11/05/2008
AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 5, 2008
Present: Dennis G. Roper Chair
David Spaulding Board Member
Edward J. Dolezal, Jr. Board Member
Denise L. Rosenberger 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.
Election of Vice-Chair
Member Spaulding moved to appoint Denise Rosenberger as Vice-Chair. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2 – Approval of Minutes – August 6, 2008
Member Dolezal moved to approve the minutes of the regular Airpark Advisory Board
meeting of August 6, 2008, 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 the shade and
corporate hangars are fully rented. With lower fuel prices, traffic is improving. She invited
members and the public to the Airpark Christmas party on December 12, 2008.
4 – Old Business
Clearwater Airpark Economic Impact Analysis
Airport Operations Manager Gordie Wills was complimented for his efforts to update the
analysis. The Airpark’s $24 million economic impact on the City and Tampa Bay was
applauded. It was suggested that the Airpark could expand to be an even more vibrant
economic hub. Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris said the Airpark is paying interest on
money it borrowed from the City to match FDOT’s (Florida Department of Transportation)
contribution to construct a new hangar that is still being planned. .
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New Hangar
Airport Operations Manager Gordie Wills said staff is designing the new hangar, which is
a copy of an existing one. Once plans are completed in a few months, the project will go out to
bid. Staff is working to design a restroom. The hangar will meet City wind codes. Ms. Cooper
said enclosed hangars are in demand; the new hangar will be filled easily.
In response to concerns regarding the condition of other hangars, Mr. Morris said the
Airpark had passed its annual inspection with flying colors. The Airpark may consider
incorporating into JACIP (Joint Automated Capital Improvement Program), adding a runway
overrun on the north end. He said the Airpark may widen the runway when it is resurfaced. The
City prohibits gliders and banner towing.
5 – New Business
Open House results
Ms. Cooper said between 2,000 and 2,200 people attended the October 4 Open House,
with many taking advantage of helicopter and airplane rides. Advanced planning included
signage. Although the weather was sunny and pleasant, the model airplane demonstration had
to be scrubbed due to high winds. Scheduling the air show early in the day worked out well.
She said even though she had checked for major events, conflicts included soccer and football
practice as well as Clearwater High’s Homecoming. She said it was difficult to determine an
event date that has no conflicts.
It was suggested that a desktop simulator would encourage people to learn to fly and
stimulate Airpark business. Event volunteers were thanked for their efforts.
Items not on the Agenda
Young Eagles
A Young Eagles event is schedule for November 15, 2008. Ms. Cooper was thanked for
her efforts on behalf of the event, which includes free flights for youth.
Financial Reports
Discussion ensued regarding board financial reports.
Member Dolezal moved to recommend that the Airpark Advisory Board be provided
regular financial reports in anticipation of each board meeting. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
Citizens to be Heard
Robert Stryker requested information on opening a business in an Airpark hangar. Mr.
Wills said that issue is on the back burner due to a lack of space. The next project will address
the runway. He anticipated refurbishing the maintenance hangar will be completed within three
years.
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6 - Aqenda for Next Meetinq on February 4. 2009
Staff will submit updates of plans for the new hangars and information on JACIP
Planning with FDOT, including project timeframes and funding.
7 - Adiourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.
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Chair
Airpark Advisory Board
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