MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD
February 14, 2007
A Regular Meeting of the Airport Advisory Board was held this date in Council Chambers at City Hall. Chair Hollowell called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m.
I. ROLL CALL
Roll was called with the following Board members present: Chair Paul Hollowell, Vice Chair Joseph Rand (1:59), Susan Balsinger, Nick Carlucci, Jim Leis, John Yurosko and Ex-Officio Council Member John Simmonds. Bart Bartanowicz was excused.
Also present: City Attorney Robert Anderson, Airport Manager Fred Watts and Recording Secretary Susan Schult.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
(1:33) Ms. Balsinger moved that Minutes of the Special Meeting held December 20, 2006 be approved. Seconded by Mr. Yurosko. MOTION CARRIED ON VOICE VOTE UNANIMOUSLY.
(1:34) Ms. Balsinger moved that Minutes of the Regular Meeting held January 10, 2007 be approved. Seconded by Mr. Yurosko. MOTION CARRIED ON VOICE VOTE UNANIMOUSLY.
III. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Airport
Budget for Fiscal Year 2007/2008
Mr. Watts outlined the budget process for the Mobile Home Park (MHP) and the airport budget, he gave examples of format and name changes in the proposed budget, and stated the three components of the budget are revenues, capital expenditure grant funds and expenses. He then reviewed revenues and upcoming capital projects.
Discussion followed regarding increase in t-hangar rents for the last two years, imposing a moratorium on t-hangar rent increases, appraisals and fair market values relating rental rates, strategy to increase other rentals, board review of proposed rate increases and projected t-hangar income.
In response to Mr. Simmonds' questions about the MHP lot rent negotiations, Mr. Watts stated meetings have taken place with the MHP association, but the association did not submit any documentation to dispute the accuracy of the increase calculations. Mr. Anderson clarified that no negotiations with MHP regarding rent increases have taken place, the city is obligated to notice residents informing them of the increase, he reviewed state statute relating to the dispute process and confirmed that no contrary data was presented to dispute the data used to determine the rental increase.
Mr. Watts reviewed the expense component of the budget, and queried the board for feedback and suggestions.
Discussion ensued regarding the reduction of the police department services, the wage and compensation study impact on the budget and contribution rates pertaining to city pensions.
Mr. Watts explained professional services expenses and continued reviewing budget expenses. Mr. Anderson answered questions from the board concerning the current lawsuits against the airport and insurance reimbursement of the legal fees.
Mr. Watts answered questions concerning the Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS). Discussion ensued regarding airport staff and city council attending the Lakeland Airport Conference in April, how airport staff would participate in the conference, and adding this conference as a budget expense.
Mr. Watts concluded his
summarization of budget expenses. Discussion took place regarding improvements
to
Recess was taken from 2:55 p.m. until 3:07 p.m.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1.
Mr. Watts reviewed the software program and the use of this system to input data for the capital improvements where state and federal data is involved, and explained how Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) use this program.
Discussion followed regarding the total JACIP project costs, participant percentages for funding, possible fence funding, and funding of taxiway E and runway 22.
Mr. Watts briefly outlined the 2007 JACIP projects including mowing equipment, wash rack, and rehabilitation of runway 4/22. Discussion followed regarding the width and drainage of runway 4/22.
Mr. Watts continued reviewing JACIP projects. Discussion ensued concerning noise abatement fly friendly signage along with taxiway markings.
Mr. Watts answered questions concerning t-hangar rehabilitation, moving the instrument approach system to the 2007 budget year, the AWOS system, construction of a new airport administration building with a control tower on top, safety issues with a control tower, conducting the noise survey in 2010 and construction of larger t-hangars.
At 3:27 p.m. Mr. Simmonds left the dais and did not return.
V. AIRPORT MANAGER REPORT
1. Master Plan Update
Mr. Watts reported the final report will be ready in approximately two weeks.
2. Runway 13/31 Rehabilitation Close-out
Update
Mr. Watts stated he will have the rehabilitation close out report within the next few days.
3. Runway 4/22 Rehabilitation Design
Update
Mr. Watts reported the design is complete, it should be printed tomorrow, copies will be distributed to FAA, FDOT, and city staff, he will request a two or three week review time, and request the city attorney review the documents for suitability to make public for bids.
Mr. Hollowell clarified that this process was previously approved by the board and should proceed to council without delay. Mr. Watts requested a motion to approve the JACIP as presented.
(3:38) Dr.
4. T-Hangar Evaluation Report Update
Mr. Watts stated he should have this report by Tuesday of next week.
5. Upcoming Special Events Update
Mr. Watts updated the board on upcoming events such at the Italian American Feast and Carnival next week and the Sarasota Highlands Games and Scottish Heritage Festival in March.
6.
Mr. Watts reported he is waiting for comments from two agencies reviewing the report and should have a final report in March.
Discussion followed concerning submittal of proposals for development, having the documents available for review, encouraging board members to review the proposals, the deadline for final submittal is March 2, 2007, and that staff has properly responded to all proposals.
VI. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Mr. Carlucci – stated the public
believes that 747s are touching down at the
Dr. Rand – thanked everyone on the board he has served with and was appreciative for the review of the budget. He stated he has received an expense and income report for the last five years from Finance Director Jeff Snyder and that the board should have more detailed budget discussions during the year.
John Yurosko – stated he brought in an Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) DVD for board review.
Mr. Leis – queried Mr. Watts
regarding the demolition at the airport.
Mr. Watts stated the
Ms. Balsinger – commented on the letter Mr. Hollowell sent to City Manager Marty Black concerning the administrative position.
Mr. Hollowell – stated he met with Mr. Black regarding his letter, who was not apposed to filling the position, but felt more documentation was required from the airport manager. Mr. Hollowell commented on utilizing the city newsletter to communicate airport issues, he mentioned the lack of construction clean up and debris around the circus building and noted Congressman Buchanan is on the Aviation Subcommittee of the Transportation Committee.
In response to Mr. Hollowell's question concerning the title work for the Master Plan, Mr. Watts stated the title work has not been completed, but this will not delay the Master Plan document.
Mr. Hollowell thanked Dr. Rand for his contributions to the board.
It was the consensus of the board to watch the AOPA DVD after adjournment.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before this Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:57 p.m.
(Approved by the
Chairman and Recording Secretary at the March 21, 2007 regular meeting.)