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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