11/07/2012
AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 7, 2012
Present: Dennis G. Roper Chair
Denise L. Rosenberger Vice-Chair
Edward O’Brien Board Member
Richard Porraro Board Member
Absent: Thomas D. Black Board Member
Also Present: Camilo Soto Assistant City Attorney
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
– August 1, 2012
Member O’Brien moved to approve the minutes of the regular Airpark Advisory Board
meeting of August 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 and welcomed all to the Airpark’s annual holiday party on December14, 2012. She
said new equipment has enhanced Airpark professionalism.
4 – Old Business
4.1. Airpark Runway Extension Update
Operations Manager Gordon Wills said the bid opening for the runway extension project
is scheduled for November 14, 2012. He reviewed project details, indicating the Airpark will
close for 3 days during construction.
Mr. Wills reported the annual FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) inspection
took place last Monday. Lighting discrepancies will be repaired and vegetation and trees
encroaching on the Airpark will be trimmed. The FDOT inspector was complimentary and wants
to adopt some of the Airpark’s best practices, such as appointing an Airpark neighbor to the
Airpark Advisory Board.
4.2. Tri-Fold Rack Card
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Mr. Wills distributed copies of the new tri-fold rack card which highlights the Airpark’s
history, operational hours, services, and contributions to the community. Member Porraro
offered to distribute rack cards to nearby homes. Mr. Wills said 1,000 cards were printed; the
card will be updated once Airpark upgrades are complete.
4.3. Open House Date
A date will be chosen once the runway work schedule is determined.
4.4. Chair Report re City Council Update
Chair Roper said the City Council was receptive to the Airpark’s business and operating
plans and vision for the future. He complimented Messrs. Morris and Wills for the professional
operation of the Airpark.
5 – New Business
5.1. Equipment Purchases
Mr. Wills said the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) proposes to provide the Airpark with
a PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) and staff is working to obtain a second one. A
lawnmower and electro tug were purchased. He discussed additional projects and items that
could be purchased if all available funds are not spent on runway upgrades, noting installation
of an AWOS (Automated Weather Observation System) is at the top of the list.
5.2. JACIP Update and Look: None.
5.3. FY 2012 $77,000 Profit
Mr. Wills reported the Airpark budget’s $77,000 profit in FY (Fiscal Year) 2011/12 will go
into retained earnings to assist with future grants.
5.4. RNC Impact
Ms. Cooper said the August RNC (Republican National Convention) in Tampa had little
impact on the Airpark.
6 – Agenda for Next Meeting
– February 6, 2013
1) Update on helicopter operations
2) Presentation of configuration of CAP/Veterans Alliance buildings
3) Update on Airpark Open House
4) Update on Airpark projects.
Items not on the Agenda
Airpark Helicopter Flight School
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It was stated that while the flight school is appreciated, many fixed wing pilots have
expressed concern that the flight school's helicopter is loud and often flies too low and on the
wrong flight path. Ms. Cooper will speak to the school operator regarding these issues.
Civil Air Patrol
Marine &Aviation Director Bill Morris discussed advantages of having the CAP (Civil Air
Patrol) attached to the Airpark and the good work CAP members do. The old CAP trailer is in
poor condition. At no cost to the Airpark, the CAP has chosen trailers from the school district
and, with help from the Veterans Alliance, plans to install restrooms in one trailer and locate all
three trailers around the quadrangle. The new CAP facility will have sufficient space for
Veterans Alliance meetings. Runway millings will be used to build a parking lot.
Member Rosenberger moved to recommend allowing the Civil Air Patrol and Veterans
Alliance to replace the CAP building with new trailers and redo the parking lot in an aesthetically
pleasing way under supervision and guidance from City staff. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
Ellen Hess
Ellen Hess said she has been attending Airpark Advisory meetings for 14 years; she is
moving outside of the City. She complimented board accomplishments and Airpark
consideration of neighborhood issues. Board members thanked Ms. Hess for her efforts and
said she would be missed.
7—Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
r
Chair
/2
Airpark Advisory Board
Attest:
Boar. Reporter
Airpark Advisory 2012-11-07 3