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08/06/1997 AIRPORT AUTHORITY CITY OF CLEARWATER August 6, 1997 Present: Gary Benjamin Vice Chair Charles Kilbride Board Member Francis J. Werner Board Member John Carassas Assistant City Attorney Richard Baier Engineering Director Glen Bahnick Civil Engineer II, Staff Liaison Gwen Legters Board Reporter Absent: Stephen Bils (resigned) Chair Charles Silcox Board Member The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. in City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2. Minutes Approval - June 4, 1997 moved to approve Member Kilbride the minutes as submitted in writing to each member motioncarried by the Board Reporter. The was duly seconded and unanimously 3. Tenant Report - FBO The Board received the report and read it into the record. It was indicated 40 shade hangars, 37 enclosed hangars, 38 hard stands and 13 of 20 available grass tiedowns are occupied. In response to a question, Mr. Emshoff said airplanes south of the drainage ditch are on display for advertisement, and will be tied down. 4. Operating Budget – Tina Wilson, City Budget Director Budget Director Wilson reviewed a summary of the airport’s expenditures and encumbrances for the period ending June 30, 1997. She responded to questions regarding management of the airpark’s operating budget, format of the budget document, and the 1997/98 Capital Improvement Budget. While revenues approximately match the current operating budget, she stated the airpark would not break even as an Enterprise Fund because it would be responsible for the costs of capital improvements and staff support. 5. FBO Lease Assistant City Attorney John Carassas stated negotiations are nearing completion and a final draft will go out for Mr. Emshoff’s review this week, for final execution in September. In response to a concern, Mr. Carassas said the process is moving forward, and summarized reasons for the length of time it has taken to finalize the agreement. maa0897 1 08/06/97 6. Neighbor’s Day / Open House Mr. Bahnick stated the June 7 event was a great success and thanked the five contributing organizations. Authority members praised the Engineering Department’s first Inside Engineering program, encouraging the public to watch. Mr. Bahnick was commended for his extended aviation background and excellent service to the airpark and Airport Authority. Mr. Carassas said the requirement for an annual open house will be included in the FBO lease. 7. Runway Remarking Mr. Bahnick reported Blasters, of Tampa, has obliterated the old numerals. The runway will close next Monday for repainting the markings, and numbering the runway. The process took longer than expected due to the work schedule of the sole source contractor. Mr. Bahnick has reported the improvements to the FAA. The flight pattern exhibit in the operations building will be updated. The Authority was pleased with the progress of airpark improvements under Mr. Bahnick’s and the Engineering Department’s direction. 8. Clearwater Airpark Web Page Mr. Bahnick reported the Airpark’s Internet web page can currently be accessed only through the Engineering Department’s web site. Discussion ensued regarding creation of a stand-alone airpark web site. Suggestions were to include history, available services, approach patterns, hours of operation, photographs, related agencies, resident, tourist, and economic information. Interested parties will submit ideas and information to Mr. Bahnick for forwarding to the City’s Internet webmaster. 9. Runway/Taxiway Lights Mr. Bahnick reviewed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funding of the three major projects: runway lighting, Hangar C (former Hangar A) refurbishment, and Master Plan updates. Because the FY 97/98 budget was trimmed, it is being recommended to delay the Master Plan update in favor of critical Hangar C repairs. In response to questions, it was indicated the hangar was reconditioned and moved from another site about 27 years ago. Discussion ensued regarding available funding, 50 percent matching funds from FDOT, and refurbishment options. In response to questions, Mr. Bahnick said more than 50% in additional federal funds is sometimes available for non-revenue generating projects, but such funding generally carries the