Loading...
04/11/1989 CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING April 11, 1989 The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met in special session at City Hall, Tuesday, April 11, 1989, at 2:01 p.m., with the following members present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Don Winner Commissioner Lee Regulski Commissioner William Nunamaker Commissioner Richard A. Fitzgerald Commissioner Also present: Ron H. Rabun City Manager M.A. Galbraith, Jr. City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk The Mayor called the meeting to order. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss Airpark Master Plan and Operational Scenarios In May of 1988 the City Commission authorized Greiner, Incorporated of Tampa to prepare a Master Plan Study for the Clearwater Executive Airpark. A number of recommendations for improvements were made and four alternative funding scenarios are provided. As a result of a recent meeting with FAA officials, there is every reason to believe the City can receive upwards of $1 million from the Federal Government for Airpark improvements, plus the State has programmed an additional $667,000 in improvements for the Airpark over the next five years. There are, however, restrictions that must be lifted or modified for the City to receive the federal funding. Paula Bline of Greiner and Associates stated they conducted meetings and reviewed the elements and tasks required. It is the conclusion that there is a uniqueness of the Airpark, and that it is a particularly valuable asset from a nationwide prospective. Also, it is on the highest elevation in the County and could serve in flood situations. Businesses in the area consider it an asset and residents in the area are 99% supportive. Jim Harrison of Greiner stated the emphasis of this study was to determine whether or not the Airpark can function as at least a break even operation and at the same time be pleasing and safe. He stated there are $1,100,000 in improvements needed to the park. He stated there are now five possible scenarios and they are: Scenario 1 - City retains ownership and control without federal and state funding; Scenario 2 - Divest buildings and lease land with lessee performing all improvements; Scenario 3 - Divest buildings and lease lands after upgrading airfield and facilities with state and federal funding; Scenario 4 - City retains ownership and control with full federal and state funding; and Scenario 4a - City retains ownership and control and receives only state funding (50% match). In Scenario 1, there is no provision for improvements and the Airpark will lose revenue if improvements are not made. If the improvements are made, revenue will increase to $57,000 a year but this will be needed for maintenance and will not cover all the costs. In Scenario 2, the City will lose $60,000 a year. In Scenario 3, the City will lose $6,800 a year. In Scenario 4, within five years there would be $57,000 in revenue which would still not be break even, but there would be grants for improvements. In Scenario 4a, the City would have revenue of $50-52,000 a year, still below the break even point. Greiner's recommendation is to pursue Scenario 4. Concern was expressed that the conclusion is that the Airpark will always cost the City money, and it was questioned whether or not rates could be raised. It was stated the rates are comparable to other airparks, and if rates are raised too high, the aircraft will simply go someplace else. A question was raised regarding how to comply with federal regulations that would allow night flying, and it was stated there may be some compromise that could be reached in this area and still allow the City to receive Federal funding. Buzz Hutchens, Chairman of the Airpark Authority, presented his alternative which would leave the existing facilities in place, bringing them up to par, accepting only state monies and changing various user fees, which would result in a yearly revenue of $50,000. A question was raised regarding whether or not the hangars could be moved and the property fronting on Hercules Ave. be used for commercial purposes. It was stated this would encroach on the Airpark and would not be feasible. Discussion ensued regarding whether or not there should be a fixed base operator to manage the Airpark operations, or whether or not the City should consider City employees operating the facility. Discussion also ensued regarding the various options and funding plans, and concerns were expressed that all funding sources should be pursued as long as they do not interfere with the City's control of the rules and regulations of the Airpark. It was also stated that the Airpark should be an enterprise fund and a pay as you go operation. The Commission needs to make a decision regarding a fixed base operator or City employees running the Airpark by October, 1989. Commissioner Regulski moved that the Executive Airpark continue in operation, that the master plan for improvements be followed, that the City continue to maintain complete control and authority over the Airpark with the existing rules and regulations in operation, and that it be put on an enterprise scenario and directed staff to pursue state and federal funds. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The Mayor requested that staff write a letter to the State Department of Transportation confirming that the City is interested in funding for the Airpark. A question was raised regarding how to pursue the scenarios and alternatives, and the City Manager reported that staff will come back with reports regarding any strings that may be attached to various funding sources. It will also include recommendations regarding staffing at the Airpark. Commissioner Winner moved to accept the Master Airpark Plan Report prepared by Greiner, Inc. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Other Commission Action A question was raised regarding the fish washing up on the beach due to red tide. The City Manager reported it is not a health emergency and the fish are being picked up by the Sanitation Department. It was requested that information regarding Sanitation picking up the fish be provided to the private beach owners. The meeting adjourned at 3:37 p.m.