HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-12-9Town of Nantucket
NANTUCKET MEMORIAL AIRPORT
14 Airport Road
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts 02554
Thomas M. Rafter, Airport Manager :
Phone: (508) 325 -5300
Fax: (508) 325 -5306
Commissioners -` ' - ` ' "i ' 1 i`
Daniel W. Drake, Chairman
Arthur D. Gasbarro, Vice Chair
Anthony G. Bouscaren
Andrea N. Planzer
Jeanette D. Topham
AIRPORT COMMISSION MEETING
DECEMBER 9, 2014
The meeting was called to order at 5:03 pm by Chairman Daniel W. Drake with the following
Commissioners present: Arthur D. Gasbarro, Vice Chair, Anthony G. Bouscaren, Jeanette D. Topham,
and Andrea N. Planzer.
The meeting took place in the 1St floor meeting room at the Public Safety Facility, 4 Fairgrounds Rd.
Nantucket MA.
Airport employees present were: Thomas Rafter, Airport Manager, Jamie Miller, Business and Finance
Manager, Mae Williams, Administrative Assistant, Noah Karberg, Environmental Coordinator, and
Janine Torres, Office Manager.
Mr. Drake announced the meeting was being recorded.
Mr. Drake asked for comments on the Agenda. Hearing none, the Agenda was adopted.
Ms. Planzer made a Motion to ratify the 12/3/1.4 and 12/4/14 Warrants. Second by Mr. Bouscaren and
Passed unanimously.
Public Comment
None
Pending Leases and Contracts — Mr. Rafter presented the following:
• Harbor Fuel Oil Corp (HFOC) - Relating to their Bunker Lease, a request for Landlord
Consent and Waiver to allow refinancing. Ms. Topham made a Motion to approve. Second by
Ms. Planzer and Passed unanimously.
• Kevin Conrad Heating and Cooling — Contract Amendment to extend the expiration date to
2/1/15 for repair to the ARFF Building HVAC system. Mr. Gasbarro made a Motion to
approve. Second by Ms. Topham and Passed unanimously.
• Jacobs Engineering - Contract Amendment #1 to increase contract amount by $40,273 relating
to additional work due to the de- scoping of the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT). Ms.
Topham questioned some of the de- scoped items pertaining to life safety and energy efficiency.
Mr. Drake suggested reviewing scope changes at a later date. Mr. Bouscaren made a Motion to
approve the amendment. Second by Ms. Planzer and Passed unanimously.
• Weston Solutions — Mr. Rafter noted a last minute review from the Procurement Officer
instructed the Airport to combine the two Weston Contract items listed on Exhibit 1 into one
new contract for a total of $23,623 ($1,235 for MCP Notification associated with FUDS
Stockpile X and $22,388 for continued environmental consulting including establishing a Work
Plan). Mr. Gasbarro made a Motion to approve the combined contract with Weston Solutions.
Second by Ms. Topham and Passed unanimously.
Pending Matters
042214 -2 Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) Status
Mr. Rafter stated that Legal Counsel is preparing the necessary documents for the relocation of the
affected tenants as well as reviewing laws regarding tenant relocation.
112514 -1 Madequecham Road Fence — Mr. Drake noted this topic covers two separate issues raised
by Island resident Thomas Barada: moving the Airport fence to provide a form of public beach access
and removing the stub of fence near the bluff.
Mr. Drake reported property issues were discussed at the Long -Range Plans Sub - Committee meeting on
12/5/14 resulting in the Sub - Committee's unanimous recommendation not to move the fence due to
FAA obligations, environmental issues, required surveying, Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) issues, and
the significant cost.
Mr. Thomas Barada suggested the Airport should submit a Town Warrant Article to create a public way
on Everett Street in lieu of moving the fence.
Mr. Rafter noted that any application to the FAA could result in its taking the position to eliminate any
public gatherings within the RPZ, which could close Nobadeer Beach. After brief discussion Mr.
Bouscaren made a Motion to keep the fence where it is. Second by Mr. Gasbarro and Passed
unanimously.
Discussion moved to the stub portion of the fence: Mr. Rafter stated there is no security issue with the
stub portion of the fence and its removal is at the Commissioners discretion. Mr. Gasbarro made a
Motion that the section of fence, known as the stub fence be removed. Second by Mr. Bouscaren.
