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03/07/2001AIRPORT AUTHORITY MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 7, 2001 Present: Gary Benjamin Chair Brenda Harris Nixon Board Member Ron Streicher Board Member Dennis Roper Board Member – arrived 3:16 p.m. Bob Lunt Board Member Also Present: Jane Hayman Assistant City Attorney William Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director Beverly Buysse Marine & Aviation Department Assistant Director 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 In reference to page 3, typos were noted related to a speaker’s name and the date of the next meeting. It also was requested the minutes define the term, “declared distance.” Member Streicher moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 7, 2001, as amended. 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 of new T-Hangars has begun. He said the guard schedule has been changed to a rotating timetable to improve Airpark coverage. One pilot was ticketed last month for landing after sundown. Staff is sprucing up the Airpark for the Open House, scheduled on April 21, 2001, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The planning checklist was distributed. Planned events include a skydive team, fire truck, Bayflight helicopter, K-9 demonstration, etc. Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris stated Airpark Operations Manager Gordon Wills had met with residents on the street at the south end of the airpark and sent each a personal letter inviting them to the open house and informing them regarding the new berm, which will block views of the airplanes and reduce noise from planes taking off in a northerly direction. ITEM #4 –Maintenance Scheduling Mr. Morris distributed Mr. Wills’ report. As part of Planned Maintenance, the door in C-6 has been repaired. Trees throughout the Airpark have been trimmed. Staff is looking at other parcels for temporary storage of airplanes while construction is underway. Construction of the hangar project should meet the deadline. Research indicates rents for Airpark T-Hangars are not the most expensive locally. T-Hangar Rental Information was distributed. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said an annual CPI (Consumer Price Index) increase is planned. It was requested staff report the number of spaces available at each airport. It was recommended the Airpark prepare for the pending shut down of Tampa Bay Executive Airport in Pasco County. In response to a concern that the Airpark price itself too high, Mr. Morris said the Airpark is well located and a waiting list exists. It was recommended non-residents be charged more than Clearwater residents. Mr. Morris stated the Marina charges a 15% surcharge for non-residents, while Dunedin charges a 40% surcharge. Concern was expressed long term tenants do not live in the City. It was suggested the nonresident surcharge could be imposed on new lease contracts. Mr. King reviewed his efforts to contact those on the waitlist, requesting deposits from those who still want hangar space. He estimated only half of those on the waitlist will submit a one-month deposit. He wants all 20 new hangars to be filled within one week of completion. It was recommended the letters clearly state that the names of those who do not submit deposits within 30 days will be removed from the waitlist. Member Nixon moved for staff to investigate charging non-residents more than residents to lease hangars. The motion was duly seconded. It was felt non-residents do not pay City taxes and should be charged more. Discussion ensued regarding alternative billing policies that could be investigated, such as charging those who do not fly their airplanes more than those who do fly and purchase fuel and services. Concern was expressed the schedule of charges not be complicated nor appear to be a money grab. It was suggested each tenant be required to make a monthly minimum fuel purchase. It was noted some tenants have supported the Airpark for many years. It was noted in the past, the Airpark had cost the City $100,000 annually. Airpark revenues now cover all operational costs. Upon vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said staff is working to develop a separate CIP maintenance budget. ITEM #5 – Financial Discussion The quarterly report will be distributed in April. ITEM #6 – Other Business It was requested that the Legal Department provide a legal description of the entire Airpark property. It was requested staff report on member terms and agenda an election for Chair. It was recommended Airpark staff contact the Iron Man Institute regarding their planned use of an Airpark for private planes. It was suggested that a board brainstorming session be planned. It was suggested an inexpensive live web camera could by installed on the nearby cell tower to provide a 24-hour view of the Airpark. Pilots could check the weather by viewing the webcast. Ellen Hess expressed concern the Airpark not attract too many planes and increase the noise over nearby neighborhoods. It was stated that no more than 10 transient airplanes use the Airpark daily. It was stated the Airpark must market itself as it cannot count on repeat visitors. Discussion ensued regarding how the Airpark communicates with transient pilots. It was noted the Beach Bee had published a positive article about the Airpark. Civil Air Patrol Representative John Atanasio reported CAP member Don Hendrix had passed away. A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said a copy of the CAP lease will be forwarded once all signatures are affixed. Concern was expressed the flooring in the old t-hangars floods when it rains, damaging the airplanes with humidity. Staff will work with the State to obtain funding to address that issue. Member Roper will mail the board’s letter to the City, complimenting Mr. King’s efforts. Mr. Morris requested the board review the summer schedule for change, as the July meeting is scheduled for July 4, 2001. . ITEM #9 – Next Meeting - Wednesday, April 5, 2001 ITEM #10 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:34 p.m.