HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-8 4,
Town of Nantucket2:21 , ,,
NANTUCKET MEMORIAL AIRPORT
14 Airport Road
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts 02554
Thomas M. Rafter,Airport Manager A r. 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
December 8,2020
The meeting was called to order at 5:18 pm by Chairman Daniel Drake with the following
Commissioners present: Arthur Gasbarro, Andrea Planzer, Jeanette Topham and Anthony
Bouscaren.
This meeting was conducted remotely by video conference via Zoom app and broadcasted on the
Town of Nantucket YouTube Channel consistent with Governor Baker's Executive Order of
March 12, 2020, due to the current State of Emergency in the Commonwealth and due to the
outbreak of the"COVID-19 Virus".
Airport employees present were: Tom Rafter, Airport Manager, Noah Karberg, Assistant Airport
Manager, Jamie Sandsbury, Business and Finance Manager, Katy Perales, Office Manager and
Lillian Sylvia,Administrative Assistant.
Also present were Jed Merrow, McFarland Johnson, Inc., Rich Lasdin, McFarland Johnson, Inc.
and Nick Deres, Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.
Mr. Drake read the Town's virtual meeting statement.
Mr. Drake announced the meeting was being audio and video recorded.
Mr. Drake asked for comments on the Agenda; hearing none,the Agenda was adopted.
Mr. Gasbarro made a Motion to approve the 11/10/20 draft minutes. Second by Mr. Bouscaren
and Passed by the following roll call vote:
Ms. Planzer-Aye
Ms. Topham-Aye
Mr. Bouscaren-Aye
Mr. Gasbarro-Aye
Mr. Drake-Aye
Ms. Topham made a Motion to ratify the 11/18/20 and 12/2/20 Warrants. Second by Ms. Planzer
and Passed by the following roll call vote:
Ms. Planzer-Aye
Ms. Topham-Aye
Mr. Bouscaren-Aye
Mr. Gasbarro-Aye
Mr. Drake-Aye
Pending Leases/Contracts — Mr. Rafter presented for approval the following agreements and
contracts:
+ Joffe Finance Corp.- consent to sublease hangar 5 between Joffe Finance Corp and Old
Crow, LLC, Hagedorn Aviation Inc., James Hagedorn.
4- Hyannis Air Service, Inc.DBA Cape Air/Nantucket Airlines- lease amendment No. 1
to the current lease agreement to add charter service to intended uses.
+ Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP-contract amendment No.2 in the amount of$2,000
to replace alarm panel circuit board, increasing the maximum project amount to $41,168.
Stantec Consulting Services,Inc.-task order STANTEC-N-02 in the amount of$11.240
for a seismic certificate to complete new lease for FAA.
• Aero Specialties,Inc.-contract in the amount of$42,557 for supply and delivery of JetGo
900 28V ground power unit(GPU).
+ Water Filtration of New England,DBA Culligan-contract in the amount of$40,700 for
the purchase and installation of Point of Entry treatment Systems (POET). This includes
five(5) systems for four(4)residences.
+ Jacobs Engineering Group,Inc:supplemental agreement No.2 in the amount of$29,038
for fuel farm improvements phase II. This project will be rebid.
Mr.Bouscaren made a Motion to approve the following as shown on exhibit 1-Joffe Finance Corp,
Hyannis Air Service, Inc., Anderson & Krieger, Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP, Stantec
Consulting Services,Inc,Aero Specialties,Inc.and Jacobs Engineering Group,Inc. Second by Ms.
Planzer and Passed by the following roll call vote:
Ms. Planzer-Aye
Ms. Topham-Aye
Mr. Bouscaren-Aye
Mr. Gasbarro-Aye
Mr. Drake-Aye
Mr. Gasbarro made a Motion to approve the contract with Water Filtration of New England, DBA
Culligan, subject to its competition and satisfactory form and to emable the Chairman to sign as
sole signatory. Second by Mr. Bouscaren and Passed by the following roll call vote:
Ms. Planzer- Aye
Ms. Topham- Aye
Mr. Bouscaren-Aye
Mr. Gasbarro- Aye
Mr. Drake- Aye
Mr. Rafter explained that Southern Airways, a pending operating agreement on Exhibit 1, has not
returned a signed agreement after multiple months of Administration following up and asking. Mr.
