11/07/2007
AIRPARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 7, 2007
Present: Dennis G. Roper Chair
David Spaulding Board Member
Norma R. Carlough Board Member
Edward J. Dolezal, Jr. Board Member
Absent: Todd N. Fontechia Board Member
Also Present: Camilo Soto Assistant City Attorney
William Morris Marine & Aviation Director
Gordon Wills Airport Operations Manager
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall, followed by a moment of
silence in memory of former Chair Jim Hess.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2 – Approval of Minutes – August 1, 2007
Member Spaulding moved to approve the minutes of the regular Airpark Advisory Board
meeting of August 1, 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 shade hangars. Transients are returning. Discussion
ensued regarding the impact of increased fuel costs on Airpark activity. The Airpark does not
sell sufficient fuel to qualify for a volume discount.
Ms. Cooper reported the project to connect the Airpark to the City sewer is nearing
completion. Plans are to tie parking lot drainage to the retention pond. Airport Operations
Manager Gordon Wills said sewer project funding provided an 80:20 match.
Ms. Cooper said the Airpark newsletter reports that the City will assist tenants with
materials to rehabilitate their space. She invited board members to attend the Airpark’s holiday
party on December 14, 2007, at 7:00 p.m.
4 – Old Business
Clearwater Airpark Economic Impact Analysis
Marine & Aviation Director William Morris requested board members to review the 1996
Airpark Economic Impact Analysis prepared by PBS&J (Post Buckley Schuh & Jernigan, Inc.).
Airpark Advisory 2007-11-07 1
The analysis used common economic tools that are not proprietary. Discussion ensued
regarding changes over the past decade, such as a larger flight school, increased aircraft, and
inflation. Assistant City Attorney Camilo Soto said the model tracks the flow of money from the
Airpark, as an economic generator, and its affect on the community. Mr. Morris hoped to
complete a new analysis in-house. It was suggested a local college may help with the project.
5 - New Business
Current Airpark projects
Mr. Wills reported after the Airpark is connected to the City sewer, the septic system will
be back filled. He said everything was fine at the annual FDOT (Florida Department of
Transportation)/FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) inspection yesterday, although trees south of
the runway need to be trimmed before they infringe on Airpark operations. In response to a
concern regarding cracks and a dip in the runway, Mr. Wills said FDOT had scheduled runway
resurfacing for FY (Fiscal Year) 2011. Mr. Morris said it may be possible to shift the project to
an earlier date. The entire parking lot will be resurfaced. Staff will investigate the taxiway ramp
for problems.
Mr. Morris said the City Council will discuss Airpark maintenance items and priorities in
February 2008. He hoped the updated economic analysis would be completed prior.
Mr. Morris reported that Member Carlough would resign from the AAB (Airpark Advisory
Board) to serve on the CDB (Community Development Board). Member Carlough hoped the
Airpark would continue its successes. Board members thanked her for her service.
Member Dolezal moved to schedule the election of a Vice-Chair on February 6, 2008.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Mr. Wills reviewed FBO efforts hosting a Clearwater 101 session at the Airpark.
Member Dolezal reported on Young Eagles activities.
6 - Aaenda for Next Meetina on February 6. 2008
Vice-Chair election scheduled.
7 - Adiourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:02 p.m.
\)eMn C A--
Chair
Airpark Advisory Board
Attest:
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Board Reporter
Airpark Advisory 2007-11-07
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