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04/04/2001AIRPORT AUTHORITY MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER April 4, 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 In reference to page 2, paragraph 4, it was recommended the final sentence read “It was noted in the past, the Airpark had cost the City $100,000 annually. Airpark revenues now cover all operational costs.” Member Nixon moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 7, 2001, as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 - Tenant Report/FBO David King, FBO (Fixed Base Operator), reported the Airpark has: 1) 27 T-hangars; 2) 40 shade stands; 3) 49 hard stands; 4) 32 grass stands; and 5) 2 helipads. Of the 20 additional T-hangars under construction, Mr. King holds deposits on 16. Not all names on the waiting list have been contacted. He estimated the new hangars will increase Airpark revenues by $80,000 annually, plus increased fuel sales. A flyer, designed by Airpark Operations Manager Gordon Wills, was distributed regarding Clearwater Airpark Open House 2001, on April 21, 2001, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., as part of Clearwater’s Sun n’ Fun festivities. It was requested the flyer feature the Budweiser Parachute Team, which is waiving its $1,000 per member fee for inclusion in associated marketing material. Mr. King said Airpark staff is working to arrange an airplane to carry the team members. Risk Management must approve the demonstration due to liability issues. It was stated team members also will demonstrate packing a parachute. It was stated Parks & Recreation Department staff had been advised of the need to advertise the Budweiser Parachute Team in the City’s Fun n’ Sun brochure. Discussion ensued regarding Open House activities, including antique aircraft, hot air balloons, a fire truck, reduced rate plane rides, a police K-9 demonstration, and free hot dogs and soda. Mr. King anticipated some classic cars, which attract visitors, also will be displayed. It was recommended the flyers be distributed at area elementary schools. Mr. King reported Danny, one of the Airpark’s staff, is moving to Albert Whitted field in St. Petersburg where he will buy and sell airplanes. ITEM #4 –Maintenance Scheduling Mr. Wills stated all the light bulbs in the hangars had been changed last weekend. He will modify the lights in the 40 shade hangars, which currently are lit 24 hours a day and could pose a safety hazard. A 16-foot fiberglass ladder is available for any tenant’s use to change hangar lights. It was stated a new windsock has been installed. In response to a question, Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris said the new berm has been graded and will be sprayed with a seed mixture. Landscaping will be planted after irrigation piping is installed and a well is sunk. Mr. Wills said the door to C6 has been repaired. He knew of no more door-related complaints. He said recent plumbing problems related to a bent pipe have been repaired. ITEM #5 – Financial Discussion The quarterly report will be distributed in April. As of April 4, 2001, the Airpark Financial Status for Expenditures is $38,060 in available discretionary funding, $15,470 in expenditures/encumbrances, with $22,590 available. The Financial Status for Revenue is $48,108 for rent, 4,550 for fuel sales, totaling $52,658. It was requested that income from the new hangars be included in the report. Concern was expressed onsite road construction may delay use of the new hangars. Discussion ensued regarding the plan to move the roadway and realign the taxiway. Mr. King stated road construction will reduce the number of parking spaces by two. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said when the Airpark was designated as an enterprise fund in October 2000, the facility had no retained earnings. In the future, revenues exceeding expenditures will be set-aside for specific CIP projects. The Airpark borrowed funds from the City to construct the new hangars. He said the FY (fiscal year) 2000/01 budget does not cover the cost of Police Aides. The Marina’s budget is covering salaries for Mr. Morris and a Staff Assistant. He estimated the Airpark will end the fiscal year with a $20,000 deficit. The Airpark has borrowed the maximum permitted. The Airpark also now is charged for services that previously were free, such as $12,500 annually to mow the sloped land by the ditch and sidewalks. Mr. King offered to provide that service for that fee. Mr. Morris stated a special mower is required. Liability issues need to be considered. Mr. King stated he would like to provide as many Airpark services as possible. It was recommended the FBO be considered as the Airpark’s primary service provider. It was felt using an outside contractor would save money. Member Roper moved for staff to look into reimbursing Mr. King for providing mowing services and for Mr. King to research obtaining the proper equipment and training to provide that service. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. It was requested the quarterly budget report and full year budget projection separate interest and capital costs from operating expenses. ITEM #6 – Other Business Don Hendrix Memorial It was reported that more than 250 people had attended the memorial service at the Airpark for Don Hendrix. Burial services were held today at the Bay Pines Veterans Hospital Cemetery. Webcast It was suggested an inexpensive live web camera could be installed on top of a hangar to provide a 24-hour view of the Airpark. Pilots could check the weather by viewing the webcast. Discussion ensured regarding computers, servers, cameras, and technology. Mr. King requested information on similar websites for his review. Security It was suggested Police Aide costs could be eliminated if surveillance cameras are installed around the Airpark. It was felt the FBO should decide which security method is preferable. Mr. Morris said the Police Department provides better security at the Marina than contracted guards. Mr. King noted a theft had occurred recently even though a Police Aide was present. Mr. Wills said use of the runway, before or after operating hours, has decreased significantly since the Police Aides began service. It was suggested a surveillance tape could be reviewed after a similar incident occurs if cameras are present. Mr. Morris stated the Police Aides also lock hangars that are left open. Mr. King will review this issue with a security firm. He said some cameras require low light and are motion activated. It was suggested a sign indicating the area is under video surveillance would reduce crime. Mr. Wills complimented the Police Aides for doing a great job. He said the Airpark’s hours are now included in all advertising and in its listing in the FAA’s Airport Facility Directory. Airpark Legal Description It was requested staff confirm the legal description of the Airpark property is complete. JPA Mr. Morris said before the Master Plan was completed, the City had planned to construct a new FBO facility at its current location. In a JPA (Joint Project Agreement) between FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) and the City, FDOT had committed a $100,000 match for the $200,000 project. That project does not meet the Master Plan’s specifications. FDOT has requested the JPA be closed out by City resolution so that the allocated funds can be directed elsewhere. The City Commission will consider the resolution on April 19, 2001. July Meeting Mr. Wills reported the first Wednesday of July, the day designated for Airpark Authority meetings, is July 4, 2001. Staff has reserved the Chambers for July 3, 2001, at 3:00 p.m. Member Roper moved to cancel the July Airport Authority meeting and to reaffirm that decision in May. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. E-Mail Mr. Wills requested the e-mail addresses of members who wish to have Airpark agendas sent to them by e-mail rather than by regular mail. Public Comment Ellen Hess thanked Mr. Morris and Mr. Wills for meeting with her neighbors last Saturday during the City’s neighborhood celebrations. Fun n’ Sun It was stated the Airpark probably will receive significant transient traffic related to the annual Fly-In in Lakeland. Mr. King said if airplanes arrive, he will find places to park them. ITEM #9 – Next Meeting - Wednesday, May 2, 2001 Mr. Wills reported board officers need to be elected prior to June. Consensus was to agenda the election for May. ITEM #10 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:34 p.m.