Rafter explained that the penalty fee for operating without an agreement was waived at the
beginning of COVID but asked the commission to now impose the penalty for operating without
an agreement.
12/8/20 Airport Commission Meeting Page 2 of 9
Mr. Bouscaren made a Motion to impose the penalty on Southern Airways for operating without
an agreement for the months October through December. Second by Mr. Gasbarro and Passed by
the following roll call vote:
Ms. Planzer-Aye
Ms. Topham-Aye
Mr. Bouscaren- Aye
Mr. Gasbarro-Aye
Mr. Drake- Aye
Pending Matters—Mr. Rafter reported on:
+ 091019-01 Capital Approval Process/Home Rule Petition-Mr. Rafter reported that
Article 94 in the warrant was passed at Annual Town Meeting(ATM)and has been sent
to the state. Mr. Karberg has reached out to State Representatives and have established a
frequency schedule to check on progress.
071420-03 Per-a polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS)Investigation Update-Mr. Rafter
reviewed an updated PFAS template showing numbers for Madequecham Valley Road,
Monohansett and Nobadeer Way in the following categories-
• Access Agreements
• Sampling Status
• Test Results
• POETs winterized
• Homes closed/unoccupied
• Residences with Bottled Water
• Connections to Town Water
Mr. Rafter explained that the water main will be installed with using the trench and fill,to avoid
having to obtsin easements. Consultants have presented the concept and proposed mitigation
strategies to Natural Heritage and are waiting for their review.
Mr. Rafter explained that consultants will be contacting individual residents on Noabdeer and
Evergreen way for water service,and plan on holding a virtual webinar. Mr. Rafter asked for a
Commissioner to be assigned or volunteer to join the webinar. Mr. Drake asked that any
Commissioner interested in attending to contact Mr. Rafter directly.
Mr. Rafter provided an update on the Airport's Immediate Response Action(IRA), which has
been uploaded to the Airport's PFAS website and the Department of Environmental Protections
(DEP's)website. Through the consultant,the Airport submits these monthly to the DEP. This
document identifies the above information in more detail.
Mr. Rafter reported that consultants are conducting new and ongoing water sampling and soil
sampling on release sites on Airport property. as well as sampling for surface water and soil
groundwater on the leasehold of an airport tenant.. Results for these samples are expected within
the next two weeks.
Mr. Rafter reported that the Airport is working with the Town and their consultants on the town
wide issues regarding PFAS.
12/8/20 Airport Commission Meeting Page 3 of 9
120820-1 Final Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Report(EA/EIR)-
Mr. Rafter reported that links for the EA/EIR were sent to all Commissioners. The consultant
included the construction of the earth berm as a preferred alternative and enhancement to reduce
ground noise from the south apron expansion. A funding source or specific schedule for
construction of the berm are not included, but it is noted that the berm could be constructed
within the same time period as the projects.
Mr. Gasbarro expressed his concern that one of the major categories related to the environmental
permitting is noise and that the noise study that was conducted demonstrated that there will be an
impact on the properties along the fence. Essentially the Airport is not proposing mitigation for
the increase of noise and believes that if the Airport is going to propose the South Apron
expansion,there should be a commitment to the construction of the noise berm to mitigate the
increase in noise to those properties. Mr. Rafter explained that the berm is identified in the EI/EIR
as a preferred alternative and discusses the benefits and reduction of noise and that the only thing
missing is funding and the construction schedule.
Mr. Drake asked the cost of the berm. Mr. Rafter confirmed with the consultant that the
mitigation is about$470,000 and the construction is about$620,000. If the berm is vegetated with
shrubs and trees that could cost an additional $45,000.
Mr. Gasbarro doesn't believe it's fair to the property owners along the fence for the Airport to
commit to the apron expansion but not to commit to the noise berm..
