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02/05/2003 AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER February 5, 2003 Present: Brenda Harris Nixon Chair Gary Benjamin Vice-Chair – departed 3:21 p.m. Bob Lunt Board Member J.B. Johnson Board Member Absent: Bruce Miller Board Member Also Present: Bryan Ruff Assistant City Attorney – arrived 2:38 p.m. William Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Chair called meeting to order at 2:31 p.m. at City Hall. ITEM #2 – Approval of Minutes Member Benjamin requested that Item #4, paragraph one, sentence one of the January 15, 2003, minutes be changed from “…repaved.” to “…resurfaced”. Member Lunt moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 15, motion carried 2003, as corrected. The was duly seconded and unanimously. ITEM #3 – Tenant & Lease Report from FBO (Fixed Base Operator) FBO (Fixed Base Operator) David King said there have been no changes to the number of tie downs and hangars in the last month. He said the resurfacing of runways and taxiways, installation of lighting, etc. has been completed with the exception of some minor items that need attention. He said the new aggregate on the runway has caused some small scratches to aircraft tires, but there have been no reports of damage. In response to a question, Mr. King said aircraft tires are scratched upon landing. He said he would talk to Airpark Operations Manager Gordon Wills about whether or not the aggregate would be re-done and who would pay for the costs. In response to a question, Mr. King said there is a person at the Airpark who provides helicopter lessons in addition to the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) Examiner who gives ten hours of instruction a week. Mr. King said Cessna has indicated interest in purchasing data he has collected, however he is reluctant to sell it to them as he is looking into an opportunity to purchase a Cessna and/or Robinson dealership. Mr. King said his last payment to former FBO Rick Emshoff is next week. The Golden Knights from the MacDill Air Force Base have indicated their willingness to participate in the Airpark’s Open House this year. The Chair said she thinks she can raise the $600 from outside sources. In response to a question, Marine & Aviation Department Director Airpark Advisory 2003-0205 1 02/05/03 Bill Morris said he would check with the City’s Legal Department regarding whether specific sponsors and advertising by those sponsors would be an issue. Mr. King said the first group of Boy Scouts from the Pinellas County Boy Scout organization arrived at the Airpark on Saturday. They were given a tour of the aircraft and hangars at the Airpark. It is anticipated that a total of 400 scouts will participate in the tours. ITEM #4 – Other Business Resident Ellen Hess requested information regarding whether or not the FAA regulations overrule City Code. Mr. Morris said the Airpark Master Plan lists the Florida Statutes that pertain to the Airpark. The Florida Statutes can be obtained on the Internet. Assistant City Attorney Bryan Ruff said Federal regulations trump City regulations. Mr. Morris said a bid was received for new fuel tanks and pumps with a cement pad (a fuel “farm”) for the Airpark to be located in accordance with the Master Plan. This leaves approximately $140,000 for remediation of the old underground fuel tank storage site, which currently supplies fuel at the existing fuel farm site. Mr. Wills has suggested that staff attempt to obtain in-kind services from the State for dirt removed at the remediation site where the old fuel farm would be removed. Mr. Morris said the Airpark was built on a landfill, which is why it was felt that nothing other than the Airpark and a golf course was appropriate for the site. A study done in 1995 indicated that remediation of the entire landfill of the Airpark and the golf course would cost approximately $33 million. He is reviewing the placement of the corporate hangar to ensure minimal remediation is required. The same number of corporate hangars would be realized even if they were moved slightly to the north. He said there are seven items on the repair list for resurfacing, none of which are major. Mr. King said the owner of a small fleet of jets that buys large quantities of fuel from St. Petersburg approached him regarding using the Clearwater Airpark. Unfortunately, that type of aircraft (King Air turbo prop) weighs more empty than is permitted at the Clearwater Airpark. The good news is that the word is out regarding the renovations at the Airpark. Additionally, a restaurant owner has approached him regarding using the top of the Airpark for a restaurant. