RPVCCA_SR_2010_08_17_04_Budget_Adjustment_For_Professional_Services_Regarding_Airspace_MattersCrrYOF
MEMORANDUM
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
REVIEWED:
HONORABLE MAYOR &CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
DENNIS McLEAN,DIRECTOR OF FINANCE &INFORMATION ~
TECHNOLOGY 'f!lb
AUGUST 17,2010
REQUEST FOR BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES REGARDING PROPOSED CLASS C AIRSPACE
DESIGNATION SURROUNDING LONG BEACH AIRPORT -
POTENTIAL IMPACT ON RANCHO PALOS VERDES
CAROLYN LEHR,CITY MANAGER ~
RECOMMENDA TlON
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.2010-_,A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES,AMENDING RESOLUTION NO.
2010-55,THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011,FOR A
BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO THE CITY'S GENERAL FUND TO PAY FOR THE COST OF
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REGARDING FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
AIRSPACE MAnERS.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Federal Aviation Administration (the "FAA")is considering a proposed change of the
airspace surrounding the Long Beach Airport (LGB)to a more restricted Class C
designation.Generally,the proposed Class C airspace would extend north to the 91
Freeway corridor,west to the 110 Freeway corridor and extend 5-10 miles south beyond
the ocean shoreline and wrap around the coastline down towards Costa Mesa (see
attachment).The current LGB Class D airspace is generally a radius of about 10 miles
surrounding the airport.Generally,it does not reach the 110 Freeway and does not extend
beyond the shoreline in the Long Beach/Los Angeles Harbor area (see attachment).
Because the comment period deadline is September 21,2010 (less than a month away),
the City Attorney is finalizing retention of Williams Aviation Consultants to prepare a
preliminary impact report.This report is expected to be used by an attorney who is
4-1
REQUEST FOR BUDGET ADJUSTMENT -PROFESSIONAL SERVICES -REGARDING
PROPOSED CLASS C AIRSPACE DESIGNATION SURROUNDING LONG BEACH
AIRPORT -POTENTIAL IMPACT ON RANCHO PALOS VERDES
August 17,2010
Page 2 of 5
experienced to practice before the FAA and retained by the City Attorney who would draft a
written technical report to the FAA.Time is of the essence.The FY1 0-11 budget in the
City Manager's program cannot absorb the cost of additional professional services
expected to reach about $15,000 for the preparation of the preliminary impact report and
the filing of technical comments to the FAA.
If the airspace change occurs,all aircraft will be required to contact Southern California
Terminal Radar Approach Control Center "TRACON",also known as "SCT",for
authorization prior to entering the LGB Class C airspace.Concerns have been raised that
the proposed LGB airspace change will "push"a greater number of instructional,testing
and practice aircraft flights from the designated Long Beach/Los Angeles Harbor Flight
training Area to the Palos Verdes Flight Training and Practice Area along the Palos Verdes
Peninsula coastline.The City's aviation consultant has expressed a similar first
impression.Additionally,there is a concern that general aviation aircraft may elect to fly
west of the 110 Freeway along the eastern ridge of the Palos Verdes Peninsula,to avoid
the requirement to obtain authorization from SCT air traffic controllers before entering the
LGB airspace.Other concerns include the possibility of increased general aviation traffic
over the north side of Palos Verdes Estates and the Hollywood Riviera area of Redondo
Beach,departing from Torrance Airport flying to the coastal Palos Verdes Flight Training
and Practice Area.
Staff recently conducted a productive discussion with our neighboring Peninsula cities that
is expected to lead to a unified recommendation to oppose the airspace change,as well as
possible cost sharing for the opposition efforts.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
Overview of Proposed LGB Airspace Change
The airspace surrounding LGB is currently classified as Class D.Generally,a Class D
airspace designation requires aircraft,including (non-commercial)general aviation aircraft,
to communicate with the LGB airport control tower prior to entering its designated Class D
airspace.Generally,LGB control tower would refuse entry into the LGB airspace only
when it would be unsafe (I.e.unsafe proximity with a passenger flight,an unsafe number of
aircraft in the airspace).If the LGB airspace is changed to Class C,the air traffic control
("ATC")responsibility will be transferred to SCT,located in San Diego.SCT is responsible
for managing all air traffic in Southern California,including passenger and freight aircraft
being served by the following airports:LAX,San Diego,John Wayne Airport,Ontario and
Burbank.Any aircraft wishing to enter the LGB airspace must contact SCT for
authorization prior to entering Class C airspace.Concerns have been raised that because
SCT is not increasing staffing to manage the additional aircraft entering the LGB airspace;
aircraft may be directed to hold (not enter the LGB airspace)while SCT controllers manage
commercial flights,especially passenger flights,especially during peak passenger and
freight traffic periods.Concerns have been raised that safety may be impaired.
