ALBERT WHITTED AIRPORT DESIGN COMMITTEE June 1, 2004 4:00 p.m., Backstage Lounge Members Present Members Absent Don Morris, Chair Don Shea Mary Anna Murphy Mark Stroud Steve Lange Ed Montanari Henry Van Kesteren Randy York Ruth Varn Randy Wedding Meeting called to order at 4:15 p.m. OPENING REMARKS No formal action will be taken at the meeting due to lack of a quorum. Don Morris welcomed the Committee members, City staff and interested citizens. He introduced Peter Hood, Fisheries Biologist and St. Petersburg resident, who will give his perspective on a park concept for public access, which would be compatible with the Airport OPEN FORUM No public speakers. OLD BUSINESS Approval of May 18, 2004 Minutes will be deferred to the June 15th meeting. Ms. Varn requested the Minutes be revised to include additional comments made by Susan Hardman related to terminal upgrade finishes. Minutes will be revised and redistributed to reflect this addition. NEW BUSINESS Peter Hood discussed his perspective on a park concept for public access to the Airport. His suggestions for the north shore of the airport property include a dog park, amphitheater for outdoor concerts, picnicking area, boardwalk, athletic fields for USF/City. Suggestions for the east shore of the airport property include wilderness canoe/kayak area, walking/jogging/biking trails, picnic area, scientific research area, and fishing pier/boardwalk. Mr. Morris noted that plans are currently being drawn for a viewing area and the concept of biking/hiking trails has been favorably discussed. Mr. Hood also suggested incorporating mangroves and plant life along the eastern shoreline. This concept would be compatible with a waterfront park concept and addresses mitigation issues that could arise. Mr. Morris met with the new Marina Manager, Walt Miller, to inquire about current Marina operations and future plans, and how they correspond with recommendations being proposed for the Airport. Due to the fact Mr. Miller has been employed by the Marina for only a few weeks, he was unable to provide Mr. Morris with answers to all his questions. Mr. Metz offered to assist Mr. Morris in answering any questions he has related to the Marina. Mr. Lange requested a copy of the site plan for the Marina slip expansion project. Mr. Metz will provide a copy at the next meeting.
Discussion followed on whether there is a need for a fuel disposal tank at the Airport Currently, when pilots do their pre-flight check, they check their fuel tanks for intrusion of water or debris by taking a sample of the fuel. If the fuel is clear, the sample is poured back into the tank. If contamination is found, then the sample is disposed of. In the past, pilot s emptied the sample onto the ground. The State has recently passed environmental laws making this practice illegal. To discourage this, many airports have placed a disposal tank in an accessible area to dump the contaminated fuel. Albert Whitted Airport currently does not have a disposal tank on site. Mr. Van Kesteren suggested using the containment area beneath the fuel tanks at the fuel farm. Mr. Metz advised the City could look into providing a fuel disposal tank. Mr. Lesniak noted the first step would be to get approval from the Fire Marshal. Ms. Varn inquired about the status of staff requesting City Council placing an item on the November 2 nd ballot to increase the Airport s maximum lease term from 10 to 25 years. Dave Metz verified that this item will be on the June 3 rd Council Agenda. The language was modified to include the Port. Ms. Varn met with Bob Ulrich, Chairman of Building Committee for the Dali Museum, who confirmed that the Dali has chosen an Architect and they would be receptive to meeting with the Task Force to share their plans. Mr. Ulrich suggested to Ms. Varn that the Dali have a representative attend future Task Force Meetings to address questions that may arise. Mr. Morris is taking a trip to California, and while there, will meet with the Airport Manager of the Fresno Chandler Airport. Mr. Morris will be provided with a copy of their Master Plan and lease contracts. Fresno Chandler Airport was listed as a suggested site to visit in a letter from the President of ALPA to Mayor Baker Committee Reports Chair requested that Committee Members submit their recommendations in writing to be made a part of the official record. Ruth Varn Terminal Ms. Varn distributed an outline and floorplan of recommended build-out features for a terminal. Her recommendations included: Ground Level: Reception desk 3 FBO offices Large lobby open to the ceiling Small sublease area Vendor drink machines Pilot s lounge with restroom (important feature) Flight planning room Small storage room Atrium Free standing kiosk Other considerations would include: area for temporary luggage storage, janitor room or closet, mechanical/electrical room, hallways, elevator, restrooms, small break area Second Floor: Large area open to the lobby and atrium Restaurant with access to viewing deck Two small offices; one rented full-time, one rented to transients Large conference room Other considerations would include: hallways, elevator, restrooms 2
(Note: there are many windows, so consideration should be given to window type and placement with regard to sun and summer heat). Not recommended for the terminal: City offices. They would add square footage and cost to the terminal. Ms. Varn feels The Airport Manager needs to be on the south (working) side of the Airport for accessibility to the users. A few airports she visited had administration offices in the terminal, but those airports were either outside of town or run by an Aviation Authority. Albert Whitted will be primarily a passenger/business terminal. Flight schools, charter, aircraft sales, and maintenance shall remain on the south side of the airport. Support Hangar: Should be designed same time as terminal. Needs to be located in close proximity to the terminal. A narrow strip along one side needs to be climate controlled. 