Naples City Council discussed talking points for its Nov. 7 meeting with the Naples Airport Authority, agreeing not only to discuss a proposed move, but increased growth, noise and the airport’s $1 city lease.

Council agreed to hold a joint meeting with the NAA after the Board of County Commissioners declined the offer, saying the county wasn’t interested in moving the airport to any of the four sites in unincorporated Collier County.

“One of the things that the NAA is looking for is: What is the Council’s position on this issue?” City Manager Jay Boodheshwar told Council at its Oct. 14 workshop.

Council members decided they didn’t want to limit the discussion to relocating the 733-acre property off Airport Road, but should broaden the discussion to community and city concerns:

• The cost for Naples Police and other city services provided to the airport under an interlocal agreement, and whether it’s enough.
• The Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization overview.
• Flight procedures and the Part 150 study, which aims to reduce noise and incompatible land uses.
• The NAA’s utilization and master plans.
• Acceptance of federal and state airport grants.
• Reviewing the city’s and airport’s lobbying strategies.
• The 99-year $1 yearly lease, which ends Dec. 3, 2068.

After years of noise complaints by airport neighbors and Council’s request to study a possible move, the NAA last year paid California-based Environmental Science Associates nearly $400,000 to conduct an exploratory study to find another location.

This May, ESA revealed four potential sites in eastern Collier County, including the county-owned Immokalee Regional Airport, but construction wouldn’t start for eight to 12 years, and completion wouldn’t be until 2040 or later. Estimates range from $790 million to $1.6 billion, depending on whether it’s a general aviation or commercial airport, but the 2024 estimates are expected to increase.

Other options are to close the airport or further reduce noise as technology improves and aircraft get quieter. The NAA has spent years improving and monitoring noise and rewards pilots for adhering to voluntary 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfews.

Old Naples Association members, Quiet Florida’s founder and others urged Council to improve residents’ quality of life by enforcing the noise ordinance, moving flight schools to Immokalee Regional Airport, asking jets to use RSW Airport in Fort Myers and ending the airport’s lease when it expires. They contended increased volume and flights pose a health and safety risk.

“The problem of increased aviation over our near neighborhoods is not just a Naples problem. It’s nationwide, actually worldwide,” said Quiet Florida founder Mary Tatigian, calling noise and jet fuel particulates a health problem. “Many communities are being subjected to harm and community organizations have popped up all over the U.S., pushing local airports, legislation and the FAA to make changes.”

Under an interlocal agreement, the NAA pays the city roughly $2 million to provide services at the airport, including police fire, emergency services and utilities. Boodheshwar said Police Chief Ciro Dominguez has been looking at a possible expansion of the police services agreement to develop a better model.

“That is a win-win situation, not only for the NAA, but also for the police department,” Boodheshwar said.

Council member Ray Christman suggested $2 million is too low, as is the rent, and the city should review what other airports pay, while Council member Beth Petrunoff said she does not want the lease extended.

Mayor Teresa Heitmann noted residents packed Council chambers until 11 p.m. one night to discuss the airport, bringing petitions with thousands of signatures urging the city to control the airport so it remains a benefit to the community.

“The residents really want us to set this tone — and we can set this tone that it’s not them against us,” Heitmann said of the NAA. “We really need to work together to find solutions.”

Council member Bill Kramer agreed they need to work together, but said the FAA limits the NAA’s powers and it may not be able to do all that the city and residents want.