4-2
REQUEST FOR BUDGET ADJUSTMENT -PROFESSIONAL SERVICES -REGARDING
PROPOSED CLASS C AIRSPACE DESIGNATION SURROUNDING LONG BEACH
AIRPORT -POTENTIAL IMPACT ON RANCHO PALOS VERDES
August 17,2010
Page 3 of 5
If the FAA ultimately decides to change LGB to a Class C airport,all aircraft that enters its
airspace will also be required to have a Mode C transponder to send radio signals to SCT.
The Mode C transponder will enable flight tracking by SCT on its radar.Staff understands
that most general aviation aircraft throughout southern California airspace is already
equipped with transponders.However,staff has been advised by several knowledgeable
aircraft advocates that some locally-based aircraft do not have transponders;thus,would
be prohibited from entering the proposed LGB Class C airspace.
Staff has read public documents prepared by local flying clubs,flight schools,a local airport
association and the California Air Pilots Association that purport airspace traffic conflicts
will result from the proposed LGB airspace change.The documents have been forwarded
to the City's aviation consultant for consideration in its preliminary impact report.
The Los Angeles basin is considered one of the most complex airspaces to manage air
traffic in the country.The commercial aircraft industry segment (i.e.passenger airlines and
freight carriers)might be expected to support the airspace change citing improved air
safety,especially passenger safety.The general aviation aircraft community (i.e.flight
schools, flying clubs and small businesses)is generally opposed to the proposed airspace
change.Both the commercial aircraft industry segment and the general aviation
community generally agree that a review and revision of the airspace in the entire LA Basin
is warranted.The FAA began such a project that appears to have stalled at this time.
There is a potential impact on the quality of life of the City's residents and tourism
community (i.e.Terranea Resort and Trump National)that may result from an increase of
aircraft noise and the risks resulting from aircraft compression -more general aviation
aircraft flying in a defined area.Of course,maintaining air flight safety in Southern
California is of the upmost importance.
FAA Rulemaking Process·Public and Technical Comments
Based upon preliminary inquiries with the FAA,the public meetings serve to gather facts
and public comments pursuant to the regulatory process that could possibly lead to an
airspace change surrounding LGB.The FAA will consider the comments prior to making a
decision whether to move forward with the proposed LGB airspace change.If the FAA
decides to move forward,the process will include the issuance of a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking,followed by a public comment process prior to a final decision to change the
LGB airspace.The process could take up to a couple years before any rulemaking is
finalized.
At our request,the FAA has agreed to extend the public comment deadline to September
21,2010.The matter is expected to be agendized for the regular Council meeting on
September 7,2010,with the expectation to present a draft public comment letter
addressed to the FAA that would be signed by the Mayor.The City's aviation consultant
has advised Staff that a "technical comments"letter should be separately filed by the City's
legal counsel prior to September 21,2010.The technical comments would provide the
legal basis to for the City to challenge the appropriateness of the airspace change,if the4-3
REQUEST FOR BUDGET ADJUSTMENT -PROFESSIONAL SERVICES -REGARDING
PROPOSED CLASS C AIRSPACE DESIGNATION SURROUNDING LONG BEACH
AIRPORT -POTENTIAL IMPACT ON RANCHO PALOS VERDES
August 17,2010
Page 4 of 5
FAA elects to do so.
Anyone outside of the City that is interested in providing the FAA with comments may wish
to do so on or before September 21,2010.Residents of the City may provide comments
directly to the City (preferably to the attention of Dennis McLean,Director of Finance &
Information Technology or dennism@rpv.com)or directly to the FAA.Staff will attach all
written comments received by the public to its public comment letter.Comments provided
directly to the FAA should be in triplicate and mailed to:
Clark Desing,Operations support Group,AJV-W2
Western Service Area,Air traffic Organization
Federal Aviation Administration
1601 Lind Avenue,SW
Renton,WA 98057
Based upon the advice of the City's aviation consultant,public comments should also be
sent concurrently to:
William C.Withycombe
Western-Pacific Region Regional Administrator
Federal Aviation Administration
P.O.Box 92007
Los Angeles,CA 90009-2007
Staff expects to provide additional information using the Aircraft Noise Iistserver group and
the City's website as additional information becomes available.
Coordination With Neighboring Peninsula Cities
Staff has provided an overview regarding the proposed LGB airspace change to the City
Managers of the Palos Verdes Peninsula cities.Two of the three cities do not have a
Council meeting scheduled prior to the (extended)September 21,2010 comment deadline
set by the FAA.However,Staff expects to share appropriate information with our
neighboring cities to facilitate their comments to the FAA.The cities will consider any
appropriate cost sharing as the work of advisors progresses towards the deadline.All four
Peninsula cities may wish to enter into an agreement in the event further opposition action
is required beyond the September 21,2010 comment deadline.Staff will inquire with other
neighboring cities (i.e.Redondo Beach and Torrance)to inquire as to their interest in
collaborating with the City's expected opposition.
