TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Steven Lederer, Director of Public Works
REPORT BY: Mark Witsoe, Airport Manager
SUBJECT: Receive Update on Community Aircraft Noise Concerns and Approve Professional Service Agreement Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 220216B with Coffman Associates, Inc. at the Napa County Airport.
RECOMMENDATION
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Receive an update on community aircraft noise concerns; approve and authorize Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 220216B with Coffman Associates, Inc., to extend the term to June 30, 2027 and increase the maximum compensation from $80,000 to $300,000 for additional environmental and planning services in part to address aircraft noise concerns; and approve an associated Budget Amendment. (Fiscal Impact $220,000 Expense; Airport Fund; Not Budgeted; Discretionary)
[4/5 vote required]
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BACKGROUND
The Napa County Airport is owned and operated by Napa County and employs eight full-time staff and management to ensure the airport's safety and compliance with federal and state regulations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) owns and manages the nation's airspace for optimal use by flight operations assuring the safety of travel and flight in all weather conditions. In September 2024, the FAA, on its own initiative and without any approval by the County, added an instrument approach for Runway 19R to improve safety and efficiency of flight in the Bay Area. An instrument approach helps pilots land safely when visibility is poor (e.g., fog, low clouds, or night-time). It reduces diversions and delays during bad weather. In Napa's case, it means some residential overflight is unavoidable for aircraft landing at the Airport during inclement weather. This is due to the positioning of Runway 19R, the hills east of Highway 221, and the location of downtown. While pilots are required to use instrument approaches during poor visibility, they can choose to fly the approaches during good weather if the wind direction and FAA Tower supp...
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