Berlin Airport Authority
February 7, 2008
Present were: Chair David Bertrand, Commissioners Lafleur, Lamontagne, Donovan, and Goudreau; Commissioners Grenier and Boucher were absent. Mike Deletetsky and Rick Arnold from Oest Associates, Eric Kaminsky, media and public were also present.
Minutes
Minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved on a motion from Commissioner Lafleur, a second from Commissioner Lamontagne.
Financial Reports
There were several questions about the financials. It was determined that the City’s Finance Director would be asked to come to a meeting to explain how the income is posted. Mr. Kaminsky reported that the airport purchases fuel from AV Fuel, a branded fuel dealer. They offer competitive pricing and usually deliver fuel to the airport within 24 hours. Commissioner Donovan stated that the finances of the airport should be as up to date as the city’s. He moved to table the financials until they can be better understood; Commissioner Goudreau seconded and the motion carried.
Report from Oest Associates
Mr. Deletetsky explained that the Airport Master Plan Project has been around for several years. The Master Plan was written on the premise that the State said the North Country needed an instrument landing system (ILS) and the State decided that Berlin would be the place. Once the public had a chance to comment, and it became clear that it was not going to happen in Berlin, the Plan had to be reworked to remove the ILS and propose new technology called LPZ. The new approach will have no effect on the neighbors. This new report has been approved by the FAA and the State with their final review due back by February 20, 2008.
Mr. Deletetsky went on to say that Oest Associates did a report some years ago about doing a business park for aviation related industries at the airport. The Master Plan is supposed to be the plan for the next 20 years.
Commissioner Lafleur asked how much expansion is left for hangar alley. Mr. Kaminsky responded that it is currently as far as it can go on pavement. Another row could be created so that there is a loop. The approach is 34/1 and 24/1 and there are penetrations in the air space. The rule is that if the penetrations cannot be removed, they are lit.
Commissioner Lamontagne asked if there would be any lighting changes with the LPV being proposed and Mr. Deletetsky indicated that the ramp improvements recently done have high density lighting and that would not change for the LPV.
SRE Building
Mr. Deletetsky stated that he started the process of applying for a grant for a snow removal equipment (SRE) building months ago. We are now under a tight time frame to have a bid back by April 1. The existing building would be torn down.
The new SRE building is designed with a heating system but no water so that nothing can freeze in the building. There would be doors on both sides of the building and a drive through with 3 bays and a warming room as well as a canopy where equipment could be kept outside under cover.
Due to the proximity of the new building to the roadway which is only 25 feet to the edge of the pavement, the canopy may need to be left off. Authority members asked Mr. Kaminsky what he needs for a building and he stated that he is anticipating a building for the future. He has looked at existing buildings and found that having the drive through is the way to go and the canopy would also be well used.
Mr. Deletetsky noted that they can bid the building with everything and work backwards on removing items, as the budget allows. This would be a pre-engineered steel building with a paved center and two gravel bays. There would be no columns in the center, no internal drains. The floor would be sloped so that water goes out the door, avoiding the plumbing.
Commissioner Goudreau theorized that a building for the future should have water. BAA members agreed that water should be made available and if it is not affordable, the building should be constructed so that it could be added in the future.
Request from Eastman Transportation
Mr. Kaminsky reported that Eastman Transportation has asked to park a wood truck in the sand pit for a period of time. Due to there being a lot of sand sales activity at the pit, the Authority was not in favor. Commissioner Donovan moved to deny the request; Commissioner Lamontagne seconded and the motion carried.
Airport Manager’s Report
-Mr. Kaminsky presented his report indicating that both Water Works and Coleman have been hauling sand from the pit.
-He met with Noble Environmental, a company that has been working on installing wind power facilities in the North Country. They may be interested in leasing space.
-Mr. Kaminsky also commented on the airport logo and brochure. He has been working with the Graphic Arts class at high school and has received estimates on the cost of printing brochures.
-The one ton truck sold for $631.52.
Commissioner Lafleur moved to accept the Manager’s Report; Commissioner Goudreau seconded and the motion carried.
Other
Chair Bertrand noted that Enterprise Rentals had contacted him with regard to having a presence at the airport. Mr. Kaminsky acknowledged that they are given the same opportunity as other renting agencies. The difference is that they wanted the BAA to agree to sign a concessionaire’s agreement which was determined not to be in the best interest of the airport.
Commissioner Lamontagne commented that Eric Gagne will be the new Authority member from Milan. Commissioner Lamontagne will be stepping down after 15 years of service.
Commissioner Donovan thanked Commissioner Lamontagne for his service to the Airport Authority and asked that he be presented with a commemorative plaque; Commissioner Lafleur seconded and the motion carried.
Commissioner Donovan asked for quarterly meetings of the Authority with the next meeting to be May 8. It was determined that an additional meeting may be necessary to discuss the budget.
Commissioner Goudreau moved to adjourn; Commissioner Lafleur seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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