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03/05/2003 AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 5, 2003 Present: Brenda Harris Nixon Chair Gary Benjamin Vice-Chair Bob Lunt Board Member J.B. Johnson Board Member Bruce Miller Board Member Also Present: Bryan Ruff Assistant City Attorney William Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Chair called meeting to order at 2:30 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 from February 5, 2003 Member Benjamin moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 5, motion 2003, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The was duly carried seconded and unanimously. ITEM #3 – Tenant & Lease Report from FBO (Fixed Base Operator) FBO (Fixed Base Operator) David King was not present for the meeting. See Item #4. ITEM #4 – Other Business Term of Chairperson Mr. Morris said the Chair of the Airpark Advisory Board is not subject to a limited number of terms, except that the Chair’s service cannot exceed that of a board member’s term of service. Discussion ensued and it was remarked that the Airpark Advisory Board had agreed to annually reelect a Chair, but not necessarily make a change regarding who would serve as Chair. It was felt the Chair should not simply be rotated unless the current Chair declines the reelection or another board member is interested in serving as Chair. Member Benjamin moved to nominate Brenda Harris Nixon as Chair for another year. motioncarried The was duly seconded and unanimously. Other Airpark Advisory 2003-0305 1 03/05/03 Mr. Morris said David King, FBO (Fixed Base Operator) called to apologize for missing today’s meeting. He had a meeting with a skydiving team that expressed interest in participating in the Airpark Open House. Mr. Morris said the FBO is considering having a small petting zoo at the Open House. It was requested that consideration be given to the types of animals at the Open House because of the noise from the festivities. Mr. Morris said he was reasonably certain that there were no changes to the number of tiedowns, etc. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the corporate hangar design is complete. Staff is awaiting SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) approval with respect to the location of the pavement due to impervious surface concerns. Staff prefers pavement to another type of impervious surface treatment. There are, however, some funding issues regarding the pavement. Mr. Morris said there are sufficient funds for the fuel farm. The location has been resolved. The fire code requires fuel to be 100 feet from any public road. As the City owns the property where the fuel farm is to be located, signs will be installed near the City’s General Services building stating the road is not a public access road. Mr. Morris said the cost for soil remediation at the location of the current tanks is estimated to be less than $100,000. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the Gator Skydivers, an alumni of UF (University of Florida), are working with the FBO regarding participation in the Open House. He said as long as the City does not receive a benefit or remuneration from the sponsors of the skydivers from MacDill Air Force Base, they also could participate in the Open House. The Chair offered to pass this information onto the Golden Knight Skydiving team at MacDill. ITEM #5 – Agenda for next meeting – April 2, 2003 It was remarked that Chair Nixon has served as Chair since November 7, 2001, which is more than a year. It was requested staff add “Election of Chair” to the November 2003 Airpark Advisory Board agenda. It also was requested April’s agenda include the “Election of a Vice-Chair”. Citizens to Be Heard Scott Armstrong, a resident immediately south of the Airpark runway, expressed concern regarding the lights that were installed and jets being allowed to fly in and out of the Airpark. Board members explained that the FAA regulates the types of aircraft that are permitted at the Airpark. Aircraft that are 12,500 pounds or less and conform to safety regulations cannot be banned from the Airpark. It was remarked that neither the Airpark Advisory Board nor the City Commission are proponents of jet traffic at the Airpark. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said aircraft are permitted to land at the Airpark until 9:00 p.m. He said he has spoken to Mr. Armstrong at length regarding his concerns. Mr. Armstrong is concerned about noise and jet aircraft flying low over homes and the speed at which jet Airpark Advisory 2003-0305 2 03/05/03 aircraft travel compared to propeller-driven aircraft. It was remarked that technology has improved designs of smaller jet aircraft. It was remarked that lengthening the runway makes a difference in allowing aircraft to achieve greater height when taking off and landing. While additional lights were installed when the runway was lengthened, the original installation of runway lights was done for safety reasons, as during the winter months and during rain storms, having lights helps a pilot line up properly on the runway by improving its visibility. Discussion ensued concerning promises made at a public meeting when the original lights were being installed. Concern had been expressed from the public at that time about lights and Airpark expansion increasing the Airpark hours and allowing commercial jets into the Airpark. It was reiterated that the Airpark Advisory Board members and Airpark manager felt the neighbors were not referring to private jets but to commercial jet traffic such as UPS (United Parcel Service) planes. Very few private jets are physically able to meet the landing and takeoff criteria for the limited length of runway at the Airpark. Mr. Armstrong indicated he still was not satisfied with current conditions. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said Jet-A fuel was not added at the Airpark a few years ago to accommodate jets but was for turboprops. Mr. Morris said he has offered to write a letter to the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) in response to Mr. Armstrong’s concerns. Staff will provide board members with a copy of the letter to the FAA. Mr. Morris said no one from the FAA was available to attend today’s meeting, therefore he plans to extend the offer to the next meeting. In response to a question, Mr. Armstrong said he knew of the Airpark’s proximity to his home when he purchased it. He said he has no problems living near the Airpark except that he felt the City should support residents that do not want jet aircraft at the Airpark. He said residents had been told at a neighborhood meeting that no jet aircraft were permitted at the Airpark. He felt that jets are an encroachment into the neighborhood. He said the Commission has the option of closing the Airpark if jet aircraft encroach into the neighborhood. It was explained that at the neighborhood meeting Mr. Armstrong referred to, discussion involved commercial jets, not corporate jets, being prohibited at the Airpark. Discussion continued and it was remarked that the Airpark Advisory Board and staff always has recognized and addressed neighborhood concerns. A number of improvements to the Airpark have been made including increased pilot education, increased enforcement of takeoff and approach patterns, and safety extensions on runways to ease noise. Neighborhood meetings also were scheduled to address residents’ concerns. The FAA has been and will continue to be kept abreast of resident and staff concerns. It was remarked that high temperatures affect the weight of aircraft, therefore during summer months, jet aircraft have more difficulty landing and taking off at this Airpark, as they would not meet the safety requirements. It was remarked that the FAA always works with municipalities regarding their concerns. It was remarked that manufacturers of jet aircraft are being required by the government to reduce the noise decibels of their engines. It was remarked that the Airpark has a tremendous economic impact to the City. Mr. Armstrong suggested perhaps it would be to the City’s benefit to purchase homes surrounding the Airpark to increase the Airpark’s revenue. He said he is a real estate investor with properties in other municipalities. He said unlike other municipalities, Clearwater is a clean city. In response to a question, he said he would prefer the Airpark to soccer fields. Airpark Advisory 2003-0305 3 03/05/03 Mr. Armstrong said he did not dispute that this board, staff, and the City always address neighborhood concerns. He said he is willing to work with staff regarding his concerns. Board Vacancy Mr. Morris said nominees are needed to fill a board member’s seat that expires at the end of April. Mr. Morris reminded everyone of the Annual Advisory Board Dinner March 18 at 6:00 p.m. and the need to RSVP. ITEM #6 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 3:27 p.m. Airpark Advisory 2003-0305 4 03/05/03 " j I ' ,.' , . .. ' .' " , . " I . e, , , ....AA , ' , . , Airport Authority,' ' :"', " MINUTES '. . ' ,J' . '/ I , , 'e' ','Date '03/ 05 /03, . , . , .' , " f .,.. f ~ . , , , ' , ' , . ~ ' . .," ~' I' " , ' ' '. . . I . , j '." 1 ,. , " , , ' . :'. .' , . " ' I " " I ' '. '~ ,'. . " .' .' . I ' . '1,. , )'. I " . . , " , . . ~ ',. L . " ' " , . ~ \ . " , .. . , ' , ' .'