requirement for an airport to be a 24-hour operation. Discussion ensued regarding one member’s suggestion to change Clearwater Airpark to a 24-hour operation for revenue generation and safety reasons. He felt leaving the lights on overnight would not encourage a full-blown operation that would disturb the neighbors, but would enhance safety as three or four illegal takeoffs and landings currently occur each night. Discussion ensued regarding Engineering’s complaint reporting procedure, and how to enforce the existing hours of operation. Consensus was for staff to investigate this issue. maa0897 2 08/06/97 10. Other Business Member Kilbride requested follow-up information regarding recent unauthorized hangar alterations. Mr. Bahnick reported Mr. Emshoff has responded to an Engineering Department inquiry how this can be prevented in the future. The tenant in questions has applied for an after-the-fact building permit and is required to meet code requirements for engineering and construction. Mr. Carassas reported the new lease agreement places a burden on the FBO to police, monitor, and interrupt unauthorized alterations, bringing airpark property back to its original condition if the City does not issue a permit. Discussion ensued regarding occupational license requirements for operating a business out of the airpark. Mr. Emshoff stated the City monitors occupational license requests and he does not generally object to aviation related business operations because they are good for his business. A concern was expressed that permitting the illegal alterations sets an unwanted precedent and removes the City’s enforcement power in future cases. Mr. Carassas responded the City has the authority and the power to enforce the issue through the FBO. He cited specific provisions in the new leases that will strengthen the City’s position by prohibiting unauthorized physical modifications, and making the FBO responsible for enforcement or repair at his cost. Member Kilbride thanked Mr. Bickerstaffe for conducting a personal airpark tour on July 2. He noted an aircraft had gone into a ditch that day, and the St. Petersburg Times had erroneously reported damage was done to the front of the aircraft. Bob Bickerstaffe spoke at length regarding concerns that airpark operations are out of control because the airpark is being operated as an industrial park; potential safety hazards of using hangars for aircraft maintenance and repairs; uneven surface condition of the grass area at the northwest end of the runway; the immediate need for safety zones at both ends of the runway; and the City having removed tons of dirt from the airpark property without compensation to the airpark. He suggested hangar lease rates for housing an airplane should be less than rates for those who wish to conduct business and industry from the hangars. Member Kilbride expressed concern with the presence of about ten reportedly non-toxic industrial containers dumped on the northwest corner of the property, near the tree farm. Mr. Bahnick will investigate. Member Benjamin objected to Mr. Bickerstaffe’s characterization of airpark operations as out of control. Mr. Bickerstaffe clarified his position, restating reasons for his strong concern regarding the importance of having smooth safety overruns. Discussion ensued regarding history of site conditions, use of safety overruns compared to runway extensions, potential cost of finishing and maintaining safety overruns; importance to pilots of paved versus grass safety overruns; the majority of corporate aircraft choosing not to operate out of airports without safety overruns; and the potential for runway extensions to increase business. Mr. Bahnick responded to questions regarding the City having removed dirt during the original site preparation, and stockpiling the dirt for other City uses. Mr. Bahnick was asked to investigate and report at the next meeting, the cost of providing sod runoffs on both ends of the runway. Member Werner indicated long range Master Plan improvements may have to be re-prioritized to ensure adequate funding exists for improvements to pilot and neighborhood safety, economic development, and airpark business. John Atanasio, representing Civil Air Patrol (CAP), expressed disappointment with delays in finalizing the FBO lease. