HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-1Town of Nantucket
NANTUCKET MEMORIAL AIRPORT
14 Airport Road
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts 02554
Jeff Marks, Acting Airport Manager Commissioners
Phone: (508) 325 -5300 Daniel W. Drake, Chairman
Fax: (508) 325 -5306 Arthur D. Gasbarro, Vice Chair
Sheila O'Brien Egan
Carl D. England, Jr.
David C. Gray, Sr.
AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING
November 1, 2011
The meeting was called to order at 5:03 PM by Chairman Drake with the following Commissioners present: Vice Chair Arthur
Gasbarro, Sheila O'Brien Egan, Carl D. England, Jr. and by conference call David C. Gray, Sr.
Also present were Airfield Supervisor /Interim Manager Jeff Marks, Finance Director Tina Smith, and Administrative
Coordinator Yolanda Taylor.
Chairman Drake was advised by Town Manager if you participate by conference call you may listen but not participate and
passed this information to Commissioner Gray.
The Meeting took place at the Public Safety Facility, 4 Fairgrounds Rd.
Chairman Drake announced the meeting was being recorded.
Chairman Drake stated the Review and Approval of the Agreement with Alfred G. Peterson would not be discussed as the
document had not been finalized. The Commission Unanimously MISIP approval of the Agenda.
Public Comment
There were no audience members wishing to speak at this time.
Interview of Candidate for Acting Airport Manager and Consideration of Appointment
Chairman Drake asked William McGrath to join the Commission at the table and thanked him for making the trip for this final
interview. Mr. McGrath was the owner of Gull Air, McGrath Aviation, and Island Airlines. Mr. McGrath has remained an
interested and active party of what has been going on at the Airport. There are some conflict of interest issues which will have
to be dealt with first.
Chairman Drake read a brief statement before he made a motion to appoint Mr. McGrath Interim Airport Manager to serve at
the pleasure of the Commission for up to six (6) months for a salary of $11,300.00 per month without other benefits, except at
his election, health insurance (pro -rated to correspond to his actual term of service and payable in installments on the usual
Town payroll schedule). Vice Chair Gasbarro seconded the motion.
Chairman Drake stated this is a three step process: 1st Mr. McGrath would be a regular employee, 2nd the Board of Selectman
would appoint Mr. McGrath as a special municipal employee, and 3rd financial forms to request an exemption from the conflict
of interest laws to be completed in regards to the Hangar.
Mr. McGrath stated he has been a tenant at the Airport since 1975, involved in aviation, managed his own business and
spends a lot of time at the Airport. The community has done a lot for him and would like the opportunity to give back to the
community. Mr. McGrath is available and interested in moving forward as the Interim Manager. He is not interested in long
term.
Chairman Drake asked if any Commissioner has any questions for Mr. McGrath.
Vice Chair Gasbarro stated Mr. McGrath has answered any questions he had which was a commitment to a full time Interim
position.
Commissioner Egan asked if Mr. McGrath was familiar with the projects the Airport has going on at this time. Mr. McGrath
responded somewhat from what he has discussed with the Commissioner and what he has read in the newspaper. Mr.
McGrath stated the Airport needs to get a handle on where the problems are and what the priorities are.
Commissioner England asked Mr. McGrath to state what his prior connection with the aeronautics industry was before coming
to Nantucket. Mr. McGrath responded his aviation experience started as a young boy working at an airport pumping gas,
cutting grass, and learning how to fly.
Chairman Drake asked where Mr. McGrath stands in regards to the noise abatement procedures. Mr. McGrath responded he
favors the Noise Abatement Program. He feels with better communication with the community, the program would run better.
Chairman Drake stated in regards to procurement the Airport is regulated by the FAA and MassDot. Chairman Drake asked
Mr. McGrath if he had any problems following the rules when it comes to procurement laws. Mr. McGrath responded the
Airport needs to follow the rules. We need to understand the rules and comply with them. If we find rules that are hard to
comply with then maybe there is a process to get the rule changed;, however, Mr. McGrath is willing to do what is best for the
Airport.
Chairman Drake asked Mr. McGrath what he thinks the top problems are at the Airport other than procurement. Mr. McGrath
responded customer service and safety.
Rick Atherton from the Board of Selectman asked if the Noise Abatement guidelines and current setup are workable and easy
to follow. Mr. McGrath responded the guidelines are working well and feels everyone is doing well.
Town Manager Libby Gibson stated she knows Mr. McGrath well and he will be a good addition to the Airport and Town.
The Commission Unanimously MISIP approval to appoint William McGrath as Interim Airport Manager.
Commissioner Gray left the meeting via conference call at 5:23 PM.
Review of Job Description and Discussion of Search Process for Replacement of Airport Manager
Chairman Drake handed out the job description Vice Chair Gasbarro had prepared for review and asked the Commissioners
for any comments.
Commissioner Egan stated in regards to the responsibility for day -to -day working relationships with the FAA, MassDot
Aeronautical Division there should be an insert in regards to grant assurances. The Commission agreed.
Vice Chair Gasbarro made a motion to accept the Draft Job Description for Airport Manager as amended, seconded by
Commissioner England.
The Commission Unanimously MISIP to accept the Draft Job Description for Airport Manager as amended.
Chairman Drake stated the Board of Selectman strongly recommends using a search firm. The Town has used a search firm
in the past and found them to be a huge asset. Chairman Drake stated the Commission could discuss the possibility of a
search firm at Tuesday Commission Meeting, in the meantime would like to get the position for a new Airport Manager posted.
Chairman Drake stated there is already one applicant interested in the job.
Chairman Drake stated Mr. Peterson's counsel talked to the Airports counsel and stated they have some minor changes.
Commissioners Comments
Vice Chair Gasbarro stated he plans on attending the Energy Advisory Committee this Thursday and would like to attend as
part of the Airport Commissions Sub - Committee and report back to the Commission and requests a future agenda item called
11.1.11 Airport Commission Minutes Page 2 of 3
Sub - Committee reports. Chairman Drake stated it would be fine for Vice Chair Gasbarro to attend the Energy Advisory
Committee and Sub - Committee reports should fall under Commissioners Comments.
Chairman Drake stated the construction on the GA/Admin Bldg is due to start Monday November 7, 2011 and as of know the
Airport does not have a contractwith the architect for the construction phase. The RFQ stated this would be negotiated later.
Chairman Drake has referred this to counsel. If the footings are not complete by December 12, 2011, the building permit
process will have to be started again. There is a construction meeting with the Project Manager Thursday.
Chairman Drake also stated he cancelled the new Ford Explorer Al Peterson had ordered.
Meeting Adjourned at 5:34 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Yolanda J. aylor, Record V
Master List of Documents
11/1/11 Agenda
Motion to Appoint Interim Airport Manager (Handout)
Draft Job Description for Airport Manager (Handout)
11.1.11 Airport Commission Minutes Page 3 of 3