HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-11(exec.sess.)
Town of Nantucket
NANTUCKET MEMORIAL AIRPORt
14 Airport Road
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts 02554
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Alfred G. Peterson, Airport Manager
Phone: (508) 325-5300
Fax: (508) 325-5306
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Commissioners
E. Foley Vaughan, Chairman
Sheila O'Brien Egan, Vice Chair
Robert J. Atlee
David C. Gray, Sr.
Dual A. Macintyre, Jr.
NANTUCKET MEMORIAL AIRPORT COMMISSION
Executive Session Minutes
May 11,2010
Control Tower Discussion
Manager Peterson explained we don't have to do anything on the tower; but, the FAA has spent money
on this over the last three years and we're not helping ourselves with the FAA if we do nothing. Mr.
Peterson feels strongly we can use some of the money to improve the existing tower; however it can't
be too major as to not trigger seismic conditions under State regulations. The existing tower would not
be considered safe by today's standards because of its height.
Manager Peterson continued explaining Site 2 is acceptable. Issues concerning the asphalt plant and
propane tanks are OSHA issues, not siting issues. OSHA would instruct on how to remediate those
issues if the site were picked.
Commissioner Gray asked how much higher the existing tower would have to be. Manager Peterson
responded the top of the tower would be 90 feet and the eye level for the controllers would be about 80
feet.
Commissioner Macintyre voiced his concerns over the media boondoggle that will most likely occur
with the controllers voicing their reasons for opposing Site 2. Chairman Vaughan concurred you can't
articulate the Commission's position as well as the controller's can articulate their position.
Discussion moved back to improving the existing tower. Manager Peterson explained if seismic comes
into play, it will require tearing up the new terminal. Chairman Vaughan asked if we could apply for a
waiver like the waiver approved during the terminal project.
Chairman Vaughan said the first thing to verify is whether the money could be used for a rehab.
Manager Peterson believes it can but will verify.
Commissioner Atlee added he is also concerned over the negative press as well but he points out a new
tower is not about the air traffic controllers it is about the health and welfare of the airport and where it
is going in the future. A new tower has to be looked at as a 40 year project, not a two year project. He
May 11,2010 Executive Session Minutes
Page 2 of3
continued to say increased work load is part of any job and if the FAA was concerned, they would have
mentioned it in their report.
Commissioner Macintyre said the Commission needs to express their argument in a more positive
manner.
Manager Peterson pointed out the first two sites chosen by the controllers during the first trip to AFTIL,
inside the triangle and over by the radar, have the same orientation as Site 2.
McGrath Hangar
The sale of the McGrath hangar to Mr. Greenhill was presented to Town Counsel who recommends a
21E study prior to the sale and a 3 year indemnification from McGrath to Greenhill and the airport.
Town Counsel also reported any lease over twenty years requires a Town Meeting vote; therefore, a
twenty year lease would be approved to start.
Mr. Peterson updated the Commission on some tenant issues:
. Reis Trucking - Manager Peterson reminded the Commission a 50% deferral of rent was approved
from September through December 2009.
Reis took the brush that we cleared at the end of 33 in preparation for the runway extension. Mr.
Peterson agreed to barter the cost of the brush removal for 50% rent for January through March.
They began paying 100% in April.
Myles Reis believes he will be moving off the lot in another three months.
. LaFleur Crane - Mr. Peterson updated the Commission on the eviction of Mr. Lafleur who has
moved only a few things off the lot.
Vice Chair Egan asked for an update on the Gift Shop rent adjustment. Mr. Peterson reported Ms.
Kotalac reluctantly accepted the adjustment to $24K for the year and will work on a proposal for
seasonally split payments.
Commissioner Macintyre asked in preparation on Union Negotiations set to begin June 10th if we could
prepare a base line so that if we froze the existing contract what the percent increase we would get over
the next three years showing year by year. The purpose is to see if there is an advantage to the Union to
extend the existing contract rather than negotiating something new. The Town's negotiating guidelines
are stringent on its limitations.
Chairman Vaughan interjected he would not agree to that. He feels strongly we zero base it.
Mr. Peterson reminded the Commission the present Agreement reads, "During the course of
negotiations for amendment or renewal of the Agreement, the terms and conditions herein set forth shall
continue in effect until a new agreement is reached".
Discussion took place whether that included increases. In addition, if the new contract is negotiated
down, would any monies be required to get paid back? The majority thought they would. Chairman
Vaughan would like to Legal Counsel's opinion if increases stay in effect or ifit freezes. Manager
Peterson to check. Vice Chair Egan suggests checking with Libby Gibson as well.
May 11,2010 Executive Session Minutes
Page 3 of3
Manager Peterson said the Sub-Committee will have to meet prior to the first meeting to strategize.
Commission Gray interjected in the DPW Union Agreement, step increases do not freeze but COLA
raises do.
Vice Chair Egan questioned Commissioner Gray's presence during this discussion due to his
involvement in a Town union. Commissioner Gary responded he was only adding how the DPW
agreement worked and will not be involved in the negotiations.
Meeting adjourned 6:05 PM.