05/06/2009
AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 6, 2009
Present: Dennis G. Roper Chair
Denise L. Rosenberger Vice-Chair
Thomas D. Black Board Member
Walter Crosby Board Member
Edward O’Brien Board Member
Also Present: Camilo Soto Assistant City Attorney
William Morris Marine & Aviation Director
Gordon Wills Airport Operations Manager
Patricia O. Sullivan 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 5, 2008
Member Rosenberger moved to approve the minutes of the regular Airpark Advisory
Board meeting of November 5, 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 on tenant levels,
events, and visitors. Airpark traffic has increased since last year now that fuel prices are lower.
In response to a question, Ms. Cooper said the corporate hangar is designed for larger aircraft
but can house smaller airplanes until t-hangars become available or it is leased for a large
aircraft.
4 – Old Business
Current Airpark Projects:
a) New Hangar Update
Airport Operations Manager Gordon Wills said the corporate hangar project continues to
await SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) stormwater approval. Funding
is in place for the hangar, which will abut the current corporate hangar and mirror its design.
b) JACIP Planning with FDOT timeframes & funding
Mr. Morris said the City Council had approved airpark security updates that include
revamping the camera system and replacing gate openers, gates, and a large portion of the
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perimeter fence. The $139,000 funding from FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation)
requires no match from the City.
Plans are not completed for next year’s JACIP (Joint Automated Capital Improvement
Program) which will include a runway and taxiway overlay and repairs to the dip in the taxiway.
In response to a question, Mr. Morris said no stimulus money is available for general
aviation except through the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority).
5 – New Business
Financial Status
For the airpark to remain competitive and improve its impact on the local economy, it
was stated that funding sources need to be identified to upgrade the airpark and replace the
FBO building with a facility that would support a commercial venue and feature a conference
room and restaurant. Upgrades to other Florida airports were reviewed. Mr. Morris suggested
a board member volunteer to review the budget and represent the board’s perspective on
financial issues. While FDOT funding would cover 80% of FBO building costs, the airpark’s
match would be $600,000. Annual airpark income is only $30,000. Current economic
conditions have resulted in City job cuts and the anticipated closure of libraries and recreation
centers; it is unlikely the City would fund airpark upgrades. It was stated that the airpark’s
impact on the local economy is significant and needs to be considered. Mr. Wills said there is
little room for additional hangars. Ms. Cooper reviewed shade hangar replacement plans.
Member O’Brien volunteered to serve as the board’s financial liaison.
Hangar Rental rates, as related to CPI
Tenant concerns were noted regarding the 5.2% rate increase for airpark hangar rents
while marina rates were recently reduced. It was stated some tenants have sold their airplanes
and others probably will follow suit, further reducing airpark revenues while increasing
expenses. Mr. Morris said the Financial Department had based increases for the Airpark and
Marina on the local CPI (Consumer Price Index) as published by the US Department of Labor.
It was stated that the national CPI is lower.
ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Stormwater Fees
Information was requested regarding the average stormwater fee charged each tenant
and how that charge is determined. Concern was expressed that a larger Orlando airport with
significantly less green space charges a much lower fee. Ms. Cooper reported that the FBO
had not passed on a number of recent stormwater fee increases to the tenants.
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Citizens to be Heard
Ellen Hess expressed concern that accepting FAA funding would require the airpark to
operate 24 hours per day. It was stated that the airpark would not accept funding with those
conditions attached.
6 - Agenda for Next Meeting - August 5, 2009
It was requested that a financial liaison report be scheduled.
7 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:48 p.m.
IDIl~~ ~. (2-
Chair
Airpark Advisory Board
Attest:
Airpark Advisory 2009-05-06
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