FEBRUARY 5, 2009 AIRPORT COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The meeting was called to order by Richard Parish at 4:05 P.M.  Committee members: Bernice Williams, Charlie Hoover, Ralph Kimberlin, Palmer Gehring, Ed McGuire and John Amundsen were also present. City representatives Cheryl Connor, Dale Smith and James Powell sat in.

 

The minutes of the January Meeting were presented and approved.

 

The airport map drawn up by members Richard Parish, Charlie Hoover and Dennis Kochan was reviewed.  This shows in, color, the areas where you may drive on the airport.  Access to the picnic area will be through the South Gate only.  After much discussion the map was voted on and accepted by the committee.  Dale Smith will have it printed for distribution to hangar renters. 

 

J.P. Powell mentioned a car that is parked on airport property that does not have a current license and has been there  for a long time.  Richard will notify the owner to have it removed.

 

Stickers, to be put on the back window of our vehicles, will be made.  These will go on any means of transportation used on the airport.  The proposed sticker was voted on and accepted by the committee.  Hangar renters will be able to get as  many as they need for their airport vehicles.
Dale Smith says there is no need to charge for the sticker unless too many are given out.  If a vehicle is on the airport, without a sticker, it means that person has no right to be on the airport.  Police will ticket vehicles on the airport without identification. This is how we hope to end hangars being broken into and theft and vandalism.  The police will patrol the airport more often.  There is more airport security coming in the future.

 

Palmer Gehring mentioned that the Airport Flyer is a good means of communication.  He suggested the area map be printed in the flyer.

 

John Amundsen suggested that the city look into the price of the fuel farm for sale in Leesburg.  It may be a way for the city to save money on the fuel farm that will be on the hangar side of our field. 

 

Grants are coming in for the repaving of run way 4-22. This should take place any time from 9 months to one year.  The contractor for the job  will work 24/7 until the job is done.  The runway will be 5-23 when complete.

 

John Amundsen mentioned that the flight school is very busy and has received FAA approval.  There are 5 people working in the shop and he has 25 instructors, most, part time.  He pointed out that 90 percent of his students are from out of state and that they bring money to Winter Haven for food and lodging

 

Dale Smith went to the FAA meeting in Orlando and while there talked to the DOT and Juan Brown of the FAA about allowing cars, boats etc. in the hangars.  They looked him dead in the eye and said no, they are not allowed. Only aircraft related items are allowed in the hangars.

 

Bernice reminded Dale Smith that in Feb. of 08 we were told we would be given a copy of the airport budget to review.  Since the airport fiscal year starts in Oct. she felt it was overdue.  Dale said he would have a copy for the committee members of the 09 budget and, if possible, a copy of the proposed budget for 2010 at our April meeting.  He again mentioned that money is tighter because of lower taxes.  Bernice asked Richard if the economy has effected his FBO and Richard said fuel sales are lower and he has a couple of empty hangars, but has prospects for them.
 
In order to keep our original schedule, the next meeting of the Airport Committee will be held April 2, 2009  4 P.M. at the Winter haven Municipal Terminal.
 
A motion was made and seconded to end the meeting.  This was accepted at 5:12 P.M.

 

    Bernice Williams (secretary)