COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

April 30, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

May 13, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Hiller Museum Vertical Challenge Helicopter Air Show - San Carlos Airport

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute an agreement with the Hiller Aviation Museum (Hiller Museum) which allows the Hiller Museum to conduct a Helicopter Air Show and Aircraft Display (Air Show) at the San Carlos Airport on Saturday, June 21, 2003 (4/5ths vote required).

Key Facts

1.

The Department, for the last three years, issued a permit to the Hiller Museum as provided by County Ordinance Code, to conduct the Air Show. However, this event has grown in size to a point where we believe that a formal agreement to conduct the Air Show is appropriate.

2.

Section 25536 of the Government Code provides that your Board, by 4/5ths vote, may enter into agreements to allow activities on Airport property.

3.

Airport businesses do not object to this event being held at the San Carlos Airport.

4.

This event is being produced as a fundraiser for the Hiller Museum.

Discussion

We have developed an agreement which provides that the Hiller Museum is allowed to conduct a one-day Helicopter Air Show event on Saturday, June 21, 2003. The Air Show is a tribute to the contributions of helicopters in our daily lives, from traffic and news reporting to military applications and lifesaving operations; and they have asked Foster City Vice Mayor Marland Townsend to be the Honorary Grand Marshal for the event. The event will consist of:

1.

Static display of military and civilian helicopters

2.

Helicopter rides

3.

The sale of food, beer and wine from participating groups

4.

Parachute jump

5.

Remote control helicopter demonstration

6.

Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter demonstration

7.

Helicopter water drop demonstration

8.

"Otto the Clown" helicopter air show demonstration

9.

"Captain Lazer" helicopter air show demonstration and pyrotechnic display

10.

"ShowCopters" helicopter air show demonstration

11.

Military helicopter demonstrations

The agreement requires that the sale of alcohol during the event shall be in compliance with the County's sale of alcohol policies.

A $15 entrance fee will be charged to the general public with a $10 fee for Seniors and a $5 fee for children ages 5-7. Children under five (5) are free.

The Hiller Museum will provide sufficient volunteers to coordinate parking and the general policing of the areas to be used. They are coordinating traffic control with the California Highway Patrol and the Cities of San Carlos and Redwood City; and are also coordinating with the local providers of emergency services, many of whom are participating in the event.

The Airport will be closed to normal take-offs and landings during two one-hour periods on the day of the event for the purposes of conducting the helicopter air-show demonstrations. We have notified all tiedown and hangar tenants of the proposed event as well as the Fixed Based Operators and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Additionally, the event has been advertised in the local newspapers.

The Hiller Museum has selected the theme "Monsters of the Sky" for this year's Vertical Challenge Air Show, as the event, as in previous years, includes military and emergency service helicopters that exceed the Airport's 12,500-pound weight limit. We are proposing to grant a one-time waiver to the Airport's 12,500-pound weight restriction for the specified display aircraft if your Board approves the proposed resolution. The Agreement requires the Hiller Museum to place steel plates under helicopters as necessary to distribute their weight and ensure that no damage will occur to the Airport pavement surfaces.

The Hiller Museum is required to provide insurance coverage for the event meeting the requirements of the County Risk Manager.

Vision Statement

We believe our recommendation is consistent with the Shared Commitment to be a "responsive, effective and collaborative government," as approving the proposed resolution provides an educational opportunity for the general public and a funding opportunity for the Hiller Museum.

Fiscal Impact

The Airport will receive $.75 per ticket and two percent (2%) of the Hiller Aviation Museum's gross proceeds for the event based on the standard requirements of the Museum's operating agreement with the County.

There is no impact to the General Fund.

A form of resolution and the agreement have been approved by County Counsel and the Hiller Museum has executed the agreement.