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06/05/2002AIRPORT AUTHORITY MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER June 5, 2002 Present: Brenda Harris Nixon Chair Gary Benjamin Vice-Chair Bob Lunt Board Member Bruce Miller Board Member J.B. Johnson Board Member Also Present: John Carassas Assistant City Attorney Bryan Ruff Assistant City Attorney William Morris Marine & Aviation Department 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, paragraph 6, last sentence, it was recommended the sentence read, “ . . . he is working to obtain financing . . .” Member Benjamin moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 1, 2002, as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 - Tenant Report/FBO David King, FBO (Fixed Base Operator), said four refurbished hard stands have been installed. All planes from the former Suncoast Flying School have been purchased. Cable television advertising for the flight school is planned. A sprinkler system has been installed around the terminal. Mr. King is working on a policy related to issuing cards for the facility’s security system. He will report on the policy next month. Mr. King said the helicopter school has not opened and he cannot estimate an anticipated number of students. As helicopter training at the Airpark has occurred for many years, he did not anticipate neighbor complaints will result. Klaus Palinkas, of HNTB, said the Airpark Master Plan anticipated four helicopters on site, with 2,200 operations annually. He said that use seems to be on target. ITEM #4 – Review Airpark Operating Rules and Regulations Mr. King presented an aerial view of the Airpark and recommended the helicopter pattern be similar to the airplane flight pattern but tighter and closer, maintaining at least 400 feet of separation. Discussion ensued regarding current rules, which require helicopters and airplanes to follow the same flight pattern. Consensus was that the flight pattern for helicopter flights referenced by the rule is unsafe and should be changed. Staff will distribute Mr. King’s proposed pattern prior to the next meeting. In response to a question, Mr. King said airplanes make up more than 90% of Airpark traffic. Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris requested board members review current operating rules and regulations and forward comments to him. The board will discuss changes at a future meeting. Mr. King reported a petition is being distributed to extend Airpark hours. He does not support the request. Mr. King said a tenant has indicated a desire to fly a very loud plane out of the Airpark and expressed concern nearby residents will complain. Assistant City Attorney John Carassas will discuss issues related to the lease with Mr. Morris. Mr. King said he wants to be able to prohibit undesirable airplanes from leasing space at the Airpark. ITEM #5 – Other Business Mr. Morris said the Airpark fence has been relocated and is the correct distance from the runway. Brush was removed from the fence area, affording a clear view of the golf course. Mr. Morris said a Knox Box will be installed to allow fire rescue to bypass the security gate system Mr. Morris reported the RFP (Request for Proposals) for the runway extension was released today. The project is fully funded. The Engineering Department is working on specifications for the corporate hangars before SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) drainage permits are approved. In response to a question, Mr. Palinkas said normal procedure is to establish a completion date when contracting for permitting assistance. However, the PBS&J (Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan, Inc.) project manager overseeing this project has left the firm. Staff is meeting with PBS&J next week to establish a completion date. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in September. Mr. Morris reported next year’s Sun ‘N Fun at Lakeland is scheduled for April 2 – 8, 2003, and the City’s Fun ‘N Sun is scheduled for April 19 – May 4, 2003. It was recommended the Airpark’s open house be scheduled so City Commissioners can attend and not conflict with neighborhood days. It was recommended the media be contacted early regarding the Astronaut’s visit to next year’s open house. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan does not propose any recreational activities for the Airpark property. ITEM #6 – Next Meeting It was indicated the July meeting conflicts with the 4th of July holiday. Member Lunt moved to cancel the July 3, 2002 Airport Authority meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The next meeting is scheduled for August 7, 2002. An update on the maintenance schedule was requested. ITEM #7 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m.