+ ~ . ,., . I.' . , ' . . j.. , " , , . '~ , I '. ' I , . ~ ~ c ~ ' , " I .' I .'. "" " ' . ,.' . ' , ., , , ' " ' , ' " . '" " I ,T\ , ',', ' , . '. r'. < ' ,I , ' . AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 5, 2003 Present: Brenda Harris Nixon Gary Benjami~ Bob Lunt J.B. Johnson Bruce Miller Chair Vice-Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member Also Present: Bryan Ruff William Morris Brenda Moses Assistant City Attorney Marine & Aviation Department Director Board Reporter The Chair called meeting to order at 2:30 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 from February 5. 2003 Member Benjamin moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 5, 2003, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. . ITEM #3 - Tenant & Lease Report from FBO (Fixed Base Operator) FBD (Fixed Base Operator) David King was not present for the meeting. See Hem #4. ITEM #4 - Other Business Term of Chairperson Mr. Morris said the Chair of the Airpark Advisory Board is not subject to a limited number of terms, except that the Chair's service cannot exceed that of a board member's term of service. ' Discussion ensued and it was remarked that the Airpark Advisory Board had agreed to annually reelect a Chair, but not necessarily'make a change regarding who would serve as Chair. It was felt the Chair should not simply be rotated unless the current Chair declines the , reelection or another board member is interested in serving as Chair. . Member Benjamin moved to nominate Brenda Harris Nixon as Chair for another year. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Other Mr. Morris said David King, FBD (Fixed Base Operator) called to apologize for missing today's meeting. He had a meeting with a skydiving team that expressed Interest in . participating in the Airpark Open House. Airpark Advisory 2003-03q5 1 03/05/03 '. : . I ' . . , . c" I' '~. . " I . ..: ~ '. ' . . . I . I I .' . I . ..' " . I l: . . Mr. Morris said the FBO is considering having a small petting zoo at the Open House. It was requested that consideration be given to the types of animals at the Open House because of the noise from the festivities. Mr. Morris said he was reasonably certain that there were no changes to the number of tiedowns, etc. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the corporate hangar de'sign is complete. Staff is awaiting SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) approval with respect to the location of the pavement due to impervious surface concerns. Staff prefers pavement to another type of impervious surface treatment. There are. however, some funding issues regarding the pavement. Mr. Morris said there are sufficient funds for the fuel farm. The location has been resolved. The fire code requires fuel to be 100 feet from any public road. As the City owns the property where the fuel farm is to be located, signs will be installed near the City's General Services building stating the road is not a public access road. Mr. Morris said the cost for soil remediation at the location of the current tanks is estimated to be less than $100;000. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the Gator Skydivers. an alumni of UF (University of Florida), are working with the FBO regarding participation in the Open House. He said as long as the City does not receive a benefit or remuneration from the sponsors of the skydivers from MacDiII Air Force Base, they also could participate in the Open House. The Chair offered to pass this information onto the Golden Knight Skydiving team at MacDill. I . ITEM #5 - Agenda for next meeting - April 2.2003 It was remarked that Chair, Nixon has served as Chair since November 7; 2001, which is , more than a year. It was requested staff add "Election of Chair" to the November 2003 Airpark Advisory Board agenda. It also was requested April's agenda include the uElection of a Vice- Chair". ' Citizens to Be Heard Scott Armstrong; a resident immediately south of the Airpark runway, expressed concern regarding the lights that were installed and jets being allowed to fly in and out of the Airpark. . Board members explained that the FAA regulates the types of aircraft that are permitted at the Airpark. Aircraft that are 12;500 pounds or less and conform to safety regulations cannot be banned from the Airpark. It was remarked that neither the Airpark Advisory Board nor the City Commission are proponents of jet traffic at the Airpark. In response to a question. Mr. Morris said aircraft are permitted to land at the Airpark until 9:00 p.m. He said he has spoken to Mr. Armstrong at length regarding his concerns. Mr. Armstrong is concerned about noise and jet aircraft flying low over homes and the