Mr. Drake explained that the Airport is currently dealing with some serious financial
uncertainties, which include PFAS,reconstruction of the fuel farm, issues with the Taxiway E
project and more. Mr. Drake recommended not committing to the berm at this time since a final
decision will likely not be required for two or three years so the fiscal circumstances of the
Airport at that time can be consideredbefore making a final decision.. Mr. Bouscaren and Ms.
Planzer both agreed with not currently committing to the berm.
Mr. Gasbarro asked the consultant if it would be possible to determine from Natural Heritage the
level of mitigation that may or may not be required if the berm were to be constructed. Mr.
Merrow said that they have directly asked Natural Heritage this question, and they have not
received a formal answer. It could be considered a temporary impact,which would require less
mitigation, or it could be considered a permanent impact which would put the Airport over the
five(5)acre threshold of impact to the shrub and tree habitat,which would require mitigation.
A public meeting will be scheduled for the week of January 11-15, 2021 to review the EA/EIR
submission.
Mr. Bouscaren made a Motion to approve the EA/EIR submission as is. Second by Ms. Planzer
and Passed by the following roll call vote:
Ms. Planzer-Aye
Ms. Topham-Aye
Mr. Bouscaren-Aye
Mr. Gasbarro-No
Mr. Drake-Aye
12/8/20 Airport Commission Meeting Page 4 of 9
120820-2 Airport Lighting Policy-Mr. Rafter reported that the policy references a model
lighting ordnance(MLO),which is a Background, Uplight, Glare( bug)classification that has
been developed by the International Dark Sky's Association in conjunction with the Illuminating
Engineers Group. This helps municipalities develop lighting standards.
The Commission recommended adding a reference of Chapter 102 of the Town bylaws and
voting on the policy at the January meeting.
Finance- Mr. Rafter reported on:
071420-4 Lease Payment Abatement/Deferment Discussion-Met with Crosswinds Restaurant
and are continuing to work to obtain a solution to the impacts that they have faced with COVID.
101320-04 FY22 Final Budget-Mr. Rafter reviewed the proposed FY 2022 budget with minimal
changes from the draft that was submitted at the 11/10/20 commission meeting. With $2.172,000
CARES Act funding, a balanced budget for FY22 can be presented. The CARES Act fund will be
depleted after FY22. Budgeted Revenue for FY20 was$10 Million. After COVID-19 the FY21
budget was revised down to $5.5 Million. Based on actual results from this current fiscal year,
FY22 revenues are expected to be $7.6 Million. Expenses for FY20 were $9.3 Million. After the
revised COVID-19 budget,expenses increased to $9.4 Million. The expense budget for FY22 is
proposed to be$10 Million,driven primarily by moving forward with filling positions that have
been deferred and need to be backfilled as well as increased professional services associated with
PFAS, resulting in a projected net earnings deficit of$2.5 Million,which will be covered by the
usual $400,000 PFC transfer and the$2.1 Million CARES Act funding. Retained earnings have
been certified and as of July 1, 2020,there are $2.889 Million. The fuel revolver balance is
projected to be about$1.2 Million for FY20 and a large portion will be used to fund the fuel farm
rehabilitation project. Continuing to fund the stabilization fund,which has a beginning balance of
$442,000 for FY21 and looking for a recommendation to transfer this money later in the year.
PFC balance has been through September 30th and the FY21 ending balance is projected to be
$1.39 Million. The PFC audit identifies its history and current status. Debt service for PFAS will
be a in the form of A Bond Anticipation note in FY22,with long-term debt service beginning in
FY23.
Jamie Sandsbury, Business and Finance manager explained that the PFC transfer was lowered to
$250,000 because of the low PFC reliance.
Mr. Bouscaren made a Motion to approve the FY22 budget as submitted. Second by Ms. Planzer
and Passed by the following roll call vote:
Ms. Planzer-Aye
Ms. Topham-Aye
Mr. Bouscaren-Aye
Mr. Gasbarro-Aye
Mr. Drake-Aye
120820-3 Certified Retained Earnings-Mr. Rafter reported that the retained earnings were
certified at$2.889 Million. This is down from the previous certified retained earnings of$3.58
Million.
