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Mounds View Planning Commission May 19, 1999 • Regular Meeting Page 10 Commissioner Kaden reported that he had attended the basic zoning workshop on April 29, 1999, found it to be informative, and thought it was a worthwhile seminar. Kaden stated that he attended the meeting at the State Capital along with City Administrator Whiting and Mayor Coughlin. He stated that there were currently two Bills being considered. One Bill prohibited the airport from constructing longer runways than it currently has without legislative approval. He stated that currently only MAC approval is required. He stated that if that Bill failed, the second Bill would cease construction of the runway for up to one year. He stated that the airport could still go through the planning process until the Legislature had time to consider it. He stated that he had learned that the Governor would pass the Bills, which were sponsored by Senator Steve Novak and House Representative Barb Haake. Chair Peterson stated that the City has had a problem with airport noise for many years, and considered this an opportunity to control the airport's further expansion. He stated that he had received much negative input from the community of Mounds View in regard to the problem of airport noise. Kaden stated that the official position of the City Council is that they are against extended runways, but there was nothing in the Comprehensive Plan regarding the airport. Chair Peterson stated that in one of the previous updates Council had indicated that the City was to remain aware of the situation at the airport, but that there was little language regarding it in the Comprehensive Plan. He asked if there was any language in the current draft which addressed the airport. Jopke stated that there was not. He agreed, however, that in light of current litigation, there should be. He stated that he had not drafted anything at this point but plans to after conferring with the City Attorney regarding the appropriate language. Kaden stated that the Metropolitan Airports Commission was in favor of expanding three minor airports in the State, including the airport located in Blaine. He stated they may not wish to expand the smaller airports if they consider the possibility of future construction of an airport 60 to 100 miles from the Twin City Airport to accommodate UPS and freight deliveries. Kaden stated that it had been suggested that he meet with the State Planning Commissioner to attempt to gain his support, and requested input from the Mounds View Planning Commission to be put forward during that meeting. Chair Peterson stated that at one time he had lived next to the airport in Blaine, prior to jet travel there, and at that time there was a problem with excessive noise. He stated that expansion would worsen the situation for the residents and asked if the City of Blaine was in favor of airport expansion.