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02/26/2008 AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER February 6, 2008 Present: Dennis G. Roper Chair David Spaulding Board Member Edward J. Dolezal, Jr. Board Member Vacant Seat Board Member Absent: Todd N. Fontechia Board Member Also Present: Camilo Soto Assistant City Attorney William Morris Marine & Aviation Director Gordon Wills Airport Operations Manager Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2. Approval of Minutes – November 7, 2007 Member Spaulding moved to approve the minutes of the regular Airpark Advisory Board meeting of November 7, 2007, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Tenant & Lease Report from FBO FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) representative Barbara Cooper reported on tenant levels and the number of visitors to the Airpark in December 2007 and January 2008. She said business is increasing due to improved weather conditions. The t-hangars and shade hangars are rented and the corporate hangars are at full capacity. There is a waiting list for shade and corporate hangers. Some hard stands are available. 4. Old Business Clearwater Airpark Economic Impact Analysis Controller Clem Vericker reported on the Airpark’s financial status including fiscal activity, interfund charges, revenues, expenses, depreciation, net assets, grants, insurance costs, etc. He said the Airpark’s funds have been part of the Marina fund. However, beginning in fiscal year 2008, the Airpark will operate as an enterprise fund. Airpark and Marina funds will be reported separately. In response to a question, Mr. Vericker said insurance costs are calculated on a number of different inputs. The City’s insurance costs have increased for all departments. Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris requested board input regarding shifting funds from refurbishment of the maintenance hangar to constructing additional hangars that would improve Airpark Advisory 2008-02-06 1 the projected negative cash flow for the Airpark. Staff is meeting with the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) next week to request that grant funds already allocated for other Airpark projects be used for revenue-generating projects such as constructing additional hangars. He said once the Airpark’s cash flow improves, other projects will be completed. He said as the FDOT’s funding is limited, they are analyzing a mix of regional projects to determine how to allocate funds. A remark was made that it is important to address the Airpark’s financial deficit as soon as possible before it worsens. Support was expressed for construction of additional hangars. In response to a question, Ms. Cooper suggested multi-use hangars be built to accommodate larger aircraft. She said corporate hangars and t-hangars generate almost the same amount of revenue. Discussion ensued with comments that fuel costs and insurance affect the Airpark’s economic status, and that recreational pilots have decreased their activity at the Airpark due to higher fuel prices. A suggestion was made that consideration be given to hosting an event one weekend a month to encourage pilots to fly in and out of the Airpark more frequently. Discounted fuel prices and various activities would encourage more activity at the Airpark. Staff could monitor each event’s success. It was remarked that in 1982, several airports throughout Tampa Bay and outlying areas coordinated special aviation events to encourage more activity at their respective airports. It was remarked that discounted fuel prices would not improve the Airpark’s financial status. It was requested that staff provide information regarding calculations used for insurance, land value, and depreciation for the Airpark. It was remarked that the County is looking at the current highest and best use method used for land valuations. A comment was made that the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) is looking for opportunities to attract more members, especially youth, and increase interest in aviation. One person spoke regarding insurance, depreciation, and replacement costs, more realistic rental prices, increasing capacity at the Airpark, requested easier to read financial statements, and suggested the board be more proactive, especially when staff requests are denied. Member Dolezal plans to meet with City staff regarding the Airpark’s operations and financial status, and report back to the board. He was advised to send his comments to Mr. Morris for disbursement to board members. Discuss current projects going on at the Airpark Ms. Cooper said the CAP (Civil Air Patrol) is hosting a “fly day” for their cadets on February 9, 2008. It was remarked that the EAA Chapter 282 is sponsoring an event for the Young Eagles on March 8, 2008. There is no admission charge. The event is open to the public. Another EAA event will be scheduled for October 2008. The EAA will offer free flights to the public. Information regarding the EAA event will be available on C-View TV. Breakfast will be available at a nominal price. The EAA’s goal is to introduce people to the word of aviation. They have received positive feedback from children and parents that have attended various EAA events. Local EAA chapters try to coordinate events to avoid conflicts with events in other cities. Airport Operations Manager Gordon Wills reported drainage problems in front of the FBO building have been resolved and paid for with grant funds. The FBO building is now Airpark Advisory 2008-02-06 2 connected to the sewer system and new drains have been installed. Grant funds also will be applied to a new groundwater testing project at the Airpark. 5 - New Business Next Open House This item was deferred to the next meeting. It was requested that staff provide the board with a wallet-sized list of priorities for the Airpark. Proposed future projects See Item 4. Airport's financial performance and projected budget See Item 4. 6. Aqenda for next meetinq on Mav 7.2008 Items for discussion at the next meeting include: 1) Election of Vice-Chair, and 2) information regarding Member Dolezal's meetings with staff. 7. Adiournment The meeting adjourned at 4:14 p.m. \I') ~fl ~Ir Airpark Advisory Board ~ A~ f)l)2:J Board Reporter Airpark Advisory 2008-02-06 3