08/07/2013 AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 7, 2013
Present: Denise L. Rosenberger Chair
Thomas D. Black Vice Chair
Edward O'Brien Board Member
Richard Porraro Board Member
W. Bruce Brock 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 — May 1, 2013
Member Brock moved to approve the minutes of the regular Airpark Advisory Board
meeting of May 1, 2013, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 —Citizens to be Heard re Items Not on the Agenda: None.
4 -Tenant & Lease Report from FBO
FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) representative Barbara Cooper reported on tenant levels
and visitors.
5—Old Business
5.1. Update on Airpark projects and Civil Air Patrol (CAP)
Operations Manager Gordie Wills said the Airpark's CAP (Civil Air Patrol) chapter is
world class. Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris said the military rewards Cadets who
successfully complete the program. Mr. Wills complimented CAP Captain Yvonne Rodriguez
for raising funds and organizing efforts to replace the old CAP trailer with five portable
classrooms, which were landscaped and retrofitted to meet organizational needs for the CAP
and Veterans Alliance. CAP alumni contributed $40,000. City in-kind contributions included a
45 foot by 90 foot concrete pad and flag pole. The project nears completion. The FBO will not
take ownership of this facility. Parties interested in using the meeting room should contact Mr.
Wills; evening parking would not be a problem. Mr. Morris recommended posting a room
availability calendar online.
The facility's Grand Opening was a great success and attended by dignitaries, including
City Council members, Congressman Bill Young, State Legislators, and several local business
owners who provided assistance. The City Manager was impressed with the event and hard
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work by Captain Rodriguez and CAP Cadets and team work between City departments, local
businesses, Veterans of all services, neighbors, and community leaders who came together to
make this project a success..
Mr. Wills reported work on the landing strip extension is 95% complete; next week a
second coat will be laid for the markings and beads.
5.2. AAB (Airpark Advisory Board) Bylaws and Procedures Update
Discussion ensued regarding proposed amendments to the Bylaws and Procedures.
Member Black moved to adopt the Airpark Advisory Board Bylaws and Procedures as
amended: 1) Bylaws Article II, Section 1 to read "The airpark advisory board shall make
recommendations on airpark matters brought forward by the City Council or staff liaison and
members of the public." and 2) Bylaws Article VII, Section 1 to read "Meetings - The board will
meet quarterly or as called by the Marine and Aviation Director. The Chair may call a special
(unscheduled) meeting to deal with emergencies or special circumstances. All meetings will be
held at City Hall." The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
6 — New Business
6.1. Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS)
Mr. Wills said remaining funds from the landing strip upgrade project should be sufficient
to obtain an AWOS (Automated Weather Observation System) if a location can be identified that
meets FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) approval. A 30-foot tower with a 500-foot clear radius is
necessary for the system to accurately read wind direction and speed. The consultant will
determine if the triangle next to the taxiway is acceptable.
6.2. VASI (Visual Approach Slope Indicator)/PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator)
Mr. Wills said the Airpark needs to retain its VASI (Visual Approach Slope Indicator); the
4-box PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) will not fit at the Airpark and the FAA has not
approved a 2-box PAPI. Mr. Morris said information provided pilots regarding VASI height will
be updated due to the lengthened runway. Ms. Cooper said pilots who follow VASI will be
higher when crossing the threshold than before and touchdown will be farther down the runway.
Discussion ensued regarding the VASI calibration on the lengthened runway with
concerns that readouts will confuse pilots, create a hazardous condition, and be safer if turned
off. Mr. Morris said the City cannot adjust the VASI without incurring costs and accepting
responsibility for future maintenance. The Airpark's consultant is not concerned with this issue;
he will be invited to address the board at the November meeting. Mr. Wills will email members
a graphic of the VASI calibration.
6.3. Next Year Grant Projects
Mr. Wills said next year staff will apply for JCIP (Joint Capital Improvement Program)
funding to replace shade hangar D with a t-hangar. The next project would replace shade
hangar C with a t-hangar. Upgrades also are planned for the maintenance hangar.
Consensus was to support staff pursuit of funding for these projects.
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6.4. CAP & Veterans Alliance Presentation of Appreciation Award to AAB
Mr. Morris said the CAP and Veterans Alliance want to present an Appreciation Award to
the AAB (Airpark Advisory Board) for their support of the CAP project at the Airpark. The Mayor
has requested that the presentation be scheduled on August 14, at the City Council meeting.
Board Members indicated they would attend.
Items not on the Agenda
Open House
Mr. Wills recommended scheduling the next Open House in March 2014 to provide
sufficient time to organize the event, gain support, and appeal for donations. Staff has
contacted Astronaut Nicole Stott and invited her and Astronaut Kevin Ford to attend. Mr. Wills
warned that debris blown by props and helicopters could damage custom cars EAA
(Experimental Aircraft Association) members had offered for display. A planning committee
may be appointed.
GPS Approach
In response to a suggestion that the Airpark install a GPS approach system to attract
pilots for enroute stops, Mr. Morris discussed costs associated with the extensive survey
required for the application and anticipated negative reaction from neighbors with safety
concerns that pilots may then attempt unsafe landings during inclement weather instead of
continuing to the nearby commercial airport. The airpark plans to grow slowly. It was felt an
instrument approach makes landings safer during dicey weather.
Dennis Roper reviewed airpark upgrades and recommended that the Airpark obtain
AWOS and PAPI before it considers a GPS system.
Discussion ensued regarding neighborhood discomfort with Airpark issues that appear to
threaten safety. It was felt as technology improves, a GPS system will be less expensive and
easier to install in the near future. It was noted that the Airpark has worked hard to earn the
trust of neighbors and should not harm that trust.
7 — Agenda for Next Meeting - November 6, 2013
1. URS consultant
8 — Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
Chair
Attest: / / Airpark Advisory Board
B. and Reporter
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