12/8/20 Airport Commission Meeting Page 5 of 9
120820-4 Fuel Farm Rehabilitation Second Supplemental Capital request-Mr. Rafter
reported that bids for the Fuel Farm Rehabilitation project were received higher than anticipated.
The Airport will request 2021 Annual Town Meeting(ATM) adding$1.5 Million to a previously
approved FY22 capital request. The current proposed funding sources would be as follows- $1
Million from the fuel revolver, $201,678 from retained earnings and a borrowing authorization of
$300,000, increasing the borrowing on the project to a total of$800,000. if it is necessary.
Mr. Bouscaren made a Motion to approve the supplemental budget of$1.5 Million for the Fuel
Farm Rehabilitation. Second by Ms. Topham and Passed by the following roll call vote:
Ms. Planzer-Aye
Ms. Topham-Aye
Mr. Bouscaren-Aye
Mr. Gasbarro-Aye
Mr. Drake-Aye
120820-5 Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Audit- Mr. Rafter reviewed the PFC audit which
identifies its history and current status.
120820-6 Thanksgiving Holiday Sales Results- Mr. Rafter reported that FBO sales were down
by 7% or$7,783 from last year.
120820-7 Targeted Salary Adjustments-Mr. Rafter reported that after conducting some research
into other Airports and the salaries associated with the Assistant Airport Manager's position and
Finance Director's position, he found that those current positions at Nantucket Airport are paid
below the low and the average salary ranges. Based on this information Mr. Rafter requested to
increase the Finance Director's salary by 9% and the Assistant Airport Managers salary by 12%
over a two-year period effective 1/1/2021. Mr. Rafter noted that the Assistant Airport Manager
never received the $5,000 increase that he was supposed to have received when he obtainedhis
accreditation.
Ms. Topham doesn't believe giving these raises during COVID-19 is appropriate.
Mr. Gasbarro commented that he believes this is the managers decision and appreciates Mr. Rafter
informing the Commission. Mr. Gasbarro shares the same state of concerns with the economy as
Ms. Topham but believes giving these raises over a two-year period alleviates those concerns.
Mr. Bouscaren made a Motion to increase the Assistant Airport managers Salary by 12 °A) and the
Finance Managers salary by 9% over a two-year period, effective January 1, 2021. Second by
Ms. Planzer and Passed by the following roll call vote:
Ms. Planzer- Aye
Ms. Topham-No
Mr. Bouscaren-Aye
Mr. Gasbarro-Aye
Mr. Drake- Aye
Manager's Report
Project Updates—Mr. Rafter reported:
+ Taxiway E-Project shut down for the season.A portion of phase II remains uncertain due
to subsurface issues that were uncovered. The Airport has been working closely with
MassDOT, FAA and consultants to develop a three-pronged approach plan- 1) open a
12/8/20 Airport Commission Meeting Page 6 of 9
portion of phase II to minimize operational impacts. 2) investigate the extent of the
subsurface issue that exists at Taxiway E and A intersection. 3) develop a more thorough
testing for subsequent phases to avoid and/or address any future potential issues.
+ Security Project Phase II- Work continues. Conduits are being installed in the terminal
and FBO buildings.
+ Fuel Farm Rehabilitation- Received bids that came in $1.4 Million over the project
estimate. Will be rebid. Commission approved the Airport to request to the capital
committee and through Annual Town Meeting(ATM)adding$1.5 Million to a previously
approved FY22 capital request.
• EAJEIR- was discussed earlier in this agenda and was approved by the Commission to
submit.
+ ALP Geometry- scope of work is being reviewed by FAA and MassDOT.
+ Hangar Development- Submitted a request for a warrant article to the town allowing for
forty (40)year lease terms for development of hangars. Working with possible interested
parties on various types of hangar development. Reviewing draft leases with legal.
RFP/IFB Bid Status—Mr. Rafter reported on:
+ Fuel Farm Rehabilitation- Previously discussed. Letters have gone out to bidders
regarding canceling of initial bid.
+ Bunker Road Land- Request for Proposal (RFP) for additional land located on Bunker
Road is available December 9, 2020. Bids are due January 8,2021.
