HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-2-24Town of Nantucket
NANTUCKET MEMORIAL AIRPORT
14 Airport Road
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts 02554
Thomas M. Rafter, Airport Manager Commissioners
Phone: (508) 325 -5300 84 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
February 24, 2015
The meeting was called to order at 5:05 pm by Chairman Daniel W. Drake with the following
Commissioners present: Arthur D. Gasbarro, Vice Chair, Anthony G. Bouscaren, and Jeanette D.
Topham.
Commissioner Andrea N. Planzer was absent.
The meeting took place in the Pt floor meeting room at the Public Safety Facility, 4 Fairgrounds Rd.
Nantucket MA.
Airport employees present were: Thomas Rafter, Airport Manager, David Sylvia, Training and
Compliance Officer, Lara Hanson, FBO Operations Superintendent, Mae Williams, Administrative
Assistant, and Janine Torres, Office Manager.
Also present was Bill Richardson from Jacobs Engineering.
Mr. Drake announced the meeting was being recorded.
Mr. Drake asked for comments on the Agenda. Hearing none, the Agenda was adopted.
Mr. Drake recommended three corrections to the draft Minutes of January 13, 2015: page 3, under
Brush Cutting, correct "control burn" to "controlled burn "; page 4, 2nd to last bullet under Operation
report, add "terminal" before fire suppression; page 5, under Pt Commissioner comment, after 2014,
replace the word "with" with "to ". Ms. Topham made a Motion to approve the 1/13/15 Minutes as
corrected. Second by Mr. Bouscaren and Passed unanimously.
Mr. Drake recommended one correction to the draft Minutes of January 26, 2015. Page 2, last line of
first paragraph, insert "the" between "of ' and "original ". Mr. Bouscaren made a Motion to approve the
1/26/15 Minutes as corrected. Second by Ms. Topham and Passed unanimously.
Mr. Bouscaren made a Motion to ratify the 1/21/15, 1/28/15 and 2/11/15 Warrants. Second by Ms.
Topham and Passed unanimously.
Mr. Bouscaren made a Motion to approve the 2/25/15 Warrant. Second by Mr. Gasbarro and Passed
unanimously.
Public Comment
None.
Airport Commission Minutes 2/24/15 Pagel of 5
022613 -2 Master Plan and Sustainability Program
• GIS Presentation - Mr. Heath Marsden, Senior Aviation Planner for Jacobs Engineering,
remotely presented a Global Information System (GIS) demonstration of the Airport's
electronic Airport Layout Plan (ALP) software that is being provided to the Airport as part of
the Master Plan. Mr. Rafter added GIS is the foundation for the self - inspection and lease
management software from Veoci, the Airport recently signed a six (6) month trial contract
with.
022415 -1 Review & Possible Approval of Airport Layout Plan (ALP) - Mr. Bill Richardson
of Jacobs Engineering, Senior Project Manager for the Master Plan, reviewed the revisions
made to the draft ALP. The ALP approval process includes the review and comment phase by
the Commission, followed by a meeting with the FAA. Mr. Rafter suggested the
Commissioners review the new material within the next two weeks for possible approval at the
next Commission Meeting. Mr. Gasbarro added that it is a robust plan with a fair amount of
expansion of new pavement. Mr. Rafter stated that just because it is on the ALP does not mean
the project has to be done, adding the financial feasibility which will identify the viability of
each project. Mr. Drake suggested the wording for the tenant relocation on Bunker Road needs
to be revised.
022415 -2 Madequecham Valley Road Land Use Issues
Mr. Drake presented a summary of Town Meeting Articles from 1995, 1997, 2009, and 2011 that called
for various parcels to be transferred to the Airport's control. Mr. Drake reiterated Town Counsel's
explanation that any land owned by any Town Department is owned by the Town. A new deed does not
need to be filed, only a change of control form. Two parcels, 88 -69 and 79 -13 have since been sold to
other parties for $150K and $250K. Mr. Drake proposed he meet with Mr. Atherton, Board of
Selectmen Chair, and Town Counsel to further instruct Town Counsel to review the actions in regards
to legal, Grant Assurances compliance, and the obligation of the Town to follow through on actions
voted on in Town Meeting.
Mr. Gasbarro questioned the absence of the Thompson House property, Lots 88 -18 and 88 -63, missing
from the summary. Mr. Drake responded that it was not part of a Town Meeting Article.
Brief discussion continued regarding the sale of paper streets, Everett Street and Russell Street. Mr.
Rafter added that the Airport Fence Line lies to the east of Russell Street.
Pending Contracts and Leases
Mr. Rafter presented the following Leases and Contracts:
• Jacobs Engineering Group: $9,408 for Professional Services associated with
Specifications/Bidding for SRE Snow Blower.
• Jacobs Engineering Group: $13,258 Amendment 2 for costs associated with Re- bidding
ATCT Modernization.
