11/04/2009
AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 4, 2009
Present: Dennis G. Roper Chair
Walter Crosby Board Member
Edward O’Brien Board Member
Absent: Denise L. Rosenberger Vice-Chair
Thomas D. Black 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
– August 5, 2009
Member O’Brien moved to approve the minutes of the regular Airpark Advisory Board
meeting of August 5, 2009, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – FBO Reports
3.1. Tenant & Lease Report
FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) representative Barbara Cooper reported on tenant levels
and visitors. All t-hangars are filled; there are eight empty shade hangars and many tie-downs
available for seasonal visitors.
3.2. Tenant Concerns: None.
3.3. Open House Update
Ms. Cooper said the City will join the Airpark in inviting Clearwater Astronaut Nicole Stott
to the Open House in the spring. A NASA display may accompany her. It was suggested that
the Mayor present Ms. Stott with the key to the City.
Member Crosby moved to recommend that the Mayor and City Council forward a letter
to NASA requesting Ms. Stott’s presence at the Airpark’s annual event next spring. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4 – Old Business
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4.1. Low flying airplanes along north beach
Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris reported that none of the low flying airplanes along
north beach had originated from the Airpark.
Ed Dolezal, with the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association, said
association members do not fly within 1,000 feet of buildings.
4.2. CPI and tenant rates
Assistant City Attorney Camilo Soto reported that tenant leases do not contemplate
decreases in rates. If the CPI (Consumer Price Index) does not increase, the lease rate
remains the same.
4.3. Homeland Security regarding access regulations and Albert Whitted Airport for information
regarding their “Friends” program
Airport Operations Manager Gordon Wills said he will contact Homeland Security
regarding access regulations. It was felt that retired pilots should have the opportunity to visit
friends at the Airpark. Ms. Cooper said staff admits those who telephone and identify
themselves. Concern was expressed that some retirees cannot walk significant distances.
5 – New Business
5.1. Financial Liaison Report – Gordon Wills/Bill Morris
Member O’Brien said the financial report seems to be in order. The Airpark made a
small profit in 2008/09.
5.2. FDOT JPA update to replace shade hangars with t-hangars
Mr. Wills said FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) had approved construction
of t-hangars instead of shade hangars. The City is reviewing how much work can be done with
available funds. Additional hangars will be renovated if sufficient funds are left over. Support
was expressed for razing the oldest hangars. Mr. Wills reviewed CIPs (Capital Improvement
Projects). The removal of three dips on the north end of the runway is scheduled for February
2010. In response to a question, Mr. Wills said staff will address the dirt piles near the railroad
tracks at the end of the runway.
Mr. Wills reported a block party is planned for Saturday in memory of Cindy Farley, an
airpark advocate who lived south of the airpark. It was recommended that an Airpark Advisory
Board member attend the party.
6 – Agenda for Next Meeting
– February 3, 2010
Updates will be provided regarding the Albert Whitted Airport’s “Friends” program, Ms.
Stott’s visit, and the financial report. Members need new parking passes.
Items Not on the Agenda
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Citizens to be Heard
Mr. Dolezal reviewed Young Eagle activities. The organization speaks to physics
classes at a Tarpon Springs middle school each year. It was recommended that the
organization contact additional schools.
Mr. Morris reported that Clearwater Veterans Appreciation Day is on Saturday.
7 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:53 p.m.
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Airpark Advisory Board
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Airpark Advisory 2009-11-04
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