CCAA Minutes 03-08-2004COLLIER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF March 8, 2004
MEMBERS Dennis Vasey Steve Price Jim Peterka
PRESENT: Bill West Raymond Rewis
ABSENT: Robert Doyle
STAFF: John Kirchner Thomas Palmer Debi Mueller
PUBLIC: Tammie Nemecek Patrick Lee John Swayze
Carol Glassman Luc Carriere Art Lyall
Mike Taylor Winona Stone
I. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AND QUORUM CHECK
Meeting called to order at 1:05 p.m. and quorum was present.
II. Executive Director’s Report
Chairman Vasey spoke about the Florida Tradeport Barbecue and John Kirchner displayed the State
approved logo for the Florida Tradeport that was awarded by Representative Mike Davis. There were
about 120 businesses and the Lieutenant Governor in attendance. EDC did a great job in promoting the
Florida Tradeport.
The 182 Sale package was issued on February 6, 2004 and the proposals are due March 17, 2004.
Tthe Executive Director and John Kirchner will be returning to the Board with recommendations.
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Agenda changes: Move E.1 below Consent Agenda and above item B.
Mr. Price moved to approve agenda as amended. Mr. Peterka seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously.
B. ADMINISTRATIVE
E.1 Brownfield Issue
Tom Palmer was concerned if the facts were considered in designating all or part of
the Immokalee Airport as brownfield. Most of the benefits were not applicable except
the bonus refunds on the list. The Federal case law claims that a brownfield area is a
disadvantaged area that has market value less than other adjacent properties. It is not
a positive thing to say to someone that you are brownfield. No one has any records of
where the old World War II storage tanks are located. He spoke to Ray Smith the head
of our Pollution and Control whether or not he is aware of any environmentally
sensitive matters in the airport that may be brownfield problems. Ray is not aware of
any such problems. No one will come into the airport and volunteer to clean up costs
as stated on the list. The county will have to pick up the cost if there are any existing
problems. Someone perceives a problem if it is stopping banks from lending money
or stopping people from coming to the Immokalee Airport. Mr. Carriere questioned
whether or not a Brownfield site would affect our ability to get grants. Mr. Vasey
replied that they were designated a brownfield area and unless a brownfield site was
located he doubted it would have any effect at all on any grants.
Art Lyall, the Brownfield’s Coordinator, South District, Florida Department of
Environmental Protection addressed the Board on the pros and cons of the Board of
County Commissioners (BCC) declaring Immokalee a “brownfield area”. Mr. Lyall
explained the differences between a “brownfield site”, where specific environmental
contamination detrimental to health and safety is discovered, and a “brownfield area”
such as Immokalee Airport where at one time agricultural sprays were used as crop
dusters took off and landed, or possibly fuel was stored during World War II. After a
lengthy discussion the board noted the information.
Recommendation: Discussed with no objections.
1. Hornet Glider Flight Training
Patrick Lee, Vice President of Hornet Flight Training presented his report on safe glider
operations and procedures at Immokalee Regional Airport. He told the authority he
had completed 100 safe launches and explained the staging areas he would be using,
depending on the wind. While seeking sufficient qualified instructors, commercially
rated glider pilots would be offering rides and Mr. Lee said he would begin recruiting
students immediately.
Recommendation: Pending Administrative review.
Discussion: Mr. Vasey asked if gliders are considered an ultra hazardous activity?
Mr. Lee replied they were not due to the fact that they issue licenses at an earlier
age and the FAA would not allow it if it was unsafe. It was determined that gliders
are safer than ultra lights. It was recommended that our Counsel take a look at the
insurance issues as well as hold harmless. It was asked if there was a lease pending
on this. John Kirchner replied not yet but they talked about the same format that is
used at the Immokalee Airport for jumpers where they do a waiver. It will be part
of the rental contract for the glider. The rental agreement was going to be forwarded
to the County Attorney for approval.
2. Permanent Executive Director
Mr. Vasey stated that the Authority will notify the Board of County Commissioners, as
a Consent Agenda item, that a search for an Executive Director will begin. This
notification is consistent with the 2004 Airport Authority Ordinance.
Recommendation: That the Board proceed with the national search for an
Executive Director.
3. Report Everglades Joint Workshop
Chairman Vasey reported that after the joint workshop with Everglades City, the Board
of County Commissioners seemed favorably disposed to work to transfer the airport
back to city ownership. After 60-90 days, the matter will again be discussed with the
Board after some bookkeeping matters are settled.
Recommendation: Return with observations to the board after 60-90 days.
C. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
1. Immokalee Parks and Recreation
Chairman Vasey reported the details of a meeting with Marla Ramsay, Parks and
Recreation, John Dunnuck, and Commissioner Coletta to discuss options such as
allowing temporary use of Immokalee Airport land as a park in exchange for some kind
of tradeoff that would be beneficial to the Airport.
Recommendation: John Dunnuck and Marla Ramsey will discuss with
Commissioner Coletta in a week.
Discussion: Marla Ramsey and John Dunnuck have to return to Commissioner
Coletta to discuss the options in a week. Cannot turn it over to the Parks division
unless there is a clear and direct benefit to the airport.
D. Old Business
1. Incubator Support Facility
Chairman Vasey reported the tenant is still working to facilitate a March 15 move into
the building, citing “a slow process” as the holdup. Cargo flight hangars have been
leased by the Museum on a monthly basis. Sanchez Brothers have signed a contract
for their business, S.B. Pallets, to lease an area as a transfer station. The next meeting
of the Collier County Airport Authority will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 12 at the
Marco Island Executive Airport. The public is welcome to attend.
E. PUBLIC COMMENT
F. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 2:25 p.m.
Prepared By:____________________________
Joan Greco, Administrative Assistant