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02/07/2001AIRPORT AUTHORITY MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER February 7, 2001 Present: Gary Benjamin Chair Brenda Harris Nixon Board Member Ron Streicher Board Member Dennis Roper Board Member – arrived 3:04 p.m. Bob Lunt Board Member Also Present: Jane Hayman Assistant City Attorney William Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director Gordon Wills Airpark Operations Manager Patricia O. Sullivan 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. ITEM #2 – Approval of Minutes Member Nixon moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 3, 2001, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 - Tenant Report/FBO David King, FBO (Fixed Base Operator), reported no changes to leases of hangars, hard stands, etc. Construction on new hangars has not yet started. It was stated the Airpark has shown continued improvement under Mr. King’s management. Mr. King complimented Airpark Operations Manager Gordon Wills’ effort to encourage tenants to clean their hangars. It was suggested the board draft a letter regarding the turnaround at the Airpark, attributable to Mr. King. Mr. King stated the pile of top soil is being moved to construct a berm. He expressed concern the northeast area lacks fencing. It was noted the drainage ditch along the fence is up to 4 feet deep. Marine & Aviation Department Director William Morris stated the Master Plan indicates the ditch is to remain open. Mr. King said staff had mowed the grass nearby to improve water flow. ITEM #4 –Master Plan Progress Report Mr. Morris indicated staff is on top of the hangar project. The contractor is aware of the $1,000/day penalty should the project not be completed in time. Staff is anxious for the construction to begin. Klaus Palinkas, of PBS&J (Post, Buckley, Shuh, and Jernigan), reported the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) had approved the Master Plan’s declared distance concept which, for safety and noise abatement purposes, extends the runway to 4,000 feet while only 3,000 feet remains available for landing and takeoffs. The agency did request City cooperation to review Airpark approaches related to the GPS (Global Positioning System). He said federal protection of the Airpark’s approach corridor would be beneficial. The City agreed to FAA’s request to withhold finalizing approval until after the approach procedure is reviewed. Any change to the approach would recognize noise abatement requirements and not impact nearby neighborhoods. In response to a question, Mr. Palinkas said the Airpark is unique. He knew of only one other airpark in the region with a declared distance concept approved by the FAA. Details related to Tampa International Airport tower control of inbound Airpark traffic are not yet available. In response to a question, Mr. Palinkas expected the FAA review to be completed within a month. ITEM #5 – Maintenance Scheduling Mr. Wills reported the door to hangar C5 had been repaired. Cleaning the Airpark property continues. A contract has been let to maintain property fences. The annual fire extinguisher inspections are complete. Staff is developing a maintenance schedule as the data base is gathered. It was recommended the schedule be submitted to the Airport Authority for annual review. Problems related to a loose wire in a hangar circuit breaker were reported. It was stated the commercial florescent bulbs are expensive and difficult to install. Concern was expressed regarding liability issues. Mr. King said tenants may request help from FBO staff to install hangar lights. ITEM #6 – Flight Pattern Signage Member Streicher said he is working with staff on new signage for the taxiway. He recommended signage be limited. Current signs are difficult to read. Signs on doors leading from the FBO building explain Airpark flight patterns to educate visiting pilots. Mr. King said staff hands pilots a copy of the flight patterns when they pay their fuel bills. ITEM #7 – Financial Discussion The Airpark’s February financial status report indicates $28,360 is available. Revenues have totaled $35,885. Staff will distribute quarterly updates. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said when completed, the new hangars will generate increased revenue. Concern was expressed lease rates at the Airpark are high. It was noted the FBO’s lease with the City requires lease rates to be increased annually. It was suggested the board may wish to recommend the City limit the size of future increases. ITEM #7 – Other Business New Staff Member Mr. Morris introduced Beverly Buysse, Marine & Aviation Department Assistant Director. Tenant Concerns Buzz Heuchen said Airpark tenants have concerns related to increased rental costs, rumors, and changes at the Airpark. He said some tenants are afraid they will be kicked out of their hangars for performing grass root activities, such as building and rebuilding aircraft. He said 18 of 20 clauses in the month to month lease agreement prohibit specific acts. He said caps on rents should be instituted. Mr. Morris said after his inspection, the fire marshal had ordered all hangars to be cleaned of hazardous materials. Mr. Wills said he had located dumpsters near the hangars to assist tenants in cleaning their spaces. Hazardous materials must be dumped separately. Hangar leases prohibit activities such as painting aircraft or performing unauthorized maintenance. Discussion ensued regarding City Commission actions related to the Airpark in the 1980s and 1990s and benefits related to the Airpark’s new status as an Enterprise Fund and improvements to the facility. Mr. King said proposed upgrades to the Airpark will result in higher revenues from corporate clients and a reduced need for taxpayer support or increased rates for hangar tenants. Fun N’ Sun Mr. Wills said the Airpark’s Open House is scheduled for April 21, 2001, as part of the City’s Fun N’ Sun activities from April 20 through the first weekend in May 2001. It was recommended the event be coordinated so that an announcement regarding Airpark activities be included in the brochure sent to all City residents. Member input regarding recommended activities was requested. ITEM #9 – Next Meeting - Wednesday, March 7, 2001 ITEM #10 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.