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05/02/2001AIRPORT AUTHORITY MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER May 2, 2001 Present: Gary Benjamin Chair Brenda Harris Nixon Board Member Ron Streicher Board Member Dennis Roper Board Member Absent: Bob Lunt Board Member Also Present: Jane Hayman Assistant City Attorney 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 Roper moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 4, 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 change to tenant leases.. All 20 new T-hangars are under deposit and near completion. An additional 10 people have offered deposits. Mr. King said reminders have been sent to all tenants regarding the flight pattern and hours of operation. Security System Mr. King reported on a security service bid. The system’s 12 cameras would be throughout the Airpark, including on the taxiway, where a sensor activated camera could photograph airplane identification numbers when the runway is closed. The 24-hour a day system can photograph 12 simultaneous digital images and retain them for 30 days. Operating costs, including maintenance, is $1,000 monthly, or $12,000 annually. In comparison with Police Aide guards, the system would save $18,000 annually. While guards are able to ticket off-hour pilots, Mr. King said they do not hinder transient infractions. Photographs would be available for review after a theft or accident. It was recommended the fine should be increased as high as $200 for pilots who use the runway when the Airpark is closed. It was suggested evicting airplanes after pilots are charged with a set number of infractions, would be an effective deterrent. In response to a question, Airpark Operations Manager Gordon Wllls said he had written a transient violator explaining Airpark rules and requesting that the pilot abide by those rules on future visits. It was suggested after a transient breaks Airpark rules a second time, staff send a letter requesting that the pilot not return. Mr. Wills said Police Aides have been effective at the Marina as they are able to summon a Police response quicker than any other method. It was stated the Airpark receives little money collected for fines. Mr. King recommended installing the security system for a three to five year trial. The initial payment of $2,000 includes installation of conduit. The system will be updated every several years. Member Roper moved for staff to review the security system contract and to bring forward all additional information on June 6, 2001. The motion was duly seconded. In response to a question, Mr. Wills said the Coast Guard is satisfied with a similar system at the Clearwater Air Station. He said the firm is reputable, noting a preference to lease this type of equipment, which is quickly obsolete. It was stated lightning also would be a problem. Mr. King said last month, the system would have benefited staff during their investigation of three incidents. Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously Mobile Scanner Mr. King said the operators of a mobile scanner are willing to set up at the Airpark for no cost during an Open House to provide screening for cancer, risk for heart attack, etc. A confidential report is produced for each participant. Scans cost $195 for the first one, and $145 for the second. It was suggested lower priced tests may be available elsewhere. Mr. King said prices can be negotiated. He requested the board consider the proposal. Airpark Lawn Services Mr. King said using the same power mower as FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) to trim grass along fences would save money. Concern was expressed the job may be dangerous. Mr. King stated the Airpark has not yet been charged for mowing costs. Mr. Wills said mowing outside the Airpark fence along Hercules and Gilbert, up the golf course, also is part of the mowing package, now handled by others. Mr. King said as the lease holder, he is responsible for profits and making the best use of limited funds. It was indicated the board supports alternative proposals to lower costs. ITEM #4 – Election of Officers Assistant City Attorney Jane Hayman reviewed board bylaws and recommended the board elect a Chair to serve until October, when annual elections are to be held. Discussion ensued. It was noted one member is absent. Member Streicher moved to appoint Dennis Roper as temporary Chair until the next meeting of the full board. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Mr. Wills will report on rules related to the length of terms and reappointment. ITEM #5 – Maintenance Scheduling Mr. Wills reviewed plans to sand blast the shade hangars and relocate airplanes while work proceeds. It was recommended that staff begin budgeting maintenance costs. Mr. Wills indicated current data are insufficient but staff is working toward establishing an annual maintenance budget. Staff is photographing the t-hangar project for future reference. ITEM #6 – Financial Discussion In response to a question, Mr. Wills said the cost of building the Airpark’s south berm was the City’s match contribution for the FDOT grant. The bid process to plant the berm with native vegetation is underway. The berm is part of the Airpark’s Master Plan. No complaints have been received. ITEM #7 – Other Business Airpark Open House Mr. King reported the April 21, 2001 Clearwater Airpark Open House, as part of Clearwater Sun n’ Fun, had gone well. Mr. Wills provided photographs for review. Staff was praised for their efforts. Attendance of between 2,500 and 3,000 broke previous records, and included many neighbors. Mr. King reported approximately 200 people took airplane rides and 140 took helicopter rides. Staff has forwarded letters of thanks to City Departments and participating organizations. John Antanasio, of the Civil Air Patrol, was recognized for his organization’s efforts, including the cleanup performed by cadets following the event. Mr. Antanasio said he is proud of cadet efforts. He said the cadets, aged 13 to 16, had conducted themselves well. He recommended changes be made to direct participants across the taxiway at a specific location for safety reasons. It was suggested an area be roped off for skydivers. It was noted an Air Boss, who controlled the intercom and runway, had been designated at previous Open Houses. It was suggested with the growth of the event, some assistants also are needed. Klaus Palinkas Farewell Klaus Palinkas, PBS&J (Post, Buckley, Shuh, and Jernigan), reported he has accepted another position and introduced the team who will replace him. He said it has been a privilege to work with the board and staff. The board complimented his efforts. Mr. Palinkas said Tricia Fantinato will work with the FAA on the proposal to eliminate the GPS approach and with FDOT regarding the location of the western boundary fence. Also the Master Plan and Technical Plan will be reprinted to include small changes recommended by the City Engineer. Discussion ensued regarding the impact of the GPS approach on economic development of the Airpark’s mid and northern triangles. Concern was expressed regarding dangers associated with hazy conditions. Aviation Safety Counselor for Clearwater Airpark Denise Rosenburger, Aviation Safety Counselor for Clearwater Airpark, said she is a pilot and lives two blocks from the Airpark. She is concerned with safety issues and serves in this volunteer position as a liaison between the flying public, FAA, and public. She has no enforcement ability but can make recommendations, such as remedial safety training. Safety seminars are held monthly, except for July, on the third Tuesday of the month, at the City’s Solid Waste facility on Hercules. She welcomed input regarding issues of concern. Public Comment Frank Knickerbocker said a rental Cessna at the Airpark has condensation problems in its fuel tanks. Mr. King said airplanes are fueled daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Staff responds to owner fueling requests. Airpark fuel tanks are checked daily for contaminants. None has been found. It is a pilot’s responsibility to check an airplane’s fuel before flying. Mr. King referred to a recent magazine article on related problems experienced by older Cessnas. Concern was expressed proper procedures always be used when airplane tanks are drained to avoid contamination. Mr. King will write a letter to the airplane’s owner, encouraging him to have the plane checked. ITEM #8 – Next Meeting - Wednesday, June 6, 2001 ITEM #9 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m.