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Home My WebLink About2012-8-23Z ry D ° Town of Nantucket � ::0 NANTUCKET MEMORIAL AIRPO Rrr rn 14 Airport Road o -ra < Nantucket Island, Massachusetts 02554 z o C*.1 ry r-- rn cJt Thomas M. Rafter, Airport Manager Commis�ne4D Phone: (508) 325 -5300 Daniel YT Drake, Chairman Fax: (508) 325 -5306 Arthur D. Gasbarro, Vice Chair David C. Gray, Sr. Sonny Raichlen Jeanette Topham AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING 8/23/12 The meeting was called to order at 4:30 PM by Chairman Daniel W. Drake with the following Commissioners Present, Vice Chair Arthur D. Gasbarro, Jeanette Topham and Sonny Raichlen. Commissioner David C. Gray, Sr. was absent. The meeting took place in the 1st Floor Community Meeting Room at the Public Safety Facility, 4 Fairgrounds Road. Also present were Thomas M. Rafter, Airport Manager, Ashley Christ, Business Manager, David Sylvia Training /Compliance/Noise Coordinator, and Janine Torres, Office Manager. Mr. Drake announced the meeting was being recorded. The Commission M /S/P Unanimously approval of the Agenda. Mr. Drake introduced Bill Richardson, Meredith de Carbonnel and Anne McKinnon of Jacobs Engineering. Mr. Rafter presented an update on recent Airport Projects, both completed and current. Ms. De Carbonnel presented an update on Noise Abatement Activities. Mr. Drake presented the Airport's role in the State and Local economy, reviewed how FAA funds are obtained and gave a brief overview of the current fiscal situation. Mr. Rafter presented the role of a Master Plan and how it is established. Commissioners Comments Mr. Gasbarro encouraged participation from the public during the Master Plan process. Mr. Gasbarro added the energy audit and prescribed burn as additional current projects. Mr. Gasbarro noted the increased efforts to encourage pilots to follow the Voluntary Noise Procedures. 8/23/12 Airport Commission Minutes Page 1 of 3 Mr. Raichlen noted Jacobs' role as the airport's consultant. Public Comment Several audience members spoke of airplane noise over their house: John Johnson of West Miacomet, David Douglas of Fulling Mill Rd, Dr. Joseph & Karen Fisher of Fulling Mill Rd, Diane Archer of Fulling Mill Rd and David Ryan of Sandpiper Way in Tom Nevers. Mr. Bruce King of Siasconset asked if the "loophole" was still open on the FAA's mandate to replace older jet engines. Mr. Rafter believed he was referencing Stage III Noise Reductions and thought the loophole had been closed. Mr. Tom Quigley of Surfside thanked the Commission for the presentation made to the Surfside Association on August 11`h noting all of their issues were addressed except for one, lighting and the importance of "dark skies" to the island. Mr. Quigley asked where the noise monitoring was taking place. Ms. de Carbonnel answered on the south apron as well a two adjacent houses allowing modeling to be established for different noise disturbances and distances of each. Mr. Quigley asked about 15 minute APU use enforcement. Mr. Rafter responded the Airport is actively encouraging GPU use. Meanwhile, he needs to become familiar with local rules, regulations and laws to see how and when they can be enforced. Lastly, Mr. Quigley asked if additional funding for the GA building could be assessed somehow of the GA users through fees and not the taxpayer. Mr. Drake noted 65% of revenue is derived from GA but the Commission will look at other ways to raise revenue. Mr. Drake indicated it is not seeking taxpayer money to fund the GA building. It is the intent to pay the entire debt service from the Operating budget. Mr. Rafter added as part of the Master Plan, Rates & Charges for the entire Airport will be examined. Some South Apron neighbors complained about ramp noise and questioned why Bunker area was not being utilized for a GA ramp: John Polmonari of Surfside, George Harrington of Evergreen Way. Sandra Polchanis of Daffodil Lane, however, feels ramp noise has diminished but agrees with concerns over ramp lighting and use of Bunker area. Ms. de Carbonnel and Mr. Drake responded to use of the Bunker area noting the ramp expansion process will require looking at other areas. One issue is that the ramp needs to be an area that has easy public access to the facilities. If ramp is located in Bunker area, it will require additional taxiing for planes as well as bussing of passenger across an active airfield which is a major safety concern. Mr. Thomas Barada of West Miacomet is concerned we are giving too much in the way of services and waiving of landing fees fuel purchasing to GA customers. John Polmonari asked if Runway 33 could be extended more. Bill Richardson responded it is about as long as it could be without buying additional land. Carol Dutton of Tom Nevers asked what the airport has done to decrease spending. Mr. Drake responded overall spending has been reduced, approximately $500K in personnel costs were 8/23/12 Airport Commission Minutes Page 2 of 3 eliminated, we have eliminated non -union cost of living increases for FYI and will be addressed with the union personnel with negotiations next year. Several questions were received that could not be answered immediately or will be considered: • John Polmonari — Can the hours of operations at the Airport be changed? • Bruce King — What was the final cost of the gazebo? • Sandra Polchanis — Do the lights have to be on all night in some locations? Ms. Anne McKinnon from Jacobs led the discussion on improving or adding ways to communicate going forward including neighborhood associations, website and increased newspaper coverage. Meeting adjourned 6:05 PM Respectfully submitted, Janine M. Torres Recorder Master List of Documents Used 8/23/12 Agenda Noise Abatement Letter to Airmen No. 2012 -1 dated July 1, 2012 General Aviation / Airline Corridors Map Kickoff Public Meeting Airport Projects & Update Presentation dated 8/23/12 (Power Point) Outline of Presentation dated 8/23/12 8/23/12 Airport Commission Minutes Page 3 of 3