+ Aircraft Tug-reviewing bids.
+ Security System Maintenance Program-developing an RFP for a long-term maintenance
program of the security system.
+ Car Rental Agreements- working with town on addressing issues with current bylaws
relating to rental cars.Once these issues are addressed an RFP will be developed for Airport
operators.
Mr. Gasbarro asked for more detail regarding the car rentals. Mr. Rafter explained that he
is working with the Town to set up a meeting to discuss issues regarding medallions. Mr.
Rafter explained the current Town bylaw for rental cars has a cap of seven hundred (700)
of which all appear to be acquired. There is a concern that if the Airport were to issue an
RFP for rental car agreements and a new entrant were selected, the new entrant could be
precluded from operating because they cannot obtain the necessary medallions. There is
also confusion of how the medallions are being used and whether current operators are
using all the medallions.
+ Delta Fields- a land release request was never submitted to FAA for this parcel.
Ms. Topham made a Motion to approve converting the Delta Field land from aeronautical to non-
aeronautical use. Second by Ms. Planzer and Passed by the following roll call vote:
Ms. Planzer-Aye
Ms. Topham-Aye
Mr. Bouscaren- Aye
Mr. Gasbarro-Aye
Mr. Drake-Aye
Operations—Mr. Rafter reported:
• OPS is working with FAA to review various documents as part of a virtual certification
inspection.
12/8/20 Airport Commission Meeting Page 7 of 9
+ Mr. Karberg working with FAA to obtain a category one (1) special authorization for
Runway 24, which will lower the minimums for pilots operating in instrument flight
conditions.
+ Continue preparing for winter using and the Airport's snow and ice plan.
+ Working on drainage concerns with taxiway E.
+ JetBlue discontinues servicefor the season on January 3, 2021.
+ Working with Air Traffic Control to update the lighting control touch screen in the tower.
Statistics—Mr. Rafter reported that monthly stats will be reviewed at the January Meeting.
Personnel Report-Mr. Rafter reported:
+ Hired Fiona Johnson as a new customer service representative in the FBO.
Commissioners Comments-
Ms. Topham expressed concern about Cape Air's customer service.
Public Comment-
None.
Having no further business for Open Session, Ms. Topham made a Motion to go into Executive
Session, under G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21A,not to return to Open Session,to review Executive
Session Minutes as enumerated on the Agenda; Clause 3: To discuss strategy with respect to the
litigation regarding the Gatto claim,where the Chair has determined that an open session may have
detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Airport Commission.; Clause 3: To discuss
strategy with respect to the litigation regarding Walsh,where the Chair has determined that an open
session may have detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Airport Commission; Clause
3: To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining,where the Chair has determined that an
open session may have detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Airport Commission.
Clause 3: To Discuss Strategy with Respect to Pursuing Legal Claims against Manufacturer of
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), where the Chair has Determined that an Open Meeting May
have a Detrimental Effect on the Litigating Position of the Airport Commission. Second by Mr.
Bouscaren and Passed unanimously, by the following roll-call vote:
Ms. Planzer-Aye
Ms. Topham-No
Mr. Bouscaren- Aye
Mr. Gasbarro-Aye
Mr. Drake-Aye
Meeting adjourned at 6:40pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Lillian Sylvia,Recorder
12/8/20 Airport Commission Meeting Page 8 of 9
,
Master List of Documents Used
12/8//20 Agenda including Exhibit 1 (Handout)
11/10/20 Draft Minutes
11/18/20 Warrant Approvals
12/2/20 Warrant Approvals
Joffe Finance Corp Consent to Sublease
Hyannis Air Service, Inc. Lease Amendment
Anderson&Krieger Letter of Agreement(Handout)
Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP Contract Amendment
Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. Task Order STANTEC-N-02
Aero Specialties,Inc. Contract
Water Filtration of New England Contract
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. Supplemental Agreement No.2
PFAS Update
Airport Lighting Policy
FY22 Final Budget
Fuel Farm Rehabilitation Second Supplemental Capital Request
PFC Audit
12/8/20 Airport Commission Meeting Page 9 of 9