaints and operations. Chair indicated both items could be pulled for further discussion if needed. No items were pulled.
Noise 101: Aircraft Noise Assessment Process Presentation
Informational presentation; no vote required
Dissent: None
Ryan Anderson delivered a detailed technical presentation on aircraft noise measurement and assessment. Key topics included: distinction between sound (physical phenomenon) and noise (unwanted sound); subjective nature of noise perception based on context and emotional factors; decibel measurement as logarithmic scale; A-weighting for human hearing range; specific metrics (LMAX, LEQ, SEL, DNL); FAA thresholds of significance (65 DNL, 1.5 dB change inside contour, 3 dB change outside); and measurement methods (physical monitors vs. FAA AEDT modeling). Anderson emphasized that DNL, while useful for cumulative impacts, does not capture frequency of operations, and illustrated how vastly different scenarios (1 flight at 114 dB vs. 1,000 flights at 84 dB) can yield identical 65 DNL results.
Panaprog Behind the Scenes: Lakeville Lions Club Flying Breakfast Partnership
Informational presentation; no vote required
Dissent: None
Paul Jacobus presented the 13th annual flying breakfast event, a fundraiser for the Lakeville Lions Club (founded 1953, 120+ members) that serves as the kickoff to Panaprog. The event has grown from 120 meals in year one to an expected 2,600 meals with 3,600 unique visitors. The Lions Club conducted 2,200 volunteer shifts last year, served 51,000 people, and donated $366,000 back to the community. The breakfast requires 200 volunteers contributing 1,200 hours over two days. Key partnerships include: A Loft Aviation (FBO facility, no rental charge enabling free meals for children under 4, saving families $3,500 retail annually); MAC (safety coordination, equipment display, paint-the-plow activity, road materials); Civil Air Patrol (airfield safety); Safety Signs (300 parking cones); City of Lakeville (30 barricades); More Golf (11 golf carts); and Featherlight (NASCAR transport trams for contingency transport). The event serves 5,800 eggs, 4,500 sausage links, 20 gallons of syrup, 104 gallons of orange juice, and parks 1,200 vehicles. Jacobus emphasized the event's role in introducing aviation to Lakeville families and generating positive community perception of the airport.
Roadway Update: 225th Road Paving Project Postponement
Informational update; no vote required
Dissent: Significant tenant opposition and frustration expressed by Adam and multiple commission members
Sam Seafelt announced that the MAC has postponed the 225th Road paving project (Cedar to South airport entrance, approximately half-mile) from 2025 to 2027. The decision was driven by two factors: (1) proximity to pipeline infrastructure and ongoing negotiations with pipeline companies regarding the runway reconstruction and extension project; cost-benefit analysis determined it was inefficient to pave the road only to demolish it when the runway project proceeds; (2) competing capital priorities, with Lake Elmo Airport's runway design project receiving funding priority. The runway project environmental assessment has not yet begun pending FAA approval of a memo submitted by MAC outlining pipeline concerns and requesting authorization to start the 12-month environmental review period. The 2027 target date for both the runway and road projects is contingent on FAA approval and pipeline company agreement. Sam Seafelt acknowledged that Adam (FBO operator) had been assured as recently as April 18th that the road project would proceed in 2025, and that he contacted Adam by phone once the decision was finalized, though Adam learned of the cancellation through rumors first.
Radio Frequency Change: New Richmond Airport 123.0 to 123.05
Informational update; no vote required; final decision pending August 20, 2025 FAA submission deadline
Dissent: None
Sam Seafelt reported that after pausing the frequency change in February to allow better evaluation of traffic counts during active operational seasons, the MAC is now leaning toward changing New Richmond Airport's radio frequency from 123.0 to 123.05 (shared with Red Wing Airport). The decision is based on spring and summer operational data showing better frequency sharing compatibility with Red Wing than with the previous alternative. The proposed effective date is October 2, 2025, with an FAA submission deadline of August 20, 2025. The MAC may still make a different decision if summer traffic counts warrant it. Communication strategy includes newsletters, Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), automated weather messages, ground signage, FBO flyers, and monitoring of the old 123.0 frequency to catch pilots using outdated information.
Airport Manager Update: Airport Shop Construction and Facility Improvements
Informational update; no vote required
Dissent: None
Sam Seafelt reported that the airport shop has been under construction since mid-April with a target completion date of the first week of July. The new facility includes environmentally friendly systems, proper HVAC for year-round employee comfort, and dedicated sleeping quarters for staff during winter storm operations. Additionally, the October barbecue event may be moved to August or September, with further communication to follow.
Member Announcements: Tenant Concerns Regarding Road Infrastructure and MAC Communication
Member announcements; no vote required
Dissent: Significant and sustained opposition from Adam (FBO operator), Pat (long-term tenant), Dan (commission member), and other commission members regarding MAC's road project postponement, communication failures, and comparative lack of infrastructure investment.
Adam (FBO operator and major tenant) and multiple commission members expressed significant frustration over the 225th Road paving project postponement. Adam emphasized that he was assured as recently as April 18th that the road would be paved in 2025, only to learn through rumors of its cancellation. He noted that tenants are required by MAC to maintain paved parking lots while driving on a muddy dirt road, creating a contradiction. He highlighted that the delay impacts business development, as he has partners ready to open a restaurant at the facility and clients expect professional access. Adam stated: "I have two people here in the in the audience right now that are going to be opening a restaurant with me. Okay, we could be putting business out there. There could be additional tax revenue for the MAC." He also expressed frustration that the MAC did not include him in internal discussions about whether to proceed with the road, stating: "I think that tells us as tenants and Adam as a tenant really where Mac feels we rank on the hierarchy." Commission member Dan added that the issue extends beyond Adam's business, affecting potential restaurant customers and broader community economic development. Commission member Pat noted that compared to other regional airports, the MAC appears less active in infrastructure improvements and urged support for Adam's facility development. A commission member who works at Fleming Airport stated: "I do not see the same level of activity from the MAC in improvements at the air airport and that's uh spoken as someone who's been there for 20 years." Sam Seafelt acknowledged the frustration and committed to bringing the concerns and comments back to MAC leadership. When asked whether the MAC would meet with Adam to discuss the road situation, Sam agreed to visit the road and assess conditions firsthand. A commission member asked whether the FAA process could begin without pipeline company agreement, and Sam clarified that the MAC is waiting for FAA response to its memo before the environmental assessment can begin. When asked about the timeline for FAA response, Sam stated: "None at all. Okay. So the whole community sits and waits."