During discussion, the location of the stub fence was clarified and the issue of erosion caused by
pedestrian traffic was debated. The Motion carried by a vote of 3 - 2 with Mr. Drake and Ms. Topham
voting against the motion.
Mr. Drake updated the Commission regarding his conversation with Town Counsel regarding property
ownership, noting the lands belong to the "Inhabitants of Nantucket" or the Town. A Deed does not
need to be filed when property is "transferred" from the control of the Town to the control of the
Airport or vice versa. To be effective,,a transfer of control must be approved at Town Meeting and a
vote (before or after the Town Meeting vote) by the entity relinquishing control. Mr. Drake added what
comprises an effective vote by the entity relinquishing control was not discussed in depth. If the process
is properly executed a "Notice of Transfer" of control of the property should be filed with the Registry
of Deeds
Mr. Rafter reported his meeting with Andrew Vorce, NP & EDC Director, and Eric Savetsky of the
Nantucket Islands Land Bank. The first topic discussed was the ownership of the parcel where the
Thompson house is located, Mr. Savetsky said a title search was already underway as the Land Bank
believes the parcel is owned by the Land Bank. The second topic discussed was that the Commission
decision to not move the fence and how it relates to FAA Grant Assurances. The last item discussed
was the 1995 Town Warrant Article relating to land transfer to the Airport to which Mr. Vorce
indicated the release, or vote of the entity, hadn't taken place, noting the residential development in the
12/9/14 Airport Commission Meeting Page 2 of 5
area since 1995, refutes the original intent of the transfer, to create a buffer; and therefore, will not take
place.
Finance
101414 -3 FY16 Budget Review
Mr. Rafter presented the 2' draft of the FY 16 Budget noting a reduction of $41K. Brief
discussion took place regarding repayment to the Town resulting in a Motion by Mr. Gasbarro to
approve the prepared budget subject to decreasing the Transfer to General Fund line item to
$200K and shifting $135K to the Contingency Reserve Expense line item. Second by Ms.
Topham and Passed unanimously.
022613 -2 Master Plan and Sustainability Program Update
Mr. Rafter reported the Advisory Group meeting is scheduled for December 18, 2014. Chapter 7
has been completed with alternatives, costs, and a priority matrix and will be presented to the
Advisory Group. The revised NOTAM regarding Voluntary Noise Routes as well as the revised
Emergency Grid map will be posted.
012213 -1 Carbon Neutral Program Update
Mr. Rafter reported a meeting was held with National Heritage regarding the solar aspect of the
Carbon Neutral Program at which it was determined erecting a solar field would require a taking
of protected land and the Airport would have to mitigate (at least) twice as much land. This
would require a significant amount of land and be costly. MassDOT - Aeronautics and MassPort
are meeting to discuss a related issue and will consider whether these environmental regulations
apply to airports, and will supply information on the outcome of their discussions. Mr. Gasbarro
added MassDOT attorneys are checking whether there are exemptions that may apply to the
regulations. Mr. Drake asked if there were alternatives, i.e. a roof over the parking lot. Mr.
Gasbarro responded there are glare issues, structural stability issues, and the required square
footage to make it viable. Another alternative may be the FUDS site or an area of disturbed land
where mitigation would not need to occur.
GA/Admin Building Update
Mr. Rafter reported the .final punch list from Mr. McGuire has been forwarded on to Town
Counsel and have asked Town Counsel to reach out to the Surety Company to expedite receipt of
theirs so this project can be closed out.
Manager's Report
Other Project Updates — Mr. Rafter reported:
• Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) bid specs will be available to bidders- on December
17, 2014. Filed Sub -bids are due January 7, 2015 and General Contractor bids are due
January 21, 2015. Mr. Rafter discussed with Brian Turbitt, Town Finance Director,
funding strategies if the bids came in over funds available. An additional ATM Article
may be needed.
• Security Upgrades — The fencing portion of the project is complete; however a few
minor adjustments are needed. The commercial ramp light pole is on order. The
Engineer has been notified that the Airport doesn't feel the interactive training provided
for the gate software meets the specifications of the project.
• Website Update — The WPI students are making their presentation on the website
recommendations on December 16, 2014 at 1:30pm. Mr. Bouscaren and Mr. Gasbarro
will attend.
