REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a Memorandum of Understanding and Bylaws between the City of Sunnyvale and the Cities Association of Santa Clara County providing for the continuing operation of the Santa Clara/Santa Cruz Counties Airport/Community Roundtable and Approve Budget Modification 3 in the amount of $35,000
Report
BACKGROUND
Aviation noise is an issue of concern shared by various cities in Santa Clara County currently affected by increased flights and shift of air flight patterns from regional airports. In Sunnyvale, aviation noise sources include the San Jose International Airport, San Carlos Airport air traffic utilizing the Bayside Visual Approach, Moffett Federal Airfield, and airports located in the Northern California Metroplex (metropolitan areas with multiple airports and complex air traffic flows). Compounding the noise issue is the implementation of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) NexGen transportation system that concentrated flight paths over a consistent route, thereby intensifying noise experienced by Sunnyvale residents under a flight path.
Aviation noise impacts are especially felt by Sunnyvale residents when inclement weather and southerly winds reverse the flight pattern for San Jose International Airport arrival flights, known as south flow operation. To address growing complaints from south flow operations, Sunnyvale participated as a member of the recently disbanded Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on South Flow Arrivals. The Committee served as an advisory body comprised of elected officials from several local jurisdictions. The six-month term Committee was charged with making recommendations to the FAA on the reduction of south flow operation noise impacts on surrounding communities. Prior to its disbandment, the Committee expressed interest in the formation of a Santa Clara County cities roundtable that could continue the work started by the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on South Flow Arrivals, and continue to advoca...
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