11/01/2006
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AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 1, 2006
Present: Tom Calhoun
James Hess
Dennis Roper
Norma Carlough
Chair
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Absent: David Spaulding
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 Hess moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 2, 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 the 47 T-hangars
and 40 shade hangars are fully occupied. The hard and grass stands are half full. FBO staff is
updating the T-hangar waiting list. Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris reported to manage its
extensive waiting list, the Marina began charging a $100 non-refundable deposit for inclusion on
the list, which then was limited to 25 names. The marina deposit is not counted toward slip rent.
It was stated that the FBO is responsible for business decisions. Discussion ensued
with recommendations that the deposit should be applicable to the first month's rent and that
applicants should be required to contact the FBO quarterly via telephone or e-mail to verify their
continued interest. Assistant City Attorney Carlos Colon said contract language could hold the
City harmless for deposits.
A resident recommended that deposits be non refundable and not be escrowed.
Ms. Cooper said the FBO pays the City a fixed rate for the corporate hangars. Rental
fees are based on aircraft size. She reviewed aircraft counts, and past and planned events.
The FBO tracks aircraft, not visitors. The FBO has implemented a newsletter, which is enclosed
with billing notices.
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4 - Old Business
Pictures of new plaque at Airpark
Photographs of the new plaque were distributed.
5 - New Business
Open House Date
Ms. Cooper said staff is working to obtain sponsor participation at next year's Airpark
Open House on June 23,2007. Discussion ensued regarding entertainment. Ms. Cooper will
look into tethered balloon rides.
Fiscal Year Figures
Airport Operations Manager Gordon Wills distributed figures for FY (Fiscal Year) 2006
and 2007. Property and liability insurance rates have increased significantly. Personnel costs
increased by 4%. Airpark debt was paid off in 2006.
Gary Benjamin said airpark profits should not finance the marina. Staff will provide him
a breakdown of operating expenses.
Mr. Morris reviewed the Airpark's CIP (Capital Improvement Project) to address
maintenance issues. The next project will hook the facility to sewer service, replacing the
current septic system.
Discussion ensued regarding fabric Quonset huts. Concern was expressed that they are
constructed without a slab, and subject the aircraft inside to salt and corrosion, significantly
increasing maintenance costs. Mr. Wills will report on turf block, which would allow percolation.
FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) funding to construct Quonset huts at the Airpark
could be available in 2008.
Hercules Frontage
Mr. Morris reported that parking requirements make the quarter-acre fronting Hercules
Avenue difficult to lease for public use. The land could be used for a business that serves
internal airpark customers.
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6 - Aoenda for Next Meetino on February 7.2007
Staff will provide an update on the Quonset hut project.
7 - Adiournment
The meeting adjourned at 3:52 p.m.
Airpark Advisory 2006-11-01
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