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05/01/2002AIRPORT AUTHORITY MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER May 1, 2002 Present: Brenda Harris Nixon Chair Gary Benjamin Vice-Chair Bob Lunt Board Member Ron Streicher Board Member Bruce Miller Board Member Also Present: John Carassas Assistant City Attorney - arrived 3:03 p.m. William Morris Marine & Aviation Dept. Director - departed 3:30 p.m. 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 Consensus was to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 3, 2002, as submitted in written summation to each board member. ITEM #3 - Tenant Report/FBO David King, FBO (Fixed Base Operator), estimated 2,500 people had attended the Open House. Next year, he recommended erecting a tent for shade in the vicinity of the airplane and helicopter rides. Lines for rides on the six airplanes and one helicopter were too long. He hoped three helicopters will provide rides next year. It was felt skydivers would have improved the event. Attendance by the astronaut was a big hit. It was difficult to publicize her attendance, as her presence was not confirmed until several days prior to the event. It was felt the St. Petersburg Times should have covered the event. Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris reported the newspaper had been contacted. Airpark Operations Manager Gordon Wills requested member feedback regarding improvements for next year’s event. Concern was expressed this year’s event was scheduled on Celebrate Clearwater Neighborhoods Day. It was recommended City events be coordinated to avoid overlap. It was suggested the Open House be coordinated with Lakeland’s Sun ‘N Fun. Mr. Wills said the Open House is scheduled during the City’s Fun ‘N Sun activities. Mr. King reported the new security cameras are operating. The tilt and zoom features will be installed soon. ITEM #4 – Other Business Board Appreciation Dinner The Chair read a letter from the Mayor expressing disappointment that board member attendance was poor at this year’s appreciation dinner. The City paid $887 for 44 meals, prepared for board member and their guests, who did not attend after indicating they would. It was indicated all Airport Authority board members, who responded positively to the invitation, had attended. It was felt the event is too formal, stuffy, and does not feel like a “thank-you.” Conversations are limited to attendees at the same table. Concern was expressed attendees are rushed to leave the event quickly after the meal is served. It was recommended the event’s format be changed to include a cash or open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a short speech by the Mayor, and the introduction of boards and their members. It was felt a cocktail party would provide a relaxed fun atmosphere and encourage interaction between residents who serve on City boards. The location of the event at the Harborview Center, overlooking the Intracoastal, was complimented. Blackhawk Flight Patterns Mr. Morris distributed proposed flight patterns for U.S. Army Reserve Aviation Unit Blackhawk helicopters, which will operate from the former Boatyard Village site. The helicopters, the same size as those flown by the Coast Guard, will fly to the coast along Ulmerton or Roosevelt before heading for training maneuvers. Mr. Wills said by October 2002, the 8-copter fleet will be in place. Three departures and arrivals are planned Monday through Friday with six departures and arrivals on Saturday and Sunday. Future Plans In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the old fence will be removed when installation of the new fence is completed. The fence line moves mostly on its north end, although it moves a bit at the south end too. In response to a question, Mr. Wills said the SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) report will be distributed for the next meeting. Once it is received, the RFP (Request for Proposals) packet for the first corporate hangar will be distributed. No target date has been established for construction of the corporate hangars, which is dependent on SWFWMD permits. It was recommended one be established. PBS&J (Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan, Inc.) will discuss stormwater issues with SWFWMD and the golf course manager. Mr. Morris said golf course drainage will be necessary if the Airpark is to expand into the triangle. The golf course is redesigning several holes due to the Keene Road extension. The golf course lease is for 20 years. The City could provide engineering assistance to modify water hazards if they are expanded to provide Airpark runoff. In response to a recommendation, Mr. Morris said staff could estimate when the next runway extension will be constructed but could not guess when SWFWMD will approve plans necessary to construct corporate hangars. Drainage for the runway extension can be accommodated by a swale and berm. It was recommended all phases of the master plan be implemented. Mr. King said it is doubtful the Airpark will be able to expand onto the golf course driving range to the west. Public Comment In response to a question from resident Ellen Hess, Mr. King said the helicopter training school has been in operation for several years. He did not anticipate its activity will increase when the operation is moved in-house. Replacement helicopters will be the same type as are currently in service. He recommended a pattern similar to one used by airplanes. Helicopters land on taxiways instead of runways. It was recommended a flight pattern for helicopters be submitted and filed. In response to a question from Ms. Hess, Mr. King said helicopter flights can avoid neighborhoods by flying east of Hercules. He recommended limiting helicopter auto rotation practice to above the Airpark. In response to a question from Ms. Hess, Mr. King did not have information regarding the number of students trained to fly helicopters by the previous flight school. He estimated less than 50 students will train on helicopters next year. It was felt nearby residents will be unaware of this activity as this type of training has taken place for more than 22 years. Mr. King will report on the helicopters currently using the Airpark. In response to a question from Ms. Hess, Mr. Wills recommended residents with concerns regarding Coast Guard helicopters be directed to contact the Commanding Officer or Operations Officer at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station. In response to a question from Ms. Hess, Mr. Wills said once SWFWMD approval is received, the corporate hangars can be constructed, which will fund construction of the terminal, restaurant, and meeting rooms. A renegotiation of the FBO lease is anticipated early next year. Mr. King said he is working to obtain financing and could construct the subject facilities by 2005. Ms. Hess expressed concern the Airpark does not appear to be accessible to nearby residents. She recommended youth programs be marketed more effectively. Discussion ensued regarding ways to encourage resident involvement in the Airpark, such as signage welcoming visitors, a pot luck dinner, pancake breakfast, increased contact with local newspapers regarding Airpark activities, signage encouraging youth participation in the Young Eagles, etc. Resident Dennis Roper recommended “engine off” training be prohibited at the Airpark as it can be dangerous. Mr. King said he will discuss this issue with the flight instructors. He said the maneuver is safe if down wind from the Airpark. It was suggested “engine off” rules might be needed for transient pilots. It was recommended unsafe flying incidents be reported to the FBO. ITEM #5 – Next Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for June 5, 2002. Suggested topics for discussion include scheduling next year’s Airpark Open House, a target date for corporate hangar construction, establishment of a helicopter flight pattern, and an update of auto rotation pattern rules. ITEM #6 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:26 p.m.