05/05/2011
AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 4, 2011
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: Bill 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
– February 2, 2011
Member Rosenberger moved to approve the minutes of the regular Airpark Advisory
Board meeting of February 2, 2011, 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
and visitors. Recreational air traffic has decreased since fuel costs increased. It was stated
that extending operational hours will provide the Airpark an opportunity to recruit corporate
business. Operations Manager Gordon Wills said construction of a new aviation facility is far in
the future due to costs; the City’s share would approximate $200,000.
4 – Old Business
4.1. JPA’s approval
Mr. Wills said City Council approval of the JPA (Joint Participation Agreement) to
construct the corporate hangar is on tomorrow’s consent agenda.
4.2. Hours of Operation
Discussion ensued regarding tomorrow’s City Council public hearing regarding the
board’s recommendation to extend Airpark hours of operation.
4.3. Hangar Progress
Mr. Wills reported that bids for the hangar will be opened tomorrow. In doing its due
diligence, the City tested soil samples for methane; none was found.
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5— New Business:
5.1. Budget Review
Member O'Brien stated he had reviewed the budget and said the facility's $47,000 profit
deserves a cheer, especially in the current economy.
5.2. Review Safety Seminar
The recent safety stand down fly-in at Vandenberg was discussed; it was recommended
a similar safety review be scheduled at the Airpark to review local flight patterns. Mr. Wills said
the Airpark's lack of facility space is a drawback. The EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association),
which has a hangar large enough for a meeting, could not schedule a fly-in during the winter
because the Airpark closes too early, before pilots could leave.
Different types of AWOS (Automated Weather Observation System)were discussed. It
was felt a similar system would be helpful in guiding transients who are unfamiliar with
conditions at Clearwater Airpark. It was suggested the City apply to the FDEP to fund a certified
AWOS.
Member Black moved that the Airpark Advisory Board recommends that staff investigate
acquiring an AWOS (Automated Weather Observation System) for the Airpark for traffic safety.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
6—Agenda for Next Meeting —August 3, 2011
1) update on safety meetings
Items not on the Agenda
Citizens to be Heard
A resident congratulated the board for recommending longer hours for the Airpark and
suggested that additional t-hangars be constructed and that the Airpark borrow money from the
City for a new aviation facility.
7 —Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3 30 p.m.
Next Scheduled Meeting —August 3, 2011, City Council Chambe s
• \) 1
Attest: Chair
Airpark Advisory Board
=oard Repo -
Airpark Advisory 2011-05-04 2