speed at which jet aircraft travel compared ,to propeller-driven aircraft. It was' remarked that technology has improved designs of smaller jet aircraft. It was remarked that lengthening the'runway makes a difference in allowing aircraft to achieve greater height when taking off and landing. While additional lights were installed when' the runway was lengthened, the original installation of runway lights was done for safety reasons. as during the winter months and during rain storms. having lights helps a pilot line up properly on the runway by improving its visibility. . Airpark Advisory 2003-0305 2 03/05/03 . . . Discussion ensued concerning promises made at a public meeting when the original lights were being installed. Concern had been expressed from the public at that time about lights and Airpark expansion increasing the Airpark hours and allowing commercial jets into the Airpark. It was reiterated that the Airpark Advisory Board members and Airpark manager felt the neighbors were not referring to private jets but to commercial jet traffic such as UPS (United Parcel Service) planes. Very few private jets are physically able to meet the landing and takeoff criteria for the limited length of runway at the Airpark. Mr. Armstrong indicated he still was not satisfied with current conditions. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said Jet-A fuel was not added at the Airpark a few years ago to accommodate jets but was for turboprops. Mr. Morris said he has offered to write a letter to the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) in response to Mr. Armstrong's concerns. Staff will provide board members with a copy of the letter to the FAA. Mr. Morris said no one from the FAA was available to attend today's meeting, therefore he plans to extend the offer to the next meeting. In response to a question, Mr. Armstrong said he knew of the Airpark's proximity to his home when he purchased it. He said he has no problems living near the Airpark except that he felt the City should support residents that do not want jet aircraft at the Airpark. He said residents had been told at a neighborhood meeting that no jet aircraft were permitted at the Airpark. He felt that jets are an encroachment into the neighborhood. He said the Commission has the option of closing the Airpark if jet aircraft encroach into the neighborhood. It was explained that at the neighborhood meeting Mr. Armstrong referred to, discussion involved commercial jets, not corporate jets, being prohibited at the Airpark. Discussion continued and it was remarked that the Airpark Advisory Board and staff always has recognized and addressed neighborhood concerns. A number of improvements to the Airpark have been made including increased pilot education, increased enforcement of takeoff and approach patterns, and safety extensions on runways to ease noise. Neighborhood , meetings also were scheduled to address residents' concerns. The FAA has been and will continue to be kept abreast of resident and staff concerns. It was remarked that high temperatures affect the weight of aircraft, therefore during summer months, jet aircraft have more difficulty landing and taking off at this Airpark, as they would not meet the safety requirements. It was remarked that the FAA always works with municipalities regarding their concerns. It was remarked that manufacturers of jet aircraft are being required by the government to reduce the noise decibels of their engines. It was remarked that the Airpark has a tremendous economic impact to the City. Mr. ' Armstrong suggested perhaps it would be to the City's benefit to purchase homes surrounding the Airpark to increase the Airpark's revenue. He said he is a real estate investor with properties in other municipalities. He said unlike other municipalities, Clearwater is a clean city. In response to a question, he said he would prefer the Airpark to soccer fields. Mr. Armstrong said he did not dispute that this board, staff, and the City always address neighborhood concerns. He said he is willing to work with staff regarding his concerns. Board Vacancy Mr. Morris said nominees are needed to fill a board member's seat that expires at the end of April. Airpark Advisory 2003.0305 3 03/05/03 . "',' . j' . -- . , I I. . I' j . . . . . I , . ,.... . . . . :. Mr. Morris reminded everyone of the Annual Advisory Board Dinner March 18 at 6:00 p.t:Tl. and the need to RSVP.' , , ITEM #6 - Adiournment ~he meeting adjourned at 3:27 p.m. Attest: ~ QJ1dA-7rJmeo , Board Reporter ,,' " " ", , '. '. ' " , 'Airpark Advisory '2003-0305 ' ", . ~ ,', ~ " 'I ". .. , , . f. ~. . - . > . I " " ' f~ . 4 '0 . ~, . . '. < . ~ . . it. . , ' , ,03/05/03 . ,:/