Loading...
08/02/2006 . . . AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER August 2,2006 Present: Tom Calhoun James Hess David Spaulding Norma Carlough Chair Vice-Chair Board Member Board Member Absent: Dennis Roper Board Member Also Present: Carlos Colon William Morris Gordon Wills Patricia O. Sullivan Assistant City Attorney Marine & Aviation Director Airport Operations Manager 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 Carlough moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 3, 2006, 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 all 47 T -hangars are occupied, with more than 100 names on the waiting list. The 40 shade hangars are fully occupied. with 6 names on the waiting list. Most hardstands are occupied. The corporate hangars are fully rented. Half of the grass stands are rented. Ms. Cooper stated that many airplanes are flown north for the summer. Transients use the grass stands during summer months. She receives daily requests for additional t-hangars as owners want to protect their expensive aircraft. Airport Operations Manager Gordon Wills said the timing of construction of 27 additional t-hangars, which is part of the 10-year Master Plan, depends on FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) funding. Building codes have been upgraded and construction costs have increased significantly since 20 hangars in two buildings were constructed four years ago for approximately $600,000. In response to a question, Ms. Cooper said newer hangars rent for $450 per month. It was stated that construction costs could be paid quickly and provide additional revenues for the Airpark. Ms. Cooper said she planned to increase rents on older hangars following renovations. Airpark Advisory 2006-08-02 1 . . . Ms. Cooper reported approximately 20 homeowner association members recently met at the new terminal and reviewed upcoming activities. It was recommended that City staff publicize Airpark events to homeowner associations and to the media for coverage and to maintain a positive image for the City. 4 - Old Business Review Airpark Open House Ms. Cooper said the successful Airpark Open House featured a remote controlled aircraft exhibition, tenant display of aircraft, children activities, etc. The FBD served almost 2,000 free hot dogs and many cases of soft drinks and water. Many visitors did not leave until activities ended. The CAP (Civil Air Patrol) was thanked for their efforts. Mr. Wills said due to construction of the new terminal, the open house was scheduled later in the spring than in previous years. Although temperatures were high, staff received few weather complaints. He recommended that future open houses be scheduled on a similar date that does not compete with other City activities. It was questioned if the open house had impacts on flight school registration and Young Eagle participation. Staff will report. In response to a suggestion, Ms. Cooper said the FBO spent almost $4,000 and the City spent $1,000 to stage the event. Additional events would require vendor sponsorship. Discussion ensued with comments that attendees are more engaged when not distracted by other City activities and that attendance levels would diminish if the number of open houses increased. 5 - New Business Airpark Tenant Honoree Vice-Chair James Hess reported he had chaired a committee meeting on July 10, 2006, regarding a Clearwater Airpark Citizen of the Year Award. The committee determined that the award should not recur annually and that the Airpark Advisory Board Vice-Chair should chair future committee meetings if other individuals warrant consideration for similar recognition. He said the committee decided to recognize Arnold Allen for demonstrating significant support for the Airpark and general aviation and enabling the Airpark to maintain its role as an integral asset of the City. The committee recommended that Mr. Allen be recognized as "Clearwater Airpark Honoree" by proclamation of the City Council and be presented with a plaque, and that an identical plaque be displayed at the Airpark. As proposed, the award is a one-time recognition of Mr. Allen and is not reserved for tenants. Discussion ensued, with comments that "honoree" is an imprecise word, that Mr. Allen is not being recognized because he is a "tenant," and "citizen of the year" implies an annual award. Suggestions were made that the award be designated for a friend, patron, or ambassador as it honors someone who supports aviation. Consensus was to use the term "Distinguished Ambassador of the Clearwater Airpark." Airpark Advisory 2006-08-02 2 . . . The award will be presented at the earliest possible time. An informal social at the Airpark is planned for Mr. Allen's friends after the City Council presents him with the plaque. Board attendance at that City Council meeting was encouraged. The second plaque can be mounted at the Airpark during a ceremony at next year's Open House. Discussion ensued regarding future awards. Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris will bring back proposed changes to board bylaws regarding awards committee membership. Historical Plaque Mr. Wills reported that he had procured a large rock, for display of a brass plaque at the Airpark. He proposed that the plaque read, "Clearwater Community Airpark The airport opened in 1939 as the Clearwater Executive Airpark. Closed during World War II, it reopened shortly thereafter and served transient aircraft as well as locally based aviators. Originally having 3 grass runways and some 185 acres, it now consists of 1 paved runway and 47 acres. Standing at 71' above sea level, the airport plays a vial role in emergency preparedness for the City of Clearwater and Pinellas County" Member Hess moved to adopt the language as presented for a bronze plaque to be displayed at Clearwater Airpark. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Historical News Article A gift framed-copy of The Clearwater News, October 10, 1946, full-page article, titled "Clearwater Air Park Promotes the Age of Flight for Masses" was presented for display at the Airpark's FBO building. The Clearwater Historical Society has donated a large box of photographs to add to the historical display. Telephone Call A telephone call to a board member regarding a move to close the Airpark was reported. Airpark Advisory 2006-08-02 3 . . . Citizens to be Heard Garv Beniamin congratulated staff regarding the successful Open House, questioned staff regarding budget issues, and supported using Penny for Pinellas funds to construct t- hangars. Mr. Morris said the Airpark is in the black and has begun to accumulate funds. Staff is assessing which maintenance items should be addressed first. 6 - Aaenda for Next Meetina on November 1. 2006 7 - Adiournment The meeting adjourned at 4:02 p.m. Airpark Advisory 2006-08-02 /.. ~~(lg( l- ~ hair - . Airpark Advisory Board 4