12/9/14 Airport Commission Meeting Page 3 of 5
RF'P/Bid Status — Mr. Rafter reported:
• Bids for the Ground Power Unit (GPU) were received and were slightly over what was
estimated.
• ARFF Building floor resurfacing bids are due on December 12, 2014.
• The bid specs for the aircraft tug are still being drafted.
Operations - Mr. Rafter reported:
• Thanksgiving weekend sales were up $30K from last year; however, Stroll weekend sales
dropped $19K from last year noting the weather on Stroll weekend was bad.
• Stroll weekend weather also created customer service challenges for the airlines with lack
of information and re- booking availability. Mr. Rafter will be meeting with Cape Air on
December 12, 2014 to discuss having a plan in place for irregular operations to improve
customer relations.
• The December 10, 2014 Board of Selectmen meeting is a Workshop to review ATM
Warrant Articles.
• Classification/Compensation Study — a meeting with Don Jacobs is scheduled for
December 12, 2014 to review the proposed classifications of compensation categories
and salary ranges.
• Airport Certification Manual — an internal meeting was held to review needed updates.
• Comments on the Sign and Marking Plan have been received by the FAA.
• Mr. Rafter and Ms. Miller met with Town Finance to review prior Capital projects and
discuss re- appropriations or rescinding of funding that may not be needed.
• Ms. Torres will be on vacation from December 15, 2014 through December 19, 2014 and
Mr. Rafter will be on vacation from December 22, 2014 through January 1, 2015.
Ms. Topham wondered if having an Ambassador on site during Stroll Weekend might have
helped. Mr. Rafter reminded the Commission that Visitors Services have indicated they would
like to have an Ambassador available on such weekends starting next Fiscal Year. Mr. Rafter
stated he will be reaching out to the Inquirer and Mirror as to how to get the Airlines on the alert
system used by the ferry companies.:
Mr. Gasbarro asked for clarification on the ATCT bid dates and remarked the deadline for the
ATM Warrant Articles are in the same time- frame. He requests that we get a written estimate
from Jacobs on Construction Services and be prepared with an ATM Article. Mr. Drake
suggested notifying the Capital Projects Committee as well.
Sub - Committee Reports
Topics have been covered in previous discussions.
Commissioner's Comments
Ms. Topham watched the video of the Part 139 Drill shown on NCTV 18 and thought it was
interesting. Ms. Planzer agreed.
Mr. Gasbarro is concerned the Land Use Warrant Articles regarding changes to zoning and land
use of Airport land are being made public tomorrow and the Commission hasn't seen them. After
discussion, a Long -Range Sub - Committee meeting to review the Land Use Articles will be held
Wednesday, December 17, 2014. Time to be determined.
Mr. Drake would like to see better cooperation, coordination, and a common front between the
Airport, the Planning Department and the Land Bank. Mr. Rafter suggests that going forward that
any action they are taking regarding Airport property be discussed with the Airport.
12/9/14 Airport Commission Meeting Page 4 of 5
Public Comment
None.
Having no further business for Open Session, Mr. Gasbarro made a Motion to adjourn to
Executive Session, not to reconvene in Open Session, to review executive session minutes of
various dates enumerated on the Agenda. 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
Meeting adjourned at 6:31pm.
ectfully submitted,
`Q
Janine Torres, Recorder
Master List of Documents Used
12/9/14 Agenda including Exhibit 1
12/3/14 Warrant Approval Sheet
12/4/14 Special Warrant Approval Sheet
Harbor Fuel Oil Landlord's Consent Waiver Red -Line Version
Reade, Gullicksen, Hanley & Gifford, LLP Letter Dated 11/12/14 re;: Harbor Fuel Bunker Road Lease
Nantucket Gas Lease Agreement dated 11/1/99 including Nantucket Gas Assignment to Harbor Gas Dated
11/25/04, and Lease Amendment dated 11 /14/2007
Kevin Conrad Heating and Cooling Contract Amendment #1
Jacobs Engineering ATCT Design Contract Amendment #1
Weston Solutions Contract Amendment #2 ($1,235)
Weston Solutions Contract ($22,388)
2' Draft FYI Budget
12/9/14 Airport Commission Meeting Page 5 of 5