FISCAL IMPACT
The FY1 0-11 budget in the City Manager's program cannot absorb the cost of additional
professional services expected to reach about $15,000 for the preparation of the
preliminary impact report and the filing of technical comments to the FAA.If neighboring
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REQUEST FOR BUDGET ADJUSTMENT -PROFESSIONAL SERVICES -REGARDING
PROPOSED CLASS C AIRSPACE DESIGNATION SURROUNDING LONG BEACH
AIRPORT -POTENTIAL IMPACT ON RANCHO PALOS VERDES
August 17,2010
Page 5 of 5
cities participate,the City would be the lead agency;therefore,the total amount paid would
be recorded as an expenditure and reimbursements collected from the neighboring cities
would be recorded as revenue in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices.
The FY10-11 Schedule of Estimated General Fund Reserves is attached.
ATTACHMENTS:
RESOLUTION NO.2010-_,A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES,AMENDING RESOLUTION NO.
2010-55,THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011,FOR A
BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO THE CITY'S GENERAL FUND TO PAY FOR THE COST OF
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REGARDING FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
AIRSPACE MATTERS.
Attachment a -FY1 0-11 Schedule of Estimated General Fund Reserves
Graphic of Current Class D Airspace Designation Surrounding Long Beach Airport
Graphic of Proposed Class C Airspace Designation Surrounding Long Beach Airport
4-5
RESOLUTION NO.2010-_
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.2010-_,A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES,AMENDING RESOLUTION NO.
2010-55,THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011,FOR A
BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO THE CITY'S GENERAL FUND TO PAY FOR THE COST
OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REGARDING FEDERAL AVIATION
ADMINISTRATION AIRSPACE MATTERS.
WHEREAS,Section 3.32 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code provides that all
expenditures in excess of bUdgeted allocations must be by supplemental appropriation of the
City Council;and
WHEREAS,on June 15,2010,the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
adopted Resolution 2010-55,approving a spending plan and authorizing a budget appropriation
for the 2010-11 fiscal year;and
WHEREAS,the City Council elects to retain the services of professionals to advise the
City regarding Federal Aviation Administration airspace matters;and,
WHEREAS,a budget increase in the City Manager's Program of the General Fund is
necessary to provide for this service.
NOW BE IT,THEREFORE,RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES:
The following adjustment to appropriations is made,as follows:
GENERAL FUND:
City Manager 101-1002-411-32-00 Professional Services $15,000
PASSED,APPROVED,AND ADOPTED THIS 1ih DAY OF AUGUST 2010.
Mayor
ATIEST:
City Clerk
State of California )
County of Los Angeles )ss
City of Rancho Palos Verdes)
I,CARLA MORREALE,City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,hereby certify that the
above Resolution No.2010-_was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said City
Council at a regular meeting thereof held on August 17,2010.
City Clerk
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FY10-11 Statement of Estimated General Fund Reserves Attachment A
Budaet Adootian (estimate)
I Action Date 1
6/1512010
Beginning I
Reserves
10,264,429
Revenues
21,747,717
Expenditures INet Transfers I
(17,832,855 13,914,099
Ending
Reserves
10,265,192
--,----!----I----I-----------~--1-----+------1-------------------------
---,----1----1------1------- ------I
Excess Budgeted Revenue Over/(Under)
BudQeted Expenditures &Net Transfers
Reserve Policy Level (50%of Budgeted
General Fund Expenditures)
Reserves in Excess of Policv Level
21.747.717 (17,832,855 13,914,099)10,265,192
I I I
I I I
763
I I I
8,916,428
115%1,348,765
10,264,429
--,---_·_-------1-
I
Revised Estimates
Variance \0 Oriainal Budael
Column Heading Definwons _-=-~=_i_____I [_~J~_-=J-- --:
Action Date is the dale Cilt...Council adol?'t~the budget or approved an adjustment 10 the budget.__ _
Beg~nrng ~.eservos are the budgeted 7/1/10 General fund reserves at the time of budget adoelion.________._
Revenues include the originally adopted revenue budget and subsequent adjustments.VVhen staff becomes aware thai revenues are expected to
~!g~c~lly deviate from ~he <!9.Q~ted bUdg~,an adjustment is f!resented to the City.Council for af!f!roval.___
Expenditures include the originally adopted expenditure budget and subsequent adjustments.When staff becomes aware that expenditures of a program
'!re expected to sig.!li~antly ~viate from the adopted budget.an adjustment is f!resenled 10 the City.Council for al?proval.__________
Net Transfers include bolh operating transfers from and 10 the General fund.Originally budgeled Net Transfers are adjusled when staff becomes aware that
an additional 2Per~transfer is needed to satisfy an unanticipated shortfall within another fund;and that shortfall must be funded with General fund monies.
Ending Reserves are the estimated 6/30/10 General fund reserves at the time of budget adoption.Adjusted Ending Reserves is a calculation based on
subseQuent adiustments to Beainnina Reserves.Revenues.Exoendilures and Net Transfers.
4-7
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