1. Provide some office space 2. Storage space 3. Small break area for flight line crews 4. Restroom with shower 5. Lockers The hand-out also includes first and second floor plans. Mr. Morris suggested including a quiet room adjacent to the lounge for pilot relaxation. Ms. Varn shared some photos she had taken of the Sebring Airport terminal. The GA terminals she visited were operated by an Authority and derive additional revenue from outside sources (i.e., Sebring International Raceway). Mr. Morris expressed his appreciation to Ms. Varn for her commitment in researching these terminals. In reference to the terminal location, Ms. Varn outlined several items to be considered: 1. Ramp space. In acquiring the most ramp space, it was suggested to swap the V section of the airport property (which runs through the Bayfront property) with the City, in exchange for Lot 51. Ramp space would be decisive of where the terminal would be located. 2. Aircraft parking, taxiway and maneuvering space. 3. Automobile parking. The two (2) parking lots, located at the south side of the Bayfront Center, could be utilized for automobile parking 4. Access to the control tower and access for service vehicles. 5. Infrastructure. There are underground pipes at the NW corner location. Lot 51 appears to be a good location. 6. Allow for future expansion. 7. Allow for possibility of air taxi and/or commuter service 8. Provide an area for park/playground area 9. Include aviation museum/education center Based on these considerations, Ms. Varn s recommendation would be to swap the V section of airport property (which runs through the Bayfront property) with the City, in exchange for Lot 51. It was suggested by Ms. Murphy and Mr. Lange that further discussion on this particular recommendation is required before being voted on. 3
Mary Anna Murphy Public Amenities - Ms. Murphy made the following recommendations: Terminal High-end joint use restaurant facility with Dali and USF Business Service Center incorporated into a coffee shop (Starbucks) environment which would be used by the public, USF students and pilots (separate from restaurant) Observation Deck site to be determined by architect Stupendous, Iconic, Public Art inside or outside terminal to be at the discretion of the Public Arts Commission Gallery space for changing aircraft-themed exhibits (2D or 3D) Meeting/Special events room for rentals, community meetings, etc. Voting precinct designation Rental Car Agency Airport grounds Joint use parking with Dali Inclusion on the Looper route PSTA Bus stop Convert Lot 51 to a park Boat docks near lot 51 Close Bayshore in front of Mahaffey and Dali for more greenspace on the water Make an aviation-themed playground in Lot 51 Dog park As mitigation for the airport runway extension, plant mangroves on the eastern shore use the area as a study area for USGS, FMRI, USF Marine Research activities Henry Van Kesteren Runway Lengths Mr. Van Kesteren discussed the advantage of extending the runway length. He pointed out that the current lengths are completely safe and accommodate the existing aircraft mix utilizing the airport as well as future SATS. Moving the landing threshold further away from First Street (280 ft.) would equate to not flying as low over USF for landing on Runway 6, or providing more height over USF on takeoff from Runway 24. Higher means less noise over the city areas. Additionally, extending the runway would allow corporate jets to take off fully fueled from Albert Whitted, which the current runway length does not allow for. This in turn would bring in new business to the City, and contribute to the overall economic growth. Mr. Van Kesteren recommends Airfield Concept One-C (copy distributed) from the last Master Plan Update. The runway would be extended from 3,700 ft. to 4,300 ft. The Master Plan study for this extension is completed. Mr. Van Kesteren feels the FAA and FDOT would support this recommendation. Noise and safety concerns for Airport neighbors are being addressed and satisfied with this plan. Mr. Van Kesteren made a motion to recommend to the Task Force accepting Airfield Concept One- C from the Master Plan Update. Discussion continued on the runway extension length. Due to lack of a quorum, a vote was not taken. Randy Wedding Parking Areas and Other Facilities - Mr. Wedding was not present. Mark Stroud Finance Mr. Stroud was not present. Steve Lange Zoning & Environmental Mr. Lange distributed a copy of the Grand Prix Circuit Map outlining the race course. He noted that the location of a new terminal and other buildings 4
needs to take into consideration this information. Mr. Lange has prepared an overlay of the airport configuring roadways, terminal, parking structure, Dali Museum, etc. One idea regarding an onsite museum would be to attract other small airport museums which are not proving successful, to be housed in a new Albert Whitted Airport aviation museum. Discussion followed on location of the terminal. Don Morris - Control Tower Mr. Morris submitted the following three (3) recommendations: 1. A new Albert Whitted Airport control tower should be built at the current location as per study done for the City of St. Petersburg by the Radian International Group, dated May 14, 2002. (Copy of the study to be included with recommendation). 2. The Albert Whitted Airport control tower design should take into account the recommended specifications made in a letter to the Design Committee by Control Tower Manager, Dave Vergason, dated April 7, 2004. (A copy of this letter should be included with this recommendation). 3. The Albert Whitted Airport control tower design should also take into account additional space for electronic equipment, which will allow for operations of aircraft as part of the SATS program. 4. Albert Whitted Airport possible funding sources could include FDOT Grants or FAA funding by earmarking part of the FAA Budget by Congress for this purpose. It would allow for local design and construction with ownership of the tower going to the airport sponsor City of St. Petersburg or possible future Airport Authority. In Mr. Morris absence at the next Task Force Meeting of June 7, Mr. Lange will submit these recommendations. Randy York Airport Layout - Mr. York was not present. Mr. Morris restated the following recommendations that will be presented at the next Task Force Meeting, June 7, 2004: 1. Location of a new Airport Control Tower 2. Runway extension as outlined on Airport Master Plan Update - Airfield Concept One C Meeting Date and Time: Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 15, 4:00 p.m., City Hall, Community Resource Room. No further discussion. Meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. 5