11/04/1998
AIRPORT AUTHORITY MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 4, 1998
Present: Gary Benjamin Chair
Francis J. Werner Board Member (arrived 3:17 p.m.)
Dennis Roper Board Member
Ron Streicher Board Member
Bob Lunt Board Member
Also Present: Glen Bahnick Civil Engineer III, Staff Liaison
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
ITEM 1 - Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:06 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM 2 - Approval of Minutes
Member Roper moved to approve the minutes of September 2, 1998, as
motion
submitted in written summation to each member. The was duly seconded and
carried
unanimously.
ITEM 3 - Tenant Report - FBO
FBO (Fixed Base Operator) Rick Emshoff updated the tenant report (Attachment
A).
ITEMS 4 and 5- FAA Funding and Runway/Taxiway Lights
Civil Engineer Glen Bahnick reported on his visit to FAA’s (Federal Aviation
Authority) regional Orlando office. The City’s engineering firm, PBS&J (Post, Buckley,
Shuh, & Jernigan), reviewed the capital improvement plan update submitted for federal
projects, and suggested another meeting with the FAA. After reviewing the request for
federal funding, the new FAA supervisor indicated the City is not eligible until changes
are made to the City ordinance regarding night operations. The FAA supervisor will
forward a written summarization of the meeting for the benefit of AA (Airport Authority)
board members. Mr. Bahnick said even if the ordinance is changed, the fence would
have to be moved and 24-hour operations would have to be implemented.
Discussion ensued regarding the funding of Meigs Field which has a midnight
landing curfew and noise abatement restrictions. Concern was expressed regarding the
disappointing FAA decision and the loss of substantial funding. It was suggested the
board prepare to deal with night operations as the Commission soon will review the
runway/taxiway lights project. It was suggested Mr. Bahnick invite an FAA representative
to the Commission meeting when this item is agendaed in December, and an AA
maa1198 1 11/04/98
member also attend. It was remarked runway/taxiway lights and night operations are
necessary for safety reasons.
Mr. Emshoff said current night operations are restricted between 9:00 p.m. and
7:00 a.m. He estimated only 100 aircraft annually would conduct night flight operations.
He said most aircraft noise is associated with take off, not landing. Runway lights solve
the safety issue. Per its agreement with the FBO, the City is obligated to install
runway/taxiway lights. It was stated Airpark staff has been sensitive to the surrounding
community. In response to a question, Mr. Bahnick said the City has not received any
complaints regarding night landings from area residents. It was suggested flight
instruction school and Airpark patrons be requested not to abuse night landings.
An Airpark tenant spoke in support of installing runway/taxiway lights and
initiating night operations. He currently must use the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport
when flying at night which is expensive and inconveniences him greatly. He requested
changing operation limitations so pilots do not lose their license after making a night
landing.
ITEM 6 - Technical Advisory Committee for Airport Master Plan
Mr. Bahnick requested the board review the possibility of forming a TAC
(Technical Advisory Committee). Discussion ensued regarding its purpose. Mr. Bahnick
said TAC members would report on updated regulations and technical information and
provide “outside” input to the AA. It was suggested committee members represent the
local homeowners’ associations, Chamber of Commerce, AA, past AA chairpersons,
residents, business owners, and City staff. In response to a question, Mr. Bahnick said
the AA and Engineering Department would appoint TAC members, with input from
PBS&J.
Consensus was to recommend nominations to Mr. Bahnick by November 11,
1998, for review at the next meeting.
ITEM 7 - Runway/Overruns
Mr. Bahnick reported the FAA had suggested identifying runway overruns as
undeclared runway, designed to runway specifications, and incorporating chevrons. Mr.
Roller, of FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation), and Mr. Emshoff concur with the
proposal.
In response to a question, former AA member Bob Bickerstaffe explained how the
runways will function. He said chevrons can be used for take off, but are designed for
emergency landings. It was commented the glide path will be increased by
approximately 100 feet over residential areas. The master plan will address landing
restrictions and rules.
ITEM 8 - Security Gates
It was remarked residents and elected officials depend upon the AA to verify that
the Airpark runs safely and productively. AA members do not wish to restrict Airpark use.
Vehicular traffic must stay off taxiways due to concerns related to maintenance costs
and safety issues. Mr. Bahnick said the City had instructed Mr. Emshoff to notify Airpark
maa1198 2 11/04/98
tenants that the security gates will be locked. A signed petition, presented to members,
expressed concern about locking gates during daylight hours. It was remarked no check
was made to determine which petitioners are tenants. It was noted some petitioners,
who no longer fly or own aircraft, are the very people members do not want driving on
taxiways.
