HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.11.15 Minutes
Town of Nantucket
NANTUCKET MEMORIAL AIRPORT
14 Airport Road
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts 02554
Thomas M. Rafter, Airport Manager Commissioners Phone: (508) 325-5300 Daniel W. Drake, Chairman Fax: (508) 325-5306 Arthur D. Gasbarro, Vice Chair
Anthony G. Bouscaren Andrea N. Planzer Jeanette D. Topham AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING
August 11, 2015
The meeting was called to order at 5:04 pm by Chairman Daniel Drake with the following Commissioners present: Arthur Gasbarro, Anthony Bouscaren, and Jeanette Topham. Participating by
phone, due to geographical distance, was Commissioner Andrea Planzer. The meeting took place in the
1st floor Community room at the Public Safety Facility, 4 Fairgrounds Rd. Nantucket MA.
Airport employees present were: Thomas Rafter, Airport Manager, David Sylvia, Compliance Manager, Jamie Miller, Business & Finance Manager, Mae Williams, Administrative Assistant, and Janine
Torres, Office Manager.
Mr. Drake announced the meeting was being recorded.
Mr. Drake asked for comments on the amended Agenda with the addition of the FAA grant acceptance. Hearing none, the Agenda was adopted.
Ms. Topham made a Motion to approve the 7/14/15 minutes. Second by Mr. Bouscaren and Passed by
the following roll-call vote:
Mr. Bouscaren – Aye Ms. Planzer – Aye
Ms. Topham – Aye Mr. Gasbarro - Aye Mr. Drake - Aye
Mr. Gasbarro made a Motion to ratify the Warrants of 7/22/15 and 8/5/15. Second by Ms. Topham and Passed by the following roll call vote: Mr. Bouscaren – Aye
Ms. Planzer – Aye
Ms. Topham – Aye Mr. Gasbarro – Aye
Mr. Drake – Aye
031015-2 Public Hearing to consider Proposed Revisions to 2015 Rates & Charges.
Mr. Drake opened the Public Hearing.
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Mr. Rafter reviewed the following proposed changes:
Addition of the Britten-Norman Islander aircraft under Landing Fee – Terminal Users
Clarification of landings fee under Freight/Mail
Recommendation to waive the ramp fee of $10 for general aviation aircraft under 6,000
pounds with the purchase of 10 or more gallons of fuel.
Lost token fee of $20.00 noting the change was approved at the May 15, 2015 Public Hearing but mistakenly omitted from the final Rates & Charges list. Mr. Rafter added,
due to the high number of lost tokens, a new Request for Proposal will be written to revert to a paper ticket/bar code reading system.
Removal of seasonal tie-down fees; annual tie-downs fees still valid.
Mr. Drake asked for any Public Comment. Hearing none, the Public Hearing was closed.
Mr. Gasbarro made a Motion to adopt the proposed changes for the Rates & Charges as
presented by the Airport Manager and listed on the draft provided. Second by Mr. Bouscaren and Passed by the following roll-call vote:
Mr. Bouscaren – Aye Ms. Topham – Aye
Ms. Planzer – Aye Mr. Gasbarro – Aye Mr. Drake - Aye
Pending Matters
042214-2 Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) Status - Mr. Rafter reported:
A meeting with Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) is set for August 17, 2015 to
address the remaining tree debris pile and responsibility for Stockpile X. Senator
Markey’s office has contacted ACE in support of the Airport’s opinion on Stockpile X.
The lease amendments with Dutra Landscaping and Wisentaner Landscaping are still being finalized.
11315-2 General Fund Repayment Proposal - Mr. Rafter reported Town Finance has
not provided an updated proposal.
Carbon Neutral Program Update – Mr. Rafter suggested the Airport remove itself from the Carbon Neutral Program and terminate the contract with Honeywell Building Solutions, due to
the fact that the land designated for construction of the solar array cannot be categorized as a
brownfield and therefore the project would not qualify for Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC). Without those credits, the project presents too much financial risk to the Airport. He
said that the Airport has made its best faith effort and will continue on its own towards the goal of Carbon Neutrality. Mr. Rafter requests the Commission give its approval to go forward working with the Town if a viable project comes along.