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the time table for considering the CAP land request. maa0897 3 08/06/97 Airpark tenant Don Hendricks responded to the assertion the airpark is being operated as an industrial park. He stated aircraft repair and construction are encouraged at other airports, noting it is possible to rent a house for what he is paying to lease his hangar. He said an industrial classification is used when goods are manufactured for sale, which is not being done at the airpark. He stressed building new hangars will bring in more tenants. Rick Emshoff, of Clearwater Aircraft, stated Clearwater’s hangar rates compare favorably to rates in St. Petersburg and throughout the county. He still has a waiting list. He estimated 75 to 80 percent of today’s light twin engine aircraft need additional runway length for safe operation. He noted the RFP called for more hangars, and corporate aircraft make less noise than the current aircraft onsite. 11. Call of the Next Meeting The next regular meeting of the Airport Authority was called for September 3, 1997 at 3:00 p.m., in City Commission Chambers. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:56 p.m. maa0897 4 08/06/97 .. "." 'r':' , '" ," '.o-..~', ,..' ~',' ::,..:,',..,., ~" "~" ".,'.,. '",'+ .' .:'...., :': ':," ,~. ~:", ," r'" ,::', ~ . " 'I I . _ ' , ' .,' I "c . '. : . , ""I , '~'. > ' ::'. . , , ' , '.', ';, " ',' ',,' , " . ' ~': ~":, ': :- < ,: ' " :', + ", .'. " p.:' ',...' . ", . , ' , , , . . <~ j~ < " , (';1 i'~:,7- '., '," , ;- '0; <~/,':,;h,':l~:"i,;,':>,~,~.:.;,.~:.'~~." , :. ~~.. ..~._. '.....~,+.,...,H \, ~',1t:~ !'. ~l~:l' ",,0. P.: ',. '. ~ ~:, d Or'l',: . ; c ',J - ~.', ' . . , ' .. ~ . oj- ~ 'III'""" ...... i . ,~ .' .' , " ....AA " , 1 ' .' ',' Airport Authority Minutes ',', " ,; "i, " 'Date' .405 tJs+ 'G ) Iqq7 j " ' 3 93 , f, ,......"'~,",,..',:'.',":',',.,.:.'::".',,"..',,'.'",i,""',:", ,'.' ',', '-" ,,': ,',,' " ,:',", '..'1..... ". -,' .-,\ ~I.,'" """ ".: , '" ' , , ' ~ . ~ .'z.-l ,\, , ' ",' ~ ,. ". " , AIRPORT AUTHORITY CITY OF CLEARWATER August 6, 1997 Present: Gary Benjamin Charles Kilbride Francis J. Werner John Carassas Richard Baier Glen Bahnick Gwen Legters Stephen Bils (resigned) Charles Silcox Vice Chair Board Member Board Member Assistant City Attorney Engineering Director Civil Engineer II, Staff Liaison Board Reporter Chair Board Member Absent: The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. in City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are listed In agenda order although not necessarily discussed In that order. 2. MInutes Approval - June 4, 1997 Member Kilbride moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member o by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously 3. Tenant Report - FBO I~ The Board received the report and read it into the record. It was indicated 40 shade hangars, 37 enclosed hangars, 38 hard stands and 13 of 20 available grass tied owns are occupied. In response to a question, Mr. Emshoff said airplanes south of the drainage ditch are on display for advertisement, and will be tied down. 4. Operating Budget - Tina Wilson, City Budget Director BUdget Director Wilson reviewed a summary of the airport's expenditures and encumbrances for the period ending June 3D, 1997. She responded to questions regarding management of the airpark's operating budget, format of the budget document, and the 1997/98 Capital Improvement Budget. While revenues approximately match the current operating budget, she stated the airpark would not break even as an Enterprise Fund because it would be responsible for the costs of capital improvements and staff support. 5. FBO Lease Assistant City Attorney John Carassas stated negotiations are nearing completion and a final draft wlll go out for Mr. Ernshoffs review this week, for final execution in September. In response to a concern, Mr. Carassas said the process is moving forward, and summarized reasons for the length of time it has taken to finalize the agreement. maa0897 1 08/06/97 " '~l:i'"'\il~~t'~~'}~ < " c.~, Hf,~\~.'?"!