05/05/2010
AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 5, 2010
Present: Dennis G. Roper Chair
Denise L. Rosenberger Vice-Chair
Walter Crosby Board Member
Edward O’Brien Board Member
Absent: Thomas D. Black Board Member
Also Present: Camilo Soto Assistant City Attorney
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
– February 3, 2010
Member O’Brien moved to approve the minutes of the regular Airpark Advisory Board
meeting of February 3, 2010, 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
FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) representative Barbara Cooper said this year’s April visitor
count surpassed last year. She said the corporate and t-hangars are full and eight shade
hangars are open. Almost all tie downs were used during Lakeland’s Sun ‘n Fun event
3.2. Airpark Open House Report/After Action
It was estimated that up to 4,800 people attended this year’s Open House, the largest
crowd to date. It was stated most visitors were Clearwater residents. It was recommended that
clickers be provided CAP (Civil Air Patrol) members next year to count visitors while directing
parking lot traffic. Ms. Cooper received positive feedback regarding the event; vendors thanked
the Airpark for exposure. Visitors consumed almost 2,000 hotdogs and many cases of water.
Ms. Cooper thanked all who made the event possible through hard work, especially the EAA
(Experimental Aircraft Association), Boy Scouts, and CAP.
Astronaut Nicole Stott was complimented for her graciousness. It was stated she smiled
the entire day at the event as she greeted the crush of attendees. Astronaut Stott was
presented with the Distinguished Ambassador of the Clearwater Airpark award.
All event participants were complimented for a job well done.
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4 - Old Business
4.1. Financial Liaison Report
Member O'Brien distributed the Airpark's financial report, stating the report is positive
and finances are in control. Airport Operations Manager Gordon Wills estimated the airpark
would be $50,000 in the black by the end of the year.
5 - New Business
5.1. Remediation Update
Mr. Wills said remediation efforts to clean up groundwater are in progress 24 hours a
day from the trailer west of the Airpark gate. It will take at least a year to scrub the groundwater.
Reports will be forwarded to Pinellas County and the State. A grant is paying for the project.
6 - Agenda for Next Meeting - August 4, 2010
6.1. City Gas Department Plans
Mr. Wills said staff would meet with CGS (Clearwater Gas System) regarding possible
plans for airpark property.
Items not on the Agenda
Citizens to be Heard
Chris Fiore, of the EAA, said the Open House provided a wonderful opportunity for
children to get excited about flying and a significant amount of positive publicity. Astronaut Stott
said she looked forward to returning to Clearwater following her next Space Shuttle flight. He
said Astronaut Stott posed for photographs with residents and participated in a question and
answer period. He encouraged the Mayor and board to send Astronaut Stott a letter of thanks.
Mr. Wills said Astronaut Stott had presented many items to the City that were with her on the
Space Shuttle and Space Station.
The Chair will send a letter on behalf of the board.
7 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m
Attest:
0
Chair
Airpark Advisory Board
rd Reporter /,
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