01/07/2004
.
.
.
AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 7, 2004
Present:
Bob Lunt
J. B. Johnson
Bruce Miller
Donald "Scott" Armstrong
Charlie Harris
Chair
Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Also Present: Bryan Ruff
Gordon Wills
Patricia O. Sullivan
Assistant City Attorney
Airport Operations Manager
Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:30 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
Member Armstrong moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November
5, 2003, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
3 - Tenant & Lease Report from FBO
David King, FBO (Fixed Base Operator), was absent. Airport Operations Manager
Gordon Wills reported the new corporate hangar is 95% complete and should be fully occupied
when it opens. He expected completion next month. Staff has obtained a quote to add a
security system to this hangar and to the Grand Avenue gate. Once the Engineering
Department has reviewed the Master Plan for drainage, it will be forwarded to PBS&J (Post,
Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan, Inc.) and then to SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water
Management District) for approval. The fuel farm should be completed within a month.
Mr. Wills said the City had received additional funds from FDOT (Florida Department of
Transportation) to cover increased costs for the hangar's construction related to sewer work,
which needed to be extended to Hercules Avenue. The next project will be able to tie into this
sewer line. Annual income from the new hangar was estimated to be $27,000 for the City, and
$9,000 for the FBO, who must offer tug service. Discussion ensued regarding tug alternatives.
The corporate hangar will have no meeting space, just a bathroom. Meeting space is planned
for the new FBO facility.
Mr. Wills said the City's Code inspectors had examined the Airpark and determined that
four airplanes are considered to be debris. Letters have been written to the airplanes' owners
stating either the airplanes must be airworthy or moved out of sight. These airplanes can
remain at the Airpark in their present condition, only if they are stored under cover. When
complete, the inspection report, with recommendations, will be presented to the FBO.
Airpark Advisory 2004-01-07
1
.
.
.
4 - New Business
Mr. Wills recommended the board begin planning for the Airpark Open House and
recommended scheduling it for the weekend following Lakeland's Sun 'n Fun activities, during
Clearwater's Fun 'n Sun festivities.
5 - Other Business
Mr. Wills reported updated board rules should be distributed prior to the next meeting.
In response to a question from resident Gary Benjamin, Mr. Wills said staff will apply for
FOOT funds to construct on the south end of the site over the dry pond, open bay hangars with
bathrooms, offices, and separate electric meters. Those with offices in current hangars will be
offered a first chance to occupy these new hangars. Seventy names are on the waiting list for
t-hangars. A second corporate hangar abutting the current one is then planned.
Mr. Wills referenced the board's recommendation that meetings be held on a quarterly
basis at the CAP (Civil Air Patrol) building at the Airpark.
Consensus was to schedule the April 7, 2004 meeting at the CAP building.
In response to a question, it was reported 43% of Airpark tenants are City residents.
Mr. Wills said the airpark does not discriminate against non-residents. Concern was expressed
the Airpark has inadequate space for all who wish to park airplanes there. A resident
encouraged staff to construct additional hangar space, as it provides an excellent return on
investment. Discussion ensued regarding the storage of airplanes.
6 - Aaenda for next meetina on Februarv 4. 2004
Discussion ensued regarding a recommendation to schedule future meetings at 3:00
p.m.
Member Miller moved to schedule future Airpark Advisory Board meetings at 3:00 p.m.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
7 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 2:54 p.m.
Chair
Airpark Advisory Board
Attest:
~f{d/L 1iI~
Board Reporter
Airpark Advisory 2004-01-07
2