Mr. Bahnick reported a survey indicates all area airparks polled lock their security
gates and limit access. Some airparks prohibit public access to designated areas. In
response to a question, Mr. Emshoff said no FAA ruling requires general aviation
facilities to be secured. Concern was expressed the AA had spent a great deal of time
on this issue and already had decided to lock the security gates and change the
password. It was remarked many of the petitioners visit the airpark only once a month. It
was suggested one person began the petition which others signed without
understanding the issues. Mr. Emshoff will inform tenants the new security gate code
will be implemented December 1, 1998. It was requested Mr. Bahnick research if the
City would incur liability if gates are left open and personal property is damaged.
Justin Wilbur, Suncoast Flying Services, felt petitioners who requested that gates
remain open during daylight hours do not understand the issue. He favored locking the
gates.
It was remarked taxiways are not roadways for cars. Because of vehicular traffic,
taxiway surfaces are disintegrating.
Consensus was for Mr. Emshoff to inform Airpark tenants regarding the new code
effective December 1, 1998. It was requested new signs be designed: 1) “Welcome to
Clearwater” and 2) “Tenants & Air Crews Only Beyond This Point. Others please park in
parking lot.”
ITEM 9 - Airpark Sign and Entrance Landscaping
Mr. Bahnick reported the City’s Landscape Architect is looking for funds and
developing designs for a new Airpark sign and entrance landscaping. He said Mr.
Wilbur, of Suncoast Flying Services, must purchase a Cessna Pilot Center sign within 23
days. The sign is larger than permitted by code. Should AA approve the sign, the City’s
Airpark sign would become a secondary sign and be limited to 24 square feet. It was felt
the Cessna sign should be visible from Hercules.
Mr. Wilbur felt the Cessna Pilot sign, which does not reflect his name, is an asset
to the Airpark and indicates Clearwater offers the most advanced flight training available.
He intended for the Cessna sign to replace the existing Airpark sign. He suggested
printing the Airpark’s name in gold lettering on bricks at the facility’s entrance when new
landscaping is installed. He said his agreement with Cessna required a 64 square foot
sign. It was suggested the Cessna Pilot Center sign be placed on the building.
John Atanasio, CAP (Civil Air Patrol), said the CAP is required to abide by the
Pinellas County sign ordinance. He felt the proposed sign is permissible as long as it is
smaller than 150-square feet and between 10 feet and 35 feet high. He suggested
approval of the Cessna sign.
maa1198 3 11/04/98
In response to a question, Mr. Bahnick noted City Ordinance, Section 44.51,
states the airpark is zoned public/semi public. Signs in this zone are restricted to one 48
square foot sign and a secondary 24 square foot sign, neither of which is higher than 12
feet. It was suggested Mr. Wilbur apply for a variance for the sign.
Mr. Emshoff reviewed plans to purchase 7 portal hangars and rent them out. It
was remarked he can proceed as long as he does not violate City code.
ITEM 10 - Other Business to be Brought Before the Airport Authority
It was remarked some Airpark tenants have made plans to finish repairs on the
older t-hangar.
Mr. Atanasio said he previously had requested AA approval for CAP’s acceptance
of a Coast Guard donation of a prefabricated structure. The AA had requested he meet
with the Legal Department prior to negotiating with the Coast Guard. The Legal
Department referred him to Public Works Administrator Rich Baier, who stated no
objection but requested a photograph of the unit to verify its condition. After forwarding
all requested information, Mr. Atanasio received a letter from Mr. Baier requesting he
wait until the new Harbormaster, Bill Morris, comes on board December 1, 1998. Mr.
Morris will be responsible for Airpark management. Mr. Atanasio expressed frustration
with the process. He expressed concern the CAP will lose this donation due to
numerous delays and worried that Mr. Morris may delay a decision further due to other
priorities. It was requested Mr. Bahnick schedule a meeting with the City Manager, Mr.
Baier, Mr. Morris, and the Chair to reach a final decision.
ITEM 11 - Call of the Next Meeting
Consensus was to schedule the next meeting for December 2, 1998.
ITEM 12 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:02 p.m.
maa1198 4 11/04/98
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AIRPORT AUTHORITY MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 4, 1 998
Present:
Gary Benjamin
Francis J. Werner
Dennis Roper
Ron Streicher
Bob Lunt
Chair
Board Member (arrived 3: 17 p.m.)
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Also Present: Glen Bahnick
Brenda Moses
Civil Engineer III, Staff Liaison
Board Reporter
ITEM 1 - Call to Order
. . ' ~
The meeting was called to order at 3:06 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM 2 '. Approval of Minutes
"
> ::)
Member Roper moved to approve the minutes of September 2, 1998, as
submitted in written summation to each member. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
ITEM 3 - Tenant Report - FaD
FBO (Fixed Base Operator) Rick Emshoff updated the tenant report
(Attachment A).
