Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee Meeting - December 10, 2015

This was the last Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations (ED&IR) Committee meeting of the 2015 calendar year, chaired by Councilmember Cole, with all members present. Also in attendance were Chief Deputy City Attorney Kevin Reich, Kristen Tilquist from the mayor's office, Jeff Quarr from the Office of the Independent Budget Analyst, and committee consultant Pam Ison. The agenda included a consent calendar item, a discussion to rename Montgomery Field Airport, an informational report on the Airport Division Business Plan, and approval of the 2016 State and Federal Legislative Platform.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Unanimously: A contract for the San Diego Tourism Authority for Cultural Tourism Promotion Services ($340,000). Council President Leitner noted some extraneous pages (unrelated to the item) and moved approval based on staff recommendation; Councilmember Kate seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kevin Swanson (constituent in Chair Cole's district) spoke during non-agenda public comments, urging the committee to plan for the 250th anniversary of San Diego's founding and the 100th anniversary of the 1915 Exposition to improve economic results. Later, on the consent item, he opposed the contract, noting it was broad and lacked specific deliverables, similar to past contracts criticized by the city auditor. He asked the committee to require defined activities before full council approval.

Discussion Items

• Airport Name Change (Item 3): The Real Estate Assets Department's Airport Division requested council approval to change the name of Montgomery Field to Montgomery Gibbs Executive Airport. Program Manager Wayne Ryder and Airport Operations Assistant Paul Merlick presented. The proposal originated from a July 2015 UT article about aviation pioneer Bill Gibbs (age 105). After public outreach, stakeholders voted: 116 favored "Montgomery Gibbs Executive Airport," with other options receiving fewer votes. The name retains "Montgomery" for John J. Montgomery (aviation pioneer) and adds "Gibbs" for William Gibbs, who founded the airport in 1937. The term "executive" is a marketing term. Costs include a monument sign ($45,000, already budgeted for FY17) and two metal signs ($200). Caltrans will replace freeway signs at no cost. The motion by Councilmember Kate, seconded by Council President Leitner, passed unanimously. Mr. Gibbs shared personal history about the airport's founding and his experiences.

• Airport Division Business Plan (Item 2): Deputy Director Rod Probst presented an informational report on the division's business plan, developed in response to a May 2015 performance audit. Key goals: safely operate both airports (Brown Field and Montgomery Field), achieve financial self-sufficiency (currently no general fund support but could improve), become business-friendly and customer-focused, increase return on investment, and address long-standing issues such as holdover leases (some lasting 28 years). Specific initiatives include hiring additional staff, updating the airport master plan (last approved in 1980), conducting customer surveys, and developing a property management manual. Probst noted the potential to recover $1 million annually by addressing holdover leases. Deputy City Auditor Matt Helm confirmed the plan satisfies audit recommendations and the division will be commended. No action was required; the report was informational only.

• 2016 State and Federal Legislative Platform (Item 4): Directors of State and Federal Government Affairs, Kristen Tilquist and Alejandra Gabaldon, presented the proposed 2016 platform, building on the 2015 version. The platform covers seven policy priority areas: jobs/economy, infrastructure/water reliability/environment, homelessness/housing affordability/neighborhood services, open government/city funding, public safety, veterans' affairs, and workforce development/youth opportunity. Key changes included splitting public safety from veterans, adding "software" to innovation clusters, updating redevelopment language (SB 107 success already secured $250M for the city), and adding items on water conservation mandates and drought response. Council members offered several additions and modifications during discussion:

  • Council President Leitner requested including support for collaboration on an FAA UAV test site, and support for federal legislation to restrict sale of historic post offices and preserve Saturday mail delivery. She also expressed concern about a line supporting policies to improve Bay Delta infrastructure, preferring to "monitor" rather than "support."
  • Councilmember Kate noted the need for a timeline on state water board drought regulation adjustments (expected vote in February 2016) and reiterated interest in monitoring Bay Delta issues.
  • Vice Chair Kersey asked for a reference to expanding the State Infrastructure Bank with better terms, similar to the water revolving fund. Staff clarified that existing language under economic development (1.3) may provide sufficient mandate. The motion to approve the platform, including the additions and with direction to staff to consider comments, was made by Council President Leitner and seconded by Chair Cole. It passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Item Approved: Tourism Authority contract moved forward.
• Airport Name Change Approved: Montgomery Field to Montgomery Gibbs Executive Airport; resolution to be submitted to FAA and state for processing.
• 2016 Legislative Platform Approved: Includes additions for UAV test site collaboration, post office/Saturday mail preservation, monitoring Bay Delta issues, and expanding State Infrastructure Bank. Staff directed to incorporate committee comments.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for January 21, 2016.