05/02/2012
AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 2, 2012
Present: Dennis G. Roper Chair
Denise L. Rosenberger Vice-Chair
Thomas D. Black Board Member
Edward O’Brien Board Member
Richard Porraro Board Member
Also Present: William Morris Marine & Aviation Director
Gordon Wills 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 1, 2012
Member Rosenberger moved to approve the minutes of the regular Airpark Advisory
Board meeting of February 1, 2012, 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. Airpark staff is contacting those on the waitlist regarding two open t-hangars and is
working with St. Petersburg/Clearwater and Tampa airport towers regarding arrival and
departure procedures and identifying airspace.
The Airpark Advisory Board recessed from 3:02 to 3:04 p.m.
In response to a question, Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris said limits on airspace
during the Republican National Convention have not been finalized.
4 – Old Business
4.1. Hangar Update - Complete
Ms. Cooper reported the new corporate hangar has three tenants. Operations Manager
Gordie Wills said project funds remaining will be used to relocate the security camera and move
“Clearwater” signage to the north Hangar, while “Airpark” signage remains on the south hangar.
4.2. JACIP – Airpark improvements
Mr. Wills said a purchase order was issued to City Engineer of Record URS Corporation
to provide specifications for a runway extension and displaced threshold. The Engineering
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Department will serve as project manager. The $1.875 million project includes a runway
extension of up to 800 feet and overlay of the taxiway and runway. Any remaining funds will be
used for small improvements such as an AWOS (Automated Weather Observation System), a
fueler or fuel tug, an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) and funds available expansion of the FBO
building to add meeting rooms. It was recommended that the tug and APU be separate
equipment.
5 – New Business
5.1. Open House: date, types of events, sponsorship help
Mr. Morris said an Open House was not scheduled this year due to a loss of parking
during construction of the City’s natural gas station. Ms. Cooper said it is not known when
runway construction will begin. She said it is important that the date not conflict with other area
events. She suggested a Spring date as many heat-related complaints were received at an
Open House that was held in early October. The Airpark has had up to 10 sponsors for
previous Open Houses.
Benefits of Open Houses were discussed, including outreach to the neighborhood, and it
was recommended that a target date be set.
Member Black moved to tentatively schedule the next Airpark Open House for October
13, 2012. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Discussion ensued regarding Open House activities, including a barbeque, airplane and
helicopter rides, fire trucks, music, a face painter, bounce house, and K9 demonstration. Ms.
Cooper said a friendly neighborhood day is the goal. She did not want vendors that charge for
services. Mr. Wills estimated between 2,500 and 3,000 people attended previous Open
Houses. While the FBO is responsible for the Open House, the City participates. Tents, chairs,
a disc jockey, and food are needed; sponsors are essential.
Board members volunteered their help.
5.2. Project updates
Mr. Wills reviewed progress with ongoing groundwater cleanup of aviation fuel. A May
15, 2012 inspection of Airpark hangars is planned. Staff will make certain that full fuel cans are
not stored in hangars. Previous inspections found air-conditioners, computers, sinks lacking
proper drainage, compressors, and refrigerators. Leases cover the cost of lights; tenants will be
charged for additional utility use.
Staff is working with the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) regarding upgrade to the visual
approach indicators. He will check with an arborist regarding the oak tree adjacent to the EAA
(Experimental Aircraft Association) hangar.
Mr. Wills said the Airpark’s financial report looks good. To reduce costs, the Airpark is
relying more on department trade workers.
6 – Agenda for Next Meeting
– August 1, 2012
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1) Open House
2) Runway project update
Items not on the Agenda
Public Comments
Bob Gibson, Airpark tenant and EAA member, recommended the Open House be
scheduled in the Spring in conjunction with Sun `n Fun, when pilots from around the country are
in the area.
7—Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:47 p.m.
LD .
Chair
or Airpark Advisory Board
Attest'
Ar
:oard Report=
Airpark Advisory 2012-05-02 3