\fii~~~ > . I j '" ~. " , , ,i' ~ 6. Neighbor's Day I Open House Mr. Bahnick stated the June 7 event was a great success and thanked the five contributing organizations. Authority members praised the Engineering Department's first Inside Engineering program, encouraging the public to watch. Mr. Bahnlck was commended for his extended aviation background and excellent service to the airpark and Airport Authority. Mr. Carassas said the requirement for an annual open house will be included in the FBO lease. ,:) ~::J 7. Runway Remarking Mr. Bahnick reported Blasters, of Tampa, has obliterated the old numerals, The runway will close next Monday for repainting the markings, and numbering the runway. The process took longer than expected due to the work schedule of the sole source contractor. Mr. Bahnick has reported the improvements to the FAA. The flight pattern exhibit in the operations building will be updated. The Authority was pleased with the progress of airpark improvements under Mr. Bahnick's and the Engineering Department's direction. 8. Clearwater Airpark Web Page Mr. Bahnick reported the Airpark's Internet web page can currently be accessed only through the Engineering Department's web site. Discussion ensued regarding creation of a stand-alone airpark web site. Suggestions were to include history, available services, approach patterns, hours of operation, photographs, related agencies, resident, tourist, and economic information. Interested parties will submit ideas and information to Mr. Bahnick for forwarding to the City's Internet webmaster. 9. RunwayfTaxiway Lights Mr. Bahnick reviewed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funding of the three major projects: runway lighting, Hangar C (former Hangar A) refurbishment, and Master Plan updates, Because the FY 97/98 budget was trimmed, it is being recommended to delay the Master Plan update in favor of critical Hangar C repairs. In response to questions, it was indicated the hangar was reconditioned , and moved from another site about 27 years ago. Discussion ensued regarding available funding, 50 percent matching funds from FOOT, and refurbishment options. In response to questions, Mr. Bahnick said more than 50% in additional federal funds is sometimes available for non~revenue generating projects, but such funding generally carries the requirement for an airport to be a 24-hour operation. Discussion ensued regarding one member's suggestion to change Clearwater Airpark to a 24-hour operation for revenue generation and safety reasons. He felt leaving the lights on ovemlght would not encourage a full-blown operation that would disturb the neighbors, but would enhance safety as three or four illegal takeoffs and landings currently occur each night. Discussion ensued regarding Engineering's complaint reporting procedure, and how to enforce the existing hours of operation. Consensus was for staff to investigate this issue, maa0897 2 08/06/97 , '. ," " . . . 'T' ~ . ", "., : .it, ~ \' : " :' ' '.", \ ':, 't I' " ~,.:,~,., :. '~':', . ' ' \': ~.' ,I'~~ ~:.~~' ~~':. ~ ,!.:'.~ "..~(. ':'~.. ,..'.... ~:\ :. ~ : ,:( l..' '~'.":" ..'..'.,.'.~,.,.~: '. .: . " ~. I'~' " ,:::" ," ',', ,': ~ ' ,: . ':.':, . .,,',' I' ',' ~ '. .. ~ : , ' , .. :'... ,; ':, .. .,; ,'.'~, , .',' :,'. " ~ ..' ".; \', ': , :~ 10. Other Business Member Kilbride requested follow-up information regarding recent unauthorized hangar alterations. Mr. Bahnlck reported Mr. Emshoff has responded to an Engineering Department inquiry how this can be prevented in the future. The tenant in questions has applied for an after-the-fact building permit and is required to meet code requirements for engineering and construction. Mr. Carassas reported the new lease agreement places a burden on the FBO to police, monitor, and interrupt unauthorized alterations, bringing airpark property back to its original condition if the City does not issue a pennit. Discussion ensued regarding occupational license requirements for operating a business out of the airpark. Mr. Emshoff stated the City monitors occupational license requests and he does not generally object to aviation related business operations because they are good for his business. A concern was expressed that permitting the illegal alterations sets an unwanted precedent and removes the City's enforcement power in future cases. Mr. Carassas responded the City has the authority and the power to enforce the issue through the FBO. He cited specific provisions in the new leases that