Mr. Rafter read a statement prepared by Mr. Karberg, Environmental Coordinator: “Staff recommends that Nantucket Airport elect to decline to enter into a contract that would incorporate
such risks that would, which election the Airport is authorized to make in its sole and absolute discretion under Section 1.A of the Technical Audit Agreement. Staff recommends continued pursuit of solar PV development on the area identified for such purpose on the Airport Lay-out
Plan. Next steps in such development will involve (a) identifying entities to support development of a solar Photo Voltaic project at the identified site on business and economic terms that are
favorable to the Airport and the Town; and (b) complete the environmental mitigation process
and cover the associated costs”.
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Mr. Drake inquired about the cost associated with declining to enter into the contract. Mr. Rafter responded that the only cost is for the Investment Grade Audit in the amount of $14K.
Mr. Bouscaren made a Motion to terminate the Technical Audit Agreement under Section 1.A, and approve the payment of approximately $14,000 that is required to end the relationship with
Honeywell. Second by Ms. Topham and Passed by the following roll-call vote:
Mr. Bouscaren – Aye Ms. Topham – Aye
Ms. Planzer – Aye
Mr. Gasbarro – Aye Mr. Drake - Aye
Pending Leases and Contracts
Mr. Rafter presented the following Leases and Contracts:
Ultimate Air – Seasonal FBO Building Use Fee for $7,875.00; Annual Business Fee of
$1,500.00 plus landing fees – Pending
United Airlines – Seasonal Airline Agreement with office space for $15,920.00; Annual Business Fee of $1,500.00 plus Landing Fees – Pending
Weston Solutions, Inc. – Contract Amendment #1 to Environmental Consulting Services
Contract to increase Direct Expenses incurred from $1,000.00 to $2,740.06.
Victor-Brandon Corp – Contract for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for
$1,852,200.00 for the North Ramp Rehabilitation. 90% FAA Reimbursement (Grant
received) 5% DOT Reimbursement expected.
Kobo Utility Construction Corp – Contract for $49,337.00 to Repair Perimeter Fence
due to Winter Damage. Insurance Claim submitted.
MHQ – Contract for $94,829.00 to Purchase two (2) vehicles: Ford E-300 (Ops) and Explorer (Admin).
The Fire Truck Authority – Contract for $40,158.00 for ARFF Truck Annual Inspections/Servicing. Three (3) year term expiring 7/31/18.
Mr. Gasbarro made a Motion to approve the leases, contracts, and agreements listed on Exhibit 1 with the exception of Ultimate Air and United Airline. Second by Ms. Topham and Passed by the
following roll-call vote:
Mr. Bouscaren – Aye
Ms. Topham – Aye Ms. Planzer – Aye
Mr. Gasbarro – Aye Mr. Drake – Aye 081115-1 FY15 – 4th Quarter Financial Report – Mr. Rafter presented the FY15 4th Quarter
Financial Report noting he will be presenting to the Board of Selectmen on August 19, 2015. Mr.
Rafter noted it is the first year a subsidy was not required and a profit was generated.
Revenues are at $13.4 M Expenses of $11.7million
Profit before debt service of $1.6 million
Net profit after Debt Service is $417K
Retained earnings in FY14 were $1.8M. Higher Retained Earnings are anticipated for
FY15.
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022613-2 Master Plan and Sustainability Program Update – Mr. Rafter reported:
Changes to the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) determined at the July 30, 2015 Special
Commission Meeting have been submitted to the FAA. Mr. Gasbarro noted the stub taxiways are still showing as well as the removal of the pavement. These items should not
be shown.
Jacobs Engineering is preparing the final Master Plan document. During discussion it was determined the final Master Plan will be presented during a regular Commission Meeting once the ALP is finalized.
The draft Financial White Paper was presented. Various recommendations were
discussed including an increase to the rental car Customer Facility Charge (CFC). Mr. Gasbarro suggested having a public hearing to make the increase from $2.00 to $4.00 to
keep in line with other airports. Discussion concluded with the recommendation that if Hyannis CFC is at $4.50, the Airport Commission would like the CFC to be set at $4.50. Grant Acceptance 081115-2 DOT Grant AIP #62 - Reconstruct a Portion of North Apron
Mr. Bouscaren made a Motion to accept the MassDOT Grant in the amount of $105,750. Second by Ms. Topham and Passed by the following roll-call vote:
Mr. Bouscaren – Aye
Ms. Topham – Aye Ms. Planzer – Aye Mr. Gasbarro – Aye
Mr. Drake – Aye
081115-3 FAA Grant AIP #63 – ARFF Vehicle Tools and Equipment and SRE Snow Blower Ms. Topham made a Motion to accept the FAA Grant in the amount of $723,000 with a
MassDOT portion to follow. Second by Mr. Gasbarro and Passed by the following roll-call vote:
Mr. Bouscaren – Aye Ms. Topham – Aye Ms. Planzer – Aye
Mr. Gasbarro – Aye Mr. Drake – Aye
Manager’s Report – Mr. Rafter reported:
Project Updates
Security Project – the final inspection was completed record drawings received.