ITEMS 4 and 5- FAA Fundinq and Runwnv/Taxiway Uqhts
"
Civil Engineer Glen Bahnick reported on his visit to FAA's (Federal Aviation
Authority) regional Orlando office. The City's engineering firml PBS&J (Post,
Buckley, Shuh, & Jernigan), reviewed the capital improvement plan update submitted
for federal projects, and suggested another meeting with the FAA. After reviewing
the request for federal funding, the new FAA supervisor indicated the City is not
eligible until changes are made to the City ordinance regarding night operations. The
FAA supervisor will forward a written summarization of the meeting for the benefit of
AA (Airport Authority) board members. Mr. Bahnick said even if the ordinance is
changed, the fence would have to be moved and 24-hour operations would have to
be implemented.
;\,
o
Discussion ensued regarding the funding of Meigs Field which has a midnight
landing'curfew and noise abatement restrictions. Concern was expressed regarding
the disappointing FAA decision and the loss of substantial funding. It was suggested
the board prepare to deal with night operations as the Commission soon will review
the runway/taxiway lights project. It was suggested Mr. Bahnick invite an FAA
representative to the Commission meeting when this item is agendaed in December,
maa1198
1
11/04/98
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and an AA member also attend. It was remarked runway/taxiway lights and nJght
'operations are necessary for safety reasons.
, .
, Mr. Emshoff said current night operations are restricted between 9:00 p.m.
and 7:00 a.m. He estimated only 100 aircraft annually would conduct night flight
operations. He said most aircraft noise is associated with take off, not landing.
Runway lights solve the safety issue. Per its agreement with the FBO, the City is
obligated 'to install runway/taxiway lights. It was stated Airpark staff has been
sensitive to the surrounding community. In response to a question, Mr. Bahnick said
the City has not received any complaints regarding night landings from area residents.
It was suggested flight instruction school and Airpark patrons be requested not to
abuse night landings.
,,0
An Airpark tenant spoke in support of installing runway/taxiway lights and
initiating night operations. He currently must use the 'St. Petersburg/Clearwater
Airport when flying at night which is expensive and inconveniences him greatly. He
requested changing operation limitations so pilots do not lose their license after
making a night landing.
ITEM 6 - Technical Advisorv Committee for Aireort Master Plan
---.,
.,-)
Mr. Bahnick requested the board review the possibility of forming a TAC
(Technical Advisory Committee). Discussion ensued regarding its purpose. Mr.
Bahnick said T AC members would report on updated regulations and technical
information and provide "outside" input to the AA. It was suggested committee
members represent the local homeowners' associations, Chamber of Commerce, AA,
past AA chairpersons, residents, business owners, and City staff. In response to a
question, Mr. Bahnick said the AA and Engineering Department would appoint TAC
members, with input from PBS&~I.
Consensus was to recommend nominations to Mr. Bahnick by November 11,
1998, for review at the next meeting.
~,
:'
ITEM 7 - Runwav/Overruns
Mr. Bahnick reported the FAA had suggested identifying runway overruns as
undeclared runway, designed to runway specifications, and incorporating chevrons.
Mr. Roller, of FDOT IFlorida Department of Transportation), and Mr. Emshoff concur
with the proposal. '
In response to a question, former AA member Bob Bickerstaffe explained how
the runways will function. He said chevrons can be used for take off, but are
designed for emergency landings. It was commented the glide path will be increased
by approximately 100 feet over residential areas. The master plan will address
landing restrictions and rules.
ITEM 8 - Security Gates
.,J It was remarked residents and elected officials depend upon the AA to verify
that the Airpark runs safely and productively. AA members do not wish to restrict
maa1198
2
11/04/98
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Airpark use. Vehicular traffic must stay off taxiways due to concerns related to
maintenance costs and safety issues. Mr. Bahnick said the City had instructed Mr.
Emshoff to notify Airpark tenants that the security gates will be locked. A signed
petition, presented to members, expressed concern about lOCKing gates during
daylight hours. It was remarked no check was made to determine which petitioners
are tena~ts. It was noted some petitioners, who no longer fly or own aircraft, are the
very people members do not want driving on taxiways.
