02/03/2010
AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 3, 2010
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 4, 2009
Member O’Brien moved to approve the minutes of the regular Airpark Advisory Board
meeting of November 4, 2009, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 - Tenant & Lease Report from FBO
3.1. Airpark tenant concerns – Ms. Cooper
FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) representative Barbara Cooper reported on tenant levels
and visitors. She said the slow economy and recent inclement weather have had a negative
impact on airpark business.
In response to a question, Airport Operations Manager Gordie Wills said FDOT (Florida
Department of Transportation) had approved construction of multi-plane hangars instead of a
corporate hangar. Discussion ensued regarding the poor condition of some shade hangars,
infrastructure needs, and concrete costs. The City’s airpark could not accept FAA (Federal
Aviation Authority) funds without extending its hours and therefore recommended transferring
the funds to Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg.
3.2. Airpark Open House update
The Mayor sent a letter to NASA requesting that Clearwater Astronaut Nicole Stott
attend the Airpark Open House. It is hoped that she can attend on April 24, 2010, the week
after the Lakeland air show. A NASA exhibit also might be provided. NASA requires a
commitment to pay for Ms. Stott’s airfare and lodging; Ms. Stott may stay with her family when
here. Mr. Wills said a reimbursement may be requested. It was stated that the City should
honor and celebrate Ms. Stott’s accomplishments.
Airpark Advisory 2010-02-03 1
Member Rosenberger moved that the Airpark Advisory Board authorizes Messrs. Morris
and Wills to obtain funding to reimburse the cost for two round-trip business class tickets from
Houston and two hotel nights for Clearwater Astronaut Nicole Stott. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Mr. Morris said staff cannot allocate department funds without City Council approval.
Ms. Cooper said the FBO had committed to provide and/or raise funds to cover Ms. Stott's
expenses.
Chris Fiori, Experimental Aircraft Association representative, said his organization would
contribute toward those costs. Mr. Fiori was thanked for his efforts to contact NASA and work
with the agency. It was suggested that vendors and other organizations such as the Coast
Guard, National Guard, Civil Air Patrol, and scouts also may wish to participate in the event.
Mr. Wills requested input regarding possible sponsors. He will will be part of a
committee with Ms. Cooper, Mr. Fiori, an Airpark Advisory Board representative, and a Civil Air
Patrol representative to recruit sponsors, raise money, and organize the event. Member
Rosenburger will represent the Airpark Advisory Board on the committee.
4 - Old Business
4.1. Albert Whitted Airport "Friends" proqram - Gordon Wills
Member Crosby reported that Albert Whitted Airport allows visitors access to the airport
grounds through its office. Visitors are not required to wear badges. It was noted that
increased security measures at the Clearwater/St. Petersburg Airport have discouraged tenants.
4.2. Ms. Stott's Visit: See Item 3.2 for discussion.
4.3. Financial Liaison Report - Gordon Wills/Bill Morris
Mr. Wills said the Airpark is on track to be in the black by the end of the year. Concern
was expressed that electricity necessary for the groundwater cleanup project will be expensive.
5 - New Business: None.
6 - Agenda for Next Meeting - May 5, 2010
A special meeting may be called prior to the Open House.
7 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.
\U~ C. /L-
Chair
Airpark Advisory Board
Airpark Advisory 2010-02-03
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