will strengthen the City's position by prohibiting unauthorized physical modifications, and making the FBD responsible for enforcement or repair at his cost. Member Kilbride thanked Mr. Bickerstaffe for conducting a personal airpark. tour on July 2. He noted an aircraft had gone into a ditch that day, and the St. Petersburg Times had erroneously reported damage was done to the front of the aircraft. '-J '--" Bob Blckerstaffe spoke at length regarding concerns that airpark operations are out of control because the airpark is being operated as an industrial park; potential safety hazards of using hangars for aircraft maintenance and repairs; uneven surface condition of the grass area at the northwest end of the runway; the immediate need for safety zones at both ends of the runway; and the City having removed tons of dirt from the airpark property without compensation to the airpark. He suggested hangar lease rates for housing an airplane should be less than rates for those who wish to conduct business and industry from the hangars. Member Kilbride expressed concern with the presence of about ten reportedly non-toxic industrial containers dumped on the northwest comer of the property, near the tree farm. Mr. Bahnick will investigate. j~ Member Benjamin objected to Mr. Bickerstaffe's characterization of airpark operations as out of control. Mr. Bickerstaffe clarified his position, restating reasons for his strong concern regarding the importance of having smooth safety overruns. Discussion ensued regarding history of site conditions, use of safety overruns compared to runway extensions, potential cost of finishing and maintaining safety overruns; importance to pilots of paved versus grass safety overruns; the majority of corporate aircraft choosing not to operate out of airports without safety overruns; and the potential for runway extensions to increase business. Mr. Bahnick responded to questions regarding the City having removed dirt during the original site preparation, and stockpiling the dirt for other City uses. Mr. Bahnick was asked to investigate and report at the next meeting, the cost of providing sod runoffs on both ends of the runway. Member Wemer indicated long range Master Plan improvements may have to be re-prioritized to ensure adequate funding exists for improvements to pilot and neighborhood safety, economic development, and airpark business. John Atanasio, representing Civil Air Patrol (CAP), expressed disappointment with delays in finalizing the FBD lease. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the time table for considering the CAP land request. maa0897 3 08106197 ~. ~ '. '~" '- H l' , L.t, .\, i...",,',,' . ." .'.."':.~~_"'" "'," ,,' ','" " " ..,.. \, ',:', :',' >,\\:', :'.:'>,:: :-:', :' ".:',.",..:,'::,;:: ',,' ',:,'~'" ,'-: :' ,'., , .. :, ,:,': ' ',' " '.' ,..,'", ",', :,,',i' ,'~:"':, .... \ 'I"~ ' ." ", ' ." '" "1"'-':.;"'" I ~. L " " ", j' . .'" ',', 1\..., ", ,...". '. ~'...... .' ,....~ '. ',I, , ~ '''..,.t ' '" : :~ ~ (~ o " J I " , . .:. :,:~.,'::);:(Y~'P~~~;l~t\',,;:~r:', <.' ~c J.." .,;.'c ~,.,~~;. . I < t,'. , '. " . ., ,~. Airpark tenant Don Hendricks responded to the assertion the airpark is being operated as an industrial park. He stated aircraft repair and construction are encouraged at other airports, noting it is possible to rent a ~ouse for what he is paying to lease his hangar. He said an industrial classification is used when goods are manufactured for sate, which Is not being done at the airpark. He stressed building new hangars will bring in more tenants. Rick Emshoff, of Clearwater Aircraft, stated Clearwater's hangar rates compare favorably to rates In St. Petersburg and throughout the county. He still has a waiting list. He estimated 75 to 80 percent of today's light twin engine aircraft need additional runway length for safe operation. He noted the RFP called for more hangars, and corporate aircraft make less noise than the current aircraft onsite. 11. Call of the Next Meeting The next regular meeting of the Airport Authority was ,called for September 3, 1997 at 3:00 p.m., in City Commission Chambers. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:56 p.m. . 2b~ 4 Airport Authority, c--/ Attest: 8 fXW " maa0897 4 OB/06/97 . ~. . ~: ,J ,'~,f,',' :' ',' , .~._',..\.,I:,::.:,