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said progress continues with PBS&J (Post, Buckley, Schuh, and Jernigan) and SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) with respect to the Master Plan. Mr. King said Assistant Director of Engineering Glenn Bahnick has indicated he is waiting on SWFWMD to complete their findings. Mr. Bahnick estimates completion of the corporate hangars in June 2003. Mr. Morris said that SWFWMD is looking favorably towards the proposed pond in the southwestern corner of the Airpark extending the length of the runway as a solution to drainage problems. Discussion ensued regarding the regulation for light aircraft landing at the Clearwater Airpark specifying that aircraft must weigh less than 12,500 pounds. It was remarked that the regulation was an old FAA rule that is still in effect. It was commented that the Mayor had indicated at a Commission Work Session that jets could not land at the Clearwater Airpark. Mr. Morris said although certain types of aircraft jets that meet the B-1, 12,500 pounds or less criteria cannot be prevented from landing at the Airpark, all aircraft must abide by FAA regulations with respect to plane weight and load and balance, and take into consideration air temperature and weight factors. Mr. King said although those types of aircraft are permitted at Airpark Advisory 2003-0205 2 02/05/03 the Airpark if they meet the regulations, the City may not want to market the Airpark to that type of aircraft. Discussion ensued regarding some remarks made by Mr. Morris at a previous Commission Work Session about the AAB (Airpark Advisory Board). The Chair remarked that the AAB had emphasized the overruns for the safety and quiet enjoyment of the neighborhood. As the AAB felt those issues had been addressed, it was felt that profitability issues should be addressed. The AAB had concerns that two other City departments felt they had a higher and better use for the Airpark. The AAB felt that if the Airpark did not perform, those other departments’ claims might be considered by the Commission. She felt the AAB was not pushing for profit at the expense of safety. One board member remarked the neighborhood’s safety always is the AAB’s top priority. Another member remarked that even though the Airpark is an enterprise fund that is being subsidized by the Clearwater Marina, which is another enterprise fund, there are taxpayer funds involved in its operation (through use of Florida Department of Transportation grants). Another member said it would be foolish not to pursue State and Federal funding sources such as grants to offset costs, especially if the economy experiences a downturn. Mr. Morris said when grants are received, projects move ahead. The City will not allow the Airpark to borrow more debt than it can carry. There is a process in place to follow before projects can be financed. One member remarked that even with the five-year CIP (Capital Improvement Project), the Airpark must follow the rules as set forth by the Commission. Mr. Morris said some unanticipated issues such as the landfill issue and the cost of projects that require remediation have delayed projects due to SWFWMD requirements and increased costs. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the City must expend funds up front and receive reimbursements (up to 80%) from the State for various projects associated with grants after projects are completed. Design work is being done in advance, even if the funds are not available, to prepare for each project. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the AAB frequently bypasses parliamentary procedures. It also credits the FBO instead of staff for the changes and improvements to the Airpark. Mr. King said that Mr. Wills, Mr. Morris, and he all work together to accomplish what is needed for the Airpark. He said Mr. Morris and Mr. Wills are responsible for much more than is realized and appreciated. The Chair said the AAB is appreciative of all Mr. Morris’ and staff’s efforts and accomplishments and did not mean at any time to imply that he had not done a good job. She said the AAB is merely happy to finally have an FBO that cares about the Airpark. ITEM #5 – Agenda for next meeting – March 5, 2003 This topic was not discussed. ITEM #6 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 3:29 p.m. Airpark Advisory 2003-0205 3 02/05/03 /, . ..AA " . , ' " " 'A~rport Authority., " ", MINUTES I ~ . c ,+ . .',' ,. ., .' t '. .', . .' " '. .' c. , . . " >' . .' ' , '. ~ I . > I ... O~/(J5/D.3' ", . '., " I ..... . , .. . Date . , " , ' ,". , .,' . , . " I, " . .' . ; , . , , , , , . " . 'l, ' " .' , , ' . . . ,; . . , ' , I' " 0' . > .. , . ' , .. , , . ',' ". . .' . . , ' , ., , , . ' , , . , , . . >,. . , ' , ' ". 1 ' , , , . , . '. . , , . , . " , ' , '< . ' ", ", ' . '" .. "" i . .' .. " , ' , " , , , . .. . . , " J-"j .' " . , , . . , ", . . , , ' . <," ';. f . .'. , . . ",.' ", ." " .. . . . " . < .'