The State of Massachusetts will fund a closed circuit TV/camera project to cover more of
Airport property. The improved computer system will provide access to other Airport users (i.e. Air Traffic Control Tower) to utilize some of the cameras.
North Apron Rehab pre-construction meeting is scheduled for August 21, 2015.
Air Traffic Control Tower project kick-off meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2015.
The temporary Mobile Tower is being erected.
The parking system exit gate housing should be repaired by August 13, 2015.
RFP/Bid Status – Mr. Rafter reported:
The second round of bids were received for the SRE Equipment with Kodiak North American being the lowest bidder at $697K
Aircraft tug bids are due in August 18, 2015.
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We are coordinating with the Town on the RFP for the Airport Gas parcel to include
fueling of Town of Nantucket vehicles as part of the proposal.
Operations – Mr. Rafter reported:
On Sunday, July 19, 2015 the Airport ran out of fuel due to a cancellation of the freight boat. A reserve of fuel was held for Medical flights. Fuel was delivered the following
day.
The Airport fire fighters responded to a car fire on Nobadeer Beach on July 29, 2015, to assist the Nantucket Fire Department who had trouble getting to the scene. A critique and
tabletop exercise is being planned with the Nantucket Fire Department to run a scenario regarding an aircraft fire.
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was issued regarding two (2) aircraft on the
ground on the North Ramp.
A wildlife event demonstrated great teamwork to eradicate two (2) deer within the fence.
A press release has been released regarding the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)
project, the new smart phone APP for flight tracking, and our updated website.
The T-hangar lease expires in 2018. A review and recommendation will be provided to
the Commissioners.
An inquiry has been presented to Town Counsel to seek clarification on ATM 2011 Articles 98, 99, and 111 due to conflicting Articles and associated GIS maps. The goal is
to clean-up Airport property on Exhibit A. A subsequent Town Meeting may be needed to resolve uncovered issues. This topic was raised at a BOS meeting and will be discussed again at the August 19, 2015 BOS meeting.
Statistics – Mr. Rafter reviewed the June 2015 statistics:
Operations are down 7.68% over 6/2014. Year-to-date down 8.70%
Enplanements are down 7.21% over 6/2014. Year-to-date down 5.65%
Jet A gallons sold are up 13% over 6/2014. Year-to-date up 1.04%.
AvGas gallons sold are down 34%. Year-to-date down 6.33%.
Freight is up 3% over 6/2014. Year-to-date down 2.44%
19 Noise Complaints filed. 72 Noise Complaints for July.
July Fuel sales for Jet A was up 13% and AvGas was down 3%.
Boston Pops weekend 72,506 gallons of Jet fuel was sold. 11,176 gallons or 2.5% over
2014 Pops weekend.
Personnel Report – Mr. Rafter:
Presented a revised Organizational Chart showing the elimination of the
Superintendent/FBO position and replacement with an FBO Supervisor position which
has been posted internally.
Many Operations Seasonal staff have departed. Maintenance personnel have been
assisting in Operations.
Travel Request Mr. Rafter requested approval for the Massachusetts Airport Manager Association (MAMA) Conference, September 28-29, 2015 in Brewster MA for two (2) staff and 1-day attendance by
Mr. Rafter. Mr. Rafter suggested that any Commissioners who are interested attend as well. Mr. Bouscaren made a Motion to approve Mr. Rafter’s travel requests. Second by Ms. Topham
and Passed unanimously by the following roll-call vote:
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Mr. Bouscaren – Aye
Ms. Topham – Aye
Ms. Planzer – Aye Mr. Gasbarro – Aye
Mr. Drake – Aye
Commissioners Comments Ms. Topham commented Cape Air has very limited flights from Hyannis to Nantucket and she feels they show very little interest in servicing Nantucket. Island Air has increased its fares from
$99.00 to $165.00 same day round trip. She feels the Town of Nantucket is encouraging using boat travel vs. air travel.
