Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: James C. Porter, Department of Public Works
Subject: Agreement with Vector Airport Systems for the San Carlos Airport Noise Operation Management and Landing Fee System
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution:
A) Authorizing the Director of Public Works, or his/her designee, to execute an agreement with Vector Airport Systems for an automated aircraft landing fee and noise management system for San Carlos Airport for an amount not to exceed $215,552 for three years beginning on July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023 with two one-year options to extend; and
B) Authorizing the Director of Public Works, or his/her designee, to execute contract amendments modifying the County’s maximum fiscal obligation by no more than $25,000 in aggregate, and modify the Agreement term, services or make other administrative changes to the Vector Agreement within current or revised fiscal provisions.
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BACKGROUND:
In March 2016, your Board initiated the San Carlos Airport Aircraft Disturbance Study (Study). Implementation of the Vector Airport Systems (Vector) for real-time flight tracking, noise-complaint management and automated landing fee billing was a recommendation of the Study.
San Carlos Airport (Airport) uses Vector to respond to noise complaints quickly and with detailed information for residents. Vector is also used to collect and report trend data on the number of arrivals, noise complaints, and adherence with Voluntary Noise Abatement Procedures (VNAP). Using Vector, the Airport identified common VNAP misunderstandings and clarified County marketing materials, resulting in a higher percentage of adherence.
DISCUSSION:
The Vector system is used at ten airports across the US and the system is used by the Federal Aviation Administration for safety research projects. Vector was designed to be effective and affordable. Until Vector was developed, only large international airports had access to real time flight track data, noise complaint correlation, and geographic flight track detection. The ability to access real time flight track data and correlate flights with complaints allows the Airport staff to be more responsive and provide community groups and noise callers with detailed information and trend data.
Use of Vector along with innovation and outreach is essential for continued positive relations with communities surrounding the Airports, especially as flight activities begin to increase to pre-COVID levels.
The Airport has been allocated Measure K (fuel tax) funding for Vector in FY 2020-21. Measure K (fuel tax) funding for Vector will be requested annually. The Airport Enterprise fund will cover budget shortfalls if needed.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost of the agreement over the three-year period is $215,552. The cost for FY 2020-21 is $70,444, which is included in the Airport’s FY 2020-21 Recommended Budget. Costs for years two and three of the agreement will be included in future budgets. There is no Net County Cost associated with this item.