. . . " + ,. . . , , P,' , ~ >' .. " '., < " '. . .: . , . ,T' . ' , , '. '. . . . , . . . ~ . " . ~ .. . '. " .' I . . ...,' ',1 .' ,..' . I " . . . I . I , . . , . J . , ' . . ~.' . . ., . . . 1 . . . . . ' , ~. { , . '.' . \ . \ . . , " . , , , " '. " f . . .. . .. . , ". . .' , .. + ," I . , . . , . . oj .' , " . ',! I, . . I . . , . . e, ',' , ' f . I., I . .J'.,. .'. '4, <' , . , ., . . . " . ." . ~ . . .'. ,:/ . ' . . .' .' , , II " . j.. ' , ' , , . ~ . . I,' > _ >< , , , . . . -F ., ~ '. , . .. ,.' . . . I . , . I j I . .'. I ",.', I " " ~: ',. .' '. " . t . \ . " \ " , " . . . " ' . '. . . " .'. . AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWA1'ER February 5, 2003 Present: Brenda Harris Nixon Gary Benjamin Bob Lunt J.B. Johnson Chair Vice-Chair - departed 3:21 p.m. Board Member Board Member Absent: Bruce Miller Board Member Also Present: Bryan Ruff William Morris Brenda Moses Assistant City Attorney - arrived 2:38 p.m. .Marine & Aviation Department Director Board Reporter, The Chair called meeting to order at 2:31 p.m. at City Hall. ITEM #2 - Aoproval of Minutes Member Benjamin requested that Item #4, paragraph one, sentence one of the January 15,2003, minutes be changed from.....repaved." to ",..resurfaced". Member Lunt moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 15; 2003, as' corre~ted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. . 'ITEM #3 - Tenant & Lease Report from FBO (Fixed Base Operator) FBO (Fixed Base Operator) David King said there have been no changes to the number of tie downs and hangars in the last month. He said the resurfacing of runways and taxiways, installation of lighting, etc. has been completed with the exception of some minor items that need attention. He said the new aggregate on the runway has caused some small scratches to aircraft tires, but there have been no reports of damage. In response to a question, Mr. King said aircraft tires are scratched upon landing. He said he would talk to Airpark Operations Manager Gordon Wills about whether or not the aggregate would be re-done and who would pay for the costs. In response to a question, Mr. King said there is a person at the Airpark who provides helicopter lessons in addition to the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) Examiner who gives ten hours of instruction a week. Mr. King said Cessna has indicated interest in purchasing data he has collected, however he is reluctant to sell it to them as he is looking into an opportunity to purchase a Cessna and/or Robinson dealership. Mr. King said his last payment to former FBO Rick Emshoff is next week. . The Golden Knights from the MacDiII Air Force Base have indicated their willingness to participate in the Airpark's Open House this year, The Chair said she thinks she can raise the $600 from outside sources. In response to a question, Marine & Aviation Depa'rtment Director Bill Morris said he would check with the City's Legal Department regarding whether specific sponsors and advertising by those sponsors would be an issue. . Airpark Advisory 2003-0205 1 02/05/03 . . . Mr. King said the first group of Boy Scouts from the Pinellas County Boy Scout organization arrived at the Airpark on Saturday. They were given a tour of the aircraft and hangars at the Airpark. It is anticipated that a total of 400 scouts will participate in the tours. ITEM #4 - Other Business Resident Ellen Hess requested information regarding whether or not the FAA regulations overrule City Code. Mr. Morris said the Airpark Master Plan lists the Florida Statutes that pertain to the Airpark. The Florida Statutes can be obtained on the Internet. Assistant City Attorney Bryan Ruff said Federal regulations trump City regulations. Mr. Morris said a bid was received for new fuel tanks and pumps with a cement pad (a fuel "farm") for the Airpark to be located in accordance with the Master Plan. This leaves approximately $140,000 for remediation of the old underground fuel tank storage site, which currently supplies fuel at the existing fuel farm site. Mr. Wills has suggested that staff attempt to obtain inMkind services from the State for dirt removed at the remediation site where the old fuel farm would be removed. Mr. Morris said the Airpark was built on a landfill, which is why it was felt that nothing other than the Airpark and a golf course was appropriate for the site. A'study done in 1995 indicated that remediation of the entire landfill of the Airpark and the golf course would cost approximately $33 million. He is reviewing the placement of the corporate hangar to. ensure minimal remediation is required. The same number of corporate hangars yvould be realized even if they were moved slightly to the narth. He said there are seven items an the repair list for resurfacing, none af which are major. Mr. King said the owner of a small fleet of jets that buys