08/01/2007
AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 1, 2007
Present: James Hess Chair
Dennis G. Roper Vice-Chair
Norma R. Carlough Board Member
Todd N. Fontechia Board Member
Absent: David Spaulding Board Member
Also Present: Camilo Soto Assistant City Attorney
William Morris Marine & Aviation 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.
2 – Approval of Minutes – May 2, 2007
Member Roper moved to approve the minutes of the regular Airpark Advisory Board
meeting of May 2, 2007, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 - Tenant & Lease Report from FBO
FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) representative Barbara Cooper reported on tenant levels
and visitors. There is a waiting list for T-hangars.
4 – Old Business
Airpark Open House
Ms. Cooper said the Airpark Open House in June was successful despite high
temperatures. Future events may be scheduled during cooler weather. The estimated 2,500
attendees included Airpark neighbors and regional visitors. She said press releases were not
very successful and future advertising may be necessary. Discussion ensued regarding the
success of the informational sign on Hercules Avenue with suggestions that additional signs
target northbound traffic and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Sunset Point Road traffic. In response
to Ms. Cooper’s request for input on efficient ways to distribute event flyers to nearby
neighborhoods and community meetings, suggestions were made to contact neighborhood
associations and the Clearwater Neighborhood Coalition.
In response to a question, Ms. Cooper did not know if any potential students who spoke
to the flight school had applied. Three people did apply to mechanic school. She reviewed
Airpark Advisory 2007-08-01 1
event participants and activities. She said the event spreads good will in the community and
encourages young people to consider aviation careers.
A resident suggested that Channel 9 may promote the event. Another suggestion was
to promote the event on Internet social networking websites.
Extended hours
Disagreement was expressed regarding continuing to table the item related to extended
hours. It was commented that the petition to extend operational hours, presented to the Airpark
Opertions Manager, did not include addresses and other information. Concern was expressed
that nearby residents are upset every time the topic is broached.
Member Roper moved to remove the issue of extended hours from the table. The
motion was duly seconded.
It was stated the petition was not sent to the AAB (Airpark Advisory Board). Assistant
City Attorney Camilo Soto said the board had provided a forum during their May meeting to
sway opinion on the topic.
Upon the vote being taken, Members Carlough and Fontechia and Chair Hess voted
“Aye”; Member Roper voted “Nay.” Motion carried.
A resident requested that this issue remain off the agenda as the board can vote on all
agenda items, and could agree in the future to recommend that Airpark hours be extended.
Member Roper moved that the AAB does not provide any advice or recommendations to
City Council regarding the issue of extending Airpark hours. The motion was duly seconded.
A resident said nearby neighborhoods oppose extended hours and could petition the
board regarding the issue if necessary. She said residents have little time to respond to board
minutes.
It was stated that the board is well aware of neighborhood opposition to extended hours.
Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously.
Opportunity for questions regarding Airpark fiscal activity for 2003-2006 distributed at
previous meeting
– None.
5 – New Business
Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris reviewed the Airpark sewer line project and efforts
to remediate groundwater contamination. The future FBO building will be able to hook into the
new sewer line.
It was recommended that replacing older hangers with enclosed ones would increase
Airpark income.
Airpark Advisory 2007-08-01 2
Economic Impact Study
Due to many changes since the 1990 impact study, it was recommended that the City
undertake a new study. It was stated that the study would be helpful when aging infrastructure
requires replacement, or should factions champion reducing the Airpark's size or selling it for
development.
One resident expressed concern the study could backdoor extending current hours of
operation.
Member Roper moved to request that the City undertake a new Economic Impact Study
for the Clearwater Airpark. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
6 - Aqenda for Next Meetinq on November 7, 2007
Mr. Morris will present copies of the existing economic development study and updated
FOOT (Florida Department of Transportation) JCIP (Joint Capital Improvement Program).
Ed Dolzak reported on Young Eagle activities.
Member Carlouqh encouraged residents to participate in Clearwater 101 Citizen's
Academy.
7 - Adiournment
The meeting adjourned at 4:06 p.m.
~'C/L
Chair
Airpark Advisory Board
Airpark Advisory 2007-08-01
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