• ENE Systems: $13,509 for HVAC Systems Service & Repair expiring 6/30/15.
• Scheidt & Bachmann: $5,200 Amendment 1 to increase but not to exceed amount to $30,200
expiring 10/31/15 for parking lot system parts.
• MHQ Supply: $645 Amendment 2 to increase amount to $57,390 for addition of
Communication Console/Radio for new Operations vehicle.
• O Byrne Painting & Contracting: $3,800 to increase to $26,000 for additional scope to fill
expansion joints.
• Excelis Contract is still pending.
• Passur Aerospace, Inc. has been approved by Town Procurement Officer and is ready to go.
Ms. Topham inquired about the Professional Services costs for the SRE snow blower specifications.
Mr. Rafter responded that Jacobs Engineering works with our Staff to create specifications needed.
Airport Commission Minutes 2/24/15 Page 2 of 5
Discussion continued regarding the cost of the Passur software being recorded as separate line items in
the budget: noise monitoring and flight tracking.
Mr. Bouscaren made a Motion to approve all the contracts. Second by Mr. Gasbarro and Passed
unanimously.
Pending Matters
042214 -2 Formerly Used Defense Site (FURS) Status
Mr. Rafter reported two (2) site visits have been postponed due to inclement weather. A new date to be
established once snow cover has diminished.
022415 -4 Ratify Union Contract 7/1/14 to 6/30/17
Mr. Rafter presented the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) established through the Union
negotiation process. He noted that the agreement called for an annual increase of 2 %, retroactive to
July 1, 2014, some reduction in the application of step increases and work rule changes generally
favorable to the airport
Mr. Drake noted the MOA's content was previously discussed in several Executive Sessions. Mr.
Drake commended Mr. Rafter and Mr. Jenkins of Town Counsel's office for a job well done.
Ms. Topham made a Motion to ratify the Memorandum of Agreement which constitutes the Union
Contract for the period of July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2017. Second by Mr. Bouscaren and Passed
unanimously.
Finance
011315 -2 General Fund Repayment Proposal
Mr. Rafter reported the Finance Director, Brian Turbitt, and Legal Counsel will be drafting the
Memorandum of Understanding for the General Fund repayment.
101414 -3 FY 16 Budget Update
Mr. Rafter reported the FYI Budget was presented to the Board of Selectman on January 21, 2015 and
to Finance Committee on January 26, 2015, and has been approved by the Finance Committee.
GA/Admin Building Update - Mr. Rafter reported finalization of the final amount due to the
contractor is still pending.
Manager's Report
Other Project Updates — Mr. Rafter reported:
• Winter Storms — Thank you to the Staff for doing a tremendous job with snow removal and
dealing with several broken water pipes. Mr. Rafter presented a letter from the Town Manger
as well as a letter from the Chair of National Grid thanking the Airport for the assistance it
provided during the Juno Blizzard. Mr. Rafter summarized the weather related damages that
occurred.
• Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Building Issues —the first floor resurfacing project
has been completed, the heating system issues are being addressed, replacing the cracked fire
suppression foam tank has been resolved and an air compressor failure has been repaired.
• Security Upgrades Project — A March date is planned for the installation of the commercial
ramp light on the corner of the Terminal building; and discussion continues regarding the
interactive security training portion of the project.
• Geothermal System — Working with National Grid regarding the re- commissioning of the
system.
RFP/RFQ Update — Mr. Rafter reported:
• New Phone System — cloud based voice over IP system is being considered.
Airport Commission Minutes 2/24/15 Page 3 of 5
• Sun Island Road Parcels — work is progressing on going out to bid.
Operations — Mr. Rafter reported:
• MassDOT State -wide Airport Economic Impact Studies for 2012 and 2014 were compared.
The number of airport- related jobs and overall financial impact numbers are down for
Nantucket; but, the overall numbers for the Commonwealth are up significantly. Mr. Drake
mentioned that regarding the lesser economic impact from the Airport may be due to
competition from the ferry service.
• MESA Compliance Letter — Mr. Karberg has done a tremendous job identifying the items that
we are doing to remain in compliance with our Environmental Permit.
• Air Service updates — The Routes USA meeting in Denver was very positive. One seasonal
carrier may extend service through the fall. JetBlue has indicated beginning service to DCA
seasonally on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday beginning June 19, 2015 through September 6,
2015.
• A draft Airline Incentive Plan will be presented at the next meeting to try to stimulate
competition and increase volume.
• Rectrix Aerodrome, Inc. will be providing ground handling for Jet Blue this season. Delta will
be bringing in their own staff.
• A new membership air service, Beacon Air, will begin providing service to Westchester, NY
and Boston, MA (Hanscom Field) in June.
• Rates & Charges — a second meeting was held with Staff resulting in recommended rate
changes for this season. Consultant Tracy Beach has been briefed and the Commission will
review at the next meeting.