Mr. 8ahnick reported a survey indicates all area airparks polled lock their
security gates and limit access. Some airparks prohibit public access to designated
,areas. In response to a question, Mr. Emshoff said no FAA ruling requires general
aviation facilities to be secured. Concern was expressed the AA had spent a great
deal of time on this issue and already had decided to lock the security gates and
change the password. It was remarked many of the petitioners visit the airpark only
once a month. It was suggested one person began the petition which others signed
without understanding the issues. Mr. Emshoff will inform tenants the new security
gate code will be implemented December 1, , 998. It was requested Mr. Bahnick
research if the City would incur liability if gates are left open and personal property is
damaged.
Justin Wilbur, Suncoast Flying Services, felt petitioners who requested that
gates remain open during daylight hours do not understand the issue, He favored
locking the gates.
It was remarked taxiways are not roadways for cars. Because of vehicular
traffic, taxiway surfaces are disintegrating.
Consensus was for Mr. Emshoff to inform Airpark tenants regarding the new
code effective Decembe'r 1, 1998. It was requested new signs be designed: 1)
"Welcome to Clearwater" and 2) "Tenants & Air Crews Only Beyond This Point.
Others please park in parking lot."
.,
I
ITEM 9 ~ Airpark Siqn and Entrance LandscapinQ
Mr. Bahnick reported the City's Landscape Architect is looking for funds and
developing designs for a new Airpark sign and entrance landscaping. He said Mr.
Wilbur, of Suncoast Flying Services, must purchase a Cessna Pilot Center sign within
23 days. The sign is larger than permitted by code. Should AA approve the sign, the
City's Airpark sign would become a secondary sign and be limited to 24 square feet.
It was felt the Cessna sign should be visible from Hercules.
Mr. Wilbur felt the Cessna Pilot sign, which does not reflect his name, is an
asset to tho Airpark and indicates Clearwater offers the most advanced flight training
available. He intended for the Cessna sign to replace the existing Airpark sign. He
suggested printing the Airpark's name in gold lettering on bricks at the facility's
entrance when new landscaping is installed. He said his agreement with Cessna
required a 64 square foot sign. It was suggested the Cessna Pilot Center sign be
placed on the building.
maa1198
11/04/98
3
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" ,t
John' Atanasio, CAP (Civil Air Patro!), said the CAP is required to abide by the
Pinellas County sign ordinance. He felt the proposed sign is permissible as long as it
is smaller than 150-square feet and between 10 feet and 35 feet high. He suggested
approval of the Cessna sign.
.,.' ,,'
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In response to a question, Mr. Bahnick noted City Ordinance, Section 44.51 ,
states the airpark is zoned public/semi public. Signs in this zone are restricted to one
,48 square foot sign and a secondary 24 square foot sign, neither of which Is higher
than 12 feet. (t was suggested Mr. Wilbur apply fora variance for the sign.
Mr. Emshoff reviewed plans to purchase .7 portal hangars and rent them out.
It was remarked he can proceed as long as he does n,ot violate City code.
,ITEM 10 - Other Business to be Brouoht Before the Airport Authoritv
::"J"
" " ',-
Mr. Atanasio said he previously had requested AA approval for CAP's
acceptance of a Coast Guard donation of a prefabricated structure. The AA had
requested he meet with the Legal Department prior to negotiating with the Coast
Guard. The Legal Department referred him to Public Works Administrator Rich Baier,
who stated no objection but requested a photograph of the unit to verify its
condition. After forwarding all requested information, Mr. Atanasio received a letter
from Mr. Baier requesting he wait until the new Harbormaster, Bill Morris, comes on
board December 1, 1998. Mr. Morris will be responsible for Airpark management,
Mr. Atanasio expressed frustration with the process. He expressed concern the CAP
will lose this donation due to numerous delays and worried that Mr. Morris may delay
a decision further due to other priorities. It was requested Mr. Bahnick schedule a
meeting with the City Manager, Mr. Baier, Mr. Morris, and the Chair to reach a final
decision.
It vvas remarked some Airpark tenants have made plans to finish repairs on the
older t-hangar.
ITEM 11 - Call of the Next Meetin!:!
Consensus was to schedule the next meeting for December 2, 1998.
ITEM 12 - Adiournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:02 p.m. _ ~ J
, Chair
Airport Authority
----.....
, Attest:
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~)jwy/J
oard Reporter
maa1198
4
11/04/98
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T-Hangars 27
25 '
ATl'ACHMENT "A"
Reserved or Available Approx. No. on Lease Rate
in Use for Lease Waitin List Before Ta.x
2 in use by 0 10-12 $300 to
FBO For $32Slmo.
aircran for
sale
0 5-10 S 160/mo.
10 reselVed 6 0 S40/mo.
for transient
aircraft
39 0 SSO/mo.
Hangar Type Existing
Leased
Shade 40
Hard Stands SO
40
34
Grass Tic-downs ' 46
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