06/02/2004
.
.
.
AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
June 2, 2004
Present:
Chair
Vice Chair - arrived 3:16 p.m.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Bob Lunt
J. B. Johnson
Bruce Miller
Donald "Scott" Armstrong
Charlie Harris
Also Present: Bryan Ruff
William D. Morris
Patricia O. Sullivan
Assistant City Attorney
Marine & Aviation Director
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
Member Harris moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 5, 2004, 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) reported Airpark tenancy is unchanged. He has
received a significant number of inquiries for space due to the pending closure of Tampa
Executive Airpark in New Port Richey. He said Clearwater Airpark has a waiting list and space
is leased as quickly as it is constructed. He reported staff is considering a lift mechanism,
which costs approximately $10,000 and stacks airplanes. The mechanism could allow the
number of tenants in the corporate hangar to be doubled. Discussion ensued with comments
that rarely used airplanes could be stored in less accessible locations. Mr. King estimated 40%
of airplanes leasing Airpark space are rarely or never flown.
Mr. King reported berm maintenance will move forward once plant species are identified
so that weeds can be removed.
Airport Advisory 2004-06-02
1
.
.
.
4 - New Business
Mr. King reported FOOT (Florida Department of Transportation) representatives had
visited the Airpark last week and are considering accelerating the construction of hangar space.
Marine and Aviation Director Bill Morris said FOOT has identified for expansion Clearwater
Airpark, as one of three area airports, to meet the needs of airplanes displaced by the closure
of Tampa Executive. After July 1,2004, FOOT should be able to provide Clearwater Airpark
with at least $300,000 for hangar expansion. Staff will work to increase the size of the grant.
The Engineering Department has created templates and determined that between 29 and 31
hangars can be constructed on remaining Airpark property. T -hangars are the easiest design
to maintain and rent. Staff will discuss with the FBO the most marketable and beneficial use of
the remaining Airpark property.
It was recommended the City address the needs of those on the waitlist before
considering new requests. Regarding the waitlist, Mr. King said the Airpark's policy is first-
come, first-served. Mr. Morris said it has been difficult to figure out how best to fill the corporate
hangar. He suggested lift equipment may be a good investment but limited staff could affect
the Airpark's ability to move airplanes on request. He did not know if FOOT funds could be
used for that purchase.
Mr. King said airplane parking could be added by leveling the land or by pouring
concrete. In response to a question, Mr. Morris estimated construction costs at $40,000 per
hangar, including inflation, unknowns/standard contingencies, and stormwater costs.
Construction costs are higher here than in Pasco County due to strict wind load and stormwater
requirements and the proximity to the coast. Mr. Morris said hangars with office space also
could be constructed. He said new construction may meter electricity separately. In response
to a question, Mr. Morris said the City's return on investment occurs quickly because FOOT
pays for the majority (80%) of construction costs.
Airport Advisory 2004-06-02
2
.
.
.
5 - Other Business
Member Johnson apologized for being late, indicating he just received his agenda
packet in this afternoon's mail. Chair Lunt apologized for missing May's meeting.
Resident Gary Benjamin recommended the City purchase a new site for Public Works
and expand the Airpark, thereby increasing City revenues by $200,000 annually.
Assistant City Attorney Bryan Ruff reported at the next meeting, staff will provide for
review and vote, proposed revisions to the board's rules of procedures and bylaws. Proposed
changes to bring the AAB (Airpark Advisory Board) in line with other City boards include
scheduling board meetings quarterly instead of monthly, limiting public comment to three
minutes, and use of a detailed agenda.
Resident Ellen Hess recommended the AAB continue to address issues before they are
presented to the City Council, even if the board only meets quarterly. Mr. Morris said that will
continue to be the procedure. Mr. Morris said the recommended schedule would update the
AAB quarterly, as the Master Plan has been developed and little land remains available for
construction. Mr. Benjamin was thanked for his efforts in reaching this point of Airpark
development.
6 - Aqenda for next meetinq
Member Johnson moved to cancel the July 7,2004 Airport Advisory Board meeting.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
The next meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2004.
7 - Adiournment
The meeting adjourned at 3:36 p.m.
'd~
t\-t-').yu-.C h air
Airport Authority Boar
Airport Advisory 2004-06-02
3