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CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM |
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Department: |
Public Works |
Commission Meeting Date: February 7, 2017 |
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Staff Contact: |
Charles F. Soules, P.E., Director of Public Works |
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Recommendations/Options/Action Requested: |
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Refer the Federal Aviation Administration Memorandum regarding the Parachute Landing Area Assessment to the Aviation Advisory Board for review and recommendation. |
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Executive Summary: |
The City received requests to designate a parachute landing area on Lawrence Municipal Airport property. Concerns were raised about the potential risks associated with skydiving activities occurring near other airport operations and emergency response services provided by LifeStar. Additional background information is attached.
The City sought assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA performed a desk audit assessment (an examination of documents only, which is done off-site). FAA’s report is attached. In short, the FAA found, based upon its review of a diagram and Google Earth measuring tools, three (3) areas of the airport that could accommodate certain parachute operations, provided certain requirements are met. FAA further stated that, “A plan needs to be developed to implement the identified provisions before operations begin.”
Costs are expected, but unknown at this time, in order to accommodate parachuting activities at the airport. These costs may include developing the area, updating the Airport Layout Plan, and administering and monitoring compliance with the plans and operational standards. City staff recommends that the Commission refer this issue (FAA memorandum) to the Aviation Advisory Board for a recommendation on the preferred area, and assistance with the development of plans/standards or requirements to conduct parachuting activities to minimize safety hazards. |
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Strategic Goal Area: |
Other |
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Fiscal Impact (Amount/Source): |
The fiscal impact to the City required to accommodate parachuting activities is not yet known. |
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Attachments: |
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Reviewed By: (for CMO use only) |
☐TM ☐DS ☐CT ☒BM |