large quantities of fuel from SI; Petersburg approached him regarding using the Clearwater Airpark. Unfortunately~ that type of aircraft (King Air turbo. prop) weighs mare empty than is permitted at the Cleal'VJater Airpark. The good news is that the word is out regarding the renovations at the Airpark. Additionally, a restaurant owner has approached him regarding using the top of the Airpark for a restaurant. In response to a question. Mr. Morris said progress continues with PBS&J (Post, Buckley, Schuh, and Jernigan) and SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) with respect to the Master Plan. Mr. King said Assistant Director of Engineering Glenn Bahnick has indicated he is waiting on SWFWMD to camplete their findings. Mr. Bahnick estimates completion of the corporate hangars in June 2003. Mr. Morris said that SWFWMD is looking favorably towards the, praposed pond in the sauthwestern corner of the Airpark extending the length of the runway as a solution to drainage problems. Discussion ensued regarding the regulation for light aircraft landing at the Cleal'VJater Airpark specifying that aircraft must weigh less than 12.500 pounds. It was remarked that the regulation was an old FAA rule that is still in effect. It was commented that the Mayor had indicated at a Commission Wark Session that jets could not land at the Clearwater Airpark. Mr. Morris said although certain' types of aircraft jets that meet the BM1. 12,500 pounds or less criteria cannot be prevented from landing at the Airpark. all aircraft must abide by FAA regulations with respect to plane weight and loadand balance, and take into consideration air temperature and weight factors. Mr. King said although those types of aircraft are permitted at the Airpark if they meet the regulations. the City may not want to market the Airpark to that type of aircraft. Discussion ensued regarding some remarks made by Mr. Marris at a previaus Commission Work Session about the AAB (Airpark Advisory Board). The Chair remarked that Airpark Advisory 2003M0205 2 02/05/03 . . . the MB had emphasized the overruns for the safety and quiet enjoyment of the neighborhood. As the AAB felt those issues had been addressed, it was felt that profitability issues should be addressed. The MB had concerns that two other City departments felt they had a higher and better use for the Airpark. The AAB felt that if the Airpark did not perform, those other departments' claims might be considered by the Commission. She felt the MB was not pushing for profit at the expense of safety. One board member remarked the neighborhood's safety always is the MB's top priority. Another member remarked that even though the Airpark is an enterprise fund that is being subsidized by the Clearwater Marina, which is another enterprise fund, there are taxpayer funds involved in its operation (through use of Florida Department of Transportation grants). Another member said it would be foolish not to pursue State and Federal funding sources such as grants to offset costs, especially if the economy experiences a downturn. Mr. Morris said when grants are received. projects move ahead. The City will not allow the Airpark to borrow more debt than it can carry. There is a process in place to follow before projects can be financed. One member remarked that even with the five-year CIP (Capital Improvement Project), the Airpark must follow the rules as set forth by the Commission. Mr. Morris said some unanticipated issues such as the landfill issue and the cost of projects that require remediation have delayed projects due to SWFWMD requirements and increased costs. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the City must expend funds up front and receive reimbursements (up to 800/0) from the State for various projects associated with grants after projects are completed. Design work is being done in advance, even if the funds are not available, to prepare for each project. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the AAB frequently bypasses parliamentary procedures. It also credits the FBO instead of staff for the changes and improvements to the Airpark. ' ' Mr. Kh19 said that Mr. Wills, Mr. Morris, and he all work together to accomplish what is needed for the Airpark. He said Mr. Morris and Mr. Wills are responsible for much more than is realized and appreciated. The Chair said the AAB is appreciative of all Mr. Morris' and staffs efforts and accomplishments and did not mean at any time to imply that he had not done a good job. She said the MB is merely happy to finally have an FBO that cares about the Airpark. ITEM #5 - Agenda for next meeting - March 5. 2003 This topic was not discussed; ITEM #6 - Adiournment The meeting adjourfled at 3:29 p.m. ~ b .. ~__ I')[/i,( 2- YJ1 00fh Board Reporter ,'/ /' ~ / / Airpark Advisory 2003-0205 3 02105/03