• Nantucket Wine Festival (NWT) had advertised and began selling tickets to an event in an
Airport hangar prior to Airport approval. A meeting was held with NWF asking for a detailed
plan due by February 20, 2015. Nothing has been received to date.
• In the interim of settling the issue over the Thompson House Land, the Land Bank approved its
continued use for Airport seasonal housing this summer.
Hiring Report — Mr. Rafter reported Koche Rodriguez has replaced John Davis on the Custodial staff.
January Statistics — Mr. Rafter reviewed the January 2015 statistics:
• Operations are down 18.54% over 1/2014. Year -to -date down 7.64°/x.
• Enplanements are down 10.47% over 1/2014. Year -to -date down 3.37 %.
• Jet A gallons sold is down 29% over 1/2014. Year -to -date up .41 %.
• AvGas gallons sold is down 10% over 1/2014. Year -to -date down 6.35 %.
• Freight is down 14% over 1/2014. Year -to -date down 3.74 %.
• Zero noise complaints.
022415 -3 Discussion & Possible Approval of Airport Manager's Salary Increase
Mr. Drake reported Mr. Rafter was hired with an initial offer of $130,000.00; but, since health
insurance coverage, at a Town cost of $18K was not needed, the Commission raised the starting salary
to $140,000.00, withholding the remaining $8,000.00 as a performance incentive. As part of the
compensation study process the Consultant was asked to survey comparable airport manager salary
ranges. Based on salary alone Mr. Rafter was slightly above the median; and, if insurance costs were
added he is slightly below the median. Mr. Rafter is currently earning $146,000.00 due to some Cost of
Living increases. Mr. Drake remarked Mr. Rafter's experience and overall performance on established
goals has been outstanding and recommends an increase, effective March 1, 2015, to $155,000.00.
Ms. Topham made a Motion to approve the increase to $155,000.00. Second by Mr. Bouscaren.
During discussion Ms. Topham stated her high regard for Mr. Rafter's professionalism with the amount
of responsibility the position requires; and, noted his staff holds him in high regard. Mr. Bouscaren
Airport Commission Minutes 2/24/15 Page 4 of 5
added he is a big supporter of Mr. Rafter and has much confidence in his abilities and his honesty. Mr.
Gasbarro echoed the previous comments and thinks that the increase is overdue. Motion Passed
unanimously.
Sub - Committee Reports
Mr. Gasbarro attended the Environmental Technical Advisory Committee required annually by Natural
Heritage. He commended Mr. Karberg for the great job he does in preparation for the meeting. Eve
Schluter, of Mass Natural Heritage, did convey the hope the Airport Commission will not put aside
controlled burning in favor of mechanical mowing as it promotes different successional growth. Mr.
Gasbarro added he expressed the monetary and operational concerns of a controlled burn.
Commissioner's Comments
Ms. Topham conveyed her thanks to the Staff for all their hard work during the winter storms. Mr.
Drake added he will write notes to Mr. Grangrade and Mr. Harimon commending their efforts.
Mr. Gasbarro reiterated his thanks and also stated he is looking forward to the Rates and Charges
discussion at the next meeting.
Public Comment
None.
Having no further business for Open Session, Mr. Bouscaren made a Motion to adjourn into Executive
Session, not to return to open session, under G.L.c.30A, §21, to review the Executive Session minutes
as enumerated on the agenda; and, pursuant to Clause 3 and 6, to consider the purchase, exchange,
lease, or value of real property and to discuss pending litigation of Gatto vs. Town of Nantucket. The
Chair has determined that if held in Open Session, may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating
and /or litigation position of the Airport Commission. Second by Ms. Topham and Passed by the
following roll - call vote:
Mr. Bouscaren — Aye
Ms. Topham — Aye
Mr. Gasbarro — Aye
Mr. Drake — Aye
Meeting adjourned at 6:35pm.
r, Respectfully submitted,
�• `kin
Janine M. orres, Recorder
Master List of Documents Used
2/24/15 Agenda including Exhibit 1
1/13/15 Draft Minutes
1/26/15 Draft Minutes
1/21/15 Warrant Signature Sheet
1/28/15 Warrant Signature Sheet
2/11/15 Warrant Signature Sheet
2/25/15 Warrant Signature Sheet
Jacobs Engineering Contract (Snow blower)
Jacobs Engineering Amendment 1 (ATCT)
ENE Systems Contract
Scheidt & Bachmann Contract
MHQ Supply Amendment 2
O'Byrne Painting Contract
Passur Aerospace Contract
MCA with Labor Union
National Grid Letter dated 3/3/165
Town Manager Letter of
Commendation dated 2/6/15
Natural Heritage letter dated 1/21/15
Hiring Report dated 1/22/15
January 2015 Statistics
Handouts:
Summary of ATM Actions re parcels
Draft ALP
Airport Commission Minutes 2/24/15 Page 5 of 5