Mr. Gasbarro inquired about the status of the RFP for the new parking system. Mr. Rafter responded that it is in draft form.
Mr. Gasbarro asked about the Part 139 inspection report. Mr. Rafter responded that two (2) items were listed and corrected immediately and closed out. The report will be circulated to the
Commission.
Mr. Drake made the following comments:
Suggest adding a pedestrian gate to the fence near Nobadeer Beach to aide in any future
incidents on the beach.
Recommends the FY17 Budget include staffing seasonal ambassadors on Sundays to help
alleviate problems in the terminal when commercial flights are delayed.
Glad to see the amount of comments to the Rates and Charges, albeit some were not favorable.
For the record, in the matter stated in Executive Session, Paragraph B, the Airport has retained Anderson & Krieger, a law firm having aviation and municipal experience, as
Special Counsel to represent the Airport in this matter. The partner working with the
Airport is David Mackey, former Chief Counsel for MassPort and Suzanne Allie, former Associate Chief Counsel for MassPort.
Mr. Drake informed the Commissioner that Mr. Rafter has asked for his approval to seek
a Board of Directors seat on the Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. The Commission supported this request.
Public Comment None.
Having no further business for Open Session Mr. Gasbarro made a Motion to go into Executive
Session, not to return to Open Session, to review Executive Session Minutes as enumerated on the Agenda for review and possible release; to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property with respect to Exhibit A of the Airport Layout Plan. The Chair determined if held
in Open Session, it may have a detrimental effect on the negotiation position of the Airport Commission; and to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property and to
discuss pending litigation to Gatto vs. Town. The Chair has determined that an open session may
have a detrimental effect on the negotiation/litigation position of the Airport Commission. Second by Ms. Topham and Passed unanimously by the following roll-call vote:
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Mr. Bouscaren – Aye
Ms. Topham – Aye
Ms. Planzer – Aye Mr. Gasbarro – Aye
Mr. Drake – Aye
Meeting adjourned at 6:20 pm
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________ Janine M. Torres, Recorder
Master List of Documents Used 8.11.15 Updated Agenda including Exhibit 1 7.14.15 Draft Minutes
7.22.15 Warrant Signature Sheet 8.5.15 Warrant Signature Sheet 7.14.15 Revised Rates & Charges Ultimate Air Letter dated 8/6/15 re: Airport Fees/Operating Agreement Ultimate Air Addendum 1dated 6/17/15 5.15.15 Letter from Dennis Smith re: Rates & Charges
5.19.15 Letter from Robert Sylvia re: Rates & Charges 7.17.15 E-mail from Phillipe Samana re: Rates & Charges 7.27.15 E-mail from Robert Dobson re: Rates & Charges
7.30.15 E-mail from Arnold Deary via Erika Mooney re: Rates & Charges 8.7.15 E-mail from N. Karberg Subject: CNAP Language for Packet Ultimate Jet Charters 2015 Lease
United Airlines 2015 Lease Weston Solutions Amendment #1to 12/9/14 Contract Victor-Brandon Contract for Reconstruction of North Ramp
KOBO Utility Contract for Fence Repair The Fire Truck Authority Contract for ARFF Vehicle Servicing MHQ Contract for Vehicle Purchases FY2015 Airport Financial Update E-mail from B. Richardson Subject: Master Plan Changes per 11AM Conf Call on TWF & RW15 Exit and Related
Attachments (MP Pages 217, 218, 219 and 224 and Revised ALP dated 8/4/15 Parsons Brinkerhoff Draft Revenue Generation Whitepaper dated 7/31/15 MassDOT Standard Contract Form Reconstruct Portion of North Ramp
MassDOT Grant Assurances Reconstruct Portion of North Ramp 7/30/15 E-mail from T. Rafter to J. Giorgio re: Airport Land Question-BOS Action and Related Attachments: Vorce Real Estate Summary dated 7/22/15, 2011 ATM Warrant page 124-126, GIS Map related to Warrant Articles 98 & 99;
2011 ATM Warrant pages 142, 143, and GIS Map A for Warrant Article 111 Press Release – “Recent Upgrades Take Flight at ACK” June 2015 Statistics
Monthly fuel sold per fiscal year Nantucket Memorial Airport Organizational Chart dated July 2015 Sixel Airports Conference Information
MAMA Conference 2015 Information E-mail from J. LoGiudice to T. Rafter re: AIP #63 ARFF Tools/Equipment and SRE Snow Blower - Handout